If you're thinking about bringing guests onto your podcast or getting invited as a guest on someone else’s show, one of the first questions that might pop into your head is: “Do podcast guests get paid?”
While the short answer is usually no, the good news is that there are plenty of other benefits to being a guest that can help you grow your brand, make new connections, and even boost your business in ways that go beyond a paycheck.
Let's dive into why most podcast guests don’t get paid and explore some of the awesome perks of being featured on a podcast!
Do Podcast Guests Get Paid?
When it comes to podcasting, the simple answer to whether guests get paid is: usually not.
Most podcasts, especially smaller or independent ones, don’t offer monetary compensation to their guests. This isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, but it’s the norm in the industry. The focus is often on building connections, sharing valuable insights, and contributing to great content rather than making it a paid gig.
However, being a podcast guest can offer several opportunities that are just as rewarding—if not more so—than a direct paycheck. While financial compensation may not be on the table, the experience can open doors to a range of valuable benefits, which we’ll explore in more detail later.
5 Benefits of Being a Podcast Guest
While podcast guests may not get paid, the value they receive in return can be incredibly rewarding. Here are five key benefits of being featured on a podcast:
1. Cross-Promotion
One of the biggest perks is the chance to reach a whole new audience.
As a guest, you will get introduced to an entirely new set of listeners and some of them could become your loyal followers or subscribers. This cross-promotion is a great way to grow your audience without spending a dime.
2. Networking Opportunities
Being a podcast guest can connect you with other hosts and influencers in your niche.
Not only do you build a relationship with the host, but you’re also likely to get noticed by other podcasters or industry professionals, which can lead to more guest spots and collaborative opportunities down the road.
3. Boost Your Reputation
By sharing your expertise and insights, you position yourself as a thought leader in your field. Being recognized as a guest on multiple podcasts builds your credibility and helps you establish yourself as a go-to expert on the topics you care about.
4. Learning Opportunities
Participating in a podcast is also a great way to sharpen your skills. You’ll learn more about how the podcasting world works, gain insight into how others approach their content, and even pick up tips for improving your own messaging, communication, and presentation skills.
5. Extra Content for Your Channels
After the episode airs, you’ll have additional content that you can share across your own platforms. Whether it’s your social media, blog, or even your own podcast, sharing your guest appearance is a great way to keep your audience engaged while showing off your industry know-how.
Being a podcast guest offers plenty of opportunities that can help you grow professionally, even if there’s no check involved.
Should I Pay My Guests?
In most cases, podcast guests don’t expect to be paid for their time. However, if you’re inviting high-profile guests with large followings or significant expertise, they may request payment for their appearance.
Before agreeing to this, it's worth considering a few factors.
Some argue that there are ethical or legal concerns with paying podcast guests. Offering financial compensation could make it seem like you’re influencing their responses, which might impact the authenticity of the conversation. Additionally, there may be tax implications if you decide to pay guests, making it an added expense to manage.
If you're simply looking to express gratitude, sending a thank you gift is a thoughtful and less complicated way to show appreciation for their time and contribution. A small token of appreciation, like a gift card or a branded item, can go a long way in maintaining a positive relationship without the complications of financial payment.
Charging Guests To Appear On a Podcast
In some cases, guests may actually pay for the opportunity to appear on a podcast. This can be an effective way to get your name out there, especially if you land a spot on a popular show with a large and engaged audience.
However, if you’re thinking about paying to be a podcast guest, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, do your research. Not all podcasts are as successful as they may claim, and some may inflate their subscriber numbers. Make sure you’re confident that the show’s audience is a good fit for you before committing any money.
Second, carefully consider how much you’re willing to spend. Like any form of marketing, paying to be a guest comes with risks—there are no guarantees that the investment will pay off. If you can’t afford to lose the money, it’s best not to spend it.
Think of this as a calculated marketing effort and only invest what you’re comfortable with, knowing there are no guaranteed returns.
Make Sure to Follow FTC Guidelines
FTC guidlines state you need to, "Disclose when you have any financial, employment, personal, or family relationship with a brand." If you are doing video, the disclosure needs to be in the video (and not just the description). The disclosure needs to be places in a location that is hard to miss (so the top of an episode description, blog, video, not at the bottom). Kim Kardashian was fined 1.26 million by the SEC in penalties for not disclosing she was paid for "touting" a product on her instagram.
The FTC has sent "educational letters" to celebrities such as Ellen DeGeneres, Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, rapper Nicki Minaj, actress/singer Naomi Campbell, Jersey Shore’s Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, letting them know they are on the FTC's radar.
See this video for more calrity.
How To Be a Great Podcast Guest
To make a lasting impact as a podcast guest, it's important to prepare and bring your best self to the table. Here are a few key tips to ensure you're a hit with both the host and the audience:
1. Prioritize Your Sound
Good sound quality is crucial for any podcast guest. Make sure you’re using a quality microphone and that you’re in a quiet location free from distractions. Bad audio can detract from even the best insights, so it’s worth investing in the right equipment.
2. Research the Show
Before appearing on any podcast, take the time to listen to a few episodes to get a sense of the show’s format and tone. Check out reviews or comments to understand what the audience enjoys. Tailoring your approach to the podcast’s style will help you connect better with both the host and the listeners.
3. Know the Topic
Come prepared with stats, stories, and relevant insights to back up your points. Have your personal “origin story” or elevator pitch ready to share when the opportunity arises. Being well-versed on the topic makes the conversation flow smoothly and keeps listeners engaged.
4. Prep for Video
If the episode will be shared on YouTube or another visual platform, make sure you’re prepared. Ask the host if the episode will be recorded with video so you can present yourself professionally and feel confident on camera.
5. Keep It Concise
Aim to keep your answers short and sweet. While it’s important to be engaging, try to stay on point and avoid rambling. Clear, concise responses are more impactful and keep the conversation lively.
By focusing on these areas, you’ll set yourself up to be a polished, professional, and memorable podcast guest.
How To Find Podcast Guests
Finding the right guests for your podcast can make all the difference in creating engaging and valuable content. Here are some great places to start when looking for guests:
1. Friends, Family, or Colleagues
Sometimes the best guests are right under your nose. Reach out to people in your personal or professional network who have interesting stories or insights to share. They may be more comfortable joining your show, especially if you’re just starting out.
2. Other Podcasters
Fellow podcasters can make excellent guests. They understand the format, can bring their own audiences along, and may even invite you to be a guest on their show in return. Collaboration within the podcasting community can open up plenty of opportunities.
3. Experts in the Field
Look for industry experts who can provide valuable information or unique perspectives to your listeners. These guests bring authority and credibility to your show and can attract listeners interested in their expertise.
4. Your Listeners
Don’t overlook your own audience! Loyal listeners can often be great guests, especially if they’ve had experiences or insights relevant to your podcast’s theme. Engaging with your audience in this way helps build a stronger community around your show.
5. Use a “Matchmaking Site”
Websites like PodcastGuests and Podmatch act as a matchmaking service between podcasters and potential guests. These platforms allow you to browse profiles of experts, authors, and speakers who are eager to share their insights on podcasts, making it easy to find the right fit for your show.
By tapping into these resources, you can find guests who will add value to your podcast and help keep your content fresh and engaging.
Conclusion
While podcast guests typically don’t get paid, the non-monetary benefits of being featured on a show are numerous—from expanding your audience to building valuable industry connections. Whether you're a host looking to find engaging guests or a guest hoping to share your expertise, the world of podcasting offers a wealth of opportunities for growth and collaboration.
If you're ready to take your podcast to the next level, having a professional website is key. With Podpage, you can easily create a podcast website that showcases your episodes, helps listeners discover your content, and even attracts potential guests. Start building your podcast’s online presence today and give your show the platform it deserves!
