Introduction – How Do Spotify Podcast Charts Work and How Can You Rank Higher?
If you’re a podcaster, you’ve probably wondered: “How do Spotify Podcast Charts work?” or even better, “How can I get my podcast to rank higher?” 📊 Whether you’re looking to discover the most popular podcasts or aiming to climb the charts yourself, understanding Spotify’s ranking system is essential.
Spotify is one of the biggest podcast listening platforms in the world, with millions of listeners tuning in daily. But what determines which podcasts make it to the top? 🤔 The answer isn’t just about downloads—it’s about engagement, retention, and consistency.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
✅ How Spotify ranks podcasts (and the factors you need to focus on)
✅ The current top 10 podcasts on Spotify 📈
✅ Proven strategies to boost your ranking and grow your audience
✅ How to track your performance with powerful tools like Ausha Charts
Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just starting, these expert insights will help you optimize your show, increase visibility, and attract more listeners. Let’s dive in! 🚀
How Does Spotify Rank Podcasts?
Spotify’s podcast ranking system is designed to highlight content that resonates most with listeners. Understanding the key factors that influence these rankings can help podcasters enhance their visibility on the platform 📈
Here’s a breakdown of the primary elements:
- Number of Unique Listeners: Podcasts that attract a higher number of unique listeners are more likely to rank higher. This metric reflects the podcast’s reach and appeal to a broader audience.
- Follower Counts: The total number of followers a podcast has accumulated indicates its sustained popularity and can positively impact its ranking.
- Recent Listener Engagement: Podcasts that maintain consistent and recent listener engagement, such as regular plays and interactions, are favored in the rankings.
- User Interaction Metrics: Metrics such as the number of times a podcast is added to user playlists, shared, or saved can influence its ranking, as they demonstrate active listener engagement.
By focusing on these aspects, podcasters can better align their content with Spotify’s ranking criteria, potentially improving their position on the platform’s charts 😎
Top 10 Most Popular Podcasts on Spotify in 2024
Podcasting continues to grow in popularity, and Spotify remains one of the go-to platforms for listeners worldwide. From thought-provoking interviews to gripping true crime stories, 2024’s most popular podcasts reflect a mix of compelling storytelling, expert insights, and high audience engagement. Here’s a look at the top 10 podcasts currently dominating Spotify Podcast Charts ⬇️
1. The Joe Rogan Experience
👉 Host: Joe Rogan
One of the longest-running and most influential podcasts, The Joe Rogan Experience features in-depth conversations with a wide range of guests, from scientists and politicians to comedians and athletes. With its mix of humor, controversy, and long-form discussions, it remains the undisputed leader on Spotify.
2. The MeidasTouch Podcast
👉 Hosts: MeidasTouch Network
A politically focused podcast that dissects current events, media narratives, and legal cases, The MeidasTouch Podcast has built a dedicated audience through its sharp analysis and interviews with key figures in politics and law.
3. The Mel Robbins Podcast
👉 Host: Mel Robbins
Self-improvement and personal growth are at the heart of The Mel Robbins Podcast. Known for her science-backed advice and motivational style, Robbins helps listeners unlock their potential with actionable insights on confidence, mindset, and success.
4. The Telepathy Tapes
👉 Host: Ky Dickens
A fresh addition to the charts, The Telepathy Tapes explores the mysteries of human consciousness and non-verbal communication. Through expert interviews and real-life case studies, this podcast dives deep into the science and psychology behind telepathic experiences.
5. Rotten Mango
👉 Host: Stephanie Soo
True crime remains one of the most popular podcast genres, and Rotten Mango is a standout in the field. Stephanie Soo presents chilling crime stories with detailed narration, making this podcast a must-listen for those fascinated by criminal psychology and investigative storytelling.
6. The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
👉 Host: Steven Bartlett
Entrepreneur Steven Bartlett shares candid conversations with some of the world’s most successful business leaders, innovators, and creatives. Covering themes like leadership, failure, and ambition, The Diary of a CEO continues to inspire listeners seeking career and personal growth.
7. The Tucker Carlson Show
👉 Host: Tucker Carlson Network
A podcast tackling current affairs and political discussions, The Tucker Carlson Show engages listeners with commentary on national and global issues. Its in-depth interviews and opinion-driven content keep it consistently ranked among the most-listened-to shows.
8. Rotten Mango Video
👉 Host: Stephanie Soo
Building on the success of Rotten Mango, this video podcast offers an immersive true crime experience with visual storytelling. By combining gripping narratives with engaging visuals, it attracts both audio and video podcast fans.
9. Shawn Ryan Show
👉 Host: Shawn Ryan
Hosted by former Navy SEAL Shawn Ryan, this podcast brings forth unfiltered discussions with military veterans, intelligence officers, and law enforcement professionals. Known for its raw and honest storytelling, Shawn Ryan Show resonates with audiences interested in personal accounts of service and security.
10. Up First from NPR
👉 Host: NPR
A go-to source for daily news, Up First provides concise, insightful updates on global and national events. With its bite-sized format, it helps listeners stay informed on the most pressing stories in just a few minutes each morning.
What Makes These Podcasts Stand Out?
While each podcast on this list caters to a different audience, they all share some common factors that contribute to their ranking success on Spotify:
✅ Strong listener engagement – High retention rates and repeat audiences keep them relevant.
✅ Compelling storytelling – Whether through interviews, investigations, or thought-provoking commentary, these shows captivate their listeners.
✅ Consistent publishing schedule – Regular episode releases help maintain audience interest and Spotify algorithm favorability.
✅ Cross-platform visibility – Many of these podcasts leverage social media, YouTube, and traditional media to expand their reach.
As podcasting continues to evolve, these top-ranked shows serve as benchmarks for aspiring podcasters looking to grow their audience and climb the Spotify Podcast Charts 🎧
How to Optimize Your Podcast to Enter the Spotify Podcast Charts?
Ranking on Spotify Podcast Charts isn’t just about creating great content—it’s about understanding the algorithm and implementing the right strategies to boost your podcast’s visibility and engagement. Here are six key levers you can use to improve your ranking and grow your audience.
1️⃣ Optimize Your Format and Structure to Maximize Listener Retention
Spotify prioritizes listener engagement and completion rates, meaning the longer your audience stays tuned in, the better your chances of ranking higher. Here’s how to hook your listeners from start to finish:
✅ Keep your intros short and engaging – Capture attention within 30 seconds. Avoid long-winded introductions; get straight to the value.
✅ Use cliffhangers and compelling transitions – Keep your audience engaged by teasing upcoming content within the episode.
✅ Experiment with short-form episodes (<20 min) – While long-form content works for some, shorter episodes often perform better, especially for casual listeners.
🔹 Pro Tip: Check your listener drop-off points in Spotify for Podcasters and adjust your format accordingly!
2️⃣ Optimize Your Metadata and Descriptions for Discoverability
Spotify’s algorithm relies on metadata (titles, descriptions, and tags) to categorize and recommend podcasts to users. To improve your podcast’s SEO and visibility, make sure to:
✅ Include strategic keywords naturally in your episode title and description—avoid keyword stuffing!
✅ Write a compelling first sentence in your description to hook potential listeners scrolling through podcast recommendations.
✅ Use the right categories and tags to improve relevance in search results and recommendations.
🔹 Pro Tip: Use tools like Ausha’s PSO Control Panel to optimize your metadata effortlessly!
3️⃣ Encourage Subscriptions and Sharing to Influence the Algorithm
Spotify values repeat listeners and audience growth, so encouraging subscriptions and shares can significantly impact your ranking. Try these strategies:
✅ Include a CTA (Call-to-Action) in every episode – Instead of a generic “Subscribe!”, say something specific:
👉 “If you found this episode valuable, hit ‘Follow’ and send it to a friend!”
✅ Leverage social media for snackable content – Create short clips, audiograms, and key quotes to increase engagement and shares.
🔹 Pro Tip: Ask guests and collaborators to share the episode on their platforms for an instant visibility boost!
4️⃣ Release Episodes at Strategic Times to Maximize Impact
The timing of your episode releases can affect how quickly they gain traction. To optimize your ranking, follow these best practices:
✅ Analyze your audience’s peak listening times using Spotify for Podcasters or Ausha.
✅ Experiment with optimal release days – Monday mornings and Wednesday evenings tend to have high engagement rates.
🔹 Pro Tip: Be consistent! Regular releases (e.g., every Tuesday at 7 AM) train your audience to expect new episodes, increasing retention.
5️⃣ Create Hype Around Your Episode Release 🚀
Boost your podcast’s initial listens by creating buzz before and after an episode drops. This early momentum signals Spotify that your content is worth recommending.
✅ Send push notifications and newsletters to your audience—remind them when a new episode goes live.
✅ Launch a promo campaign with an influential guest – Featuring a well-known guest? Encourage them to promote the episode on their channels.
🔹 Pro Tip: Announce upcoming episodes on social media with teasers (a short audio/video clip) to build anticipation.
6️⃣ Track Performance and Continuously Optimize Your Strategy 📊
The most successful podcasters analyze their data and adjust their content based on audience behavior. Tools like Ausha can help track key performance metrics.
✅ Identify episodes with the highest retention rates – What kept listeners engaged? Double down on those themes and formats.
✅ Refine your content length, style, and topics based on listener preferences.
🔹 Pro Tip: If an episode underperforms, try re-promoting it with a different hook or angle.
Success on Spotify Podcast Charts doesn’t happen by luck—it’s a combination of smart optimization, audience engagement, and consistent performance tracking. Start implementing these six action steps today, and watch your podcast grow!
Ausha Charts: The Must-Have Tool to Track and Improve Your Spotify Podcast Ranking
Lost without Chartable? Wondering which podcasts are dominating Spotify Podcast Charts? You’re not alone! Ausha Charts is here to provide podcasters with a free, real-time ranking tool that makes tracking your podcast’s performance easier than ever.
Why Tracking Your Podcast Ranking Matters? 🎯
Your Spotify ranking isn’t just a vanity metric—it’s a crucial insight into your podcast’s visibility, audience engagement, and growth potential. With a clear view of your position in the charts, you can:
✅ Identify performance spikes after launching a marketing campaign, guest appearance, or episode promotion.
✅ Spot high-performing episodes and double down on content that resonates with your audience.
✅ Understand trends in your category to refine your podcasting strategy.
What Is Ausha Charts? 🔍
Ausha Charts is a free, real-time podcast ranking tool that lets you track your position on Spotify and Apple Podcasts—giving you the competitive edge you need. Key features include:
📊 Real-Time Rankings – Instantly see which shows and episodes are leading the charts.
👀 Category & Subcategory Insights – Discover trends within your podcasting niche.
🌎 Geo-Specific Data – Filter rankings by country to track regional performance.
🎧 Exclusive Spotify Data – Get podcast insights that aren’t available anywhere else.
FAQ on Spotify Podcast Charts: Everything You Need to Know
How often does Spotify update its podcast rankings?
Spotify updates its podcast charts daily, meaning rankings can fluctuate frequently based on recent listener activity. Factors like new plays, follows, and retention rates influence a podcast’s position, so maintaining a consistent engagement strategy is key to staying on top.
How can I check if a Spotify podcast ranking is accurate?
The most reliable source for checking a podcast’s ranking is Spotify’s official charts, available directly on the app. However, rankings can change quickly, and deeper insights aren’t always available. Tools like Ausha Charts provide real-time tracking and allow podcasters to monitor their ranking evolution across multiple platforms, offering a more comprehensive view of performance.
Do Apple Podcast listens count toward Spotify rankings?
No, listens from Apple Podcasts or other platforms do not affect a podcast’s position on Spotify Podcast Charts. Spotify’s rankings are based solely on user activity within its own platform, so podcasters looking to improve their ranking should focus on driving engagement specifically on Spotify.
What factors influence a podcast’s ranking on Spotify?
Spotify’s ranking algorithm considers several engagement metrics, including total plays, unique listeners, follows, retention rate, and listener growth over time. Podcasts that attract consistent engagement and new followers are more likely to climb the charts.
Does getting into the Spotify Podcast Charts help attract more listeners?
Yes, entering Spotify’s Top Charts creates a snowball effect that can drive significant audience growth. Charted podcasts receive increased exposure as they are recommended more frequently and gain credibility among potential listeners. This leads to higher organic discovery, more new listeners, and increased engagement—helping podcasts maintain or even climb higher in the rankings over time.
Conclusion
Climbing the Spotify Podcast Charts requires more than just great content. You need a clear strategy to increase engagement, improve discoverability, and promote your podcast effectively. The more listeners interact with your show, the better your chances of ranking higher.
📊 Want to track your progress and optimize your ranking? Try Ausha Charts for free and get real-time insights to boost your podcast’s success!
Launch your podcast with Ausha
All-in-one platform to easily launch and grow your podcast.
Start for Free
