University of Kwazulu-Natal

How To Rank Higher On Apple Podcasts Data Backed Guide

Bonisiwe Shabane
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how to rank higher on apple podcasts data backed guide

I’ve been going to podcast conferences for over a decade, and nearly every one has a session on podcast SEO or ranking higher in the charts. I’ve always been skeptical of these sessions because, while traditional SEO is well-studied, there hasn’t been much research into how podcast rankings work. That uncertainty opened the door for people to claim they’d “cracked the code” and sell their secrets, most of which turned out to be snake oil. Now, we’re finally getting credible insights into the Apple Podcasts algorithm, with real case studies, anecdotes, and documentation from Apple shedding light on how the system really works. When people talk about “podcast SEO,” they’re usually describing two very different things. Sometimes they mean podcast app optimization, where you try to rank higher inside Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other listening apps.

Other times, they’re talking about traditional SEO for your podcast website, where you’re trying to rank in Google. In the rapidly evolving podcast landscape of 2025, creating great audio content is just the start. The real challenge for podcasters today lies in growing discoverability amid millions of competing shows. This is where podcast SEO—optimizing your show to rank better in search results on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Google—becomes essential. Understanding Apple Podcasts’ algorithm and blending it with classic SEO techniques can exponentially increase your audience reach. This guide distills the latest data-backed insights and practical strategies from industry experts, including Buzzsprout’s deep dive into Apple Podcasts ranking factors and complementary SEO best practices.

Podcast SEO refers to tactics that improve the visibility of your podcast in podcast apps’ search results (like Apple Podcasts, Spotify) and in traditional search engines (Google, Bing). While related, these two domains operate differently: Focusing on Apple Podcasts SEO is crucial because about 70% of listeners discover shows through search within apps. With Apple Podcasts’ algorithm now better understood (popularity, metadata, and user behavior), you can tailor your approach to rank higher and reach ideal audiences. According to Apple’s own disclosures and independent analysis by experts like Alban Brooke at Buzzsprout, three main factors determine podcast search rankings: Unlock Discoverability, Dominate Charts, and Grow Your Audience

In today’s saturated podcasting landscape—with over 5 million podcasts and 70 million episodes available—getting discovered is harder than ever. You could have the most compelling content, the crispest audio, and the most charismatic host, but if no one can find you, your podcast will remain a hidden gem collecting digital dust. That’s where ranking on Apple Podcasts and Spotify comes in. Apple Podcasts and Spotify aren’t just listening platforms—they’re discovery engines. Millions of listeners browse charts, search by topic, and scroll through curated categories every day. A high ranking doesn’t just mean visibility; it means credibility, momentum, and exponential growth.

When your podcast appears in “Top Charts” or “New & Noteworthy,” you’re instantly validated in the eyes of potential listeners. There’s no magic button. No secret handshake. Just strategy, consistency, and optimization. In this 2,000-word guide, we’ll reveal the proven tactics to rank your podcast higher on Apple Podcasts and Spotify—covering everything from SEO-rich titles to leveraging early downloads, cross-promotions, and category optimization. Achieving a place high up on the coveted Apple Podcasts Charts is something every aspiring podcaster wants.

Ranking on Apple Podcasts Charts doesn’t need to feel impossible – Apple’s ranking factors are based on real, measurable metrics. Let’s dive into what those metrics are and review best practices to boost your own rankings. Apple Podcasts Charts, aka iTunes charts, are used by listeners to explore the most popular podcasts and episodes. There are charts by category (what Apple calls “market”) that showcase the top 200 results within each of those categories. Start your podcast with all the features you need. AI-Enhanced Audio Quality and Content Generation.

Repurpose your blog into an engaging podcast. Convert YouTube playlists to podcasts, videos to audios. Join Ads Marketplace to earn through podcast sponsorships. {{(blog10_fetch_all_live_blogs.data.blog_mode[0].created_date / 1000).toDate().formatDate('MMM dd, yyyy')}} {{blog10_fetch_all_live_blogs.data.blog_mode[0].short_description}} {{(created_date / 1000).toDate().formatDate('MMM dd, yyyy')}}

Have you ever wondered how some podcasts rank at the top of Apple Podcasts, while others get buried? Today, I’m sharing the secret to ranking on Apple Podcasts, so you can get more visibility, downloads, and listeners for your show. But before we dive into the strategies, let’s first talk about how Apple Podcasts actually ranks shows because it’s NOT just about downloads. New Subscriber Activity: The more people subscribing in a short period, the higher your ranking. Listener Engagement: Ratings, reviews, and how long people listen to your episodes matter. Podcasting has become one of the most powerful mediums for sharing information, building communities, and promoting brands.

With over 2 million podcasts on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, the competition is fierce, and getting your podcast ranked can seem like a daunting task. Ranking higher increases your podcast’s visibility, attracting more listeners and potentially driving revenue through sponsorships and ads. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps and best practices to rank your podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify in 2024. From optimizing your metadata to engaging your audience, we’ll break down actionable strategies that work. Learn how to rank on Apple Podcasts and grow your show’s audience while standing out from the crowd in 5 easy steps. In the ever-evolving world of podcasting, learning how to rank on Apple Podcasts has become increasingly important for creators who want to grow their audience and stand out in a crowded marketplace.

With over 2.6 million podcasts on the platform, having a high ranking show can significantly boost your visibility and attract new listeners. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to rank on Apple Podcasts, breaking the process down into 5 simple and easy steps. By following these strategies, you'll be well on your way to climbing the Apple Podcasts ladder and reaching your podcast goals. With more than 70,000 members, MatchMaker.fm is the largest online community connecting podcasters & guests. It’s easy, really. All you need to do is open Apple Podcasts and head to the Charts section.

Here you’ll see the current top-ranked podcasts across various categories. You can choose the category from the drop-down located in the upper right corner. Three actionable search engine optimization methods to rank greater in Apple Podcasts Search: Apple Podcasts considers your present identify, episode titles, writer tag, and channel identify when figuring out what to show in search outcomes. Take into account what your podcast viewers may seek for in Apple Podcasts and see if there are methods to incorporate these phrases in your titles since they don’t index your present notes. In order for you assist with key phrase analysis, I like to recommend the Ahrefs Key phrase Generator to see which phrases have the most important search quantity.

In the event you’re fearful that your title is simply too fundamental, take an search engine optimization tip from Parcast and simply identify your podcast after the highest key phrase in your area of... They’ve exhibits referred to as “Superstitions”, “Serial Killers”, “Unsolved Murders”, and “Mythology.” This works as a result of potential listeners know precisely what they’re getting after they see the podcast in search.

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