Being featured in these major podcast directories can significantly increase your exposure, credibility, and listener base. But with so many podcasts jostling for attention, how do you cut through?

In this guide, we will discuss true successful tactics to help you get featured in top podcast directories and maximize your potential to be discovered by more listeners.

Getting Featured in Major Podcast Directories

Why is it a must for every podcaster? Very simple: 

If you want to make a real push to grow your podcast, get credibility, and elevate yourself in the charts, being featured in high-traffic podcast directories such as Apple Podcasts or  Spotify is non-negotiable. 

And these platforms also happen to be where millions of listeners discover new podcasts on a daily basis, which is why getting featured can propel your visibility, credibility, and listenership growth through the roof.

Having a listing is merely the first step; in the race for top rankings and longevity, to be featured is the golden trophy. 

What Are The Major Podcast Directories?

Here are the best podcast directories you need to be on to gain maximum visibility and audience growth:

1. Apple Podcasts (formerly iTunes)

• The largest and most influential podcast platform.

• Most other directories pull content from Apple's feed.

• Getting listed here can drive maximum visibility.

• Active Podcasts: As of 2024, there are approximately 2,757,012 active podcasts available on Apple Podcasts. ​

• Market Share: Apple Podcasts holds a 26.9% market share in the podcast industry, making it the second most popular platform after Spotify. ​

• User Base: In 2024, Apple Podcasts is projected to have 28.7 million listeners in the United States. ​

2. Spotify

• One of the fastest-growing podcast platforms.

• Focused on music and podcast discovery through playlists.

• Heavily invested in podcasting, hence a must for podcasters.

• Active Users: As of 2024, Spotify boasts over 615 million active users and 254 million premium subscribers globally. ​

• Market Share: Spotify leads the podcast market with a 33.7% share. ​

• Podcast Library: The platform offers over 5 million podcast titles. ​

3.Amazon Music & Audible

• Extremely fast growing in the world of podcasting.

• Perfect to reach a large audience who consume audiobooks and podcasts.

• User Base: Amazon Music has over 55 million subscribers globally. ​

• Podcast Integration: Amazon has been expanding its podcast offerings, integrating them into both Amazon Music and Audible platforms. ​

4. Stitcher

• A very old and established podcast directory with a heavy listener base.

• Perfect for independent and niche podcasters.

• User Base: Stitcher has over 8 million registered users. ​

• Content Library: Offers more than 400,000 podcasts.

5. TuneIn

• Well-known for radio and podcast streaming.

• Integrated with Amazon Alexa and smart devices.

• User Base: TuneIn boasts over 75 million monthly active users. ​

• Content Offering: Provides access to over 5.7 million podcasts.!

6. iHeartRadio

• Popular for music and podcasts.

• Best platform for reaching a large audience.

• User Base: iHeartRadio has over 128 million registered users. ​

• Podcast Library: Features more than 250,000 podcasts.

7. Pocket Casts

• Podcast enthusiasts' go-to for its extremely customizable experience.

• User Base: Pocket Casts has been downloaded over 3 million times. ​

• Features: Known for its user-friendly interface and powerful podcast management tools.

8. Castbox

• Features an AI-powered recommendation system, helping with podcast discovery.

• User Base: Castbox has over 30 million users globally. ​

• Content Library: Offers access to more than 95 million podcasts. ​

9. Podchaser

• Known as the "IMDb of Podcasts" where users can review and rate shows.

• Helps with credibility and findability.

• User Base: Podchaser has become a significant platform for podcast discovery and reviews, though specific user numbers are not publicly disclosed. ​

• Features: Known as the "IMDb of Podcasts," allowing users to rate and review podcasts.

Why You Should Be Listed on Multiple Directories

• More Exposure – Other directories appeal to other listeners.

• Better SEO – Google favors podcasts that are listed on several directories.

• More Credibility – Being on top directories makes your podcast seem more professional.

Get Your Podcast Ready for Directory Requirements

Listing on the bigger directories requires your podcast to meet a number of technical and quality checks that you will need to prepare your podcast for.

• Name & Description –Simple names with relevant keywords and a description that explains what your podcast is all about.

• Quality cover – Your cover art should be minimum 1400x1400 pixels and clear and striking.

• Consistent Upload Schedule – Directories value consistently updated and scattered episodes from active podcast shows rather than outdated ones

• Professional Audio Quality – Poor sound quality reduces your chances of being featured. Use a good microphone and proper editing.

A tip: Your RSS feed is connected to your host — (Libsyn, Buzzsprout, Podbean, etc.) confirm the RSS feed has been set up correctly.

How To Submit Your Podcast to All Major Directories

To get featured, your podcast must first be available in multiple directories. Here’s how to submit it:

Apple Podcasts – Submit via Apple Podcasts Connect.

Spotify – Submit via Spotify for Podcasters.

Google Podcasts – Google automatically indexes podcasts, but you can submit it manually via Google Podcasts Manager.

Amazon Music & Audible – Submit via Amazon Music for Podcasters.

Other directories – Search for sites and find conditions to submit your podcast.

A tip: If you’re using a podcast host service (e.g. Buzzsprout, Anchor) then they will auto-distribute your pod to a number of directories.

How To Increase Your Chances of Getting Featured

Once your podcast is listed, here are key strategies to get it featured:

Get More Ratings & Reviews

Podcast directories (especially Apple Podcasts) prioritize shows with high engagement. Encourage listeners to rate and review your podcast by:

Asking at the end of each episode.

• Providing a giveaway to those who review.

• Engaging with listeners on social media.

• Utilize Keywords for Podcast SEO

Directories use keywords to recommend podcasts. Improve rankings by:

• Utilizing keyword-related titles and descriptions on your podcast.

• Using episode-related keywords in your show notes.

• Utilizing transcriptions and show notes to optimize your website/blog.

• Network & Partner with Other Podcasters

Being mentioned or featured on another podcast can help get you more noticed. Try:

• Invite guests from other podcasters in your space.

• Featuring collaborative episodes with other podcasters.

• Mutual cross-promotion of podcasts.

How To Request Your Podcast be Featured

Appearing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and in all of the popular podcast directories can greatly increase the visibility, credibility, and listener base of your podcast. 

So how do you ask to be featured in one of these? Many platforms have an editorial team that curates podcasts, and while there isn’t a guaranteed method, there are strategic actions you can take to improve the likelihood.

Apple Podcasts

How requesting a Feature:

• Apple Podcasts does not do on request but accepts submissions.

• You must submit a request through Apple Podcasts Connect.

• Provide solid reasons for why your podcast would be a good feature (e.g., special events, timely subject matter, high engagement).

Where to submit:

Submit using Apple's Podcast Promotion Request Form (for Apple Podcast Partners).

Apple likes to feature new programs or those that address timely subjects, so timing is everything.

Spotify

How to Request a Feature:

• Spotify features editorial choices and algorithmic recommendations.

• There is no submission form, but you can pitch through Spotify for Podcasters or network with Spotify's editorial team.

• Get your podcast on Spotify for Podcasters for the best visibility.

Where to Submit:

There is no formal submission form, but you can reach out to Spotify for Podcasters' support.

The more listener engagement you have on Spotify (shares, saves, and follows), the more likely you'll be featured.

Amazon Music & Audible

How to Request a Feature:

• Amazon does accept podcast submissions and feature podcasts that they select.

• You can submit your podcast directly via Amazon Music for Podcasters.

Where to Submit:

Utilize Amazon Music for Podcasters to have your show listed.

Podcasts that align with Audible's audiobook listeners (educational, storytelling, self-improvement) have a higher chance of being featured.

YouTube Podcasts

How to Request a Feature:

• YouTube prefers video podcasts, and its algorithm selects content that is popular.

• Optimize your thumbnails, SEO, and engagement metrics (likes, comments, shares).

• Use YouTube Shorts and community posts to boost engagement.

Where to Submit:

No direct submission form, but ongoing activity increases discoverability in YouTube's trending podcast segment.

Release full video podcasts with engaging titles and descriptions to increase the chances of getting into YouTube's recommended section.

Other Podcast Directories (iHeartRadio, Stitcher, TuneIn, etc.)

How to Request a Feature:

Most websites allow direct feature requests through contact forms or partner programs.

You’ll need to provide a compelling pitch about why your podcast should be featured.

Where to Submit:

• iHeartRadio – Submit through iHeartMedia’s podcasting network.

• Stitcher – Part of SiriusXM, requires high engagement and good branding.

• TuneIn – Features podcasts with strong listener growth and niche content.

Cross-promoting your podcast on social media can attract attention from directory editors.

To increase the chances of being included, drive traffic to your podcast from other sources:

• Create a Podcast Website – Host a site with your episodes, transcripts, and blog posts.

• Use Social Media – Promote highlights on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

• Create an Email Newsletter – Send episode updates to your audience.

• Join Podcasting Communities – Show up on Reddit, Facebook Groups, and podcasting forums.

Conclusion

It Takes Strategy & Consistency To Get Featured! While being featured doesn’t happen overnight, the more you maximize your engagement and promotion when it comes to your show, the higher the chances you will get noticed in these directories.

Start implementing these tips today, and watch your podcast soar! Did you ever get featured in a podcast directory? Share it with us! We’ll be happy to review your podcast and help you boost your visibility worldwide. 

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