Episode 429 - Maximize Your Discoverability - Choosing the Right Podcast Category

Getting your show listed under the correct podcast categories helps with discoverability and ensures it reaches people who are naturally interested in your content. In this guide, you’ll learn what podcast categories are, why they matter, how to pick the right ones, and what the most popular and niche options look like.

Podcast categories are tags used by directories like Apple Podcasts and Spotify to organize and list shows. These categories help listeners discover new podcasts by interest area. Categories range from broad ones like News or Comedy to niche ones like Fashion & Beauty or Entrepreneurship.

The Joe Rogan Experience fits under multiple relevant categories:

• Comedy > Comedy Interviews
• Society & Culture
• News > News CommentaryWhy Is It Important to Choose the Right Podcast Category?Discoverability

Most listeners discover new shows by browsing categories or charts within those categories. The right fit boosts your chances of visibility.

Correct categorization means your show is shown to users who are already interested in similar content, making them more likely to click and listen.

Categories with lower competition might allow your show to climb the charts faster, helping you gain early traction.

Audience Targeting

Chart PotentialHow to Choose the Right Podcast Category1. Define Your Show’s Core Theme

Think about what your podcast is actually about and the specific subject matter you focus on regularly.

What topics do you cover? Could your show fall under different genres like Health, Education, or Leisure?

Use tools like Chartable or browse Apple/Spotify charts to see where similar shows are listed.

Don’t choose an unrelated, low-competition category just to try to rank. This can backfire and potentially get you removed from directories.

Targeting a niche category can be strategic if it aligns with your content and has less competition.

Use Multiple Lenses

Look at the Competition

Avoid Irrelevant Categories

Balance Popularity and SpecificityCategorizing your podcast correctly is critical for being discovered, reaching the right audience, and climbing the charts. Choose relevant, descriptive categories that align with your content and audience’s expectations. You can update categories as your show evolves—but always weigh the pros and cons.For Podcasters Wanting to Optimize

• Captivate.fm Guide to Podcast Categories:
  https://www.captivate.fm
  ➤ Offers in-depth tips on setting categories in their dashboard and why it matters.
• Podnews Category Trends & Charts:
  https://podnews.net
  ➤ Stay current with industry news, new category launches, and chart changes.
• Edison Research – Podcast Consumer Reports:
  https://www.edisonresearch.com
  ➤ Data on the most popular podcast genres and listener behavior.

For Better Podcast Discovery

• Apple Podcasts Browse Page:
  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/genre/podcasts/id26
  ➤ Browse by categories, top charts, and featured shows.
• Spotify Podcast Categories Hub:
  Open the Spotify app > "Search" tab > Scroll to "Podcasts" > Explore by genre
  ➤ Great for seeing what’s trending and tailored by user interest.____https://howtopodcast.ca/