Podcast Ranking MethodS
Each podcast ranking method has its advantages and limitations. Here’s the method for Podtrac’s Top 100 Podcasts by Country, and how it conpares to other methods.
Podtrac’s Top 100 Podcasts by Country: Based on Downloads and Estimated Downloads
Summary: These rankings consider any potential podcasts based on measured and estimated counts.
Advantages
Comprehensiveness - Both Podtrac measured and estimated podcasts are considered for the ranking, the top 100 podcasts per country.
Precision - For measured podcasts, per country download counts are used.
Scope - Rankings for 30 countries provided, with more underway.
Experience - Podtrac’s 20 years of experience in podcast measurement, and our extensive database of podcasts used to inform the Country Rankings.
Timeliness - Monthly
Limitations
Precision - For unmeasured podcasts, per country download counts are estimated. Estimates differ from actual download counts.
Comprehensiveness - Podtrac uses multiple sources to identify podcasts to maximize the comprehensiveness of its Country Rankings, and continues to identify additional sources of podcasts. It’s possible there are top podcasts outside of Podtrac’s current sources. Includes RSS podcasts only.
Podcast Ranking Methods Compared
1 - Rankings Based on Download Measured Shows Only
Summary: These rankings precisely identify and rank opted-in podcasts based on measurement data only.
Example: Podtrac U.S. Podcast Rankings,
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 one to a few countries at most currently.
2 - 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.
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 one to a few countries at most.
3 - 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 Global Publishers & Networks