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17 Statistics That Demonstrate the Effectiveness of Podcast Advertising and Host-Read Ads

Updated: Aug 14

How impactful are host-read messages? Host-read messages have proven to be highly impactful in the realm of advertising. The findings from a series of studies shed light on the significant influence these messages have on various crucial aspects of marketing.


Host Read Ads are a form of advertising where the host of a podcast or other audio content personally delivers the advertisement to the audience. This type of ad is typically integrated into the content of the show, making it sound more natural and authentic compared to traditional ads. The host, who is usually a trusted voice for the audience, reads the ad script in their own style, often adding personal anecdotes or recommendations to make the message more engaging.


Advertisers often choose Host Read Ads for their effectiveness in driving brand awareness, generating leads, and influencing purchasing decisions. By leveraging the host's credibility and rapport with the audience, brands can create a more personalized and impactful advertising experience. This approach also allows for flexibility in terms of the ad content, enabling advertisers to convey their message in a way that resonates with the specific audience of each show.



Host Read Ads: Advantages over Pre-Recorded Ad Spots

One of the key factors that make host-read advertisements so effective is the level of trust they can establish with the audience. When a familiar host delivers a message, listeners tend to perceive it as more authentic and trustworthy, leading to a stronger connection and engagement.


Moreover, host-read messages have been shown to capture and maintain the attention of the audience more effectively compared to other forms of advertising. The personalized touch and genuine delivery by the host create a unique listening experience that keeps the audience engaged throughout the message. This heightened attention can significantly impact the message retention and brand recall among consumers.


Another critical aspect where host-read messages excel is in driving conversion rates. The studies reveal that when hosts personally endorse a product or service, it can lead to a higher likelihood of conversion among listeners. This endorsement serves as a powerful recommendation that can sway consumer behavior and prompt action, ultimately translating into increased sales and revenue for advertisers.


In addition to trust, attention, and conversion rates, host-read messages also have a positive impact on brand perception and loyalty. The personal connection established through these messages can foster a sense of loyalty among listeners, making them more likely to engage with the brand in the long term. This loyalty not only translates into repeat business but also generates positive word-of-mouth referrals, further amplifying the reach and impact of the advertising campaign.


Overall, the comprehensive body of research on host-read messages underscores their effectiveness in influencing consumer behavior and driving marketing outcomes. By leveraging the unique qualities of host-read advertisements, advertisers can create compelling campaigns that resonate with audiences, build trust, and ultimately achieve their marketing objectives.



Due to the close relationship between hosts and listeners, host-read ads are particularly effective in engaging, entertaining, and converting listeners. And if you're skeptical, there's ample quantitative research supporting this.

We've gathered recent studies and statistics on host-read messaging and podcast advertising in one convenient location for you to review. While this compilation offers quick facts at a glance, we will delve deeper and offer further analysis on each section in upcoming blog posts.


Check out the numbers that show just how powerful host-read ads and podcast advertising are:


Trust and perception with Host-Read Ads

Listeners believe and trust what hosts have to say about a variety of topics and issues — including products, services, and brands.

  1. 81% of podcast listeners say they trust host recommendations. (Sounds Profitable and Edison Research, June 2022)

  2. 53% of listeners agree that their opinion of a company is more positive when it is on a podcast they regularly listen to, up from 49% in 2020. (Edison Research and Ad Results Media, February 2022)


Attention and consideration

Listeners tend to pay more attention to, remember, and consider the brands mentioned in host-read ads. They also pay more attention to ads that run on podcasts compared to other places (like TV, social media, etc.).

  1. 51% of podcast listeners are more likely to consider a product after hearing a host-read ad. (Sounds Profitable and Edison Research, June 2022)

  2. 36% of listeners strongly agree that they pay more attention to host-read ads than other types of podcast ads. (Edison Research and Ad Results Media, February 2022)

  3. Host-read ads drive a brand recall rate of 71%. (Nielsen, March 2022)

  4. 76% of NPR podcast listeners have taken action as a result of a podcast sponsorship. (National Public Media, February 2022)

  5. 52% of podcast creators are interested in or find podcast ads useful. (Sounds Profitable and Edison Research, June 2022)

  6. 21% of listeners discover new podcasts through recommendations or advertisements on other podcasts. (Reuters Institute, February 2021)

  7. 56% of podcast “Super Listeners” say that hearing an ad on a podcast compared to other places makes them more likely to purchase a product. (Edison Research and Ad Results Media, February 2022)

Conversion and revenue

The podcast advertising industry at large is growing quickly, but not all categories or ad types are created equal. Advertisers must consider ad format, ad placement within an episode, and where they run ads.

  1. U.S. podcast advertising revenues reached $1.4 billion in 2021, up 72% YoY. (IAB, May 2022)

  2. Revenue from host-read ads made up 55% of all podcast advertising revenue in 2021. (IAB, May 2022)

  3. The beauty industry has the highest purchase conversion rate (0.06%) among industries that advertise on podcasts. (Podsights, August 2022)

  4. The telecom industry has the highest average lead conversion rate (0.15%) among industries that advertise on podcasts. (Podsights, August 2022)

  5. Advertisers who run podcast ads on 2 to 10 publishers see the highest conversion rate (1.32%) compared to advertisers who run ads on only one publisher or 11+ publishers. (Podsights, August 2022)

  6. Dynamic ad conversion rates (1.37%) exceed embedded ad conversion rates (0.84%). (Podsights, August 2022)

Ad delivery

Dynamic ads are on the rise. And advertisers should be aware of the competition when targeting certain groups.

  1. 84% of host-read ads are served via DAI (dynamic ad insertion), which allow for greater scale and targeting for advertisers. (IAB, May 2022)

  2. Doctors, researchers, businesses of all sizes, and new parents are the most targeted audiences for advertisers. (SXM Media, May 2022)


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