Episode 456 - The Pros and Cons of Podcast Awards - Does Your Listener Care if Your Podcast is an Award Winning Show
Pursuing a podcast award is a big decision, and while it often sounds prestigious, it’s important to look beneath the surface. Here are three key advantages and disadvantages to consider—with some honest perspective on whether these accolades actually move the needle for your podcast, your listeners, and the podcasting community.3 Advantages of Pursuing a Podcast Award
Visibility and Credibility BoostAn award, or even a nomination, can put your show in front of new listeners, media, sponsors, and collaborators. It adds an external stamp of quality and may open doors that were otherwise closed.Awards may allow you to pitch more effectively to guests and sponsors, citing “award-winning” status as validation of your show’s value
Recognition and Morale
Being acknowledged for your hard work gives you and your team a sense of accomplishment and can be a genuine source of pride.This recognition may help with personal motivation and is something you can share with your listeners, strengthening their connection and loyalty to your show
Networking and Opportunities
Awards ceremonies and the surrounding buzz can lead to meaningful connections with other creators, opportunities for press, event speaking spots, and collaborations.3 Disadvantages of Pursuing a Podcast AwardQuestionable Listener ImpactThe vast majority of podcast listeners either don’t know about most awards or don’t care who’s “award-winning”. Recognition often impresses other podcasters and industry insiders much more than your average audience member.Listeners are ultimately drawn by content, consistency, and relatability—not trophies.
Pay-to-Play (and Vanity) Concerns
Many podcast awards require an application fee, and some are essentially “pay to nominate,” making it easy for almost any show to tout being an “award nominee.” This blurs the line between legitimate honor and vanity marketing, risking credibility within the podcasting community.Some awards have little transparency and may exist largely to profit from hopeful creators.
Potential for Industry Harm
With low barriers for nomination and questionable judging processes, the proliferation of awards can dilute the meaning of such recognition and shift focus away from genuine community-building and creative risk-taking.Overemphasis on awards may discourage new voices or indie creators if they see the system as inaccessible or rigged in favor of those with more resources, rather than true creative or community value.
Does an award-winning podcast make your show better?- Content-wise, no. Awards are external validation—they don’t inherently improve your content or skills. You may gain exposure, but your audience tunes in for your authenticity and insight, not just your accolades
Is this simply a vanity award?- For many awards, especially those with an entry fee and little transparency, yes. The “nominee” label can be purchased rather than earned, cheapening the true spirit of recognition.
Will a podcast listener be impressed by an award?- Rarely. An award might help with initial social proof, but listeners stick around (and refer friends) for your value, not your accolades.
Do podcast awards make podcasting better, or do they cause harm?- The answer is mixed. Some legitimate, industry-respected awards lift up quality work and create networking opportunities. Many, however, risk turning recognition into a commodity, causing more harm than good by promoting pay-to-play schemes and diverting focus from creative and community-driven goals.
Final thought: While awards can offer some strategic PR benefits, the heart of podcasting is in honest connection, consistent storytelling, and listener value—not purchased laurels. If you do pursue an award, do so for personal or team pride, and always prioritize the real work: serving your listeners and community.
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