Does anyone participate in the Apple Subscriptions? Our podcast offers a monthly bonus episode for $4.99/month. Right now we have 196 subscribers and the estimated monthly payment in Apple after their commission/fees is $861, yet the amount paid was around $430. I understand its just estimate, but basic math still tells me that seems REALLY low (196 * $4.99 = $978; I believe they take 35%, so that should leave me with ~$635). Am I wrong about them taking 35%? If you use it, are you surprised about how low your payments are? Thanks in advance!

IF you aren't aware, in May, Apple is launching a premium podcast subscription service which will cost podcasters $20 annually plus 30% of each subscription (for the first year and then 15% after that). This week spotify is also launching a premium subscription service on their platform and they are apparently charging $0 annually and 0% per subscription.

If spotify's announcement is legit, then this is great--unless you still sign up for apple's service. I repeat, do not sign up for Apple's subscription service (their app is super buggy right now anyways).

We need to send Apple a message that podcasters won't settle with giving away an enormous 30% share. (as a comparison, Patreon at most takes 12%).

If too many people rush to sign up for Apple's service, it will validate their model and pricing.

EDIT

Here's an update. Apparently Spotify's new free subscription feature is currently only available if your podcast is hosted on Anchor. However, they are working on Spotify Open Access Platform (OAP) (not available yet) which will allow podcasts hosted from other platforms to create a subscription model through Spotify, similar to how Apple will be offering, however I did not see any indication that this other platform will also be free. My guess is that it will not be free.

Source: https://pr-newsroom-wp.appspot.com/2021-04-27/spotify-ushers-in-new-era-of-podcast-monetization-with-new-tools-for-all-creators/