Meghan Markle’s podcast has been loudly celebrated as a triumph by her dedicated PR team, but recent figures paint a more sobering reality. Despite bold headlines and heavy promotion, the actual financial return from the podcast tells a very different story. The glittering image of success begins to fade when you look beyond the hype.
Recent data shows Meghan Markle's podcast amassed around 800,000 downloads across nine episodes. At first glance, that number might suggest a win. But in the podcasting world, true success is measured in advertising revenue—and that’s where the illusion starts to break down. Industry estimates for podcasters working with Lemonada Media, Meghan’s current production partner, range from $35 to $45 per 1,000 downloads. Using the higher end of that range, her total earnings would top out at about $36,000—a figure that falls dramatically short of the rumored $20 million deal once associated with Spotify.
While Meghan’s team has continued to frame the podcast as a major success, the math tells a different tale. Even at its most optimistic, $36,000 in revenue for 800,000 downloads hardly qualifies as a victory in the world of celebrity-led media projects. For context, many influencers can earn more than that from a single sponsored post. The persistent narrative of financial triumph appears increasingly questionable.
Meghan has frequently positioned herself as a sharp, business-savvy entrepreneur with billion-dollar ambitions. However, the modest earnings from her podcast don't support that image. From the fallout with Spotify to the lukewarm reception of her Netflix content, Meghan’s recent ventures haven’t delivered the kind of financial results once seen as within reach. Yet somehow, the storyline of success continues. For an average podcaster, $36,000 might be respectable. But for Meghan Markle—a former royal, global celebrity, and self-styled mogul—it lands flat.
Critics have pointed out that while Meghan’s brand still draws attention, it doesn’t seem to be converting that visibility into meaningful revenue. This casts doubt on the long-term viability of her media strategy. Can a podcast be considered a true success when its earnings don’t reflect the buzz it generates? In a media world driven by perception, Meghan’s podcast may have scored points for visibility, but even the slickest PR spin can't fully conceal the financial cracks.
In the end, it comes down to a simple distinction: publicity versus profit. Whether one chooses to believe the podcast was an authentic hit or just propped up for headlines, the numbers remain unmoved. Meghan Markle’s latest media project may have captured attention, but financially, it falls short of blockbuster territory. Until she can match the fanfare with tangible earnings, calling the podcast a success feels more like aspirational branding than a reflection of the real outcome.
