Dear Podcaster, here's the truth: happy listeners won’t leave reviews unless you ask them (easier to get reviews from unhappy people, unfortunately, we’ve all learned it by now!). But the way you ask makes a huge difference.

I'm about to tell you why, and share how you can ask listeners for podcast reviews without sounding annoying, strengthening your community at the same time.

Why Podcast Reviews Matter (and How They Can Help You Grow)

Have you noticed how some podcasts seem to take off overnight while others struggle? It’s not just luck, and sometimes it’s neither the content nor the quality of the show: reviews and ratings play a huge role.

When listeners leave a review, they’re not just sharing an opinion; they’re helping your podcast be more visible to listeners. 

The more interaction your podcast gets, the easier it is for new listeners to find it. More engagement, more visibility. It’s as simple as that.

More visibility will bring in more followers, and before you know it, your podcast is climbing the charts, and your wallet is getting a little heavier (which is our ultimate goal, as podcasting doesn’t come for free for creators!) 

But there’s more to it than just visibility. Reviews help build trust, show that people like your content, and can even help attract sponsorships. 

Plus, they give you direct feedback on what’s working or not working and what your audience loves most. And that’s the best help you can get, I can promise you that!

So how do you encourage listeners to leave a review? You don’t want to sound pushy, that might actually drive them away!  

Here is my step by step guide on how to get positive reviews for your podcast, so you can start improving your ratings successfully and grow your podcast community today.

How to Ask Listeners for Podcast Reviews

Here are some tips that might help you get the attention you deserve:

1. Make the Ask Feel Natural

Listeners don’t want to feel like they’re being pushed or sold something. Instead of a generic, boring request like:

“Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.”

Try something more personal and engaging:

“Enjoying this episode? If so, I’d love to hear from you! Drop a quick review on Apple Podcasts, it helps more people find the show.”

Pro Tip: The best time to ask is when engagement is high, not just at the end of the episode. Try asking:

• After an exciting segment (when the listener is emotionally invested).

• Midway through (so they don’t forget by the end).

• At the end, but with a reminder to do it right now.

Need to boost your podcast engagement rate? Read here!

2. How to Get More Ratings on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

Apple Podcasts is one of the biggest platforms (for sure the biggest for IOs users), but many listeners don’t even know how to leave one. Maybe you should help them, letting them know where to find the review section; It super easy for them with a simple, step-by-step guide:

How to Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts

1. Open Apple Podcasts and go to [Your Podcast Name].

2. Scroll down to the Ratings & Reviews section.

3. Tap “Write a Review” (or simply leave a star rating).

4. Hit Submit—that’s it! 

How to Leave a Rating on Spotify

Spotify doesn’t have a written review system like Apple Podcasts, but listeners can leave a star rating, which still boosts your podcast’s visibility!

1. Open Spotify and go to [Your Podcast Name].

2. Tap the three dots (•••)  to open details.

3. Scroll down and tap “Rate show.”

4. Choose a rating from 1 to 5 stars.

5. That’s it—your rating is submitted instantly! 

Spotify only allows ratings from people who have listened to your show, so remind your audience to tune in before trying to rate!

Pro Tip: Create a short link (you can use Bitly, a URL shortening tool that allows you to create short, customized links that are easier to share) that redirects straight to your review page. 

For example:

• yourpodcast.com/review

Include this link in:

• Your show notes

• Social media bios

• Email newsletters

3. Incentivize Reviews the Right Way

Let’s be real, people are busy. If you want reviews, give them a reason to leave one.

Here are some ethical ways to encourage more ratings:

• Shout-outs – Read listener reviews on the show.

• Exclusive bonus content – Offer a private episode for reviewers.

• Monthly giveaways – A small prize for random reviewers (stickers, books, or merch).

• Listener spotlights – Feature reviews on Instagram or your website.

Important: Apple Podcasts doesn’t allow paid reviews (and they won’t help in the long run!), so keep it ethical and organic.

How to Use Social Media for More Podcast Reviews

Your audience is already following you on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, so why not use social media to your advantage?

1. Share Your Best Reviews

A great way to encourage more listeners to leave a review is by sharing the ones you already have!

Try this on Instagram or Twitter:

• Post a screenshot of a great review and say:“Huge thanks to [Listener Name] for this awesome review! If you love the podcast too, drop a review on Apple Podcasts—it helps so much!”

2. Use Stories & Polls to Engage Listeners

Social media is all about interaction. Instead of just posting, ask your audience questions:

• Instagram Poll: “Have you left a review for [Podcast Name] yet?” (Yes/No)

• Twitter Q&A: “What’s your favorite episode of [Podcast Name] so far? Drop your thoughts below!”

Engaged listeners = more reviews. If you want to know how to promote your podcast on Social Media, read here!

How to Get More Reviews Using Email Marketing

If you have an email list, this is one of the most effective ways to remind listeners to leave a review.

Example Email Template:

Subject: Can You Help Us Out?

Hey [First Name],

Thanks for listening to [Podcast Name]! If you’ve liked this episode, could you please take 60 seconds to leave a review on Apple Podcasts? Your feedback is valuable to us: it helps us grow and keeps the podcast going strong!

Click here to leave a review: [Insert Direct Link]

Thanks so much for your support! I might even read your review on the next episode.

Cheers,[Your Name]

Bonus Tip: Add a “Leave a Review” button in every email footer so that readers see it all the time!

Don’t have a newsletter yet, or not sure how to create a mailing list? Read our guides:

Newsletter: A Winning Strategy for Your Podcast

Mailing List for Podcasts - Winning Strategies

How to Turn Reviews Into a Fun Challenge

Gamify the process! People love challenges, so turn reviews into a community event.

Try a “30 Reviews in 30 Days” Challenge

How It Works:

• Announce the challenge in an episode and on social media.

• Set a goal (e.g., “Help us hit 100 reviews this month!”).

• Keep listeners updated on progress.

• Reward participants (shout-outs, exclusive content, or a giveaway).

A deadline creates urgency, and people love being part of a movement.

What to Do After You Get More Podcast Reviews

Congrats! You’re getting more reviews, but don’t stop there.

Here’s how to keep listeners engaged:

• Reply to reviews – Respond to feedback and engage with your listeners.

• Read reviews in your episodes – This shows appreciation and encourages more people to leave one.

• Use them in marketing – Feature testimonials on your website, people love to see real reviews!

Pro Tip: If you get a negative review, don’t ignore it and don’t feel too bad! Use it as constructive feedback to improve your show.

Final Thoughts: Start Getting More Podcast Reviews Today!

If you’ve made it this far, you now have a winning strategy to increase podcast reviews and improve your ratings.

Let’s recap:

• Start asking for reviews naturally in your episodes.

• Make it super easy with direct links.

• Use social media & email marketing to remind listeners.

• Turn it into a fun challenge to boost engagement.

• Feature listener reviews to build a loyal community.

Implement this winning strategy and you’ll get immediate results!

What’s Next? You May Also Like:

• The Best Strategies to Get Your Podcast Discovered

• How to Use Podcasts for Effective Lead Generation

• How to Convert a Podcast Episode into a Blog Post

Still unsure about what to listen to? Here are some ideas:

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For Podcast lovers only!

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Author's note

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