Podtrac
Industry-standard podcast measurement for publishers, networks, and advertisers
Best for: Podcast networks and publishers that sell advertising and need third-party-verified audience data
Free tier Visit PodtracPodtrac is one of the oldest and most widely used podcast analytics platforms, providing IAB-compliant measurement for podcasters and networks alongside a publisher ranking system that has become a de facto industry benchmark. It also serves the buy side, giving advertisers and agencies access to audience data and ad attribution tools. Networks and mid-to-large publishers use it to validate their audience numbers for ad sales; advertisers use it to plan and measure campaign performance.
Key features
- IAB-compliant podcast download measurement
- Publisher and podcast industry rankings (current and historical)
- Smart links for tracking social and paid promotion
- Podcast-to-podcast promo attribution
- Advertiser audience planning data
- Ad campaign attribution and performance tracking
Our take
Podtrac carries genuine credibility in the industry partly because it has been around since 2005 and its rankings are cited by trade press. That longevity is both a strength and a tell: the platform reflects older industry infrastructure more than a modern product built for indie creators. The analytics are solid for networks doing ad sales because third-party verification matters when you're negotiating CPMs. For an individual podcaster, the free measurement tools are useful, but the interface and experience lag behind newer platforms. Where it earns its spot is legitimacy - Podtrac rankings still carry weight in media kit conversations.
Pros
- Industry benchmark rankings used across trade press and media kits
- Founded 2005 - long track record and broad publisher adoption
- Serves both publisher measurement and advertiser planning in one platform
Cons
- Interface and product feel dated compared to newer analytics tools
- Pricing details not publicly disclosed - requires contact
- Less suited to individual creators focused on audience growth rather than ad sales
Podtrac pricing
| Plan | Monthly | Annual | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Publisher Plans | - | - | Pricing not publicly listed on site. Free basic measurement appears to be available; paid plans add advanced features. Contact Podtrac for details. |
