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You’re a newsletter author considering audio. This guide covers everything: why, how, what it costs, how to announce it, how to measure it, and which tools to use.
The data says yes:
You might skip audio if:
Tools like audiclip auto-generate podcast episodes from your newsletter. Two AI hosts discuss each edition. Zero recording.
| Tool | Price | Automation | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| audiclip | Free (early access) | Full auto | Good (Gemini-powered) |
| Jellypod | $29/mo | Manual/episode | Good (custom hosts) |
| Aloudable | $48/episode | Manual/edition | Good (3 format options) |
Read your newsletter aloud or riff on the topic. Your voice. Maximum authenticity.
Cost: Your time (30-60 min/edition) + mic ($100-500) Risk: Podfade. 90% of podcasts stop before episode 10.
Substack and Beehiiv offer basic audio features.
Professional podcast editing services. $200-500/episode.
| Model | How It Works | Revenue Example |
|---|---|---|
| Free text, paid audio | Newsletter is free, podcast is $5-10/mo | 500 subs × 3,500/mo |
| Paid text, premium audio | 15 with audio | 15% upgrade × 800 subs = $600/mo |
| Both free, ad-supported | Maximum reach, monetize via sponsors | Depends on scale |
| Audio included in paid | Reduce churn, increase perceived value | Churn -20% = $9,720/yr saved |
Substack: Upload audio to post. Toggle “Add to podcast RSS.” Private feed for paid subs.
Beehiiv: Upload MP3/M4A/WAV. Auto-distribution to Apple/Spotify. Transcripts included. Private RSS for paid.
Ghost: Use API to automate. ElevenLabs Audio Native for web player. Third-party for podcast generation.
Kit (ConvertKit): No native audio. Use audiclip or Jellypod, link RSS in emails.
Mailchimp: No native audio. Include podcast RSS link in email footer.
Send a standalone email:
Subject: [Newsletter] is now a podcast
Every edition → two AI hosts discuss the key ideas. Listen during your commute. 🎧 Subscribe: [RSS link]
Track:
Your English newsletter → podcast in 100+ languages. International readers who struggle with English can listen in their native language. No translation work required.
This is everything you need. The only thing left is starting.