(ThyBlackMan.com) So you’ve decided to start a podcast, you’ve got a host, produced a few episodes, you’re doing social media and promotion, and now you’re eyeing a platform to put your podcast to get more listeners. There are several choices but the three major, podcast-friendly platforms are iTunes, Google Play Music, and Stitcher. We’re getting in to the first two: iTunes and Google Play Music.
Running With iTunes
You’re really going to want to get your podcast on iTunes as soon as possible. Got a couple of episodes? Go ahead and get it on iTunes. Apple runs the game as far podcasts are concerned. See, iTunes is a ridiculously strong platform for anything audio with Spotify giving it a run for its money when it comes to music.
When you add your show to iTunes, you gain access to analytics for its platform. Now whatever host you use for your podcast is going to give you the best insight with how it’s performing but seeing how well you’re doing a specific platform always helps. With that said, you’ll be able to tell how well you’re doing on iTunes since you’ll notice a chunk of your traffic comes through iTunes anyway.
The star rating also really helps. There’s just something that will have you producing your best shows and being consistent to pick up five star ratings and reviews. Also worth noting is that iTunes listeners are very active in rating your podcast and those who really have an opinion on your show will drop that review. It helps a ton in going forward and improving your show production-wise and yourself as a host.
Going With Google Play Music
Well, Google Play Music allows you to add your podcast for free and you’ll get access to analytics and all of that. It’s very easy to add your show to their platform and somewhat easy to find your analytics. The thing is that Google Play Music is just…so-so for podcasting.
That isn’t to say that it’s just not possible to get listeners here. It’s that just that it’s really hard. Google’s main things are YouTube, Google Play (the general marketplace), their search engine, and Android. The more recent-ish things that Google has dipped its toe in hasn’t exactly panned out. YouTube Gaming isn’t as hot as Twitch, Google Play Music isn’t exactly throwing blows with Spotify, iTunes, and Pandora. When you factor in something specific like podcasting, the game really belongs to iTunes and Stitcher.
Google Play Music just isn’t a platform that encourages anyone to review or comment on your show. Your main way to measure your performance there is to use its analytics. So, it’s not ideal for your podcast.
Cast A Wide Net For Your Podcast
Now, this is a battle between the iTunes and Google platforms but I will say that Stitcher is a really good platform to use and it’s one worth considering. Actually, put them on all three because nothing’s stopping you. When you’ve got your RSS and sign up for one of these platforms, there’s nothing that says that your podcast is exclusive to iTunes or that it can only be on Google.
To be honest, it’s best to put your show on as many reputable platforms as possible. If you can get it on Spotify, do it. Put it on Sound Cloud and YouTube. When I started, I ran with iTunes first and gradually added it to other platforms. Having listened to several others before starting my own shows in 2016, the one constant was that their shows were all on iTunes.
The thing is that you’d going to get a lot of traction using iTunes, Google Play Music, and Stitcher are best for monitoring analytics. But only two of those are great for garnering an audience.
Staff Writer; M. Swift
This talented writer is also a podcast host, and comic book fan who loves all things old school. One may also find him on Twitter at; metalswift.