Not every great podcast gets noticed. Some fly under the radar for months (or even years) before someone says, “Wait, why isn’t everyone listening to this?”
That’s where podcast awards are helpful.
Podcast awards don’t just hand out trophies; they highlight the creators who are pushing boundaries, experimenting with format, or simply nailing the kind of storytelling that sticks. For listeners, they’re a shortcut to shows that are actually worth your time.
The landscape is only getting busier. New shows launch daily, and what worked last year won’t necessarily work this year. Awards help separate signal from noise, spotlighting innovation, craft, and consistency.
Whether you’re a podcaster, brand with a show, or just like knowing what’s worth your attention, this list covers the 10 podcast awards that are shaping the conversation in 2026.
#1. Quill Podcast Awards
Cost: Free
The Quill Podcast Awards are an annual digital celebration of the creators, brands, and companies shaping the podcasting landscape. Since their launch in 2021, they’ve grown to cover a wide range of categories—from Podcast of the Year to Best Branded Podcast—recognizing excellence across storytelling, creativity, and impact.
What sets the Quill Podcast Awards apart is their inclusivity: they’re completely free, and anyone can participate in the nomination and voting process.
If you’re interested in entering your show or nominating your favorite podcasts, subscribe to The Branded Podcaster to keep up to date with the Spring 2026 awards.
2. Signal Awards
Cost: $265-$975
The Signal Awards honor excellence across the full spectrum of podcasting. From individual episodes to full series, including branded shows and advertising, these awards recognize the creators and companies setting new benchmarks in the industry. Winners are acknowledged at four tiers — gold, silver, bronze, and a listener’s choice award.
Entry cost ranges from $265 to $975, depending on your type of entry and deadline.
3. MarCom Awards
Cost: $125-$195
MarCom Awards honor excellence in marketing and communication, recognizing the creativity, hard work, and generosity of industry professionals worldwide. Since 2004, they’ve grown into one of the largest and most respected creative competitions, attracting roughly 7,000 entries each year from dozens of countries.
Administered by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP), the awards are designed by creatives for creatives. To participate, it’s $125 per entry or $195 per campaign or plan.
4. The Ambies
Cost: $150-$250
The Ambies, founded by The Podcast Academy in 2021, celebrate excellence in podcasting, recognizing shows that excel in storytelling, production, and sound design. With 33 categories and over 1,500 submissions, the awards highlight the creativity and skill driving the audio industry forward.
Winners are announced at a live, in-person ceremony. Entry cost ranges from $150-$250 dollars depending on membership and deadline.
5. Shorty Awards
Cost: $399-$599
Founded in 2008, the Shorty Awards were the first to honor excellence in social media, celebrating brands, agencies, nonprofits, influencers, and creators who make an impact online. For podcasters, the Shorty Awards include categories like Best Branded Podcast and Best Brand Awareness Campaign.
Pricing varies between $399 USD for the early deadline, $499 USD for the regular deadline, and $599 USD for the late deadline.
6. The AVA Digital Awards
Cost: $10-30
Now in its 19th year, The AVA Digital Awards celebrate excellence in digital creativity, branding, and strategy. This international competition honors professionals responsible for the planning, concept, direction, design, and production of digital communication, including audio, video, websites, social media, and digital marketing campaigns.
Entries are judged on their own merits, emphasizing creativity and technical execution. Entry is very affordable at only $10 per individual entry and $30 per portfolio entry.
7. The Webby Awards
Cost: $495
Known as “the Internet’s highest honor” by The New York Times, The Webby Awards have been recognizing excellence online since 1996. Presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS), the awards celebrate innovation across eight major media types, including websites, video, social media, apps, and podcasts.
The Webbys present two honors in every category: The Webby Award, selected by the Academy’s 3,000+ members, and The Webby People’s Voice Award, voted on by the public. Regular entry costs $495.
8. iHeartRadio Podcast Awards
Cost: Free
The iHeartPodcast Awards are one of America’s most high-profile podcast honors, celebrating the shows and creators that resonate with audiences nationwide. Now in their seventh year, the awards recognize excellence across more than 20 categories, from Comedy and Crime to Music, Sports, and Technology, with winners determined by listener votes. The iHeartRadio Podcast Awards are free to enter.
9. International Women’s Podcast Awards
Cost: £30-£65
International Women’s Podcast Awards, run by Everybody Media, celebrate outstanding moments in audio created by women, highlighting the stories, creativity, and impact that make podcasts truly memorable. From heartfelt confessions to groundbreaking investigative work, these awards shine a light on the moments of brilliance that make listeners pause, laugh, or think differently.
The entry cost is £30 for independent and charity podcasts and £65 for corporate or production company podcasts.
10. People’s Choice Podcast Awards
Cost: Free
The People’s Choice Podcast Awards are the longest-running, fan-driven podcast awards, celebrating shows from around the world. Unlike other awards judged primarily by industry experts, these honors put the power in listeners’ hands, allowing audiences to nominate and vote for their favorite shows, making it a true reflection of what listeners love.
The awards culminate in a live-streamed ceremony on International Podcast Day, giving creators a moment to be recognized on a global stage while engaging with their audience in real time. The awards are free to enter.
Podcast awards: Eyes on the prize
From listener-voted honors to industry-judged accolades, podcast awards offer more than just a shiny trophy — they amplify your show’s reach, boost credibility, and connect you with both fans and fellow creators.
Whether you’re aiming for the global recognition of the Webbys, the fan-driven excitement of the People’s Choice Awards, or the niche brilliance celebrated by the Quill Podcast Awards, submitting your podcast is a strategic move for growth, engagement, and influence.
For more insights like these, join the community of podcasters and brands who subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter, Tuned In.
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