Podcast charts and what makes a good podcast: Breaking down differences in podcast episodes, charts, and how to read them

The Q'd Up Podcast on Podcasting

The Q’d Up Podcast is back this week with ways to improve your podcast and what the top podcast charts really mean.

Jay talks about the differences in the top podcast charts and top episodes, as well as how they might not mean what you think they do. From how different platforms have different charts to even surveys being all over the place, it’s not as easy to determine which podcasts are the biggest or best.

In addition, John digs into what makes a good podcast. From improving your audio quality for free with things around your house to fixing any issues in your production value, sounding great can be the easiest way to get new listeners and keep your old ones.

Show highlights:

Introduction

Podcast software and tech (1:59)

The guys are using SquadCast to record this week’s show. Jay and John also break down their individual tech setups.

Podcast charts (4:30)

Jay breaks down the myths and truths about what shows up on the front page of Apple podcasts and how the podcast charts are actually decided.

Podcast episodes (9:25)

Jay shares the differences between the top podcast episode and the different podcast charts for those looking to really measure the biggest show around.

Top podcast chart (11:55)

Jay breaks down four different surveys to find the top podcast networks and shows, but also to break down the difference in how to read these reports properly.

Let’s Teach Pod Vader A Lesson: What makes a good podcast? (22:49)

Improving things like audio quality and production value improves a podcast’s appeal and can draw in new listeners. John breaks down the easiest ways to improve audio quality without spending any money.

Listener notes (31:56)

A listener wanted to take our last episode’s discussion about music licensing a little further. He pointed out some different types of licensing that could potentially trip podcasters up, which Jay and John break down.

Apple Podcast numbers (33:35)

The latest numbers from My Podcast Reviews show about 12,000 new podcasts were added in the last week, continuing some impressive growth.

Podcast equipment (35:30)

Do you need expensive equipment to sound good? John breaks down what both he and Jay are using to point out how podcasting can still sound great without breaking the bank.

Links:

Q’d Up

SquadCast

Spoken word audio report

My Podcast Reviews

Pod Vader twitter

Pod Vader email

John’s email