Reviews play a huge part in helping new listeners decide if your podcast is worth their time. When potential subscribers see a cluster of genuine, positive ratings, they’re more inclined to subscribe and give your content a chance. In this article, we’ll explain how reviews work, why they matter, and practical ways you can encourage more people to share their feedback.
How do podcast reviews typically work in the podcast ecosystem?
Podcast reviews can be a significant factor in how listeners discover and engage with your show. While there isn’t one centralized hub for all podcast reviews, various platforms and directories each have their own system.
1. Apple Podcasts (iTunes)
Apple Podcasts uses a 5-star rating system and allows users to leave written reviews. If your show is available in multiple regions then Apple reviews are separated by region, so on the Professional and Plus plans ZenCast will gather these reviews and display them on your ZenCast dashboard in one place.
Otherwise, you can log in directly at Apple Podcasts for Creators and see your reviews there.
Apple Podcasts remains one of the biggest players in podcast distribution. A large proportion of shows gain exposure through Apple’s rankings, and reviews can potentially influence how a show is featured or recommended in the podcast charts.
2. Spotify
Spotify lets listeners rate a show out of five stars, but it doesn’t support written reviews at the time of writing this help article. Nevertheless, ratings can affect how much Spotify recommends your show to potential listeners.
Also, more ratings generally mean stronger social proof, so when new or potential listeners see your podcast for the first time, good reviews mean they're more likely to press play.
You can log in to Spotify for creators to see in-depth statistics about your podcast.
3. Other Podcast Directories & Platforms
Many podcast apps don’t offer a dedicated review or rating system. Instead, they focus on listening experience and curation.
Some third-party aggregator platforms allow users to rate and review shows, acting as a kind of “IMDb” for podcasts. These can be handy for building a review profile outside of Apple or Spotify.
Why Reviews Matter
- Social Proof: Positive ratings and reviews help new listeners decide whether your podcast is worth their time.
- Visibility & Discoverability: On platforms that do allow reviews, more engagement can help your podcast appear in “Top Charts” or recommendation lists.
- Audience Engagement: Encouraging reviews opens a channel for listeners to connect with you. Sometimes you’ll see recurring names in reviews, helping you identify your core supporters. It can also generate word-of-mouth buzz when excited fans share their reviews on social media.
Encouraging and Managing Reviews
Wondering how to get more and better reviews for your podcast? Try these:
- Ask for Reviews: At the end of your episodes or in your show notes, remind listeners to leave a rating and review (especially on Apple Podcasts).
- Respond or Show Appreciation: If you can, respond or give a shout-out to reviewers. Although not every platform lets you respond publicly, you can highlight positive reviews (or constructive feedback) within your episodes or social media posts.
- Stay Authentic: Reviews should come from genuine fans who appreciate your content. Avoid any fake or purchased reviews—these can backfire and hurt your credibility.
Monitoring and Tracking
It's a good idea to check different platforms. Since there isn’t a single centralized system, you may have to monitor multiple directories (especially Apple Podcasts) to see if new reviews come in. With the Professional and Plus plans, ZenCast collects Apple Podcasts reviews from different regions and displays them in your dashboard to make it easier to keep track of things.
Overall, while there’s no one-size-fits-all review platform, Apple Podcasts remains the most influential place for written reviews, with Spotify’s star ratings rapidly gaining ground. Encouraging genuine reviews and ratings is a great way to build social proof, connect with listeners, and boost your show’s discoverability, helping it stand out among the ever-growing number of podcasts.