We are thrilled to present the third edition of our US podcast visibility ranking! Unlike classic podcast charts, our focus lies not on raw download numbers but on the ability of podcasts to capture search volume on popular listening platforms such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts. This time, we compare the average positions held by shows during the first quarter of 2023 vs. the last quarter of 2022. This edition brings fresh insights and new trends to the forefront, offering a distinct perspective on podcast performance and popularity in the ever-evolving and growing audio landscape.
To access past rankings and learn more about our methodology and sources, click here. Our commentary on this US spring 2023 ranking can be found below the infographic.
The Spring 2023 top 10 podcast visibility ranking in the US has seen a few interesting changes compared to the Q4 2022 ranking. This commentary will explore the continued dominance of educational and business-related content, the rise of cybersecurity, and the shift in political podcasts.
The Dominance of Educational and Business Content
The prominence of educational and business podcasts in the top 10 has remained consistent between Q4 2022 and Q1 2023, with podcasts like “Stuff You Should Know,” “The Twenty Minute VC,” and “How I Built This with Guy Raz” securing their positions in both lists. As a refresher, let’s mention that on-platform visibility stems from two things—first, metadata quality, and second, podcast authority. The latter relies on several metrics, including the pure amount of podcast downloads and download growth. This trend is thus a testament to the appetite for knowledge and self-improvement among podcast listeners. It is also interesting to note the continued success of “The Best One Yet,” a podcast that combines entertainment elements with informative content, potentially attracting a wider audience who appreciate the balance between learning and leisure.
The Rise of Cybersecurity
A notable addition to the Q1 2023 ranking is “CyberWire Daily,” a podcast that delves into the world of cybersecurity, providing daily news, updates, and expert commentary on the subject. The podcast gained a spot compared to our January 2023 ranking; its steady rise in visibility might indicate growing concerns surrounding data breaches, privacy, and online security. As more people become aware of the importance of protecting their digital lives, the popularity of podcasts like “CyberWire Daily” is likely to increase.
The Shift in Political Podcasts
The Q1 2023 ranking sees “The Ben Shapiro Show” taking the place of “Bannon’s War Room,” which was featured in the Q4 2022 list. While both are conservative political podcasts, their differing approaches and target audiences could reflect a shift in the political podcast landscape. “The Ben Shapiro Show” is known for its in-depth analysis and commentary on current events, while “Bannon’s War Room” tends to focus more on the populist movement and grassroots organization. The change in ranking could suggest a preference for broader political analysis over niche political activism among podcast listeners during this period.
In conclusion, the Q1 2023 podcast visibility ranking in the US reveals an enduring interest in educational and business content, a growing concern for cybersecurity, and a shift in the landscape of political podcasts. As the podcasting industry continues to evolve, these trends might serve as a barometer for the topics and genres that resonate most with listeners in the coming months.
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