If you're a podcaster, then you've probably wondered how the iTunes charts work. Apple podcasts charts reflect the most popular shows being listened to in that particular directory.
It can be confusing to figure out what factors contribute to your ranking, and it's not always clear what you can do to improve your standings. In this blog post, we will demystify the
charts and explain how they work!
We'll also give you some tips on how to boost your ranking and get in front of more podcast listeners.
What is a podcast directory?
A podcast directory is a platform that hosts and distributes podcasts. iTunes is one of the most popular podcast directories, but there are many others including Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play.
When you submit your podcast to a directory, it will be listed in their catalogue and made available to subscribers.
The importance of podcast rankings.
In August of 2022, Apple released two new charts: Top Subscriber Shows & Top Subscriber Channels.
Your position in the iTunes / Apple podcast charts can have a big impact on your show's visibility and reach. If you're ranked high, you'll be more likely to be discovered by new listeners.
A good ranking can also lead to improved social proof, which can attract even more listeners. Conversely, a low ranking can make it harder for people to find your show and make it seem less popular.
Remember: Apple's charts only represent shows that are in their ecosystem.
Apple Podcasts Algorithm Simplicity Cracked
We all know how important it is to be on the first page of iTunes or any other podcast directory. It can mean the difference between thousands of downloads and just a few hundred. But how do these directories decide which podcasts to feature on their front page? And more importantly, how can you get your show featured?
The answer, it turns out, is both simple and bizarre. The algorithm that these directories use to determine which podcasts to feature is based on two factors: recency and popularity. That's it!
Recency refers to how recently a podcast episode was published. The fresher the content, the more likely it is to be featured prominently in a directory.
What you can do to increase your popularity.
If you want to get onto the top-ranking categories then you'll need to look at growing your popularity. A simple breakdown of some of these factors, includes:
The number of new subscribers to a show in a given period
The number of downloads or plays in a given period
The number of reviews and ratings a show has
The overall popularity of the podcast directory itself.
Number of reviews
Average rating
Frequency of release
Length of episodes
Completion rate
And more
As you can see, there are a few different factors that contribute to your ranking. And while it's not possible to guarantee a top spot on the charts, there are some things you can do to improve your chances.
Here are some tips for improving your iTunes podcast rankings:
Make sure your episodes are high-quality and engaging
Promote your podcast on social media and other channels
Encourage your listeners to review and rate your podcast on iTunes. The more reviews you have, the better!
Make sure you are releasing new episodes regularly. A consistent release schedule is key to keeping listeners engaged.
When listeners complete episodes your completion rate will increase. Keep your episodes under an hour in length as longer episodes tend to deter listeners.
Use keyword-rich titles and descriptions to help iTunes categorize your show correctly and make it more discoverable by potential listeners.
So there you have it! If you want to improve your chances of being featured in iTunes or any other podcast directory.
A Quick Disclaimer About
iTunes Podcast Rankings
As we mentioned earlier, Apple charts are determined by two factors: recency and popularity. This can lead to some confusion because a newer podcast with fewer downloads can outrank a more established show that has been around for longer.
This doesn't mean that iTunes is "rigged" or that the system is unfair. It's simply a reflection of the fact that newer content is more likely to be downloaded than older episodes. In the world of podcasting, as in many other areas, being new can give you a big advantage!
Tell me the best way to get featured on Apple.
The best way to get featured on the iTunes / Apple podcasts charts is to release new episodes regularly and make sure that your download numbers are high. You can also try submitting your podcast to apple for review, although there is no guarantee that they will feature your show.
If you keep putting out quality content, eventually you should be able to achieve a high ranking on the charts!
Does podcast cover art affect rankings?
The simple answer is No, your podcast cover artwork does not affect your rankings on these charts. The only factors that are considered are recency and popularity. So make sure that your cover art is eye-catching and attractive, but don't worry about it affecting your position in the directory.
Desktop vs mobile
The charts are the same whether you're viewing them on a desktop computer or a mobile device. The podcasts app ranking factors (recency and popularity) are calculated the same way, so you don't need to worry about your position changing depending on how people are accessing the directory.
Do paid ads help?
Paid ads will not directly help you improve on the iTunes podcast rankings. However, they can indirectly help by increasing your visibility and exposing your show to a larger audience.
If more people are aware of your podcast, then you're more likely to get featured prominently in the directory.
Importance of Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
One of the most important things that you can do is to make sure that your podcast is properly optimized for search engines. This means using keywords in your title, description, and tags so that people can easily find your show when they're searching for something related.
If you can get your podcast to rank high in search results, then you're more likely to get featured on Apple podcasts charts.
Submitting Your Podcast to iTunes
Another thing that you can do is submit your podcast directly to iTunes. This is a good way to get exposure for your show and increase your chances of being featured in the directory.
How can I check my shows ranking in iTunes Podcast Charts?
Checking your iTunes podcast rankings is simple. Just open up the iTunes Store, click on the "Podcasts" tab, and then select your country. Your show should appear somewhere in the directory.
You can also check your podcast ranking in the Apple Podcasts app on your iPhone or iPad. Just open up the app, select "Charts" from the bottom menu, and then choose your country. Your show should appear somewhere in the list.
Finally, you can also use a third-party website like Podtrac to track your iTunes rankings. This can be helpful if you want to see how your position has changed over time.
Will your ranking influence popularity in the long run?
Your show's ranking could have an impact on the long-term success of your podcast. If you can get featured prominently in ranking charts, then you're more likely to attract new listeners and grow your audience.
Of course, it's important to remember that there is no surefire way to "game" the system. The best thing that you can do is to focus on putting out quality content and promoting your show in a variety of ways. If you keep at it, eventually you should be able to achieve a high ranking on the charts!
Do remember that…Even if you don't have the #1 spot on Apple podcasts, there are still plenty of ways to attract new listeners and grow your audience.
So don't get discouraged if you're not seeing immediate results. Just keep producing quality content and promoting your show, and the consistency will pay off.
Region Availability
The number of countries in which a podcast is available can also affect its ranking. For example, a show that is only available in the United Kingdom is likely to have a lower ranking than a show that is available in many different countries. This is because iTunes / Apple podcast charts are country-specific.
Therefore, if you want to improve your chances of being featured prominently in the directory, then you should try to make your podcast available in as many countries as possible.
Podcasts that are popular in other countries can also have a higher ranking than podcasts that are only popular in one country. This is because it will take into account the popularity of a show in other countries when determining its ranking.
So if you want to get featured on the iTunes / Apple podcast charts, then you should try to make your podcast as popular as possible in as many countries as possible!
Tell me the best way to spot if a show has a natural position in the chart.
The best way to spot if a show has a natural position in the chart is by looking at its historical ranking data. If a show has consistently ranked high on the iTunes / Apple podcast charts, then it's likely that it has a strong following and is popular with listeners.
On the other hand, if a show has only recently started appearing in the iTunes / Apple podcast charts, then it's likely that its ranking is not yet stable. This means that the show could drop out of the charts completely if it loses popularity.
So if you're looking for a show with a strong position in the chart, then you should focus on finding one with a consistent history.
How do I find out how many listeners a podcast has on Apple podcasts?
Unfortunately, there is no easy way to find out how many listeners a podcast has on Apple podcasts. This information is not publicly available.
However, you can try contacting the podcast directly and asking them for their latest listener numbers. Or, if you're a podcaster yourself, you can use third-party services like Podtrac to track your listener numbers.
either way, it's important to remember that the number of listeners is not the only thing that determines a podcast's success.
A show can be popular without having a large number of listeners, and vice versa. So don't get too focused on the numbers! Just focus on producing quality content and promoting your show, and you should be able to attract new listeners over time.
Conclusion
The iTunes / Apple podcast charts are a great way to measure the popularity of your show. If you can get featured prominently in the directory, it can lead to increased exposure and more downloads.
I hope this article helped you understand how the iTunes / Apple podcast charts work. If you have any further questions, feel free to leave a comment below or contact us here.
Comentarios