Podcast Ranking MethodS COMPARED

Each podcast ranking method has its advantages and limitations.  Here are methods for Podtrac’s top podcasts rankings, and how they compare to other methods.

1 - Rankings Based on Shows Using Download Measurement System Only

Summary:  These rankings precisely identify and rank opted-in podcasts based on measurement data only.

Example:  Podtrac Top U.S. Audio Podcasts by Audience

  • Advantages

    • Precision - Precise rank of podcasts included in the rankings using podcast measurement system data.

    • Experience - Podtrac’s 20 years of experience in podcast measurement.

    • Timeliness - Monthly 

  • Limitations

    • Comprehensiveness - Requires podcasts to opt-in to be included.

    • Scope - Rankings provided for limited regions.

2 - Rankings Based on All Shows

Summary:  These rankings consider any potential podcast based on measured and/or estimated counts.

Example:  Podtrac Top Audio Podcasts by Country

  • Advantages

    • Comprehensiveness - Both Podtrac measured and estimated podcasts are considered for these rankings.

    • Precision - Download counts are used for measured podcasts.

    • Scope - All podcasts considered for the rankings. 

    • Experience - Podtrac’s 20 years of experience in podcast measurement, and our extensive database of podcasts used to inform the rankings.

    • Timeliness - Monthly 

  • Limitations

    • Precision - For unmeasured podcasts, estimates differ from actual download counts.

    • Comprehensiveness - Podtrac uses multiple sources to identify podcasts to maximize the comprehensiveness of its rankings. It’s possible there are top podcasts outside of Podtrac’s current sources. 

3 - Rankings Based on Survey Data

Summary:  These rankings survey podcast consumers periodically and produce rankings based on the sample interviewed.

  • Advantages

    • Does not require podcasts to opt-in.

    • Usually includes an estimated rank for the top 25 to 50 podcasts. 

  • Limitations

    • Comprehensiveness - Results are often limited to the top 25 to 50 podcasts because the sample size required for deep counts is cost prohibitive and with fragmentation, the results are often inaccurate.

    • Listener Sample - Often limited to regular weekly podcast listeners vs monthly or less frequent listeners who have other listening habits per show.

    • Accuracy - May not accurately capture niche popular podcasts with avid fan bases difficult to reach through survey methods.  Additionally, self-reported listening behavior may differ from actual listening.

    • Timeframe and Timeliness - Results are often posted annually or quarterly which provides less timely information and does not show changes month-over-month.

    • Scope - Rankings provided for a limited geography.

4 - Rankings from Podcast Platforms

Summary:  These rankings are provided within client software.

Example:  Apple and Spotify rankings

  • Advantages

    • Provides a podcast ranking specific to a platform/app.

  • Limitations

    • Timeframe - Oftentimes a current “trending” ranking vs a ranking over a month, for example.

    • Sample - Does not provide a ranking of the most popular podcasts across multiple sources of podcast traffic

Rankings from Podtrac

Top Podcasts by Country

Top US Publishers & Networks

Top Global Publishers & Networks