How to Get Your Show Picked Up by a Podcast Network

The podcasting landscape has evolved rapidly in recent years. What was once a fringe medium is now a booming industry with millions of listeners and billions in advertising revenue. One of the most significant developments in this space has been the rise of podcast networks—organizations that manage multiple shows under a unified brand or structure. For many independent creators, getting picked up by a podcast network can feel like reaching the next level. But how do you make it happen?

In this article, we’ll break down the steps, strategies, and expectations involved in getting your podcast noticed and acquired by a podcast network.

Understand What Podcast Networks Are Looking For

Before you reach out to a network, it’s essential to understand what they’re looking for. Podcast networks are not just curators—they’re businesses. Whether they focus on niche audiences or operate at scale, their goal is to bring in shows that have:

Strong audience growth potential

Consistent publishing schedules

High production value

Clear niche or subject focus

Engaged, loyal listeners

Some networks specialize in comedy, true crime, or investigative journalism. Others focus on specific demographics or formats. Take time to research which networks align with your content, style, and goals.

Build a Solid Foundation First

Podcast networks rarely take a gamble on a brand-new show with no audience or track record. You need to prove that your show is viable on its own before seeking support from a larger entity. Here's how to do that:

1. Consistency Is Key

Publish episodes on a regular schedule—weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Consistency builds trust with listeners and shows networks that you’re committed.

2. Focus on Audio Quality

Invest in good microphones, sound editing software, and noise reduction techniques. Professional audio is non-negotiable when you're looking to scale.

3. Define Your Niche

The more specific your podcast niche, the easier it is to market. Networks are more likely to pick up a show that fills a unique gap in their portfolio.

4. Build a Loyal Audience

Whether you have 1,000 or 100,000 listeners, engagement matters. Track downloads, episode retention rates, reviews, and social media interaction. These metrics are gold when pitching to networks.

Grow Organically and Strategically

Attracting a podcast network doesn’t always require viral success. Many networks look for shows that grow steadily and show long-term promise. Here’s how you can accelerate that growth:

Cross-promote with other podcasts in your niche

Get listed on major directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Amazon

Use social media to build community

Create supplemental content, such as newsletters, blog posts, or transcripts

Encourage listener reviews and shares

As your reach expands, your show becomes more appealing to networks that want ready-made audiences.

Optimize for Monetization Potential

Podcast networks want to work with shows that can generate revenue—through ads, sponsorships, merchandise, or listener support models like Patreon. Here’s what helps:

Clear audience demographics (age, location, interests)

High listener retention rates

Download thresholds (many networks look for 5K–10K downloads per episode)

Brand-safe, advertiser-friendly content

Even if you’re not monetizing yet, make sure your content and audience positioning are advertiser-ready.

Prepare a Professional Media Kit

When you do reach out to a podcast network, you want to come prepared. A podcast media kit should include:

Show description and mission

Host bios

Audience demographics and analytics

Top episodes and milestones

Press mentions or guest appearances

Social media links and stats

Think of your media kit as your podcast’s résumé. It should reflect professionalism, vision, and a growth mindset.

Reach Out with the Right Pitch

Once you’ve built your foundation and assembled a media kit, it’s time to start pitching. Keep the following in mind:

1. Research the Network Thoroughly

Before you pitch, study their catalog. What kinds of shows do they already represent? How does your show complement (not duplicate) their lineup?

2. Customize Your Pitch

Avoid generic outreach. Instead, address the network by name, mention specific shows you admire, and explain why your podcast would be a good fit.

3. Be Clear About Your Goals

Do you want help with ad sales? Marketing? Distribution? Production? Knowing what kind of partnership you’re looking for helps networks see where you’d fit.

Understand the Role of Large-Scale Podcast Networks

When pitching to large-scale podcast networks, you’ll face stiffer competition—but also greater opportunity. These networks often work with corporate sponsors, invest in original productions, and have access to industry-leading analytics and ad tech.

However, they typically seek shows that are already well-established or show explosive growth potential. If you’re targeting this tier, you’ll need to bring data, differentiation, and vision to the table.

If your show isn’t quite there yet, consider aiming for mid-sized or niche networks first. These groups often take more creative risks and offer more hands-on support to emerging creators.

Be Prepared for What Comes Next

If a network shows interest, there may be multiple stages before you’re officially onboarded. These may include:

Review meetings

Audience and ad performance analysis

Pilot or content audits

Contract negotiations

Read all agreements carefully. Understand what rights you’re giving up (if any), how revenue is split, and what services are provided in return. If possible, consult a media attorney or an experienced podcast producer.

Alternatives to Traditional Networks

Not every successful podcast needs to be part of a network. There are other collaborative and monetization options:

Podcast collectives – informal groups that support each other without shared ownership

Advertising marketplaces – platforms like Gumball or Podcorn

Crowdfunding or premium models – listener-supported shows using Patreon or Supercast

DIY networks – creating your own mini network with multiple shows or collaborators

These alternatives offer more creative freedom and control, though they may lack the scale and reach of a professional network.

Final Thoughts

Getting picked up by a podcast network can open doors to broader audiences, better monetization, and high-level industry support. But it’s not an overnight process. It requires strategic growth, consistent quality, and a clear vision for your podcast’s future.

Start by building a show that you’re proud of—one with purpose, professionalism, and a loyal audience. From there, finding the right network becomes less about luck and more about alignment. With patience, persistence, and polish, your show might just be the next one added to their roster.