How To Get More Podcast Reviews?

In an era where over 5 million podcasts compete for listeners (as stated in Spotify for Podcasters, 2024), getting your show noticed is hard. Beyond great content and consistent uploading, another less frequently overlooked aspect that determines success is podcast reviews.

Podcast reviews are a form of digital word-of-mouth marketing. They tell potential listeners that your podcast is worth their time and help streaming services like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts discover podcasts worthy of further promotion.

A study by Podnews revealed that podcasts with over 50 reviews are three times more likely to perform better in Apple’s “Top Charts” than podcasts with less than a dozen reviews. Not only do reviews boost credibility but also trust and help bring in sponsors or co-creators.

This guide will walk you through why podcast reviews are valuable, how to build them organically, and what tools and best practices can help with ongoing growth.

Whether you’re an independent developer or operating a production team, these techniques will help you convert your listeners into an active community of reviewers and supporters.

Why Podcast Reviews Matter?

Podcast reviews influence everything from the way algorithmic platforms advertise your show to the perceptions of potential listeners regarding your credibility. Let’s take a look at their main advantages.

1. Discoverability Impact

Every one of the top podcast platforms — Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, etc. — uses engagement metrics like ratings, reviews, and completion rates when determining which shows to include.

For example

• Apple Podcasts populates its Top Charts and Recommended for You areas with reviews.
• Spotify uses engagement metrics, such as follows and ratings, to personalize listener suggestions.
• Google Podcasts regards reviews and external links as SEO signals that result in your podcast appearing in Google Search results.

In short, the more reviews you get, the more recognized your podcast is. That means more discoverability, especially for new listeners who rely on ratings as a barometer when sampling a new show.

2. Building Trust With Listeners

Humans are a social species — we trust others’ opinions, especially when it comes to choosing entertainment. A podcast with hundreds of five-star ratings feels more established, credible, and worth investing time in.

Good reviews are social proof, showing potential listeners that your podcast consistently offers value. That credibility does not just attract occasional listeners but makes them loyal subscribers.

Besides, reviews create engagement loops. As you read listeners’ comments on the radio or share them on social media, you validate their effort. That encouragement prompts more fans to contribute their feedback, nurturing your community.

Reviews make your podcast SEO (Search Engine Optimization) both in directories and on Google. Websites depend on review content and keywords to understand the topic of your podcast.

For instance:

• If several listeners mention “entrepreneurship tips” in reviews, your show will be more discoverable for such search terms.
• Positive interaction aids in boosting your show’s “authority score,” with that boosting your rank in podcast search results.

So, gathering uniform, authentic reviews not only gets you on the charts but also makes your podcast more discoverable on the internet.

How To Get Listeners To Leave Reviews?

It is hard to get listeners to leave a review, and especially so in the midst of lots of competition in the world of content. The trick is to offer a frictionless, authentic experience.

1. Make It Easy

Listeners will most likely refrain from leaving reviews since the process seems to be overly complicated. Make it simple:

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• Include straight review links in your episode descriptions and website.
• Create a custom short link (e.g., yourshow.com/review) that takes users to Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
• Add a “Review Us” button on your social media profiles and email newsletters.

As simple as one click, convenience has a tangible impact on conversion rates.

2. Ask A Few Core Fans

Start with your most loyal fans. These could be:

• Early listeners who are active on social media
• Beta subscribers, family, or friends
• Members of your private online community

Ask them to review personally because this creates momentum. After a few reviews go up, others are bound to follow.

3. Include A Call-to-Action (CTA) At The End Of Every Episode

A consistent, chatty CTA works magic. Keep it short and heartfelt:

“If you liked today’s episode, please take 30 seconds to leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. It helps us grow and reach more great listeners like you.”

New listeners who have just finished a good episode are more likely to respond emotionally — and act quickly.

4. Display High-Quality Reviews

Including listener reviews in your podcast or social streams accomplishes two things:

1. It rewards existing reviewers.
2. Encourages others to leave a review for the potential to be highlighted.

Example:

“Before we get into today’s discussion, I wanted to mention a review from Alex who said, ‘This podcast totally shifted how I approach small business marketing!’ Thanks, Alex!”

That quick mention supports the feeling of community and encourages ongoing participation.

5. Run A Contest

Make your review campaign fun. Contests make your offer feel limited-time and create a sense of excitement.

For instance:

• Offer podcast swag, digital guides, or guest shoutouts to random reviewers.
• Encourage fans to screenshot their review and tag your show on social media to enter.
• Keep prizes modest to avoid violating platform rules — the focus should be on engagement, not bribery.

Contests tend to generate 2–3x the number of reviews in a short amount of time.

6. Use Ethical Incentives

Ethical incentives provide a reward for participation without skewing results.

Examples are:

• Early access to “bonus” or “behind-the-scenes” content.
• A private Discord or Facebook group.
• Notifications about new episodes or live events, earlier than others.

These incentives make individuals feel special, producing genuine interaction and loyalty.

Leveraging Podcast Platforms For Reviews

Different platforms have dissimilar review and rating strategies. Knowledge of these differences helps you craft your requests more powerfully.

Apple Podcasts

Apple Podcasts remains the standard for industry ratings and reviews.

How it works:

• Viewers can post a 1–5 star rating and write a short review.
• The algorithm at Apple considers review quantity, quality, and recency when it awards chart positions.

Best practices:

• Include your Apple Podcast intro link in all show descriptions.
• Express gratitude to reviewers on-air or personally.
• Request written reviews, not just star ratings, since text is SEO-accommodating.

Tip: Utilize tools like podcasts.apple.com/link or pod.link/showname to build universal review links that will auto-detect device type.

Spotify

Spotify now allows listeners to post star ratings (but no written reviews).

In order to maximize engagement:

• Ask listeners to “tap the star” after finishing an episode.
• Encourage them occasionally via Instagram stories or newsletters.
• Regular posting — Spotify rewards prolific activity.

Spotify ratings make you more discoverable in personalized playlists and “Podcasts You Might Like” sections.

Other Platforms (Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Podchaser)

• Google Podcasts: Reviews are not common, though Google’s crawler does index show notes and meta descriptions, so ask for social reviews and backlinks instead.
• Stitcher: Allows long-form ratings; prefers Android users.
• Podchaser: The “IMDb of Podcasts” that has episode-level ratings and creator profiles — great for authority building.

Request fans across platforms to rate where they listen most.

Also Check: How To Cite A Podcast — MLA, APA & Chicago (with Examples & Templates)

Tools & Strategies To Track And Boost Reviews

Review monitoring helps you track progress, identify trends in feedback, and reply accordingly to listeners.

Review Monitoring Tools

These features help you automate review monitoring so you never fall behind on audience comments again.

Using Feedback To Enhance Content

Reviews aren’t vanity metrics; they’re insight. If a number of reviewers tell you:

• Bad audio quality → Purchase better equipment.
• Repetitive subject matter → Mix up guest lineup.
• Wanting shorter content → Experiment with varying format length.

This feedback cycle is what enhances your show’s quality and listening experience. Witnessing their input being used in turn forges loyalty.

Expert Tips And Best Practices

From recommendations made by top podcasters like Pat Flynn and Jordan Harbinger, here are expert-level techniques to own the review game.

1. Timing Your Review Requests

The “when” is just as significant as the “how.” Best times are:

• Shortly after a highly emotional or intense episode.
• On milestone birthday celebration episodes (“Help us reach 100 reviews!”).
• After post-listening surveys or emails, people are already present.

Don’t ask too much; subtle nudges are more effective.

2. Engaging With Your Reviewers

Engagement turns listeners into evangelists. Tips are:

• Playing a fresh review each week on-air.
• Responding personally on Podchaser or social media.
• Conducting listener Q&A sessions based on reviews.

Thanks to reviewers creates reciprocity — when fans feel heard, they’re more likely to keep supporting you.

3. Safe Practices

• Don’t buy or trade-in counterfeit reviews; Apple algorithms can detect them.
• Avoid operating “review-for-reward” scams.
• Keep calls-to-action natural, real, and audience-oriented.

Authenticity prevails in the end.

Mistakes To Avoid When Trying To Get More Reviews

New podcasters unintentionally shoot themselves in the foot. Avoid these missteps:

1. Overasking or coming off as desperate – it will scare your audience away.
2. Overlooking reviews – not answering discourages people from engaging.
3. Offering incentives for positive reviews it’s against Apple’s terms of service.
4. Forgetting about Android users – nearly 40% of your listeners are on non-Apple devices.
5. Not tracking progress – watch your growth and know what works.

Treat review-building as a long-term engagement strategy, not a single campaign.

FAQs

Here are a few questions and queries that others have asked on the topic that you might find helpful at the same time.

Importance Of Podcast Reviews

Podcast reviews aren’t just metrics; they’re conversations that unite you and your audience. They establish trust, create visibility, and enhance credibility on platforms.

By focusing on authentic engagement, simplifying the review process, and showing gratitude, you’ll naturally inspire your audience to support you. Remember: every single review, whether glowing or constructive, represents a listener who cared enough to share their voice.

Keep your community involved, and your reviews — along with your podcast’s reputation — will grow organically over time.