How to Rate a Podcast (And How Hosts Can Make It Easy)
You've listened to umpteen hours worth of your favorite podcasts, and in every episode, you hear variations of the same message:
"Please rate and review us in Apple Podcasts - it really helps other listeners find our podcast."
And you always think, "I must get around to doing that."
But, you usually listen on your daily commute, and you're not sure how to go about rating and reviewing anyway.
To make it worse, some popular platforms like Google Podcasts and SoundCloud don't even let you write a review.
So, let's look at how to rate and write podcast reviews in the apps that do allow it.
Write a review in Apple Podcasts (formerly iTunes)
Apple Podcasts is the go-to platform for many people. Here's how to leave a review.
1. Download the Apple Podcasts app onto your iPhone, iPad or Mac. (You can also download iTunes on Windows.)
2. Select the podcast and scroll down to see the Ratings and Reviews section.
3. Tap on the star icon to show how much you rate the show. (Five stars mean excellent, one star is a thumbs down.)
4. Click Write a Review to leave your thoughts in words.
Add a comment or heart in Castbox
The Castbox app doesn't allow listener reviews as such. Instead, it lets you write comments on individual episodes. And instead of a star icon, Castbox has a heart.
To leave a comment go to a podcast's listing in the app, tap on the Comments tab and then tap on the Add a comment box.
You can also tap on the heart button in any podcast to show your appreciation.
Can you rate podcasts on Spotify?
Spotify recently added a rating feature for podcasts but it's not yet possible to write reviews. Please note that only the mobile app shows podcast ratings and you can't currently do this your Windows or Mac.
To leave a rating, navigate to a podcast you want to leave feedback for. First tap on the Follow button if you have not done so already.
Then tap on the Star Button and follow the instructions to rate the show. You may be prompted to listen to a few episodes first.
Podcasters can simplify the reviewing process for you
Now, if that all sounds rather complicated, don't despair. There's a way for podcasters to make it super simple for you to leave podcast ratings and reviews.
Savvy podcasters use Rate This Podcast to create a unique, memorable link that takes listeners straight to the review section of their preferred podcast app.
They can read the link out in the call to action and insert the link onto their podcast app pages and website.
