Chief Audience Officer 223 | How The Apple Top 100 Charts Really Work (And How You Can Rank)
Jun 10, 2025
Discover the surprising truth behind the Apple Top 100 charts. It's not about downloads, but rather gaining new followers quickly. Uncover three key strategies to boost your podcast's ranking and learn how hitting the top can enhance your credibility. Plus, get insights into how Spotify's chart dynamics differ from Apple's. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their podcasting game!
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Client Hits Top 100 Unexpectedly
- A client with 25,000 YouTube subs unexpectedly ranked in the Top 100 for technology on Apple Podcasts within 3 months.
- The client was surprised by the ranking and the lack of immediate growth impact afterward.
Apple Charts Rank by Growth Speed
- The Apple Top 100 charts are based on the speed of growth in new follows, not overall downloads or show size.
- Shows that gain the most new followers relative to current followers within 24 hours rank highest.
Apple Charts Are Easily Gamable
- Many shows on the Apple charts have little real listenership because people pay companies to artificially boost their follows.
- The charts are easily gamed through click farms that follow a show to shoot it up the rankings.