With new podcasts forming daily, and a variety of networks to take them in, this list will continue to change drastically throughout the years, adjusting to changes in culture and interest. Rogan's thesis of no editing has given glimpses into some of the most controversial, culturally relevant, and compelling subjects to date. His estimated annual income is reported by Forbes to be almost double his next closest competitor. His range of interests explains his diverse audiences with millions of listeners per episode. His successful podcast has allowed him to buy million-dollar mansions and build a private home gym. His ideas have converged contentious groups, building bridges between conservatives and liberals, fighters and pacifists, and vegans and hunters. His episodes have helped shape the culture, with guests like Elon Musk and Kanye West. Rogan, with the help of producer young Jamie Vernon, runs one of the most efficient and engaging podcasts to date. He has forged a new path within the entertainment industry, bypassing the gatekeepers of a bygone era.Ī post shared by Joe Rogan Rogan has earned the top spot on the list as the most successful podcaster of 2021. With shows released through YouTube weekly and regular appearances on the Joe Rogan Experience, Tim Dillon has also demonstrated the benefits and capabilities of subscriber-based sites like Patreon. Originally joined by his conflagrant confidante Ray Kump, Dillon hosts the show solo now, accompanied by inappropriately-timed giggle punctuations from producer Ben Avery. Specializing in practical conspiracy, Dillon has explored some of the darker themes of humanity ranging from human trafficking inspired by the 2014 documentary Who Took Johnny to the recent mystery surrounding the death of financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Here are the top 10 podcasters of 2021, ranked by annual income.Ī post shared by Tim Dillon stand-up comedian who rose from the ashes of the 2008 financial crisis when he was a subprime mortgage salesman, Tim Dillon has climbed his way to the top of the podcast industry by producing consistently funny content that attempts to tackle some of the most ambitious and convoluted mysteries of the day. While some iconic programs have maintained their positions on the list due to the sustainability of their production models, there are also several new additions featuring up and coming hosts, comedians, and journalists that have forged their way onto the list, showing the malleability of the modern medium. This list takes into consideration sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and the sales of accompanying products and services to determine these podcasters' revenue. Comedian and host Tim Dillon has utilized the Patreon platform to release exclusive podcasts and content for his listeners who at $5 a month earn him an annual revenue of over $1.3 million. Spotify also announced several other exclusive podcast deals with stars including Addison Rae, Kim Kardashian, and former President Barack Obama. Joe Rogan made headlines when he announced his more than $100 million Spotify exclusive deal in May of 2020.

The recent transitions of podcasters finding platforms specific to their content have also helped usher in the successful year. This has resulted in a top 10 list where no podcaster makes below $1 million annually. With many people working from home, and others abiding by the continual safer-at-home orders being issued, podcasters have become close friends with a diverse and growing audience of listeners. 2021 has been one of the most successful years for podcasting to date.

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