Apple Podcasts to help shows promote annual plans to new subscribers

Almost a year ago, Apple Podcasts launched a new subscription model, which allows creators to host bonus content and ad-free versions of their shows in exchange for a monthly or yearly subscription.

In a post on the Apple Podcasts for Creators page, the company urges creators to prepare for annual subscription plans. Apple highlights that it was always possible to offer monthly or yearly subscriptions, but a future software update will make it more clear.

Creators will soon be able present an annual plan to subscribers with the help of the new plan selector in a future software upgrade. The plan picker appears when listeners tap Subscribe or Try Free on a show or channel with a subscription. The picker will show listeners how much they can save by selecting an annual plan if the monthly cost is less than an annual plan.

For example, to have an ad-free experience of our Happy Hour podcast, users can subscribe for $4. 99/month or $49. 99/year, helping you save two months in the yearly plan.

Soon, new subscribers will see upfront how much they will save when subscribing to the 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast – or, of course, any other show. Users will need to first sign up for a monthly subscription to be able to jump to the annual one.

On this page here, Apple teaches how creators can set up an annual plan for their shows.

It’s important to note that Apple Podcasts take a 30% commission on all podcast subscriptions, and purchases made inside Apple Podcasts are not exposed to third-party clients.

Podcast creators can continue to make money from their podcasts outside of Apple Podcasts Subscriptions. Apple Podcasts Subscriptions represent one additional option, alongside services like Patreon or Memberful.

How do you like this future change? Are you subscribed to any podcast? Comment below to share your views.