TWiT
TWiT is an independent, founder-owned podcast network founded in 2005 that produces and distributes approximately 19 audio and video technology podcasts — including This Week in Tech, Security Now, MacBreak Weekly, Windows Weekly, and Intelligent Machines — monetized through host-read advertising, a $10/month Club TWiT subscription, and branded merchandise.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2005
- HeadquartersPetaluma, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingDigital Commerce or Content
What TWiT does
TWiT.tv is an independent podcast network founded in 2005 by Leo Laporte and headquartered near Silicon Valley in Northern California. The company produces and distributes a portfolio of approximately 19 podcast shows spanning technology news, cybersecurity, Apple, Microsoft, Linux, AI, space, and home theater, with flagship programs including This Week in Tech, Security Now, MacBreak Weekly, Windows Weekly, and Intelligent Machines. Content is produced in both audio and video formats, syndicated via RSS to all major podcast directories (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, etc.), streamed live and on-demand from twit.tv, and published to dedicated YouTube channels per show.
TWiT operates a freemium commercial model. Free, ad-supported access across all major podcast platforms is monetized through host-read advertising aimed at a described highly engaged, affluent, tech-savvy audience. The premium tier, Club TWiT, is a recurring subscription at $10/month (full network, ad-free audio and video plus TWiT+ bonus feeds and members-only Discord) or $5/month (single podcast, ad-free), with a two-week free trial. A branded merchandise store provides an additional, smaller revenue stream.
The underlying technology stack is built on standard RSS-based syndication infrastructure for both audio and video, integrated with Discord via OAuth for community engagement and with Memberful for subscription billing. The company serves primarily tech enthusiasts, Apple users, enterprise IT professionals, and Linux users through a horizontal content segmentation, and explicitly positions itself as editorially independent with no corporate or external ownership influence. Headcount is reported in the 11–50 range; no parent company, subsidiaries, or external funding are disclosed.
TWiT firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- TWiT
- Legal name
- TWiT.tv
- Website
- https://TWiT.tv
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2005
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- TWiT is an independent, founder-owned podcast network founded in 2005 that produces and distributes approximately 19 audio and video technology podcasts — including This Week in Tech, Security Now, MacBreak Weekly, Windows Weekly, and Intelligent Machines — monetized through host-read advertising, a $10/month Club TWiT subscription, and branded merchandise.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
TWiT industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Podcast Network
- NAICS
- Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (51621), Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (516210), Radio and Television Broadcasting Stations (5161)
- SIC
- Radio Broadcasting Stations (4832)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Non-Interactive Digital Radio (Lean-Back Streaming) (MPAIACAB)
Keywords
Where TWiT is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Petaluma
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
TWiT business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Digital Commerce or Content
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Advertising: Host-read advertisements that connect advertisers with TWiT's highly engaged, affluent, tech-savvy audience. The company markets itself as offering standout host-read ads.
- Club TWiT Subscriptions: Monthly subscription at $10/month for full network ad-free access plus exclusive content and Discord community, or $5/month for individual podcast ad-free subscriptions.
- Merchandise Store: Sale of branded merchandise including shirts, hats and gear through the TWiT store.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Club TWiT - Full Network Premium |
| Subscription | Monthly | Individual Podcast Ad-Free |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
TWiT product offering
Product offeringCore offering
TWiT operates an independent podcast network producing and distributing technology-focused audio and video content across multiple platforms. The network comprises 15+ distinct branded shows covering tech news, security, Apple, Microsoft, Linux, AI, space, and home theater topics. Revenue is generated through host-read advertising on free content and a premium Club TWiT subscription tier offering ad-free access, exclusive bonus feeds, and a members-only Discord community.
Product overview
TWiT (This Week in Tech) is an independent podcast network specializing in technology content, founded by Leo Laporte in 2005 near Silicon Valley. The network operates as a platform of 19 distinct branded podcast shows covering tech news, security, Apple, Microsoft, Linux, AI, space, and home theater topics. The portfolio includes flagship programs like This Week in Tech and Security Now, subject-specific shows like MacBreak Weekly, Windows Weekly, and Intelligent Machines, and practical how-to podcasts including Hands-On Tech, iOS Today, Hands-On Apple, and Hands-On Windows. The premium tier (Club TWiT) offers ad-free listening and exclusive content. Content is distributed through major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, YouTube, and RSS feeds.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Club TWiT: Premium membership program offering ad-free podcasts, exclusive content, and access to a private Discord community.
- TWiT+
Products and services
- This Week in Tech Top-ranked flagship tech podcast from TWiT.tv, hosted by Leo Laporte every Sunday. Features a roundtable of insiders exploring the week's hottest tech news from AI to robots, and PCs to privacy.
- Security Now Weekly cybersecurity podcast hosted by Steve Gibson and Leo Laporte, breaking down the latest cybercrime and hacking stories and offering guidance on protecting yourself and your business.
- MacBreak Weekly Apple-focused podcast hosted by Leo Laporte, Andy Ihnatko, Jason Snell, and Christina Warren, analyzing the latest news from iPhones to Vision Pro and the broader Apple ecosystem.
- Windows Weekly Microsoft-focused podcast hosted by Paul Thurrott, Richard Campbell, and Leo Laporte, delivering commentary and discussion on Windows, Xbox, Office, Azure, and enterprise topics.
- Intelligent Machines AI-focused podcast hosted by Leo Laporte, Jeff Jarvis, and Paris Martineau, exploring the AI revolution and the intelligent future that awaits, separating real advances from hype.
- Tech News Weekly Tech news podcast hosted by Mikah Sargent featuring interviews from tech journalists who make or break the top stories of the week, providing an in-depth look at the fast-paced world of technology.
- Hands-On Tech How-to tech podcast hosted by Mikah Sargent, unpacking listener questions with expert analysis and easy-to-follow advice on gadgets and everyday technology.
- iOS Today Apple iOS-focused podcast hosted by Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard, covering iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, app reviews, tips, and tricks.
- This Week in Space Space exploration podcast hosted by Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik, covering the new space age, moon missions, Mars exploration, and broader cosmos-related topics.
- Home Theater Geeks Home theater audio and video podcast hosted by Scott Wilkinson, featuring product reviews, advances in A/V technology, and guidance on optimizing home theater systems.
- Hands-On Apple Apple-focused how-to podcast hosted by Mikah Sargent, exploring Mac, iPad, iPhone, and Apple Watch tips, tricks, apps, accessories, and OS updates.
- Hands-On Windows Windows-focused how-to podcast hosted by Paul Thurrott, helping users adapt to Windows 11 changes from visual tweaks to performance boosts.
- Untitled Linux Show Linux-focused podcast hosted by Jonathan Bennett, covering the week's hottest Linux news for desktop, gaming, and enterprise audiences.
- Total Leo Compilation feed of all Leo Laporte's audio and video releases across TWiT podcasts, allowing subscribers to follow all of his content via a single RSS feed.
- Total Mikah Compilation feed of all TWiT audio and video episodes featuring host Mikah Sargent, allowing subscribers to follow his appearances via a single RSS feed.
- Club TWiT Premium subscription membership offering ad-free audio and video feeds for all TWiT podcasts, TWiT+ bonus feeds, member-exclusive content, and access to a members-only Discord community. Priced at $10 per month for full network access or $5 per month for individual podcast ad-free access, with a free two-week trial.
- TWiT Merchandise Sale of branded TWiT merchandise including shirts, hats, and gear through the TWiT online store, available to fans and supporters of the network.
Companies that use TWiT
Customer profileSegments4 records
Ideal customer profiles1 record
TWiT technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
Feature3 records
TWiT partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- DiscordminorClub TWiT members receive access to a members-only Discord community server, integrating the premium membership with Discord's communication platform for community engagement and exclusive member interactions.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
TWiT competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Gimlet Media (Spotify): Tech-leaning narrative podcast network now owned by Spotify, producing shows like Reply All and Science Vs. Comparable as a multi-show podcast brand with subscription/ad mix, though broader in subject matter.
- TechCrunch (Yahoo / Apex): Major tech news outlet covering startups, product launches, and industry trends, with adjacent podcast programming. Comparable audience of tech-savvy readers and overlapping advertising categories.
- How I Built This (NPR / Gimlet): High-profile tech-and-business founder interview podcast distributed by NPR. Comparable audience demographic (affluent, professional, tech-adjacent) and host-read ad model.
- The Daily (New York Times): Flagship daily news podcast from a major publisher. Comparable as a high-engagement news podcast with host-driven advertising, though general-interest rather than tech-only.
- CNET (Red Ventures): Long-running consumer technology news, reviews, and now video/podcast property. Comparable in audience (tech enthusiasts) and monetization (advertising + commerce), though web-first rather than audio-first.
- Vox Media (The Verge, Recode): Multi-brand digital media company whose Verge and Recode properties cover technology with podcasts and video. Comparable as a tech-content destination with editorial depth and advertising reliance, though broader in scale.
Direct peers
- Relay FM: Independent technology-focused podcast network founded by Myke Hurley and Stephen Hackett, operating a multi-show lineup with a member-supported tier. Closest structural analogue to TWiT in scale, audience, and tech-only focus.
- Accidental Tech Podcast: Independent Apple-and-tech-leaning podcast by Marco Arment, John Siracusa, and Casey Liss. Comparable as a long-running, host-driven tech podcast with a loyal paying-member base and similar subject overlap to TWiT's MacBreak Weekly.
Emerging players
- Pinecast: Podcast hosting and monetization platform used by many independent networks. Relevant as infrastructure/ecosystem peer enabling the same subscription and ad model TWiT operates.
Others
- Memberful: Membership and subscription billing platform used by TWiT to run Club TWiT. Relevant as enabling infrastructure rather than a content competitor.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
TWiT social profiles
Digital presenceTWiT financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
TWiT leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
TWiT funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
TWiT M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about TWiT
What does TWiT do?
TWiT operates an independent podcast network producing and distributing technology-focused audio and video content across multiple platforms. The network comprises 15+ distinct branded shows covering tech news, security, Apple, Microsoft, Linux, AI, space, and home theater topics. Revenue is generated through host-read advertising on free content and a premium Club TWiT subscription tier offering ad-free access, exclusive bonus feeds, and a members-only Discord community.
Is TWiT a public or private company?
TWiT is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was TWiT founded?
TWiT was founded in 2005. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is TWiT based?
TWiT is headquartered in Petaluma, United States, in the North America region.
How does TWiT make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Advertising is the primary driver. The others are club TWiT Subscriptions and merchandise Store.
Who are TWiT's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Gimlet Media (Spotify), TechCrunch (Yahoo / Apex), How I Built This (NPR / Gimlet), The Daily (New York Times), CNET (Red Ventures) and Vox Media (The Verge, Recode). Direct peers are Relay FM and Accidental Tech Podcast. Pinecast is listed as an emerging player. Memberful is listed as an others.
Does TWiT have an API?
No public API is recorded for TWiT.
What industry is TWiT in?
TWiT's product category is Podcast Network. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAIACAB, Non-Interactive Digital Radio (Lean-Back Streaming). Its NAICS code is 51621 and its SIC code is 4832.