Episode 271 | Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast | Courtney Elmer

0:00 - The Real Purpose of Podcast Charts
4:20 - Why Charting Is Like Getting on Page One of Google
7:14 - The Five Key Metrics That Determine Apple and Spotify Ratings
12:15 - Proven Strategies to Increase Your Ranking Potential
16:24 - Why It's Time to Stop Obsessing Over Downloads

Getting on the Podcast Charts: What You Need to Know to Rank as a Top Podcast

Getting on the podcast charts is like ranking on the first page of Google. It's an incredibly powerful way to get found by new listeners, and surprisingly? It's easier than you might think.

But are the podcast charts the ultimate measure of your podcast's success? Not quite. In this post, I’m breaking down the real purpose of the Apple Charts, why charting is key for discoverability beyond word-of-mouth or organic search, the key metrics you need to leverage if you want to rank your podcast, and why charting t's not out of reach for you even if you're just starting out or have a small audience. 

Ready to uncover the five key metrics Apple and Spotify use to rank podcasts — and how you can use them to get found by new listeners? Read on.

The Real Purpose of Podcast Charts

The Apple Charts are a tool for discoverability, just like SEO is for Google. Yes, ranking high on the charts can increase your visibility, add to your credibility, and increase your social proof. But let's be clear: being on the charts is not the ultimate measure of success. It's just one piece of the puzzle.

When clients come to us stressing over their podcast numbers, we tell them to think of the charts like the cherry on top — nice to have, but not what makes the sundae. Why? Because if you’re constantly chasing chart positions, you're missing the real win: creating content for the listeners who are already here, showing up for you, week after week.

Why Charting Is Like Getting on Page One of Google

Instead, think of charting like ranking on the first page of Google. Sure, it's great for visibility, but not every blog post you write is going to make it there, right? The same goes for your podcast. The charts are just one of many ways to get discovered and bring in new listeners.

So when clients start to believe their podcast isn’t a success unless it's on the charts, I ask them, "Would you stop writing if every blog post didn’t land on page one of Google?" Of course not! It's the same with your podcast. The Apple Charts can help new listeners find you, but they don’t define your show’s deeper value.

Instead of stressing over whether you’re a top podcast on the Apple or Spotify Charts, use those numbers as data points to guide your growth strategy. When you rank, notice how many downloads it took to get there. That's your benchmark—roughly the number of downloads you need each week to stay on the charts.

That's why, when we help clients launch or relaunch their podcasts, we treat the launch strategy as a tool to inform the long-term growth strategy. Ranking early on (especially in those crucial first eight weeks) can signal high engagement to platforms like Apple and Spotify, but the real goal is to use that data as valuable feedback. Focus on the activity that got you there, and then double down on those efforts.

The Five Key Metrics That Determine Apple and Spotify Ratings

If you're serious about becoming a top podcast on the podcast charts, you need to know the five key metrics that Apple and Spotify use to determine your ranking:

1. Follows: This metric shows intent to listen. When someone follows your show, it signals to the podcast platforms that they want more of your content. If you want to increase your ranking potential, prioritize getting new daily follows over anything else.
   
2. Listens and Play-Throughs: Apple tracks how long people are listening to your episodes. Are they listening all the way through or dropping off after a few minutes? High engagement directly impacts the overall visibility potential of your show.
   
3. Downloads: Unlike just hitting play, downloads indicate that listeners want to access your content offline. This is a great indicator that listeners are highly engaged with your content. 
4. Ratings: And while ratings don’t carry a ton of weight in the chart algorithms, they’re huge for social proof, which can lead to more listens over time. Think of it like Amazon — if two products are identical, you’re going to pick the one with better ratings and more reviews, even if it costs a few bucks more. Same deal with your podcast.
   
5. Reviews: Reviews take time and effort to write, which means they show a high level of engagement. Encourage your listeners to leave honest reviews, as these help build credibility and trust.

Proven Strategies to Increase Your Ranking Potential

Now that you know the five key metrics, let's dive into how to move the needle on each one. Here’s what you can do increase your ranking potential as a top podcast on the Apple and Spotify Charts:

1. Focus on New Daily Followers. Make it easy for listeners to hit that follow button. Mention it in your intro, outro, and even mid-episode. And don’t just ask them to follow — give them a reason, like being the first to know when a new episode drops, exclusive content, early access, or insider tips they won’t get anywhere else.
   
2. Boost Listens and Plays. Keep listeners engaged from start to finish. Hook them in the first 30 seconds with a bold statement or intriguing question. Open loops throughout the episode to keep them listening, and end with a teaser for the next episode that leaves them wanting more.
   
3. Increase Downloads. Remind your audience to download episodes for offline listening. Make it about them — perfect for that road trip, workout, or when they’re stuck in a no-Wi-Fi zone.
   
4. Ask for Ratings. Don’t just cross your fingers for those five stars — ask for them. Make it a point to ask your audience to rate your show in every episode. This is especially important on Spotify where at the time of this writing, there is no option to leave a written review. Show your listeners how their rating can help your podcast reach more people who need to hear it. Let them know their support makes a real difference in building a community around your message.
   
5. Encourage Reviews. Reviews take effort, so make it worth their while. Offer a little something in return — a shout-out on the show, an entry into a giveaway, or a chance to win a free coaching call. Highlight your favorite reviews inside your episodes and on social media to inspire more listeners to leave theirs.

Treat your podcast like a product — no product hits the market perfectly on the first try. The best ones evolve over time. Keep experimenting with your show. Tweak your titles, play with episode lengths, and try out new formats. Find what resonates with your audience and double down on what works. 

Why It's Time to Stop Obsessing Over Downloads

If you take nothing else away from this, remember: getting on the charts is great for visibility, but it’s never the end goal. Think of it as just one step in your long-term strategy for sustainable podcast growth.

If you want to be a top podcast host, it’s important to understand how the charts work and how you can leverage them to reach more listeners and build a movement around your message. But understanding is only half the battle — you’ve got to act on it. If you read something today that made you think, “I’m not doing that,” or “I never thought of that,” don’t just nod along and keep doing the same old thing. Pick one thing and run with it. Try it, test it, and see what happens. Real growth happens when you take action, not just when you nod along and agree.

Becoming a top podcast is about playing the long game. Focus on delivering consistent value, experimenting with your approach, and using the Apple Charts as one tool among many in your podcast growth toolbox. And if you’re ready to learn how to make your podcast stand out and turn your show into one listeners can’t get enough of, be sure to follow Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast on your favorite podcast app so you never miss a new episode. 

Or if you’re ready to scale your podcast growth and want our proven strategy to help you reach more new listeners and turn those listeners into leads and sales, book a free strategy call with our team to find out if you’re a fit for PodLaunch® — we’re here to help.

Next Up:

In the next episode, we’re breaking down the exact workflows you need to save up to 12 hours a week — yes, 12 hours! — on everything from podcast production to content creation. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the time it takes to craft your episodes, you won’t want to miss this.