International Podcast Day and how to support the shows you love
September 30 is International Podcast Day. Here is how it started and the simple ways listeners can help the podcasts they enjoy.
Today, September 30, is International Podcast Day. Founder Steve Lee started it in the United States in 2014 as National Podcast Day, and it was renamed International Podcast Day in 2015 after feedback from the podcast community. The organizers describe its purpose as promoting podcasting worldwide and showcasing independent creators.
If you want to mark the day, the simplest way is to support a show you already listen to. Many independent podcasts are made by one or two people, and they grow mostly when listeners tell other listeners. Sending one episode you liked to a friend, with a sentence about why, is one of the most useful things a fan can do.
Ratings and reviews help too, in a narrower way than many people assume. Apple says ratings and reviews have no effect on its Charts or Search. They still help people who land on a show's page decide whether to press play. On Apple Podcasts, you scroll down the show page, choose a star rating and tap Write a Review. Each listener can post one review per show and edit it later.
The organizers also invite people to post about their favorite shows with the hashtag #InternationalPodcastDay. Browsing that tag can be an easy way to find something new from people whose taste you already trust.
A good small plan for today is to pick one show that kept you company this year, leave it an honest rating, and send your favorite episode to one person who would enjoy it.
Sources
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