Let’s be real, there’s nothing like that feeling when someone (not your best friend or mom) messages you and says, “Hey, I love your podcast.” That first 100 listeners? Electric. Hitting 1,000? You start wondering, “Wait, could this actually be a thing?” At 10,000? It’s not just a side hustle; you’ve built something with momentum. But let’s zoom out. What actually changes as your podcast grows? Beyond the numbers, what’s different in how you think, how you create, and how you show up? Here’s what we’ve learned watching creators go from idea to institution… with a few DOs, DON’Ts, and real talk along the way.
100 Listeners: The “Are People Even Listening?” Phase
This is the messy middle. The exciting beginning. You’re figuring out your mic settings, tweaking your intro every week, recording at 11PM with a blanket over your head. You’re doing it because you love it! But lowkey wondering why no one’s shouting it from the rooftops yet.
DO: Create like you’re already big. Show up for those 12 plays like they’re 12,000. Because if you don’t believe in your voice now, how will anyone else?
DON’T: Fall into download obsession. Checking stats 10 times a day won’t make them go up. Focus on your craft. It’s the only thing you can actually control.
This is also where doubt creeps in: “Is this even good?” “Do I sound cringe?” The answer? Yes, and that’s okay. Your early work isn’t meant to be perfect. It’s meant to teach you.
1,000 Listeners: People Are Listening (On Purpose)
This is when things get real. Strangers are DMing you. Someone in another city is quoting your episode. You realize your podcast is no longer just a personal project; it’s a public experience.
DO: Build systems. Schedule promos, batch episodes, and reuse content. If you want to last, you need processes that will sustain you and not just passion.
DON’T: Get distracted by shiny objects. You don’t need to be on ALL the platforms – TikTok, X (eyeroll it’s still Twitter), LinkedIn, Threads, email, a newsletter AND YouTube. Pick your places. Protect your energy.
What changes at 1K is pressure, and thats both internal and external. You start thinking, “How do I keep them coming back?” And also, “What if I mess it up?” This is where you start showing up as a podcaster, not just someone with a podcast. OWN THAT!
10,000 Listeners: There’s Weight Behind Your Voice
At 10K listeners, your show doesn’t just exist, it has weight. People tune in with expectations. Guests say yes faster. Sponsors respond to your emails. Your show is a thing.
DO: Invest in the experience. This means better sound, clearer branding, more intentional storytelling. You’ve built trust. Now elevate who you are, your podcast and the entire production.
DON’T: Lose your voice trying to go viral. What got you here wasn’t trends, it was your truth. Stay rooted.
And here’s the wild part: at 10K, imposter syndrome sometimes hits harder. You think, “Am I really qualified?” or “What if they stop listening?” The growth is amazing; but so is the pressure. That’s why this is the season to get support: editors, assistants, coaches, even just a trusted friend who keeps it real.
But Here’s the Truth…
Audience growth is not a straight line. It zigzags. It plateaus. You’ll have episodes that pop and episodes that flop. The difference? You won’t quit.
Growth forces you to evolve. Your mindset, your habits, your standards. It’s less about getting “better numbers” and more about becoming a more confident creator.
So whether you’re at 117 downloads or 17,000 the game is the same: Show up with clarity. Speak with purpose. Build systems that make it sustainable. And most importantly HAVE FUN!
Because what changes most from 100 to 10K listeners isn’t your audience. It’s you.
You know we have a magazine right? Download all our past issues of ‘The Podcast Sessions Magazine’ and binge them at your own pace.
