If you’re starting a Spotify podcast, you might need help getting the listeners you deserve. Even a great show can struggle to find its audience. However, good promotional tactics can push your show to the right people. In this post, we’ll show you how to grow a podcast.
How To Grow a Podcast: 7 Promo Tips
Every podcast is different, but each one uses the same Spotify ecosystem. That means it’s easy to see where you can give your show a helping hand. Here are seven simple ways to boost your Spotify podcast:
- Categories: Ensure your podcast is in the correct category (and sub-categories). Don’t be too broad; specifics let Spotify find new potential listeners.
- Artwork: Many people still judge books (and podcasts) by their covers. Custom artwork can catch people’s eyes, especially if you have them for every episode.
- Social media: Your podcast should have a presence all over the internet. Instagram and other social media platforms let you showcase some recent highlights.
- Website: Similarly, a podcast-centric site gives your show a dedicated space. You could use this to, for example, share a fun behind-the-scenes blog post.
- Partnering: Contact other podcasts in your niche and create a crossover episode. You’ll reach a similar audience who might start listening to your show.
- Ads: If you have the budget, don’t be afraid to buy Spotify podcast ads. These help your show reach a broader audience and get more engagement.
- Emails: You can also create an email list that sends a newsletter to your listeners. You’ll then connect with fans and give them a preview of what’s next.
Where Should You Post a Podcast?
You don’t need to limit your podcast to Spotify. Post it on Google Podcasts, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, and your official website for better coverage. Each of these platforms helps you reach people who don’t use Spotify.
Most top shows are available on multiple platforms. Spotify is the biggest podcast directory, but neglecting other sites hurts your long-term growth.
Use a podcast hosting provider and connect it to various sites. Once you upload a new episode, it will automatically go live on each platform, so you won’t have to add episodes to every site manually.
How To Grow a Podcast Audience That Sticks Around
Getting more Spotify streams is essential for any podcast. However, you should also aim to turn streams into loyal listeners. Building a devoted audience is the only way to keep up your show’s momentum.
Never make your podcast too broad. You might think this will bring a wider potential audience. In fact, a broad podcast isn’t a perfect fit for anyone. It’s better to thrive within a niche than struggle outside of it.
Design an audience persona before recording and try to appeal to them. Keep them in mind as you brainstorm episode ideas. You could even involve your audience by reading their comments mid-episode.
Be ready to adapt if your actual audience doesn’t suit your ideal listeners’ demographics. Even if you change your strategy in response, you should still appeal to your pre-existing fans.
How Long Does It Take To Grow a Podcast?
Some podcasts become big overnight. However, even with the right podcast growth strategies, it could take a while. Spotify’s algorithm might not notice you, no matter how good your podcast is. For the first few months, just focus on making high-quality episodes.
If you build a strong social media presence, you’ll speed the process along. For example, a viral online clip could lead to a big burst of engagement. You could also engage with your community to turn one-time listeners into fans.
Don’t worry if the show doesn’t take off immediately, so long as you love making it. Consistency is key for both the podcast episodes themselves and your online promotional strategy.
How To Grow a Podcast Fast
If you want a successful podcast quickly, buying extra plays can help. These boost your show in Spotify’s algorithm, meaning the platform recommends it more often. You’ll then find it easier to reach your target audience.
Make sure you only buy plays from real accounts. Too many services use bots, but these simply won’t help your podcast grow. In fact, Spotify can remove fake listeners. It might even delete the whole show.
Buying Spotify streams is an investment in your show’s future. You could even pair these boosts with other social media packages. For example, extra Instagram fans will bring more attention to your podcast.
Organic growth is essential for your podcast’s future. However, it’s not as simple as buying your way to success. You must still deliver great episodes that people love listening to.
Special Guest Ideas for Your Podcast
No matter your podcast’s niche, you could bring in a special guest. They could be an expert in a field you’re discussing or just someone you admire. Here are seven podcast guest ideas for different podcast genres:
- Entertainment: If you’re discussing a film or TV show, invite someone who worked on it. They can answer your questions and give behind-the-scenes secrets.
- Books: Many authors love discussing their books, especially when another one is out soon. You’ll learn the true meaning behind their stories.
- True crime: If you’re talking about true crime, invite people from the original case. You’ll have a chance to discuss your theories and dig even deeper.
- Business: Is your podcast more about giving tips to businesspeople? It helps to bring in experts from different sectors to learn their unique perspectives.
- History: When discussing a historical time period, get someone who knows the era well. An expert historian might start an eye-opening conversation.
- Self-care: Wellness shows can invite people from a range of professions. For example, a hypnotherapist could conduct an audio session for your listeners.
- Politics: You can have rich discussions with people from any political side. You can also invite activists to discuss a topic you’re passionate about.
2024’s Biggest Spotify Podcasts
Knowing Spotify’s most popular podcasts will tell you a lot about the site’s listeners. To celebrate the end of 2024, Spotify Wrapped announced the year’s biggest shows. Here are the platform’s top 10 podcasts among US listeners:
- The Joe Rogan Experience (Talk Show)
- Call Her Daddy (Comedy)
- This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von (Comedy)
- Crime Junkie (True Crime)
- The Daily (News)
- The Tucker Carlson Show (News)
- Huberman Lab (Science)
- Armchair Expert (Comedy)
- Smosh Reads Reddit Stories (Comedy)
- Shawn Ryan Show (Talk Show)
However, the top podcasts at any given moment will be very different from this list. In December 2024, the brand-new show Not Gonna Lie actually dethroned The Joe Rogan Experience, according to the Wrap. None of the current “biggest” podcasts will stay on top forever.
Spotify’s most popular podcasts are mainly from public figures. Their pre-existing fame is likely a significant reason for their shows’ popularity. However, you can still carve out a strong audience in your current niche.
Checking Your Podcast’s Spotify Stats
Spotify has a built-in suite of tools for checking your podcast’s performance. Refer to these stats regularly to continue refining your show. They’ll be visible in Spotify for Creators as soon as you log in. For deeper details, you’ll have to visit your Analytics Dashboard.
Here are the main analytics you should pay attention to as a podcaster:
- Your listeners’ age and gender
- Where your listeners are from
- Episode views and rankings
- The platforms people listen on
- The devices your listeners use
- Impressions on Spotify Home
- Long-term audience retention
- Video vs. audio podcast views
- Number of listen/watch hours
Your statistics can massively affect your podcast content. For example, if you have a lot of video viewers, you might capitalize on this format. Alternatively, a drop in audience retention may help you see why people are falling off.
How To Get More Podcast Listeners With SEO
Search engine optimization is about the keywords and terms you use to push your podcast. It includes your podcast’s name, social media hashtags, and even specific episode titles and descriptions.
Using relevant keywords will help your podcast appear in people’s search results. You’ll then get more Spotify listeners. Avoid words that are too common, as you’ll face a lot of competition. You should also avoid anything that’s too long or generic; your goal is to stand out.
Your show’s description must be under 100 characters. It should also have the host’s name and the main topics you’ll discuss. Make episode descriptions three to four sentences long, and always shout out a guest by name. These small changes will help people see what your show is about.
Ideas for Your Podcast’s Social Media Content
Social media is a great way to promote your show. However, you need to use the format to your advantage. Here are seven ideas for podcast-related social media posts:
- Video clips: Even if your podcast’s mainly audio, you can record yourself while you film. You can then share an episode’s highlights in video form.
- Trailers: A good podcast trailer can inspire viewers to finally start listening. Include some clips from the next few episodes and add a catchy song.
- Behind-the-scenes looks: Your podcast alone doesn’t give much of a peek behind the curtain. Social media lets you show a less-refined side of your podcast.
- Reminders: Make sure to promote future episodes as soon as they come out. A story or two could be all you need to spread the word.
- Guests: Show off your newest guest and promote their social media. They’ll likely do the same in return, letting you reach an even bigger audience.
- Sharing other podcasts: Similarly, it’s good to share other shows you’ve been listening to lately. They might return the favor or be open to collaborating.
- Answering questions: Social media is great for talking to your podcast community. In fact, Spotify says 73% of listeners want to engage in a live Q&A.
Boost Your Podcast’s Presence
Learning how to grow a podcast means knowing how fickle Spotify’s algorithm is. You may need more than high-quality content for people to take notice. Luckily, GoRead.io can help your show reach new heights when you promote it through other social media channels.
Our team can give your podcast episodes extra plays to promote organic engagement. We never use bots, meaning you’ll get real listeners who stick around for more. Try GoRead.io today to unlock your podcast’s full potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get 1,000 listeners for my podcast?
A combination of good SEO and a well-made podcast will help you attract listeners. You should also consider promoting your episodes on social media and possibly buying extra plays.
How do I make my podcast go viral?
A viral TikTok or Reel will really help your podcast. Share the best clips from your latest episodes and promote them well. Be patient; going viral on any platform requires a lot of luck.
Should my podcast use video or just audio?
Though a video podcast gives your show a new dimension, many prefer audio-only for background watching. If you have the resources, you could release video and audio versions of each episode.
Is 2024 too late to start a podcast?
Not at all! Podcasts are still thriving year after year, with hundreds of millions of plays. You’ll face competition from other already-thriving podcasts, but that’s the case in any online niche.
Can I make money from my podcast?
If your podcast gets big, you can start contacting sponsors. They may even make the first move and contact you first. You could also set up in-stream ads via Spotify’s Partner Program.