Podcast Rankings: How to Boost Visibility on Spotify & Apple Podcasts
- Sam Hajighasem
- Apr 29
- 5 min read
If you're serious about podcast growth, mastering podcast rankings on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts is essential. With millions of podcasts competing for attention, increasing your podcast’s visibility on listening apps can determine whether your show thrives—or gets buried. Ranking high means more exposure, a bigger audience, and greater chances of monetization.
In this article, we’ll break down how podcast rankings actually work, the most important charts to focus on, and six proven strategies to increase your discoverability on listening platforms in 2025.
Why Podcast Rankings Matter More Than Ever in 2025
The podcast listening landscape has evolved. According to Cumulus Media, podcasting platforms are now the #1 space for content discovery, and high podcast rankings on Spotify and Apple Podcasts act as organic growth signals. Here’s why it’s worth investing in your spot on the charts.
Increased Visibility and Discoverability
Top podcast charts are prime real estate. Ranking well on Spotify or Apple means you’re placed in front of thousands—even millions—of potential listeners who frequently browse trending shows.
Credibility and Social Proof
Good rankings imply quality. Listeners often use charts to gauge what’s worth their time. Being featured can automatically boost your credibility, acting as implicit endorsement from the platform.
Monetization Opportunities
Sponsors associate podcast rankings with reach and credibility. Popular shows command higher ad rates and open up avenues such as merchandise sales, subscription models, and premium content.
Understanding Spotify and Apple Podcast Rankings
Before jumping into optimization strategies, it's crucial to understand how rankings work on major platforms.
Spotify Podcast Rankings Breakdown
Spotify updates its podcast rankings daily. Key lists include:
- Top Podcasts: Based on recent listener counts and follow rates
- Top Episodes: Trends from the last 24–48 hours
- Trending Podcasts: Fastest-growing shows
- Top by Category: Based on genre-specific popularity
Apple Podcast Rankings Breakdown
Apple Podcasts features multiple lists that update dynamically:
- Top Shows / Top Episodes: Overall listenership and engagement
- New and Noteworthy: Editorially curated; major discoverability boost
- Top Subscriber Channels: Monetized podcasts with high engagement
Don’t Forget Chartable
Chartable tracks rankings across listening platforms, making it a go-to tool for understanding podcast SEO and cross-platform performance. It also powers the 'Trending' and 'Top 200' leaderboards used widely by creators.
6 Proven Ways to Increase Podcast Visibility on Spotify & Apple Podcasts
1. Create High-Quality Audio Content
Your content is your greatest asset. In 2024, Spotify reported that 67% of listeners stop listening to shows with poor audio quality. Clean sound, logical structure, and compelling storytelling improve retention, a key ranking factor.
Quill Tip: Invest in a microphone like the Samson Q2U or Audio-Technica ATR2100x and refine your production process with editing tools like Descript or Audacity.
2. Optimize Your Podcast Metadata for PSO (Podcast Search Optimization)
Treat your show page like an SEO landing page:
- Podcast Title: Include focus keywords like "finance for beginners" or "daily tech news"
- Episode Titles: Hook listeners and search algorithms by answering questions (e.g., "How to Start a Business with $100")
- Descriptions: Use strategic keywords like "podcast marketing" and "increase podcast visibility on listening apps"
3. Choose the Right Category Tags
Choosing the right podcast niche and category can drastically improve your exposure. Most charts are category-specific, and proper tagging helps you stand out in your genre.
Example: A comedy show won't perform well in "Society & Culture." Tagging accurately ensures relevancy and reach.
4. Design Eye-Catching Cover Art
Listeners often judge a podcast by its cover. Stick to these best practices:
- Use bold text and high contrast colors
- Stick to a 3000x3000 pixel image format
- Keep it readable even as a thumbnail
Quill Tip: Use tools like Canva or Adobe Express to experiment with designs tailored for podcast apps.
5. Ask for Ratings and Reviews Strategically
While not a direct ranking factor, reviews offer social proof that drives engagement. Podcasts with 11+ reviews outrank 75% of all shows.
Action Tip: Ask listeners at the end of each episode to leave a review, or incentivize reviews using giveaways or shoutouts.
6. Maintain Release Consistency
Consistency is one of the strongest indicators of podcast health. Podfade—a term for abandoned shows—is a huge problem, with 1 in 5 podcasts affected. Creating episode calendars, batch recording sessions, and automating workflows using platforms like Ausha can help reduce this risk.
Quill Tip: Can't manage weekly rollouts? Consider biweekly drops or well-structured seasons instead.
Bonus: More Ways to Boost Discoverability Off-Platform
Leverage Social Media for Podcasting
Podcast discoverability isn’t limited to apps. According to CSA X Havas Paris, 42% of podcast listeners find new shows via social media.
Tips:
- Instagram: Post audio snippets with waveform animations
- LinkedIn: Share takeaways for B2B audiences
- Facebook: Use podcast group communities
- Twitter/X: Run live threads during episode drops
Quill Tip: Schedule posts with platforms like Ausha’s Social Media Manager to automate outreach.
Learn how businesses are using podcasting and content marketing together for massive growth here.
Cross-Promote with Other Podcasters
Find creators with similar audiences and offer value-packed collaborations:
- Guest segments
- Trailer swaps
- Shared social media shout-outs
Cross-promotion increases reach, improves reputation, and introduces your show to validated audiences.
Use YouTube to Expand Visibility
YouTube is now the top podcast discovery tool, especially among Gen Z. Even if your podcast is audio-only, use tools like Headliner to convert episodes into wavescrolling video content with captions.
Bonus Tip: Add longtail keywords like "how to increase podcast visibility 2025" into your video titles and descriptions.
FAQs About Ranking on Podcast Apps
What are the best podcast ranking strategies?
Focus on holistic growth—content quality, PSO techniques, cross-promotion, and consistent publishing. Diversify your discovery points beyond Apple and Spotify.
How do podcast reviews and ratings impact discoverability?
They're not primary ranking factors but add authority and attract more organic listens, indirectly contributing to growth.
How does podcast metadata help with podcast SEO?
Using keywords in titles and descriptions helps algorithms surface your content to relevant users.
What’s more important: followers or plays?
Both matter. Follows show recurring interest, while plays contribute to trending charts. Spotify considers follower growth as a ranking signal.
Do video podcasts rank better?
Video format isn’t required to rank, but promotional videos help attract listens across alternative platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
Conclusion:
Mastering podcast rankings on Spotify and Apple Podcasts doesn’t require a massive ad budget or celebrity guests—it requires strategic execution. From optimizing metadata to maintaining a consistent release cycle, each tactic helps increase your podcast’s visibility on listening apps.
By applying these methods, you'll not only grow your rank but build a loyal, engaged audience ready to support your message.
For more help, check out our full guides on podcast marketing strategy and discoverability—or reach out to Quill’s team of audio growth specialists for tailored support.
Now, go give your podcast the attention it deserves! If you're ready to increase podcast visibility on listening apps and climb Spotify and Apple Podcast rankings, we offer personalized strategies built for creators who want authentic, measurable podcast growth.
