24). How to Get Featured in Apple Podcast Charts: The Ultimate Guide

How to Get Featured in Apple Podcast Charts: The Ultimate Guide
Apple Podcasts is one of the most powerful platforms in the audio world, with millions of listeners tuning in every day. Getting featured or ranked in the Apple Podcast Charts can significantly boost your show's visibility, credibility, and growth. But how does one crack the code?

In this blog, we'll break down Apple podcast ranking algorithm, dispel popular myths, and provide you with actionable tips to get your podcast to the top.

Why Apple Podcast Charts Matter
Being ranked on Apple's "Top Shows" or "Top Episodes" can catapult your podcast growth. It can:

Attract new subscribers

Boost organic discoverability

Make you more likely to get sponsorships

Establish you as an authority in your space

But here's the twist: Apple doesn't disclose publicly how their charts function. Based on podcast expert and industry analysis, we now know the best way to get your name on those highly sought-after lists.

How Apple Podcast Rankings Really Function
Apple has two primary types of podcast charts:

Top Shows: Tracks the overall performance of the podcast.

Top Episodes: Tracks individual episode popularity.

Contrary to what people think, these charts are not exclusively based on download numbers. Rather, they emphasize:

New subscribers (particularly within the past 24–48 hours)

Engagement metrics (completion rate of the episode, skip rate)

Ratings and reviews

Follows and shares

Consistency in publishing

In short, it's about momentum—not volume.

Myths About Apple Podcast Rankings
Let's debunk some of these myths that have been going around:

Myth #1: "You need millions of downloads to rank."
➤ False—momentum trumps sheer numbers.

Myth #2: "Only celebrities get featured."
➤ Apple actually features indie creators with high-quality content.

Myth #3: "Ranking is all about paid promotions."
➤ Organic engagement contributes much more.

Steps to Boost Your Apple Podcast Rankings
1. Optimize Your Podcast Metadata
Ensure your:

Title is concise and has keywords

Description has pertinent phrases your audience would search

Categories are precise (Apple accepts 3)

Author field is completed with your name or brand name

This enables Apple to understand and promote your podcast to the correct audience.

2. Drive Subscriptions and Follows

Apple considers new follows and subscriptions within a reasonable time period. Ask listeners to:

Follow your show on Apple Podcasts

Tap the bell icon for notifications

Subscribe at your launch or relaunch

Pro tip: Include these CTAs in the first 30 seconds of every episode.

3. Launch With a Bang
If you're new:

Launch with 3–5 episodes minimum

Promote aggressively in the first week with:

Email lists

Social media

Influencer shoutouts

Cross-promotions

This generates a spike in followers, which Apple rewards.

4. Collect Ratings and Reviews Organically
The more 5-star reviews indicate credibility. Encourage your audience to:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Tell you what they enjoy about your content

Run ethical incentives such as:

Free shoutouts in your shows

Entry into a giveaway

Access to bonus content

5. Publish Regularly Consistently
Whether weekly or biweekly, be on a regular schedule. Apple appreciates shows that:
Continue their audience's interest
Publish new content on a regular basis
Don't have long periods of inactivity

6. Promote Elsewhere Apple
Increase visibility through:
Instagram Reels or Stories with audiograms

Twitter/X threads of episode teasers

LinkedIn posts for business-related episodes

Facebook Groups or Communities

Email newsletters

Always link back to your Apple Podcasts page.

7. Get People to Share
Leverage your current audience to expand your reach:

Add "Send this to a friend" CTAs in your episodes

Make shareable visuals or quotes

Host a referral challenge for your listeners

8. Co-operate with Other Podcasters
Guest on other podcasts or invite producers in your niche. This provides you:

Access to their listeners

Authority through association

More shares and mentions (which Apple sees)

How to Get Featured by Apple's Editorial Team
Apple occasionally manually features podcasts in their editorial sections. Here's how to increase the chances:

Ensure your podcast is featured through Apple Podcasts Connect

Send your pitch (on launch, relaunch, or milestone) to: podcasts@apple.com

Include:

Podcast title and URL

Summary of the podcast

Your launch date or milestone

What makes it unique or newsworthy

Spend money on quality cover art and professional audio editing

Create a compelling story or social theme resonating with Apple values

Tools to Track Your Apple Podcast Rankings
Chartable – Excellent for tracking rankings and cross-platform analytics

Podcharts.co – Reveals rankings between various Apple categories

Rephonic – Audience insights and network analysis

Apple Podcasts Connect – Your go-to dashboard for performance figures

✅ Common Mistakes That Harm Your Rankings
Inconsistent publishing schedule

No keyword optimization of show/episode titles

No engagement with listener reviews

Shoddy audio quality or production

Failure to promote your episodes after release

Last Thoughts
Getting on Apple Podcasts or ranked is no secret—only a strategy. Prioritize listener retention, binge-worthy content, and engagement in the form of subscriptions, reviews, and shares.

Play the algorithm and deliver real value, and your podcast will rise to the top—no matter if you're an independent creator or a brand-sponsored producer.

Bonus: Free Checklist
Fast-track your podcast to the top?
Get our free checklist: "10 Steps to Rank in Apple Podcast Charts"

Need advice on your podcast strategy or launch plan? Leave it in the comments. Let's get your podcast in the spotlight it deserves!