Magellan AI helps advertisers, agencies, and publishers measure podcast advertising performance from exposure to outcome. To prepare our first Q1 2026 Podcast Measurement Benchmark Report, we analyzed Magellan AI-measured podcast campaigns that ran from January 1 through March 31, 2026. The report covers response rate, lead and purchase conversion, and podcast listener growth and retention across key advertiser categories.

Key findings from this quarter's report:

• 2.29% average response rate
  In Q1, 2.29% of unique reached listeners visited an advertiser site, measured using a 30-day lookback window.
• 9.74% lead conversion and 5.22% purchase conversion
  Of listeners who visited an advertiser site, 9.74% converted to a lead and 5.22% completed a purchase.
• 87% of responses within 30 days
  Listener response builds quickly after ad exposure, with 87% captured within the first 30 days.
• Top 500 shows drove the strongest lead conversion
  Top-ranked shows drove the strongest lead conversion, while show ranking had nearly no effect on purchase conversion.
• 59.4% repeat listener rate
  Nearly 3 in 5 new listeners acquired through podcast promos returned to listen to more episodes.

For a deeper dive on these numbers and more, download the full report.