TPU133 – Finding the Right Podcast Categories for Better Listenership!

Do you really need to spend time choosing podcast categories?

Yes. Absolutely!

Let me explain why.

There are two ways to discover a podcast in a directory like that of Apple Podcasts.

The first is to search with a particular term and the second one is to browse through the different podcast categories.

Imagine if your podcast about food is buried deep inside the “How to” category on these podcast directories. You have already lost quite a good number of prospective listeners.

In this episode, we will discuss the importance of picking the right podcast categories and some tips on how to choose podcast categories correctly.

One of the things that I am often confused with is categories.

Be it YouTube, blog posts, or, even for that matter shopping on Amazon, I am confused with the categories.

Many a time I feel that they don’t have enough categories in there. Even the right categories for that matter. And that is what makes it even more confusing.

It is the same in Podcasting as well.

A couple of months back, my Podcast ranked in the top 10 in the “How To” category on Apple Podcast. While I was browsing the category, I found quite a few podcasts that were showing up in the category but didn’t belong to that podcast category.

There were a few other podcasts that should ideally belong to this category but weren’t there in it.

I am sure you too would have faced this confusing situation when submitting your podcast to these directories.

A lot of us wouldn’t even have cared for what category we picked when submitting our show.

But then, did you know that picking the right category has a direct impact on your listenership?

That’s right.

And that is what we will discuss in this episode. I will also share a few simple tips to find the right category for your podcast.

Importance of Picking the Right Podcast Category

Categories are there for a reason and as a podcaster, it is important to pick the right category for your podcast for multiple reasons.

Being properly categorized on directories like Apple Podcasts and Spotify is key for 3 big reasons:

Getting Found on Directories

While a lot of people use the search option on directories to find podcasts, there are quite a few others, who find podcasts by going through the different categories, especially if they are browsing around for something to listen to.

If you aren’t on the right shelves, you’ll be overlooked.

That’s precious listenership for you.

Podcast Directory Rankings

Another important thing to keep in mind is the rankings on the various directories.

Categories impact rankings and search visibility on these directories. A mismatch means you’ll be buried.

Like for example, Apple Podcasts ranks podcasts in each category. If your podcast can get featured in these specific categories, the likelihood of finding new listeners is very high.

But then for your podcast to be ranked in a particular category it should do well in that category. And if you are in the wrong podcast category, then you are competing with a lot of other podcasts who might probably be in the right category with you being the odd man out.

Why would somebody browsing in that category listen to your show?

This means your show won’t do well in that particular category and hence your podcast won’t be ranked.

Metadata and Algorithms

Your podcast’s metadata helps algorithms recommend your show to interested listeners who are browsing that particular category.

Most podcast directories embed the particular category into your podcast’s metadata when you submit your podcast to them.

So picking the right podcast category could mean that the possibility of being placed in front of interested listeners who are searching for a podcast in a particular genre is more.

How to choose Podcast Categories Correctly?

But then the most important question is how do you find the right podcast category for your podcast?

Focus on these 3 tips:

Put yourself in the listeners’ shoes.

You might want to put yourself in your listener’s shoes and ask yourself these questions –

1. If you searched for a show like yours, what terms would you use to search for your podcast?
2. What does your podcast offer and what is the primary topic for your show?
3. What niche does your podcast fit into?

Answer these simple questions and then match the available categories in a podcast directory to the answers. This should help you pick one that fits your podcast.

Study top charts

You can study the top charts in relevant genres.

See where competitors and similar shows are categorized. That should give you a fair idea of where your podcast can be placed.

Something that you might want to keep in mind is that some of the competitors could be appearing in categories that might not be very relevant to their show and yet doing well.

Don’t fall for that.

You could surely experiment with a similar strategy but I wouldn’t recommend doing that.

Find the best category for your show and place your podcast in that particular category only.

Test different categories

If you come up with multiple categories where your podcast can be placed, you can experiment with different categories and track where you get the most new subscribers.

Iterate based on the data.

Conclusion – Podcast Categories

Now Apple Podcasts has over 18 top-level categories with many more subcategories. Spotify also has a deep content taxonomy.

Take the time to explore both category structures to find the optimal homes for your show based on topic, format, and listener appeal.

This time investment in properly categorizing your podcast will directly translate into higher discovery, improved rankings, and more listeners.

Treat your podcast metadata with care and respect – and it will reward you in return.

So those were a few tips to find podcast success through the power of strategic categorization.

If you have any questions, you can drop them below in the comment section or, send me a note using the “Contact” button above,

Show Notes:

Here’s what we discussed in the episode on podcast category tips for beginners –

1. Why choosing podcast categories and that too the right ones is important?
2. 3 simple tips on choosing the right podcast category.
3. How picking right podcast categories can help improve listenership.

This episode is sponsored by Zencastr. Use my special link here to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. 

Thank You for Joining

Thank you all for joining me on the show today.

If you enjoyed this episode then I am sure you will love some of the previous episodes as well. Pick your favorite ones and give them a listen.

The podcasting university is available on all podcasting platforms. You can pick your favorite one to listen to the show there. The links to some of the prominent ones are mentioned below.

CASTBOX: https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/castbox
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TUNEIN: https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/tunein
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HUBHOPPER: https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/hubhopper
AMAZON PRIME: https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/prime

Recommended Resources for Podcasting

Here are some of the recommended resources for Podcasting. These are the ones that I personally use and am satisfied with and hence am recommending them.

• Acast Podcast hosting – Acast is my favorite podcast hosting company. They have excellent customer support, have a pocket-friendly plan, and even have a free option with no limits.
• Behringer Audio Interface – You will need an audio interface if you are using an XLR microphone. This is my recommended audio interface.
• Zencastr – Zencastr is the easiest option to record interviews, both audio-only and audio+video. This is a must for an interview podcast. Go to zencastr.com/pricing and use my code “thepodu” You’ll get 30 percent off your first three months of Zencastr professional.
• Audacity – This is the best and the most feature-rich free audio editing software. It gives you a lot of options while editing your interviews.
• Blue Yeti USB Microphone – My recommended microphone
• Tidycal – My recommended calendar and booking solutions
• Fusebox – Embeddable Podcast Player
• Descript – Audio Editing, Transcription and Video editing software

AMAZON DISCLOSURE: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The Podcasting University is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

MICROPHONES –

1. ATR-2100x
2. MAONO AU-HD300T : https://geni.us/ro48q
3. Maono AU-WDM01 : https://geni.us/PhZ3V2v
4. Samson Q2U – https://geni.us/k9cuk
5. Audio Technica AT 2035 – https://geni.us/g2URDI
6. Rode NT USB – https://geni.us/O6b65K
7. Shure MV7X – https://geni.us/w7rZ4

LAVELIER MICROPHONES

1. Boya ByM1 Auxillary Lavelier Microphone – https://geni.us/boyabym1lav
2. Boya ByM1 Pro Lavelier Microphones – https://geni.us/boyabym1prolav
3. Digitek Wireless Microphone – https://geni.us/R3cGd
4. Boya – BYXM6 Wireless Microphone – https://geni.us/OS6gq
5. Vook Dual Channel Wireless Microphone – https://geni.us/V9YBO1i

PORTABLE RECORDERS –

1. Zoom H5 Portable Recorder – https://geni.us/rVTAIAV
2. Zoom H1N Portable Recorder – https://geni.us/dOaDg

AUDIO INTERFACE –

1. Behringer U-PHORIA UM2 – https://geni.us/gBCjm
2. M-Audio M-Track Solo – https://geni.us/RnhHr
3. HAYDEN HY-229 – https://geni.us/c80KbWB

MIXERS –

1. HAYDEN 4 Channels – https://geni.us/cXQ0
2. Behringer Q502USB

MONITORING HEADPHONES –

1. Oneodio Studio Pro-10 : https://geni.us/IQI88Se
2. Maono AU-MH501 : https://geni.us/AbNrU
3. Audio-Technica ATH-M20X : https://geni.us/eEUf9

POP-FILTER –

1. JEYANG Metal Pop Filter – https://geni.us/JMfuY
2. Wright WP 101 – https://geni.us/OcOAzj

DESK-STAND/BOOM ARM –

1. MY-STANDS MC 18: https://geni.us/Lwnb
2. Bulfyss Professional Recording Microphone Stand: https://geni.us/mV4S

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