Arabic podcasts are winning advertisers: what founders should know
Khalil
Long-form Arabic audio has loyal listeners and few ad slots. Three founders tell us how they buy, measure and price podcast sponsorships.
For years, brands in the region treated podcasts as a side project. That is changing as Arabic shows build audiences that listen for an hour at a time.
Why brands are interested
Listeners choose a show and stay with it, so a host's recommendation feels personal. Founders told us host-read spots bring more sign-ups per riyal than social ads.
How deals are priced
Most shows sell sponsorship by episode or by season rather than by download. Smaller shows often accept a share of sales through a discount code.
How to measure it
Use a code or a short link for each show, and ask new customers how they heard of you. Give a sponsorship at least six episodes before judging it.
A word of caution
Choose shows whose values match your brand. Listeners notice quickly when a host reads an advert they do not believe in.