Lenny.fm is a new way for Podcast Creators to get support from Listeners
A better financial model for the Podcast Ecosystem.
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Hi, I’m Courtney, one of the creators of Lenny.fm
Making great podcasts takes skill, experience, insight, time and money.
The money part is difficult for all but the top shows.
Using Lenny.fm, Listeners choose one or more shows to support for a single monthly fee.
The money is split between the top 4 selected that have published an episode in the last month.
What do I get for a monthly subscription?
- A thank you message from the Podcast Creators you’re supporting
- Podcasts can choose how they reward you. Some have merch discounts, chat communities or ad-free feeds
- You get more of what you already enjoy! A more financially sustainable podcast means the hosts can keep make the show for you.
Running the numbers, we found it’s the most efficient and effective business model for the podcast ecosystem.
In the near future we’re releasing features that get you closer to the podcasts you choose to support in ways you choose.
For now, we’re all at the start of the journey!
Here’s the About story with a photo of me.
If you’re a Listener, check out Lenny.fm.
Podcast Creator? Join the Creator Portal to accept support from Listeners.
What is Lenny.fm? 🖧
It’s a way to financially support the Podcast Creators you choose.
It’s also a smart bundle subscription that’s extremely easy for Listeners and extremely beneficial for podcast creators.
How it works ⚙️
- Select 1 or more podcasts you want to support — starting price is $4 a month + transaction fee.
- The $4 is split between your top 4 preferences of podcasts you chose. This makes sure a meaningful amount goes to the podcasters, rather than split it between 10+ shows. The split is often equal to or more than ad revenue, but most podcasts have audiences too small for ads.
- If any of your top 4 don’t publish an episode in the past month then your preferences reorder. That way you’re only supporting podcasts that are publishing episodes.
Worth noting ☝️
- The economics of a $4 contribution split between 4 top preferences is the result of modelling to find a point where Lenny is more beneficial than advertising revenue.
- It’s not a new app, listen where you like to listen now. That experience doesn’t change.
- You’ll be effortlessly supporting creators you already spend quality time with, when they’re publishing sweet sweeeeet eps to listen to.
🚁 Jump in, pick your top 4 + a few others!
Lenny.fm
Creating an account and selecting your favourite shows is free.
You can choose to contribute financially at any time.
We’re interested in your thoughts about the software, tell us if something breaks, what we should add, why you really like/hate it and everything in between.
FAQs 🧐
Listeners
Why should we financially contribute to podcast creators?
- Even small amounts make a big difference to creators
- Creators have costs to cover
- You’re investing in future episodes from the people you like listening to
- Contribute to a fairer podcast ecosystem
Prefer ads as a way to help get creators paid?
- Most podcasts don’t have the option to make money from ads. If the shows you listen to run ads then they’re doing better than the rest. Lenny helps you support your favourite podcasts who can’t make revenue form ads.
How does Lenny make money?
- We charge 10%, 90% goes to creators. That’s for us to cover costs and keep developing so more people can support creators efficiently. We’re a for-profit company created because of a mission to get creators compensated for their work in the best ways possible.
- Ad agencies charge ~50%, other subscription platforms are between 8 and 30%.
Why the name “Lenny”?
- Because of Lenny Bruce. A US comedian and satirist.
“He paved the way for future outspoken counterculture-era comedians, and his trial for obscenity is seen as a landmark for freedom of speech in the United States.” — Lennybruce.org
Ok, but why did you make Lenny?
- We made it to be another way listeners can support creators. Current options don’t do the job for all the listeners and other services will be better for some listeners or podcast creators. Like musicians having options we wanted to give podcast creators another one too.
What about privacy?
- Private. You can choose to share your email address with the shows you support. We’re only interested in helping people support and contribute to creators.
Questions
- Sure! Please get in contact — hi@lenny.fm
- On Reddit — r/lennyfm
- IG @lennyinc_
Podcast creator? 🎤
Check out this article for you — Lenny.fm works for creators
Or go direct to the Creator Portal!
