The highest-paid podcasters

As I scrolled through the list of the highest-paid podcasters of 2026, one name kept popping up: Joe Rogan. His podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, sits comfortably at the top of the list, raking in a staggering $82 million. The full list, compiled by Forbes, is hidden behind a paywall, but the top five are readily available. There's John Coogan and Jordi Hayes of TBPN, Steven Bartlett of Diary of a CEO, Ashley Flowers of Crime Junkie, and Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes from SmartLess. Charlamagne Tha God rounds out the top ten, earning $27 million.

The disparity in earnings between these podcasters is striking. The #2 spot, held by TBPN, seems to have a relatively modest audience. According to Podscribe, the audio podcast attracts an estimated 1,600 listeners a month. In contrast, Joe Rogan's show has a massive following. The numbers don't necessarily translate to engagement. While TBPN may not have the same level of listeners, its YouTube podcast has a more substantial viewership, with around 6,800 views per episode.

The financial results of podcasting networks are also telling. Apple's Q3/26 financial results show a 12% year-over-year increase in services revenue, which includes Apple Podcasts. Meanwhile, SiriusXM's CEO Jennifer Witz revealed that podcasting revenue is up 30% year-over-year, although the company doesn't break out the numbers in its financial reports.

The podcasting industry has seen significant growth in recent years, with more shows and networks popping up. The numbers are impressive: Apple's services revenue is now over $30.7 billion, and SiriusXM's podcasting revenue is on the rise. However, the industry is still largely opaque, with many networks and shows struggling to break even.

The list of highest-paid podcasters is a snapshot of the industry's current state. It's clear that podcasts with massive followings, like Joe Rogan's, are reaping the rewards. However, the success of smaller shows, like TBPN, suggests that there's still room for innovation and creativity in the industry.

The networks and platforms that support podcasting are also playing a crucial role in shaping the industry. Spotify, SiriusXM, and Red Seat Ventures are among the top networks, with multiple shows featured on the list. Wondery, a podcast network, has two shows on the list, including Diary of a CEO.

As the industry continues to grow, it's likely that we'll see more networks and platforms emerge. The current players are already investing heavily in podcasting, with Apple and SiriusXM leading the charge. The future of podcasting is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the biggest players will continue to drive the industry forward.

The list of highest-paid podcasters has significant implications for creators. For those who are already successful, it means more money and more opportunities. For those who are struggling to make a name for themselves, it's a reminder that success is often tied to audience size and engagement.

The disparity in earnings between podcasters is a sobering reminder of the challenges facing creators. While some are raking it in, others are struggling to break even. The industry is still largely opaque, and it's clear that there's a lot of work to be done to create a more level playing field for creators.

As the podcasting industry continues to grow, it's likely that we'll see more creators and networks emerge. The current state of the industry is a snapshot of the potential that exists. With the right support and infrastructure, podcasting could become a truly viable career path for creators.

In the end, the highest-paid podcasters of 2026 are evidence of the power and potential of podcasting. As the industry continues to evolve, it's likely that we'll see more creators and networks emerge, each with their own unique voice and vision. The future of podcasting is bright, and it's exciting to think about what's possible.

• The top five highest-paid podcasters of 2026 are Joe Rogan ($82mn), John Coogan and Jordi Hayes of TBPN ($70mn), Steven Bartlett of Diary of a CEO ($45mn), Ashley Flowers of Crime Junkie ($42mn), and Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes from SmartLess ($37mn).
• Apple's services revenue is up 12% year-over-year to $30.7 billion.
• SiriusXM's CEO Jennifer Witz revealed that podcasting revenue is up 30% year-over-year.
• TBPN's YouTube podcast has around 6,800 views per episode, while its audio podcast attracts an estimated 1,600 listeners a month.

The industry is still young, and there's much to be learned from the success of the highest-paid podcasters. As creators and networks continue to push the boundaries of what's possible, we can expect to see even more innovative and engaging content emerge. The future of podcasting is bright, and it's exciting to think about what's possible.