[FAQ]

Hey everyone,

I’m starting an interview-style podcast and am getting ready to invite my first few guests. I’m a bit unsure about the standard practice when it comes to payment in 2025.

Is it expected or common to pay guests for their time and expertise when they appear on a podcast? Or is the arrangement usually something else?

I also want to make sure I’m following the right etiquette for inviting, hosting, and promoting the episode with the guest to ensure it’s a positive experience for everyone involved.

Want to make sure I do this right from the start. Thanks for the advice!

[Jeff Bullas]

This is a common and important question for new hosts. For the vast majority of podcasts, particularly those with an interview format, it is not standard practice to pay guests for their appearance on the show.

The relationship is typically based on a mutual value exchange, not a financial transaction. First, the guest receives exposure to your podcast’s audience. This provides them with a platform to build their personal brand, discuss their work or expertise, promote a book, a business, or their social media channels, and further establish themselves as a voice in their field.

Second, the host receives valuable, expert content for their audience. A good guest enhances the quality and credibility of the podcast, providing fresh perspectives that listeners want to hear. This mutual benefit is the foundation of nearly all podcast guest appearances.

There are, of course, some exceptions where payment might occur. First, very high-profile celebrities or top-tier professional speakers who command appearance fees for their time might require payment, but this is rare and usually only happens on very large, highly commercialised podcasts with substantial budgets.

Second, some hosts might choose to offer a small honorarium or a thoughtful gift as a gesture of appreciation for a guest’s time, but this is seen as a courtesy, not a required fee for service.

Third, if you are specifically hiring someone to be a regular paid co-host or a recurring segment contributor, that is a different professional arrangement that would involve payment.

Regardless of payment, proper etiquette is crucial. First, your initial outreach should be professional and respectful. The invitation should be clear, explain why you believe they are a great fit for your specific audience, and briefly outline the topic.

Second, make the entire process as easy as possible for your guest. Provide all necessary information upfront, such as the expected recording length, potential questions or themes, and what technology they will need.

Third, do your research and be prepared for the interview. This shows respect for your guest’s time and expertise.

Fourth, after the recording, thank them for their time and give them an estimated date for when the episode will be published.

And fifth, when the episode goes live, send them the direct link and any promotional graphics you have created. Tagging them when you promote the episode on social media is also standard practice, as it helps them to easily share it with their own network.

In summary, paying guests is not the norm. The focus should be on the mutual value of the collaboration. Treating your guests with professionalism and making the process seamless is the best way to build a good reputation as a host.

Cheers,

Jeff

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