Use Podcast Directories To Get You Connected With Listeners

Podcast shows continue to dominate the airwaves and grab the attention of dedicated listeners all over the world. As we’ve settled into more permanent hybrid work environments and increasingly personalized media habits, podcast consumption continues to climb. People are building routines around their favorite shows whether it’s during their commute, workout, or quiet work blocks.

Whether you’re a digital marketer looking to find the best show to run ads on or a coveted listener trying to research which platform to stream a show on, the content landscape is packed. The availability of so many podcast shows makes it easier than ever for marketers to maximize their reach to current and new audiences by running ads. However, when you’re first entering the podcast space, it can be challenging to find the right platform, show, and audience that fits with your unique industry and brand.

Cue…podcast directories. These are excellent resources to help get you connected with listeners and can break down all the intricate podcast details. Today we’re going to be breaking down all the essential information of podcast directories and how to select the right one for your business.

 

 

What Is A Podcast Directory?

A podcast directory is a way for listeners to discover and research various podcast shows. Directories are often categorized by genre or alphabetically to help connect people with new shows. For a podcaster, a directory is where you list your show in order to be heard. If you’re a marketer, it’s where you can browse to discover who you can establish brand partnerships with or run ads.

Directories can live online or in mobile apps and can be interchangeably used to promote a podcast to more people.

We’ve pulled together a comprehensive list of podcast directories to get you started and help you begin your marketing strategy.

iTunes/Apple Podcasts

Apple Podcasts still holds strong as one of the biggest podcast directories in the world. While its share of the podcast market has gradually decreased as competition increases, it remains a cornerstone of podcast discovery especially in the U.S., where it still accounts for roughly a third of all podcast listeners.

To get listed, you’ll need to go through an approval process, which typically takes a few days. Apple continues to emphasize quality standards to maintain the integrity of its directory. To increase your chances of getting your podcast approved, follow the specs outlined on their Apple Podcasts for Creators page, including:

 

Viewers must be able to access the content without entering a password.

 

It must meet the RSS 2.0 specification.

 

Include the recommended Apple Podcasts RSS tags.

 

Set the <explicit> tag to “yes” if your content contains strong language.

 

Avoid explicit words or visuals in your title, description, or cover art.

 

Don’t use trademarked content without permission.

 

Using appropriate tags and keywords in your title and description is key. Apple’s search engine uses those to help users discover shows.

 

Spotify

Spotify remains the second-largest podcast platform globally, and it’s gaining ground fast. With over 600 million active users and a continued investment in original and exclusive podcast content, Spotify has become a juggernaut in the audio space.

Spotify’s proprietary ad tech, including dynamic ad insertion and audience targeting via the Spotify Audience Network, makes it a compelling option for marketers. Brands can now run host-read ads, dynamic audio spots, or pre-roll/post-roll ads across a wide range of shows programmatically or directly.

 

To submit your podcast:

 

Create a Spotify for Podcasters account

 

Submit your RSS feed

 

Provide basic show details like your category, language, and country

 

Spotify is especially ideal for reaching younger listeners. Gen Z and millennials continue to make up the bulk of its user base.

 

Stitcher

While Stitcher was acquired by SiriusXM and announced the retirement of its standalone app, its backend tools for hosting and monetization remain in play under the SiriusXM umbrella. Stitcher’s analytics and distribution tools are still useful for creators who value in-depth audience data.

If you’re distributing via a podcast host like Simplecast (owned by SiriusXM), your show likely still reaches Stitcher’s old listener base through its integration with platforms like Pandora.

Even though the brand may not be front-and-center anymore, it’s still part of the podcasting ecosystem in terms of tech and data.

 

Podnova

Podnova is a lesser-known player in 2025 but still functions as a niche directory for listeners who enjoy manually curating their own feeds. While it hasn’t kept pace with the industry’s heavyweights, Podnova remains useful for reaching longtail audiences, especially tech-savvy listeners and developers who use apps like VLC or Winamp to manage their media.

With tens of thousands of shows still listed, the competition is real. Be strategic about your category and tags:

 

Choose less saturated categories for better visibility

 

Optimize your metadata to show up in user searches

 

Share your Podnova link on forums and niche communities

 

While it may not be a traffic magnet, it’s still worth including in your distribution plan to expand reach.

 

PodBean

PodBean has evolved beyond just hosting. It’s now a full-fledged podcast ecosystem. With monetization tools, paid subscriptions, live podcast features, and built-in analytics, PodBean continues to be a go-to for indie creators and small businesses alike.

The platform reports over 1 million podcasts hosted and continues to draw steady monthly traffic. PodBean’s advertising marketplace connects marketers directly with shows in their niche, and its dynamic ad insertion lets advertisers target based on listener behavior, location, or topic.

Whether you’re launching your first episode or scaling your reach, PodBean offers accessible options for every level of podcaster.

 

Midroll

Midroll, now folded into SXM Media, remains a leader in podcast advertising. As the ad sales division of SiriusXM (which also owns Stitcher, Pandora and Simplecast), it connects advertisers with premium shows, from household-name podcasts to niche series with loyal audiences.

Midroll pioneered host-read ads that feel like part of the show and that style still works. In 2025, they’ve also expanded into dynamic ad capabilities and real-time campaign reporting. Whether you’re a brand looking for reach or resonance, SXM Media’s data and show-matching tools make the process efficient and targeted.

They continue to publish research on podcast ad effectiveness, which consistently shows high recall and conversion compared to traditional ads.

 

 

Get Ready To Reach More

There are more podcast directories and platforms than ever, and choosing the right one depends entirely on your goals and KPIs. Whether you’re aiming for brand awareness, audience segmentation or niche engagement, there’s a directory (or several) that’ll fit the bill.

And with podcast consumption projected to keep rising, your opportunities to connect with audiences through smart ad placements and thoughtful content strategy are only growing.