Send us a textHow many podcast downloads does the average podcast episode get in the first 7 days? We’ve got the real podcast stats. Guest podcast host and YouTuber Tom Buck joins Alban and Travis to break down fresh, IAB-certified podcast metrics from every active Buzzsprout show in October so you can benchmark your own podcast performance without chasing vanity numbers.We cover:The median episode downloads (28) and what that number of downloads actually means for a successful podcast.Which listening apps and podcast platforms dominate (hello Apple Podcasts, Spotify, farewell Google Podcasts) and how that impacts your podcast audience, listenership, and podcast marketing on social media and LinkedIn.Mobile-first listening vs. smart speakers, plus how to optimize audio for earbuds and cars.Apple’s new embed player vs. platform-agnostic players—and why host-provided hosting platforms matter for growth.A chat with Listen Notes founder Wenbin Fang about podcast metrics, podcast download numbers, Listen Score, Global Rank, and why gaming the system backfires—just make great content and attract new listeners.Sustainability tips for a weekly podcast, managing multiple shows, and juggling YouTube/video podcasts with a full-time job.Whether you’re launching a new podcast, refining podcast titles for SEO, or planning to monetize with podcast ads or podcast advertising, this episode gives you practical benchmarks, context on the podcasting industry, and a mindset for long-term podcast growth—no matter your podcast genre.Links from this episode:Subscribe to Tom Buck's YouTube channelBuzzsprout Platform Stats for October 2020Apple Embed PlayerListen NotesCheck out our new Buzzsprout merch store on Cotton Bureau.Subscribe to the Buzzsprout YouTube channel to watch gear reviews, software tutorials, and podcast strategy videos.Review Buzzcast in Podchaser to let us know what you think of the show.Contact Buzzcast Send us a text message Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPods Thanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!