It’s common to see more downloads than listens in podcast analytics, and it does not indicate an error. This happens because downloads and listens measure different events, and different platforms report them differently.
Understanding the difference
| Metric | What it tracks |
|---|---|
| Download | A listener tuned into your episode for at least 60 seconds within a 24-hour window |
| Listen | Counts every time someone presses play, regardless of how long they listen |
- 1 download = the first time a listener crosses 60 seconds of listening
- Listens increase every time playback starts (even repeated plays)
Why can downloads be higher than listens?
Although it seems logical that every download should have a listen recorded first, podcast platforms do not report data in the same format.
Some platforms:
- Send only the 60-second qualified event
→ counts as a download, but no separate “listen” event is reported - Therefore, the dashboard records a download without a corresponding listen
So even if 100 people listened to 60+ seconds, not all platforms will send "play" signals — only the 60-sec qualified signal — resulting in: 100 downloads but fewer listens
Example
If 100 listeners tune in and all listen for more than 60 seconds:
| Platform sends 60-sec signal only | Platform sends play + 60-sec signals |
|---|---|
| Download recorded | Download + listen recorded |
If most of your audience is on platforms like Apple Podcasts or JioSaavn, which often send only 60-sec qualified signals, the system receives:
- Download = Yes
- Listen = Not always reported
Hence, downloads > listens.
A download is triggered when someone listens past 60 seconds, but a listen is counted only when the platform sends a play event — and not all platforms do. That’s why downloads can be higher than listens, and it’s completely normal.
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