What is a podcast production agreement?
A podcast production agreement is the contract between a podcast editor, producer or studio and the host or company behind a show. Ongoing production works best when the rhythm is written down: how many episodes a month, how fast edits come back after raw files arrive, how many rounds of changes are included and when an episode counts as approved.
This template sets the episodes per month and typical length, the per-episode service list (pre-filled with editing, sound clean-up, intro and outro, mastering, show notes and upload), who records, turnaround in business days and revision rounds. It makes the client responsible for content and guest consent, requires properly licensed music, keeps hosting and platform accounts in the client's name, gives the client ownership of finished episodes once paid, and covers monthly or per-episode fees, an optional launch fee, notice to end and confidentiality of unreleased episodes.
- Best for
- Podcast editors, producers, studios and agencies
- Signed by
- The producer and the show's owner
- Pricing
- Per month or per episode, plus an optional launch fee
- Length
- About 2 pages, initialled on every page
When to Use a podcast production agreement
- A weekly interview show edited from the host's raw files
- A company podcast with remote recording and full production
- Launching a new show with intro music, artwork and platform setup
- Video podcast editing for YouTube alongside audio
- A limited series recorded in the producer's studio
What You Fill In
19 blanks, then the name and email of each person who signs: producer, client.
1 The parties
- Producer (your business)*
- Your email*
- Client*
- Client email*
2 The show
- Podcast name*
- Start date*
- Episodes per month*
- Typical finished episode length
3 The service
- Services per episode*
- Recording* The Client records and sends raw files · The Producer records remotely with the Client and guests · The Producer records in its studio
- Turnaround (business days from raw files)*
- Revision rounds per episode*
4 Fees
- Currency*
- Fee*
- The fee is* per month · per episode
- One-off setup or launch fee
- Payment is due* monthly in advance · within 14 days of each invoice · within 30 days of each invoice
5 Term
- Notice to end (days)*
- Governing law*
6 Who signs
- Producer signature and date, job title, initials on every page · The podcast producer, editor or production company.
- Client signature and date, job title, initials on every page · The show's owner — the host or the company behind the podcast.
What the podcast production agreement Covers
- The service
- Turnaround and revisions
- Content, guests and music
- Accounts and access
- Ownership
- Fees and payment
- Term and ending the agreement
- General
Using the podcast production agreement, step by step
1 Name the show
Enter the podcast name, start date, episodes per month and typical finished length.
2 Define the service
Edit the pre-filled per-episode service list, choose who records, and set the turnaround and revision rounds.
3 Set the fees
Enter the fee per month or per episode, any launch fee and the payment terms.
4 Agree notice and send
Set the notice period to end the agreement and the governing law, then send it to the client.
Tips Before You Send It
- Ask the client to get a simple recording release from guests — the contract puts guest consent on them.
- Keep a list of the music licences you've bought for the show; they pass to the client.
- Never let the client set up hosting in your name — the contract keeps accounts in theirs, which makes any handover painless.
- Share a short recording guide; better raw audio shortens your turnaround.
Sign It Online In Minutes
- Fill in the blanks. Names, dates and amounts go straight into the agreement — the preview shows exactly where.
- Name who signs. Tick “This is me” for your own part. VergeHR builds the PDF with every signature, date and initials box on the right line, and you can check or move anything before sending.
- Send it. Each signer gets a secure link and signs from any device — no account needed. The signed PDF, with an audit trail and a Certificate of Completion, is filed in Files and emailed to everyone.
Podcast production agreement: frequently asked questions
Who owns the podcast episodes?
Once an episode is paid for, the client owns the finished episode and the raw recordings they supplied. The producer keeps its templates and tools, and gives the client a lasting licence to use any of them included in the episodes.
Who is responsible for what guests say?
The client is responsible for the show's content, including hosts' and guests' statements, and for guests' permission to record and publish. The producer may flag risky material but doesn't give legal advice.
When is an episode approved?
When the client says so, or if they don't ask for changes within 5 business days of delivery. Changes beyond the included revision rounds are charged hourly.
Is this agreement free?
Yes. It's free to use with VergeHR eSignature, and the client signs from an emailed link without an account.