They sound similar — both are audio content delivered over the internet. But they attract different audiences, require different production workflows and earn money in completely different ways. Here's the real breakdown.
The core difference
- Web Radio is a continuous live stream. Listeners "tune in" at any time and hear what's playing right now.
- Podcast is a library of pre-recorded episodes. Listeners download and play whenever they want.
Who's it for?
Web Radio audience: passive listeners. Drivers, workers, shop owners, background-music lovers. They want a vibe, not a specific topic.
Podcast audience: active listeners. Commuters, gym-goers, professionals. They search for specific topics and subscribe to specific hosts.
Production effort
| Web Radio | Podcast | |
|---|---|---|
| Daily content requirement | 24/7 via AutoDJ | 1 episode / week |
| Editing | Minimal | Heavy |
| Licensing | Required (music) | Only if you use music |
| Equipment cost | €200+ | €150+ |
Monetisation
Web Radio: ad-reads between tracks, sponsorships of shows, jingles, directory listings that pay per listener.
Podcast: sponsorship reads in episodes, Patreon/membership, affiliate marketing, premium feeds.
💡 Key insight: Podcast CPMs are typically 3-10x higher than radio CPMs — but radio delivers way more total hours of listening. Different business models, both viable.
Why smart broadcasters do both
- Record your best radio interviews → re-package as podcast episodes.
- Promote new podcast episodes on your radio.
- Build an audience in two places with minimal extra work.
- Sell sponsorships as "cross-platform packages" at a premium.
Which should you start with?
- Start with podcast if you have a specific topic, limited time and want to build authority.
- Start with radio if you want to entertain, your content is music or vibes-based, and you're in it for the long-haul community.
- Start with both if you have a team and a clear content strategy.
Launch both — on a single platform
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