A podcast directory is a platform used by listeners to find, listen to and organize all their favorite podcasts. If you’re a podcaster, knowing all about the biggest and best directories is essential when it comes to growing your podcast audience.
In 2022, there are hundreds of podcast directories out there to keep tabs on, which may seem overwhelming. But once you’ve signed up with a good hosting site, all it takes to ensure your podcast shows up on all the best directories is submitting your RSS feed once—from there, all your latest episodes will automatically show up for listeners to tune into.
So, what are some of the biggest podcast directories worth mentioning today? Here is a brief overview of the directories you won’t want to ignore as a podcaster:
1. Spotify
Spotify recently overtook Apple Podcasts as the number one podcast directory for listeners everywhere. With this in mind, it’s crucial that you don’t overlook Spotify’s podcasting platform. Luckily, Spotify makes it easy for podcasters to publish their podcasts on the platform and track back-end analytics to ensure they’re keeping audiences happy. Learn more at their Spotify for Podcasters page.
2. Apple Podcasts
Although Spotify boasts more podcast listeners technically, Apple Podcasts is also a crucial directory for all podcasters. With its simple, clean and user-friendly interface, many people still prefer Apple Podcasts to other listening platforms. It’s also the home of podcast charts like New & Noteworthy and Top Charts, which is one of the most common ways podcast listeners connect with new shows.
3. Google Podcasts
Coming in third next to Spotify and Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts is another major directory no podcaster should overlook today. This is another important directory to keep an eye on if you’re a podcaster as the tech giant is seeking to change the way we find, consume and sort podcasts for the better. By implementing new AI-powered tools and features, Google is setting itself apart from the competition and making podcast listening more accessible across the board.
4. Podchaser
Often referred to as the “IMDB of podcasts,” Podchaser is a unique podcast directory in that it allows users to create curated podcast lists and connect with other like-minded podcast lovers in the community. The platform makes use of its impressive podcast database to offer helpful features like the ability to claim, customize and promote your podcast page, which will ultimately help you grow your audience and strengthen your community.
5. Castbox
Castbox is one of the top free podcast platforms with over 95 million volumes of content available across Android, Apple iPhone, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Carplay and Android Auto. The platform has optimized SEO and AI features to offer relevant suggestions to podcast listeners, which will ultimately help you gain exposure and connect with listeners who will be more likely to join your community. Translation: all podcasters should add Castbox to their list of top podcast directories.
6. Stitcher
Stitcher is another podcast directory that allows users to find, listen to and download podcasts across iOS, Android, Web and other platforms. The platform takes a Netflix-style approach by feeding listeners new podcasts under categories like “If You Like Comedy” or their top picks for the week. Stitcher also has a simple, easy-to-use interface, which makes it a go-to favorite for many podcast listeners.
7. Podcast Addict
As its name suggests, Podcast Addict is one of the most popular directories among podcast fanatics, so this is one platform you definitely won’t want to miss out on. As the number one podcast app for Android users (with over 10 million downloads and 500,000 reviews and counting!), Podcast Addict will help you ensure all your bases are covered when it comes to non-iPhone users.
8. Overcast
Overcast is an award-winning podcast player for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch users. The platform has set itself apart from the competition with several unique features like Smart Speed, which allows users to speed up podcasts without distortion, and Voice Boost, which streamlines your audio experience to ensure you can hear your favorite shows loud and clear. For $10 a year, Overcast allows users to hide ads completely, which is another big draw for many listeners.
9. Player FM
Player FM features over 20 million podcasts and videos, and has garnered over 100,000 reviews so far. With the tagline “Podcast Smarter,” the platform has enticed podcast listeners with nifty features like the ability to sync across multiple devices, make bookmarks or annotations and “turbo fetch” new episodes. If you’re hoping to attract savvy podcast listeners to join your community, Player FM is your best bet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although there’s a huge number of podcast directories to keep track of today, you shouldn’t let this overwhelm you. As a podcaster, if you make it your mission to ensure your podcast shows up on the top directories like those mentioned above, you’ll be putting yourself in a great position to grow your audience over time.
It’s always best to maximize your exposure as much as possible, so don’t be afraid to submit your RSS feed to as many podcast directories as you can find. Of course, the most important thing is always the quality of your content, so focusing on creating excellent, authentic and valuable content first should always be your top priority at the end of the day.
Happy podcasting!
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