Deddy Corbuzier: Podcast Monetisation Is Not Just About YouTube
Presenter and podcaster Deddy Corbuzier believes creators should not rely solely on YouTube income when monetising podcasts. In his view, the main strength of a podcast lies in its ability to build audience trust and open up business opportunities.
Deddy said the number of viewers is not the only measure of a podcast’s success. A smaller but loyal audience that trusts the creator can have greater economic value.
“We must not think narrowly, ‘Oh, monetisation comes from YouTube money.’ YouTube money is very small,” Deddy said during the launch of the Indonesia Podcast Festival (IPF) 2026 in Jakarta on Thursday (20/8).
According to the founder of Close The Door, a podcast can be a medium for someone to introduce their knowledge, skills and character to the public. From there, opportunities can grow, ranging from brand partnerships, seminars and teaching to becoming a consultant.
Deddy gave the example of a podcaster with a particular expertise who may only have thousands of viewers. However, if those audience members are genuinely interested in the expertise, just one person can open up a job or business opportunity.
“If a thousand people watch and those thousand viewers are into him, I only need one person to hire him for something,” he said.
He also urged beginner creators not to lose motivation just because their viewer numbers are still in the hundreds.
“If the viewers are only 800 people, imagine gathering 800 people. That is crowded,” he said.
Deddy also encouraged people with specific professions and expertise, including journalists, to start building their own media.
“Create your own content. Create your own podcast one day. Because you have knowledge that other people may not have,” he said.
This view is one of the driving spirits behind the Indonesia Podcast Festival 2026. The national podcast festival, initiated by Close The Door together with Double Group, will be held as a roadshow in Makassar, Medan, Banjarmasin, Surabaya and Jakarta.
Makassar will be the first host city on 24–25 October 2026.
“The Indonesian Podcast Festival is a moment when the podcast world, which has so far only been heard, can finally be experienced and witnessed live. This is not just a festival, but a real meeting between creators and their listeners,” Deddy said.
IPF 2026 was conceived amid high podcast consumption in Indonesia. Based on a We Are Social report from February 2025, 42.6% of respondents in Indonesia regularly consume podcasts every week, higher than the global average of 22.1%.
However, the distribution of podcast creators is still considered uneven and heavily concentrated in Jakarta.
Founder of Double Group Ichal Tawil said Makassar was chosen as the starting point because the creator and listener ecosystem in eastern Indonesia is considered to have great potential for growth.
“Makassar was chosen as the first city because we believe the creator and listener ecosystem in eastern Indonesia is ready to have its own stage,” he said.
IPF 2026 carries the concept of One Stage & Infinity Story, bringing together national podcasters and local heroes. The festival will feature interactive talk shows, Blind Podcast, stand-up comedy and various community activities.
Founder of Top Coach Indonesia, Tom Mc Ifle, said IPF is designed not only as entertainment but also as an experience that brings together creators, listeners, MSMEs and local communities.
Going forward, IPF is expected to become a sustainable intellectual property that can expand the podcast ecosystem in various regions while encouraging the growth of the local creative economy.