If you are a podcaster or even just a regular listener, you will have noticed how much attention podcast charts receive. Being in the Apple Podcasts or Spotify charts can be the difference between a show struggling for visibility and one attracting thousands of new listeners every week.
But how do these podcast charts actually work in 2025? The methods used by Apple and Spotify are not completely transparent, and they change over time. This article explains how both platforms rank podcasts, the differences between them, and what it really takes to climb the charts today.
What Are Podcast Charts?
Podcast charts are rankings published by listening platforms that display the most popular shows and episodes at any given time. Their purpose is twofold. First, they help listeners discover new content by surfacing what is trending. Second, they act as a signal of success for creators, sponsors, and advertisers.
The two most influential sets of charts are Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Apple Podcasts was the first major platform to release podcast rankings and is still considered an industry benchmark. Spotify has since invested heavily in podcasts and its charts are now just as important, particularly for younger audiences.
Other platforms such as Amazon Music, Google Podcasts (winding down as of 2025), and Stitcher (closed in 2023) have either smaller or declining influence. For podcasters aiming to grow, Apple and Spotify remain the ones to focus on.
Apple Podcasts Charts: How They Work in 2025
Apple Podcasts charts have long been viewed as the gold standard, but their ranking formula is often misunderstood. As of 2025, Apple continues to base its charts on a blend of factors, not just raw downloads.
Key factors influencing Apple Podcasts rankings:
- New subscriptions
Apple measures how many new listeners are subscribing to a podcast within a certain period. This is not the same as total subscribers. A show that gains a large number of new subscribers quickly can rise rapidly. - Listener activity
Engagement such as listening duration, whether people complete episodes, and whether they return for multiple episodes influences ranking. - Frequency of new episodes
Shows that publish regularly and maintain consistent listenership are more likely to sustain chart positions. Irregular uploads can cause drops. - Geographic differences
Apple charts are country-specific. You might rank top 10 in the UK but not appear at all in the US or Australia. Each territory has its own dataset. - Recent performance over historic numbers
Unlike Billboard music charts which measure long-term sales, Apple Podcasts charts lean heavily on what is happening right now. A podcast with a sudden spike in subscriptions and listens this week can outrank a bigger show that has more total listeners but slower recent growth.
What this means for podcasters
The Apple Podcasts charts are more about momentum than size. A relatively small podcast with strong week-on-week growth can chart above a household name. This explains why you sometimes see new or niche shows suddenly appear in the top 20.
Spotify Podcast Charts: How They Work in 2025
Spotify has taken a different approach to rankings. Launched in 2020, its podcast charts are designed to be more transparent, with separate lists for shows and episodes. By 2025, Spotify has refined its formula but still focuses heavily on engagement and loyalty.
Spotify podcast ranking factors include:
- Unique listeners
Spotify measures how many individual accounts stream a podcast or episode. This prevents rankings being inflated by repeat plays from a small audience. - Follows
Similar to subscriptions on Apple, follows are a core signal. A surge in people following a show can quickly push it up the charts. - Completion rates
Spotify tracks how much of an episode is consumed. A high completion rate shows strong engagement, which the algorithm rewards. - Regular listening
Shows that keep listeners coming back week after week are favoured over one-off spikes. Spotify wants to promote content that retains audiences. - Playlist inclusion and algorithmic promotion
Spotify sometimes adds episodes to curated playlists or pushes them through algorithmic recommendations. This exposure can then lead to chart movement.
What this means for podcasters
Spotify’s charts tend to reflect sustained popularity rather than short bursts. A show that maintains loyal listeners with strong engagement will rise steadily. Unlike Apple, a viral spike may not be enough on its own to reach the top if engagement is weak.
Differences Between Apple and Spotify Podcast Charts
Although both platforms measure popularity, they use different methods and priorities.
- Apple emphasises new subscriptions and short-term momentum.
- Spotify rewards consistent engagement and long-term loyalty.
This means strategies for climbing the charts differ. On Apple, a big launch campaign can propel you into the rankings quickly. On Spotify, a steady build with strong listener retention is more effective.
Another difference is presentation. Apple presents charts by country, while Spotify displays both global and regional rankings. Spotify also splits charts into “Top Podcasts” and “Top Episodes”, giving more variety in visibility.
For podcasters, this means you should treat the two charts as complementary but separate goals.
Why Podcast Charts Still Matter in 2025
Some argue that charts matter less today because so many podcasts thrive through niche audiences, direct subscriptions, or social media promotion. While that is true, charting on Apple or Spotify still brings significant benefits.
- Discoverability
Appearing in the top 100 exposes you to thousands of potential new listeners who browse charts to find their next show. - Credibility
Brands, advertisers, and guests often check chart positions as a measure of a podcast’s reputation. Being able to say your show was “top 10 in Apple Podcasts” is still a strong credential. - Momentum
Charting can create a virtuous cycle. Higher visibility drives more subscribers, which in turn keeps you ranked higher. - Competitive insight
Watching the charts shows which shows are trending, what new formats are working, and where the industry is heading.
Tips for Climbing the Podcast Charts
While no one can guarantee a chart position, there are proven tactics to improve your chances.
- Launch with impact
Encourage as many listeners as possible to subscribe and listen in the first 48 hours. This can trigger momentum on Apple Podcasts. - Ask for follows
On Spotify, remind your audience to follow the show. This direct signal plays a big role in rankings. - Prioritise engagement over downloads
Focus on keeping episodes compelling so that listeners stay to the end. Both platforms reward completion rates. - Release consistently
A predictable schedule helps retain audiences and signals reliability. - Leverage guests and cross-promotion
Bring in guests with their own followings, and swap promotion with other podcasters to widen reach. - Optimise your metadata
Titles, descriptions, and artwork influence whether new visitors convert into subscribers. Clear, professional branding matters.
Frequently Asked Questions About Podcast Charts
Do downloads still matter for podcast rankings?
Downloads matter indirectly, but platforms now prioritise engagement and subscriptions. A high download count without engaged listeners may not move you up the charts.
Why do some podcasts appear in the charts one week and disappear the next?
Charts are highly dynamic. If your show has a surge of subscriptions or follows, you might appear briefly before dropping out if momentum slows.
Can you buy your way into the charts?
Paid advertising can help increase listens, but Apple and Spotify both design charts to reflect genuine activity. Artificial downloads or follows can lead to removal.
Which charts matter more for advertisers?
Apple Podcasts is still seen as the industry standard, but Spotify has greater reach with younger demographics. Ideally, you want visibility on both.
Are podcast charts the same in every country?
No. Apple charts are country-specific, while Spotify has global and regional rankings. A show may chart in the UK but not in the US, depending on listenership.
Conclusion
Podcast charts remain one of the clearest signals of success in the industry. Apple Podcasts focuses on new subscriptions and momentum, while Spotify rewards long-term engagement and loyalty.
For podcasters, the key is to treat charts as a useful tool rather than the sole goal. Strong content, consistent publishing, and engaged listeners will always matter more than chasing rankings alone.
If you would like support with growing your podcast and improving visibility on Apple and Spotify, our team at Listening Dog Media can help. From launch strategy to ongoing production and promotion, we specialise in helping podcasts find their audience and make an impact.