Measuring Podcast Growth: Key Stats & Metrics

Podcasting has become a powerful tool for churches and faith-based nonprofits to share sermons, devotionals, and community stories. Whether you’re launching a new podcast or growing an existing one, understanding how to measure success is crucial. At Avad Creative, we help ministries amplify their mission through professional podcast production, and we know that tracking the right metrics can make all the difference. In this post, we’ll break down the key stats and metrics to monitor for podcast growth, offering practical tips to help your message resonate and reach further.

Why Track Podcast Metrics?

Tracking podcast metrics provides insight into your audience’s behavior, content performance, and overall impact. For churches, this means understanding how your sermons or teachings connect with listeners, whether they’re congregation members or a global audience seeking spiritual guidance. By focusing on the right data, you can refine your content, boost engagement, and align your podcast with your mission. Here are the essential metrics to watch, along with actionable steps to leverage them.

1. Downloads and Streams

What It Measures: The number of times your podcast episodes are downloaded or streamed across platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts.

Why It Matters: Downloads and streams are the primary indicators of your podcast’s reach. For a church podcast, high download numbers suggest your message is reaching both local members and a broader audience, extending your ministry’s impact.

How to Use It:

• Set a Baseline: Track downloads for the first 30 days after an episode’s release, as this is when most activity occurs (Podnews, 2025).

• Compare Episodes: Identify which topics (e.g., sermon series, guest interviews) drive higher downloads to guide future content.

• Goal Setting: Aim for a 10-20% increase in downloads quarter-over-quarter as your audience grows.

Avad Tip: Our podcast production services include analytics tracking to provide detailed download reports, helping you understand which episodes resonate most with your

listeners.

2. Listener Retention Rate

What It Measures: The percentage of listeners who complete an episode or return for multiple episodes.

Why It Matters: Retention shows how engaging your content is. For faith-based podcasts, high retention indicates that listeners are connecting with your spiritual message, whether it’s a sermon or a devotional.

How to Use It:

• Check Platform Analytics: Platforms like Spotify for Podcasters show drop-off points within episodes. If listeners stop early, consider tightening intros or segmenting longer sermons.

• Improve Content: Use listener feedback to adjust pacing, length, or topics. For example, shorter 15-20 minute episodes may retain busy congregants better.

• Track Trends: A retention rate above 50% is strong for new podcasts, with top shows reaching 70% (Buzzsprout, 2025).

Avad Tip: We enhance retention through professional editing, adding engaging intros, outros, and music to keep listeners hooked from start to finish.

3. Subscriber Growth

What It Measures: The number of new subscribers or followers on your podcast’s platform feeds.

Why It Matters: Subscribers represent your loyal audience, ensuring consistent listenership for new episodes. For churches, growing subscribers strengthens community ties and extends your digital ministry.

How to Use It:

• Promote Subscriptions: Include calls-to-action in episodes, newsletters, and social media (e.g., “Subscribe to our podcast for weekly sermons!”).

• Cross-Promote: Share podcast links on your church’s website and social media to drive subscriptions.

• Set Targets: Aim for a 5-10% monthly subscriber increase in the first six months.

Avad Tip: Our team optimizes metadata and distributes your podcast across top platforms, making it easy for listeners to find and subscribe.

4. Engagement Metrics

What It Measures: Listener interactions, such as ratings, reviews, shares, and social media mentions.

Why It Matters: Engagement reflects how your podcast inspires action. Positive reviews and shares from congregants can attract new listeners, amplifying your mission.

How to Use It:

• Encourage Reviews: Ask listeners to leave 5-star reviews on Apple Podcasts at the end of episodes.

• Monitor Social Media: Track mentions and shares on platforms like Facebook and Instagram to gauge community response.

• Engage Back: Respond to reviews and comments to build a loyal audience.

Avad Tip: Our social media management services can integrate podcast promotion into your church’s online presence, boosting shares and engagement.

5. Geographic and Demographic Data

What It Measures: Where your listeners are located and their demographic profiles

(e.g., age, gender).

Why It Matters: Understanding your audience helps tailor content. For example, a church podcast might find listeners in multiple states, indicating potential for global outreach.

How to Use It:

• Analyze Locations: Use platform analytics to identify top regions and target local promotions (e.g., events in high-listener areas).

• Refine Messaging: Adjust topics based on demographics (e.g., youth-focused content for younger listeners).

• Expand Reach: If you see international listeners, consider multilingual subtitles or episodes.

Avad Tip: We provide detailed analytics reports to help you understand your audience and tailor your podcast to their needs.

6. Conversion Metrics

What It Measures: Actions listeners take beyond listening, such as visiting your website, signing up for newsletters, or attending church events.

Why It Matters: Conversions tie your podcast to your ministry’s broader goals, like growing attendance or donations. For nonprofits, this might mean increased volunteer sign-ups.

How to Use It:

• Track Links: Use trackable links (e.g., Bitly) in episode descriptions to monitor website visits.

• Include CTAs: Add clear calls-to-action, like “Visit our website for sermon notes” or “Join our next service.”

• Measure Impact: Correlate podcast campaigns with event attendance or donation spikes.

Avad Tip: Our email newsletter integration can seamlessly connect your podcast to your church’s outreach, driving conversions with minimal effort.

Practical Steps to Start Tracking

1. Choose Analytics Tools: Use platform-specific tools like Apple Podcasts Connect, Spotify for Podcasters, or Buzzsprout for detailed insights.

2. Set Up Goals: Define success metrics (e.g., 500 downloads/month, 50% retention) based on your church’s size and goals.

3. Review Monthly: Analyze data to identify trends and adjust content strategy.

4. Partner with Experts: Work with a production team like Avad Creative to streamline analytics and focus on ministry.

How Avad Creative Can Help

At Avad Creative, we simplify podcasting for churches and nonprofits with end-to-end production services. From planning and editing to distribution and analytics, we handle the technical details so you can focus on sharing your message. Our team, led by Jacob Mishalanie’s sound design expertise and Thomas Garner’s digital marketing skills, ensures your podcast is professional, engaging, and optimized for growth. Whether you’re starting a sermon series or expanding your reach, we provide the tools and insights to measure success and amplify your mission.

Ready to grow your podcast? Contact us at avadcreative@gmail.com or (256) 580-6303 to learn how we can help your church or nonprofit connect with listeners worldwide. Let’s make your voice heard!

Avad Creative is your dedicated creative team, empowering ministries with purposeful storytelling and innovative technology. Follow us on Facebook or visit www.AvadCreative.com for more resources.