This is a post about how to grow a podcast.
You’ve launched your show, your audio is crisp and your guests are brilliant. You’ve shared the link on your Instagram story and told your mum to listen. But two months in, the download needle hasn’t moved and your “ratings” section looks like a ghost town.
This is the “growth gap” and it’s where most podcasters give up. In 2026, the market is crowded and the algorithms on Apple and Spotify are more selective than ever. If you want to grow a podcast audience, you can’t just “post and hope.” You need a proactive strategy to turn passive listeners into active fans who leave the ratings that trigger the algorithm to recommend you to strangers.
Here is the no-nonsense guide to closing the growth gap, getting those elusive 5-star reviews and finally seeing your download numbers climb.
READ MORE: Best Ways to Promote a Podcast: Why Pinterest is Your Secret Weapon for Growth
Why Ratings and Reviews Actually Matter
A common myth is that more reviews automatically equal a higher chart ranking. That’s not strictly true. Apple’s algorithm prioritises velocity; how many people are following and listening to your show in a short window of time.
However, reviews are the ultimate form of social proof. When a stranger finds your show in a search result, the first thing they look at is that star rating. A show with 50 five-star reviews has instant authority; a show with zero looks like a hobby or maybe not that great. High ratings increase your click-through rate, which tells the algorithm “people like this show, let’s show it to more.”
How to Gamify Your Ratings
I have to say, it’s VERY hard to get a follow and/or rating. Most listeners are not paying attention to that and often don’t even know that’s something that CAN do. If you simply ask “please leave a review” at the end of every episode, most people won’t. Not because they don’t like you, but because they are busy. To get results, you need to offer an incentive.
During your launch phase or a growth month, run a contest. Tell your audience: “I’m giving away a [£50 Amazon Voucher / 30-minute Consultation / Podcast Gear Bundle]. To enter, just leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts, take a screenshot and DM it to me on Instagram.”
This creates a win-win. Your listeners get a prize and you get a surge of social proof that sticks to your show forever.
How to Make Leaving a Review Frictionless
One of the biggest hurdles to growing a podcast is the user experience (UX) of the apps. Leaving a review on Apple Podcasts is surprisingly difficult; it takes about five different clicks to find the “Write a Review” button.
Stop telling people to “Go to Apple Podcasts and find me.” Instead, use a tool like Podfollow or Ratethispodcast.com. These tools give you a single, magic link. When a listener clicks it, the tool detects if they are on an iPhone or Android and opens their podcast app directly to the “Rate and Review” page. One click. Zero friction.
READ MORE: The Ultimate Podcast Marketing Strategy: How to Grow Your Show in 2026
“Follow” is the New “Subscribe”
This is a small but vital tip for 2026. For years, we told people to “Subscribe” to our shows. However, Apple changed the button to “Follow” because many people thought “Subscribe” meant they had to pay a monthly fee. Spotify? Follow…
When you do your outro or your Call to Action, use the word Follow.
“If you enjoyed this, hit the ‘plus’ icon or the ‘Follow’ button so you never miss an episode.” Following is a massive signal to the algorithm that your show is “sticky”, which is the #1 driver for appearing in the “You Might Also Like” sections.
Use Review Shoutouts to Build Community
People love hearing their names on a podcast. It makes them feel like they are part of an inner circle. Make it a habit to read one 5-star review at the start of every episode.
“A huge shoutout to ‘MarketingJen’ who left a review saying this show helped her launch her first ad campaign. That’s so exciting! Thank you, Jen!”
When other listeners hear this, they realise two things: 1) You actually read the reviews and 2) They have a chance to get a “shoutout” too. It’s a simple, free way to encourage more engagement.
The Secret to Ratings: Question of the Week
If you want to grow podcast audience engagement on Spotify, use their built-in “Q&A” and “Poll” features. Unlike Apple, Spotify allows you to attach a question directly to an episode.
Ask something specific: “What was your biggest takeaway from today’s guest?”
When people type an answer, it signals to Spotify that your content is engaging, which helps you rank higher in their home feed recommendations.
READ MORE: Podcast SEO Guide: How to Repurpose Audio for Google Search
Final Thoughts: Growth is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Getting followers and ratings is hard because it requires your audience to take an extra step. But if you are consistent with your “bribes”, make the process easy with direct links and shout out your fans, those numbers will grow.
Remember, ten loyal followers who review and share your show can be worth more than a thousand ghost listeners who never engage. Build the community first and the downloads will follow.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the marketing side of your show and just want to focus on your guests, that’s exactly where a podcast manager steps in. We handle the contest management, the social proof graphics and the growth strategy so you can stay behind the mic. If you’d like to see if we can work together, get in touch via the contact form and let’s get your show moving up the charts!
This is a post about how to grow a podcast.
[…] READ MORE: How to Grow a Podcast Audience: The Ratings and Review Secret […]