Podcasts are created because the podcast host or originator wants people to listen to the content. No one creates a podcast without intending for anyone to listen. That would be a big waste of time and resources. While you may create a podcast for yourself, you want to share your creation with others who will listen, so again; podcasts are created for listeners.

Okay, with that established, what is the best type of podcast listener? There are two different types of podcast listeners. Listener #1 is a unique download listener and listener #2 is a podcast subscriber or follower. This article will discuss the differences between unique downloads and podcast subscribers. We will begin with unique downloads because downloads occur with every podcast and we will finish this article by discussing subscribers.

UNIQUE DOWNLOADS PRO #1: Downloads are immediately available.

Once your podcast is created, you submit the content to a podcast hosting platform (Buzzsprout, Anchor, Transistor FM, etc.), and your podcast is available for anyone to find the podcast and listen to the episodes. Each podcast hosting platform counts plays and downloads differently, but for this article, we will say that one play equates to one download. These random and often sporadic listens are called unique downloads. For background, the word unique means being of one; sole. A unique download is a singular download of a podcast episode. So congratulations, you have a podcast download.

But, a unique download is a confusing term. A unique download does not mean someone listened to one podcast episode and left your podcast. For example, I can find your podcast and listen to all 12 of your podcast episodes. Each of these 12 downloads is a unique download if I am listening to your podcast without being subscribed to your show (more details on that later).

UNIQUE DOWNLOADS PRO #2: Downloads mean someone is listening.

A major pro to a unique download is that someone listened to your podcast. Wow! This cannot be emphasized enough because between work, family, TV, TikTok, brunch, and everything else, if someone is listening to your podcast then you are amazing. Give yourself a pat on the back.

Each podcast hosting platform will display the number of downloads that your podcast received in different ways; often with breakdowns on the number of downloads in the first 30 days, 90 days, etc. Whether you love to see this number or hide from it, the number of downloads tells you that someone is listening to your show.

UNIQUE DOWNLOADS PRO #3: Downloads are organic.

Another pro to a unique download is that you did not do anything extraordinary to gain this download. You created the podcast episode, which you were going to do anyway. You uploaded the podcast episode, which had to happen because you created the episode. You put the content in the world to be enjoyed, which is not a guarantee (we discussed that earlier). Because a unique download is unique, these sporadic downloads occur organically when someone finds your podcast. Unique downloads do not require any extra effort from you which is a positive thing.

UNIQUE DOWNLOADS CON #1: You have no commitment from the listener.

As described above, a unique listener is someone who randomly and sporadically found your podcast and listened to an episode or ten. But, while the content was intriguing enough to garner those downloads, the content did not convert the listener into a subscriber of your podcast.

This is a great time to discuss podcast subscribers. To subscribe is to support or sign one’s name in consent or obligation. A podcast subscriber is someone who receives notifications about each new podcast episode or podcast content automatically downloads. A podcast subscriber is someone who is agreeing to download the podcast content when you publish the content. Subscribers are a great thing.

PODCAST SUBSCRIBER PRO #1: Subscribers are easy downloads.

Once you follow a podcast, the new content will automatically be available to you. The subscriber process is often as simple as selecting the Subscribe or Follow button when you find a podcast. Subscribe and wait for new content to be delivered to you.

The methods of receiving subscribed content vary because one podcast app will automatically download new episodes, while another podcast app will only download new content after you open the app. But the point remains that a podcast subscribers will have new content available to them when they are ready to listen.

PODCAST SUBSCRIBER PRO #2: Projected downloads of each episode.

Although each podcast app has a different way of counting downloads and listens, you have a projected amount of downloads for any future content. Example: If you have 20 subscribers and an episode is released in a week, you could expect to have 20 downloads at least because of the 20 subscribers. As a subscriber, they are planning to listen to new content from you as it is released. This is a great thing.

PODCAST SUBSCRIBER PRO #3: Subscribers show that you have a community.

A podcast subscriber is committed to your content. Subscribers are on board with your message. A podcast subscriber is invested in the podcast. Bottom line: Podcast subscribers show that your podcast has a community of people behind it; people who want to listen to the podcast.

PODCAST SUBSCRIBER PRO #4: Subscribers can be motivating.

If you have more than five podcast subscribers, these subscribers may motivate you to create content when you get tired or discouraged. I say more than five because, after yourself and your immediate family, these other subscribers are probably people who do not know you or whom you know from work, friends, etc., and are strangers who found your content. It is a big deal to have people who you do not know listen to your content and subscribe to it. You cannot let these subscribers down.

When you are tired, think about your podcast subscribers who are expecting new content from you. When you do not want to create content, use your subscribers as motivation to keep working.

PODCAST SUBSCRIBER CON #1: There are no cons.

While writing this article, I could not find one negative thing about someone committing to your podcast and supporting future podcast content. If the content was entertaining or informative or thought-provoking enough to obtain a subscriber, enjoy it and give them new episodes to listen to.

I hope you have a better understanding of the difference between unique downloads and subscribers, but remember that all downloads are good downloads so appreciate each listener.

The Pros and Cons of Unique Downloads and Podcast Subscribers