Everyone tells you to "be consistent" for the algorithm. Post regularly. Release on a schedule. Show up every week.
That's true — consistency helps. But it's not the whole picture.
Here's what Apple Podcasts and Spotify's algorithms actually reward, in rough order of importance:
1. New followers and subscribers — someone pressing "follow" is a strong signal that your show is worth recommending to others
2. Listen-through rate — what percentage of your listeners actually finish the episode? A show where people listen to 80% on average ranks higher than one where people drop off at 30%
3. Reviews — the number and recency of reviews directly affects discoverability, especially on Apple
4. New episode engagement — how quickly do people listen after release? First-day and first-week numbers tell the algorithm whether your audience is actually engaged
5. Shares and saves — people saving episodes to listen later, or sharing them, signals genuine interest.
Most podcasters only focus on number one — getting new followers. But improving your listen-through rate (by tightening your intros, improving episode structure, delivering on your episode title's promise) can move the needle more than any follower campaign.
And reviews? Most podcasters ask for them once and forget. The shows consistently ranking well ask every episode, make it easy, and have a system for it.
PodHype exists because most podcasters don't have that system — they build it for you, and filter out the reviews that would hurt your ranking before they ever go public
To your growth,
The Podcast Tonight Team
P.S. If this isn’t for you but you know someone who’d be a great fit, please forward this email. We appreciate your support more than ever.