Apple Launches Affiliate Program for Podcast Subscriptions
Apple Expands Podcast Services with New Affiliate Program
Last month, Apple announced its plans for paid podcast subscriptions within a redesigned Apple Podcasts application. Now, the company is introducing a new initiative designed to assist podcast creators in expanding their subscriber numbers: an affiliate marketing program.
Introducing the Apple Services Performance Partner Program for Podcasts
Apple’s existing “Apple Services Performance Partner Program,” previously utilized for marketing services like Apple TV, Apple News, and Apple Books, is now being extended to encompass paid podcasts. This expansion, formally titled “Apple Services Performance Partner Program for Apple Podcasts,” will be accessible to all interested parties.
However, Apple anticipates that the program will be most beneficial for publishers and creators who already possess an established audience and a variety of marketing channels for sharing affiliate links.
Commission Structure and Revenue Potential
When a user subscribes to a premium podcast after clicking through an affiliate link, the partner will receive a one-time commission. This commission is calculated at 50% of the podcast subscription price, and is awarded after the subscriber completes their initial month of paid service.
For instance, a $5 monthly podcast subscription would generate a $2.50 commission for the affiliate. There is no limit to the number of commissions an affiliate can earn, as it applies to each new subscriber acquired through their channel.
Podcast creators can also leverage these affiliate links to promote their own paid offerings, creating an opportunity for additional revenue streams.
Program Eligibility and Application Process
While open to anyone, joining the affiliate program requires an approval process. This vetting procedure is primarily intended to prevent spam and ensure that applicants have viable marketing channels for distributing the links.
The application form requests details regarding the number of available channels and the partner’s intended strategies for promoting the affiliate links.
Global Availability and Link Management
The program will be available in all 170 countries and regions where paid podcast subscriptions are currently offered.
Approved affiliates will have access to an online dashboard for creating shortened URLs, similar to other affiliate programs. The dashboard also allows for the creation of multiple URLs per podcast, enabling performance tracking across different channels.
These URLs can be shared directly, integrated with a “Listen on Apple Podcasts” badge, or generated as QR codes. QR codes are particularly useful for live events, allowing for distribution on signage or flyers.
The Evolving Landscape of Podcast Subscriptions
Previously, premium podcasts often involved direct payments to podcasters for access to private RSS feeds. Services like Stitcher have also utilized subscriptions to offer benefits such as ad-free listening and exclusive content.
Both Apple and Spotify are now focused on attracting creators to their platforms, taking a percentage of subscription revenues. Spotify is currently offering a waiver of its 5% fee for the first two years, while Apple employs a tiered model of 30% in the first year, decreasing to 15% in the second.
Program Launch and Enrollment
Enrollment in the new affiliate program begins today, although paid podcasts will not officially launch until later this month. Once launched, enrolled affiliates will be able to generate links and start earning commissions on new subscriptions.