How to Rank on Apple Podcasts Charts

Every podcaster dreams of reaching the top ranks on Apple Podcasts. But how can you achieve this? There's no definitive formula, and it will take time. Several factors influence podcast rankings. Fortunately, you're here, and we'll be exploring some of those factors to help you boost your podcast's rank.

What Is Apple Podcast Charts?

First, what is Apple Podcast Charts? Well, it is used by listeners to discover the most popular podcasts featured on the platform. Similar to Spotify Podcast Charts, Apple groups podcasts into different categories and features the top 200 results within each. Achieving a top rank can bring great success to your show. The goal is to secure a high-ranking spot in a category that best represents your podcast.

How Does Apple Podcast Charts Ranking Work?

Now that we know what Apple Podcast Charts is, how does it actually work? Like any charting system, various factors come into play. Although it’s similar to platforms like Spotify Podcast Charts, each will have a unique ranking system.

The exact algorithm for Apple's rankings is unknown, but many have studied it and identified key contributors. According to studies, the most important factor is the number of subscribers, specifically new subscribers within a certain period of time. A strong subscriber growth rate signals to Apple that many people are currently interested in your show, helping to boost your ranking.

In addition to subscribers, the number of listens is crucial. Listens refer to how often your episodes are played. This indicates how many people are actively engaging with your show rather than just subscribing without listening. Usually, the top-ranked podcasts will have the most listens.

On the topic of listeners, we want to consider engaged listeners. In specific, the completion rate. Those genuinely interested in your show will finish episodes instead of closing them early. This demonstrates that your content is compelling and keeps your audience engaged.

Of course, other factors such as downloads, ratings, reviews, and average consumption also influence rankings. It’s the combination of all these elements that will help you achieve a top rank. Now, let’s look at some specific tips to boost your ranking.

Tips to Improve Your Apple Podcast Ranking

1) Podcast Category

As previously mentioned, Apple ranks podcasts by category. So, you must pick a primary category for your show. While you can choose additional secondary categories, your primary is the one in which you will be ranked. Choose the category that best represents your show to ensure it reaches the right audience.

If you are unsure which category to pick, research your options. Consider the competition, which best aligns with your show, and which will be easier to rank in. Keep in mind that an oversaturated category can make it difficult to rank well. However, avoid straying too far from the category that truly suits your podcast.

2) Quality Content

Attracting someone to your show is one thing, but creating a loyal listener is another. A loyal listener becomes a subscriber and boosts your listens, ratings, downloads, and more. The quality of your content will ultimately sell your show. Factors such as the audio quality, the content itself, the format, and more contribute to the overall quality of your podcast.

To start, choosing the right equipment ensures clear audio, improved sound quality, and a better listening experience. Investing in the right equipment requires time and research.

The content you share is crucial as well. You need to understand your target audience and what they want to see. If you truly understand your audience, you can cater your topics to their needs thus creating compelling content they will enjoy.

Finally, the way you present your information shapes an engaging episode. Whether you use interview styles, storytelling techniques, or roundtable formats, these methods enhance the quality and professionalism of your content. Think about your audience, and what formats will be most appealing to them.

3) Cover Art

One of the first things people notice about your podcast is the cover art, so it needs to be eye-catching. Ensure it is simple and high-quality; avoid pixelated images. It should also be mobile-friendly and maintain clarity on smaller screens. The artwork should also clearly depict what your show will be about. Consider all the places your cover art will appear and ensure it looks good across all mediums. Your cover art is what will draw people in. From there, the content will establish a rating in the listeners mind.

4) SEO

Many people overlook the importance of SEO for a podcast, but it is just as crucial as it is for a website. If you want to grow your subscriber base and popularity, discoverability is key.

You want people to find your podcast when they search for words or topics related to your show. Ignoring SEO significantly impacts your podcast’s chances of being discovered through Google Search, which is one of the best ways to gain exposure for a show that people aren't yet aware of. Thus, you need to consider SEO for your podcast’s title, description, artwork, and more.

As an example, you most likely found this article via Google organically - proof that SEO works! We're a specialized B2B podcasting company dedicated to creating and managing podcasts that not only resonate with your audience but also get noticed. If you are part of a medium or large business and want to partner with us, you can learn more about how you can use B2B podcasting to elevate your brand, generate valuable content, and drive revenue growth here.

5) Ratings and Reviews

Just like with anything we buy, use, or watch, we often check reviews. Ratings and reviews give us an idea of how good a podcast will be. A show with poor ratings and reviews will likely deter potential listeners, while good reviews and ratings will attract them.

It can be difficult to collect enough reviews when you are just starting. That is why many will consider incentives to encourage listeners to leave ratings and reviews. Consider doing a giveaway or offering a freebie. Additionally, make it easy for your listeners to leave a review by reminding them during your episodes and providing direct links to the review section.

6) Social Media

Social media is a fantastic marketing tool. Social media will allow you to connect with your audience through replying to comments, sharing stories, posting sneak peeks and much more. Through this, you can have genuine conversations and build a loyal listener base. It’s also a great way of establishing a brand for yourself and your expertise within your podcast category.

A strong social media presence can help you to gain exposure ultimately driving new listeners to your podcast. You can even reach out to influencers to help promote your podcast as well. For example, if you have a cooking podcast, you should collaborate with a cooking influencer. You need to be thoughtful in how you craft your social media strategy. Consider your audience and how they use social media to interact. You can also share exclusive content, host giveaways, and more.

7) Monitor Progress

Even after all these steps, you still need to monitor your progress. Looking at your podcast analytics will highlight areas that may need adjustments. This enables you to make improvements and potentially enhance your ranking even more. Apple provides a tool called Podcast Connect where you can submit your show to Apple Podcasts. This tool offers analytics and data on your episode performance allowing you to pinpoint potential impediments to your ranking.

8) Consistency

With all this in mind, remember to stay consistent. Building a successful podcast requires time and dedication. Keep producing high-quality content, engaging with your audience, and optimizing your show's performance. It’s an ongoing process but if you stick with it, you will see results over time.

Conclusion

While we may never fully understand Apple's ranking algorithm, we've painted a clear picture above based on our insights. You have worked hard and made it this far. After following these steps, you’ll be climbing those charts in no time.

Written by Kaitlin Duong

-

Jony Studios is a client-focused media production studio offering audio/video production, B2B podcasting, and audiobook services. They have worked with a wide range of clients from small businesses to larger organizations such as Penguin Random House, Amazon, University of Waterloo, Freakonomics Radio and many others.

How to Plan a Podcast

Podcasts have become a go-to source for entertainment, education, social news, relaxation, and much more. Many individuals are entering the podcast industry to capitalize on its popularity. A successful podcast can serve as a great marketing tool, boosting exposure for you or your brand.

However, starting a podcast can be a comprehensive task. It involves numerous tasks such as selecting a topic, creating content, choosing the right equipment, and much more. This process can be overwhelming and of course, you want to ensure a successful podcast. That is why conducting research in advance can assist in your podcast planning. Below, we have assembled 10 steps to help you plan your podcast.

1) Pick a Topic

The first step in planning a podcast is knowing what to talk about. What is your podcast topic? Business, fashion, lifestyle, inspiration, or something else entirely? There are so many topics that you can pick from. So, how do you pick the right one?

Choosing the right topic begins with your personal interests. If you're not passionate about your podcast topic, conversations may feel forced, and you could lose motivation. Selecting a topic you are experienced in or passionate about will lead to naturally flowing episodes and genuine interest from you, the host. For instance, a chef might create a cooking podcast, while a makeup artist may focus on the beauty industry.

Once you have decided on a podcast topic, you must pick your podcast category. The category helps make your show easily searchable on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Typically, you can pick a primary category and additional secondary categories. Make sure to choose the category that best represents your show to attract the right audience. For example, if you have a podcast about entrepreneurship, you would fall into the “Business” category with entrepreneurship being the subcategory. Once you identify your category, you can research the space and see what other shows are available.

After researching other shows in your category, take note of what works well and what doesn’t. Top-charting podcasts will provide insights into successful elements you can incorporate into your show. You also want to note what unique aspects you can incorporate to help you stand out. Find the gaps in the market, and identify how you can fill them.

2) Identify a Target Audience

Now that you know your podcast topic, it’s time to determine who is going to listen to your podcast. This would be your target audience. While it would be great if everyone listened to your podcast, that's not a realistic goal. Instead, you need to outline a clear audience that will be interested in your topic. This will allow you to better understand your audience and cater to their preferences. Your audience will include those who are genuinely interested in and excited by your podcast. While you may have secondary markets or listeners outside your niche, your main focus will be on your target audience. It’s crucial to identify the needs of your audience. What are they looking for when they listen to your podcast? If you can try to get into the minds of your audience, you can identify what content they are seeking from you.

As you identify your target audience, it might help to create something similar to a buyer persona. You can outline key information such as their demographics and psychographics. Information on their age, gender, location, values, lifestyle, etc. will give you key insights on how to better engage and resonate with your audience. It will be tough to accurately identify these traits in the planning stage. At this point, the goal is to identify who your ideal market would be. Of course, adjustments will be made to the persona once you launch your podcast and have analytics and data to work with.

Keep in mind that your audience may evolve over time. You can expand your reach and adapt your approach to better serve their needs as you go.

3) Organize the Podcast Elements

The next step is to figure out the details surrounding your podcast name, description, format, and more. We will outline all these elements below.

One of the first steps should be choosing a podcast name. The name should be short and sweet while easily conveying the podcast topic. You don’t want people to be confused when reading your podcast name as that will be the first thing they see. The name needs to be clear enough that it encourages the individual to learn more about your show. The name should accurately reflect the tone and topics that will appear throughout your podcast. Although you want it to be descriptive, ensure it is short as that will make it memorable. A clear and concise name will also improve the searchability of your podcast.

Another important aspect is the description. The description will go into detail on what your show is about. Once the name catches the person’s interest, the description will give them the final push toward listening to your podcast. The description should be clear and concise while piquing the interest of the potential listener. You need to highlight what sets you apart and why someone should listen to you. Ensure you are using keywords that a listener might search for. This will help with your discoverability.

As with any podcast, consistency is key. Some podcasts will become well known for the format they follow in each episode. It’s okay to change it up now and then, but consistency will help improve your show's brand identity. Some podcast formats include interviews, round-tables, solo-hosts, and much more. In addition to format, you need to decide your episode length. Of course, this won’t be the same for every episode, but it should be relatively consistent so listeners know what to expect.

Finally, you need a consistent schedule. Many podcasts are released on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly schedule. You should stick to a schedule so that listeners know exactly when to expect a new episode.

4) Get the Necessary Equipment

Now that you have worked out the logistics of your podcast, it’s time to get the necessary equipment. Choosing equipment can be hard if you are unfamiliar with what’s available. It’s important to conduct sufficient research to pick the right equipment for you. You can also consult a podcast service to provide suggestions and aid you in the entire production and marketing process. When starting, you might not want to invest heavily in equipment. Begin with the basics, and remember you can upgrade later.

Your equipment choices should be based on your preferences, needs, and budget. The most basic equipment you will need to start is a microphone, headphones, and recording software. High-quality equipment is very important as audio quality plays an important role in the success of your podcast as it contributes to the listener experience.

5) Develop Podcast Ideas

It is very easy to run out of ideas when it comes to a podcast. That is why strategic podcast planning is vital. Ensure you map out each episode in advance so you know what you will be talking about. Even go into the specifics of the guests, introduction and conclusion, and questions to be asked. Having an editorial schedule will help to keep you organized and take off the pressure of coming up with ideas each week. A great tip would be to film podcast episodes in advance. Always have a couple ready to go so you’re not scrambling to release content.

6) Create an intro, Outro, and Trailer

As you plan your podcast, it’s crucial to start promoting and building interest in your show. As with movies, a trailer is a great way to entice potential listeners. A podcast trailer is an audio clip that outlines important elements such as the name of your show, what it’s about, who the host is, why people should tune in, and where people can find you. These elements are very important as they will compel people to listen to your podcast and give them a clear call to action.

You also need to map out your intro and outro, you can learn how to create a podcast intro and outro in more detail here. As we previously discussed, consistency is key. A consistent format for the intro and outro will build your brand identity and become a familiar touchpoint for loyal listeners. The intro should be short and sweet while providing an outline for the episode. The outro should thank your listeners, include a call to action, and have a compelling closing statement.

7) Record and Edit Episodes

At this point, you want to start recording your podcast episodes. You need equipment which should be purchased by now as well as recording software. What software you choose will depend on your needs and budget. To ensure a well-recorded episode, you should have some form of a script. It doesn’t need to be word for word but should include talking points to improve the flow of the episode. High-quality equipment will of course improve the audio quality. In addition, having a quiet, well-lit area will improve the listener experience. Make sure to test the equipment in advance to work out any kinks. It might take a couple of tries before you perfect the recording process.

Once your episode is recorded, you are in post-production. This is where you edit the episode, add music, and much more. There are a variety of free and paid editing software available. If you are not comfortable with the recording or editing process, you can always consider outsourcing to a podcast production service.

8) Pick a Hosting Platform

A hosting platform is where you can upload your podcast episodes. Using this platform, your podcast will become accessible to listeners through other directories. There are many different hosting platforms to choose from. Do the research and find the one that best suits your needs.

9) Develop a Promotional Plan

Now that you have everything ready, you need to create a promotional plan. Without a marketing strategy, your podcast may not gain exposure. There are multiple aspects to any marketing plan.

First, social media is a major outlet in today’s society. Social platforms like TikTok and Instagram will allow you to share small clips of your podcast to evoke interest. You want to be mindful when choosing social platforms. If you have a business podcast, LinkedIn will be a top platform to use.

An email list is another great way to promote your podcast. If you already have a following or an email list, you can promote your podcast through your newsletter. If you need to collect emails, you will need lead magnets to build your email list. You could offer exclusive content or early access to your podcast episode. This lead magnet can be featured on your website.

As we just mentioned, a website is another marketing outlet. Your website could provide viewers with more information on who you are. Being able to learn about the host of a podcast will allow listeners to build a stronger connection. The website can reinforce your branding and feature more content such as podcast transcripts.

You can also work with other influencers and podcasters to promote your show while tapping into their markets. They could be featured as a guest or simply promote your show on their socials.

A final tip, stay active online. Find new ways to interact with your audience and build a genuine connection with them. The more you connect with your audience, the more engaged they will be with your show. You can also establish your expertise in your podcast topic by answering questions and sparking conversations.

10) Release Your Episodes and Monitor Performance

Now that you’ve completed the planning stages, it’s time to launch your podcast. Your first episode will set the tone for the rest of your show. It’s crucial to monitor your analytics to identify what is working and what is not. Based on this data, make necessary adjustments to your content, style, marketing, etc. On top of monitoring your own performance, compare it to those within your podcast category. This will allow you to identify which podcasts are your biggest competition and how you can stand out.

Conclusion

Now that we have outlined these 10 steps, it’s time for you to start planning your podcast. Of course, planning a podcast is much more in-depth than just following 10 steps but this is a great starting point. Remember to keep listening to your audience, monitoring your performance, and making adjustments as you go. A podcast is a learning process and will never be easy but dedication will make all the difference. What will your new podcast be about?

Written by Kaitlin Duong

-

Jony Studios is a client-focused media production studio offering audio/video production, B2B podcasting, and audiobook services. They have worked with a wide range of clients from small businesses to larger organizations such as Penguin Random House, Amazon, University of Waterloo, Freakonomics Radio and many others.

How to Rank on Spotify Podcast Charts

Podcasts have surged in popularity recently, with many people tuning in and creating their own shows. Podcasts serve as an outlet for expression, creativity, promotion and more. A successful podcast can enhance your personal or brand reputation. However, with the overwhelming number of podcasts available, it can be difficult to stand out. The obvious answer is to be a top-ranking podcast which will help with discovery when it comes to new listeners. The question is, how do you achieve a top rank for your podcast?

Podcast rankings are influenced by a variety of factors including the number of downloads, subscribers, engagement, etc. All of these are further impacted by things such as content quality, consistency, promotion, and much more. A high podcast ranking is important as it increases exposure and visibility allowing your content to have a larger impact.

What Is Spotify Podcast Charts and How Does it Work?

Spotify Podcast Charts is a ranking system developed by Spotify for all podcasts available on their platform. They use a proprietary algorithm to determine the rankings. The podcast charts are divided into various categories based on country and genre. Ranking at the top of all these lists is not a realistic goal. Instead, aim to secure a top rank in a couple of lists such as those related to your genre or country. Even this will be a challenging endeavour.

Spotify’s algorithm is based on popularity. They will use their in-app data to determine which podcasts are listened to the most by unique listeners. This means you need to gain more followers and unique listeners, increase downloads, and much more. It’s important to get Spotify users to listen to and download newly published episodes to boost day-of listens which can help get individual episodes on a trending list. Overall, regardless of the platform, podcast rank comes down to reviews, subscription growth, downloads and plays, and social media shares.

Tips to Increase Your Podcat Rank

Now that we have a general idea of how Spotify Podcast Charts works, we will dive into some tips to help your podcast rank.

1) Choose A Category

This may seem simple but it is a very important step. You must choose a category that best represents your show. Your content might fall into multiple categories, and you can list secondary categories but you can only choose one primary. This primary category should accurately match your content. You should try to pick one that is less crowded as this can help with your chances of achieving a top rank.

Ensuring the right category will also make it easier for new listeners to find your podcast when searching. This can also help Spotify correctly identify your genre and push your podcast to the top of the respective charts.

2) Create Quality Content

Having high-quality content is always the first step to creating an engaging podcast. Quality content will allow you to establish a loyal audience while attracting new listeners.

There are a few things you can do to enhance the quality of your show. What is the niche or topic of your podcast? Is the content interesting or offering something unique to your audience? This will help to attract an audience that is particularly interested in your subject matter. Ensure you stay up to date on insights regarding your niche. Now that you have an interesting topic, the way you convey this information will contribute to the quality of your content. Using storytelling techniques can help to make your content more relatable and engaging.

To top it all off, great sound quality and production will enhance the quality. Take the time to find the right equipment to ensure you have great-sounding content. If you can ensure your content is of high quality, engaging, and memorable, listeners will be more likely to tune in and continue listening.

3) Consistency

Developing a publishing schedule to ensure consistent content can help to boost your show’s performance. Regular content will help to establish a loyal audience that will tune in weekly or monthly. Make sure you post on the same day at the same time so listeners know when to expect your next release.

Regular content helps to establish your show as a professional podcast and can attract new listeners helping to boost your show to the top of the charts. Developing a content calendar is key as it allows you to be well-prepared for releases. You can also consider recording multiple episodes in one session so you have content ready to go. This can help to save time and allow you to work on other things while having content on hand to release.

Also, if your business/organization doesn’t have the time to create a podcast content strategy, you can hire an experienced podcast production partner who can help with the entire process. This includes finding ideal clients to feature as podcast guests on your show, as well as building an audience within your target customer niche. They provide support in hosting, managing, and crafting SEO-optimized written, audio, and video content for every episode, all designed to help grow your B2B business.

4) Podcast SEO

We all understand the importance of SEO for websites, and the same principles apply to podcasts. If your podcast is new, it can be challenging for people to discover it if it hasn't yet made it to the top charts. That is why podcast SEO is crucial as it helps with discoverability.

Elements such as your podcast title, description, category, and cover art all contribute to the discoverability of your podcast. You want to ensure you use relevant keywords, keep it clear and concise, use detailed descriptions, appropriate tags, and much more. Taking the time to craft this will improve the chances of someone stumbling upon your podcast when searching for a related topic. This will act as a stream for new listeners. If you can drive more traffic to your podcast, this will enhance its popularity and thus its rank on the Spotify Charts.

5) Ratings and Reviews

No matter what you buy or use, you are likely to check reviews first. Something with a good review will make you much more likely to give it a try. This applies to podcasts as well. If your viewers leave ratings and reviews on your show, it will enhance your credibility and discoverability thus encouraging more listeners to give it a chance.

To collect ratings and reviews, make sure to include a call to action in your episodes to remind listeners to do so. You can also provide incentives such as exclusive content to encourage listeners to leave reviews. Once you have collected these reviews, it’s important to interact with them. This shows your listeners that you are engaged with them which can help to create a loyal audience and boost your ranking.

6) Social Media Promotion

New listeners can come from many sources, so it’s crucial you utilize various outlets for promotion. Social media acts as an effective tool for promotion as it can entice viewers through the content posted.

Platforms like TikTok and Instagram will allow you to post shareable content from your podcasts such as engaging clips to hook the viewer. You can also use social media to engage with those in your podcast niche. Interacting with these individuals through social media platforms will allow you to develop connections, engage in conversations, and promote your podcast. You can also collaborate with other podcasters or influencers with a larger reach to connect with a broader audience.

Social media will allow you to increase the traffic to your podcast if used correctly. Once interest is generated, the quality content you have created will hopefully create a loyal listener.

7) Analytics

As with any strategy, it’s important to track analytics to see what works and what doesn’t. You can check your analytics in the Spotify app.

You can collect a lot of information including who your listeners are, which episodes perform better, listener duration, listener patterns and behaviour, and much more. This will help to inform the core audience you should engage with, the most effective content strategy, the best days to post, etc. Analytics can be key to averting a downfall in your podcast and guide what to improve.

8) Check the Charts

This may seem obvious but you need to check the charts on Spotify. This is how you will know where you rank. Beyond seeing your rank, it can also show you where your competitors rank. It’s a good idea to tune into other high-ranking podcasts to identify effective trends. You can utilize this information to improve your podcast content and strategy.

Conclusion

Creating a podcast is a complex process in itself but having a top-ranked podcast requires a well-crafted strategy. Don’t be discouraged if it takes time for your podcast to reach the top of the charts. It will require patience and adjustment as you go along. With the right passion, strategy, and content, you will be well on your way to making it to the top.

Written by Kaitlin Duong

-

Jony Studios is a client-focused media production studio offering audio/video production, B2B podcasting, and audiobook services. They have worked with a wide range of clients from small businesses to larger organizations such as Penguin Random House, Amazon, University of Waterloo, Freakonomics Radio and many others.