Understanding Podcast Rankings and Charts
Podcast charts and rankings can drive significant new listeners to your show. Understanding how they work helps you make the most of this discovery opportunity.
How Podcast Charts Work
Apple Podcasts Charts
Apple's charts are the most influential in podcasting. They're based on:
- New subscriptions (heavily weighted)
- Engagement (plays, completions)
- Recency of activity
- Velocity of growth (trending matters)
Charts update multiple times daily and are highly volatile. A new show can chart quickly with concentrated launch activity.
Spotify Charts
Spotify uses different metrics:
- Total streams
- Unique listeners
- Follow activity
- Regional listening patterns
Spotify charts are more stable and favor established shows with consistent audiences.
Types of Charts
Top Charts
Overall most popular shows—extremely competitive and dominated by major media companies.
Category Charts
Podcasts ranked within specific categories. Much more achievable:
- Top 100 in Technology
- Top 50 in Business > Entrepreneurship
- Top 20 in Education > Self-Improvement
Trending Charts
Shows with rapid recent growth. Great opportunity for new podcasts with strong launches.
Improving Your Rankings
Optimize Your Launch
- Launch with 3+ episodes available
- Coordinate a launch day push
- Ask listeners to subscribe/follow AND play episodes
Maintain Momentum
- Release consistently on schedule
- Encourage subscriptions with calls to action
- Cross-promote with other podcasters
Focus on building a loyal audience rather than chasing rankings. A smaller, engaged audience is more valuable than a fleeting chart position.