To review a podcast, pick a platform, listen with intent, then post a concise star rating and a short, specific comment.
Reviews steer listeners and help creators tune their shows. This guide walks you through where to post feedback, what to write, and how to make your take stand out. You’ll see quick steps for the major apps, a clean structure for writing, and two handy tables for fast reference.
Where Listener Feedback Actually Lives
Different apps handle feedback in different ways. Apple allows star ratings and written notes on show pages. Spotify uses star ratings on show pages in its mobile app. Podchaser supports written takes on shows and single episodes. Google’s app shut down in 2024, so Android listeners often post on Spotify, YouTube Music (no classic review box), or third-party hubs.
| Platform | Feedback Type | How You Post |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Podcasts | Stars + written note on show page | Open a show → scroll to Ratings & Reviews → tap stars or “Write a Review” |
| Spotify | Stars on show page (mobile) | Open a show → tap the star → select 1–5 |
| Podchaser | Stars + written note on shows and episodes | Search show/episode → Reviews tab → rate and write |
| YouTube Music | No classic written box; follow/like, add comments on YouTube pages when present | Use likes, follows, and episode comments where available |
Quick Steps On Major Apps
Apple Podcasts (iPhone And iPad)
- Open a show (not a single episode page).
- Scroll to “Ratings & Reviews.”
- Tap a star count, then tap “Write a Review.”
- Add a short title plus 3–6 crisp sentences. Post.
Apple explains the process in its help pages; see this guide to rate or review podcasts on iPhone.
Spotify (Android And iOS)
- Open a show page in the mobile app.
- Tap the star icon below the description.
- Select 1–5 and submit. Written notes aren’t part of the rating flow.
Spotify announced mobile star ratings in a newsroom note; see the post on star ratings for podcasts.
Podchaser (Web And App)
- Find the show or a single episode.
- Open the Reviews tab.
- Pick a star count and write a short note. Post.
Ways To Write A Helpful Podcast Review (That People Trust)
Your note should help a stranger decide, in seconds, whether this show fits their taste. Keep it tight and concrete. Write for listeners first; creators benefit from the same clarity.
Lock In The Basics First
- Context: Mention the show name (and episode title if needed). State how many episodes you tried.
- Angle: Say what you listen for: storytelling, depth, humor, quick news, or step-by-step tips.
- Format notes: Solo host, co-hosts, interviews, roundtable, narrative, or mixed.
Cover The Core Listening Experience
- Substance: Are the points fresh or recycled? Any data, sources, or lived examples?
- Flow: Does each segment lead cleanly to the next? Any long tangents?
- Sound: Levels balanced? Music and ads placed cleanly? Any harsh sibilance or clipping?
- Host fit: Tone, pacing, and chemistry. Do guests get room to talk?
Be Specific, Not Vague
Swap “great show” for one concrete detail that a new listener can test. Name a segment that worked, a question that drew a real answer, or a moment that made you pause the app to think or take notes.
Keep It Short And Skimmable
- One-line verdict for scanners.
- Two or three compact sentences backing the verdict.
- One tip: best starter episode, or a time-stamp that shows the show’s vibe.
Sample Structures You Can Copy
30-Second Template (General Show)
Verdict: “Smart takes on tech policy with calm delivery.”
Why: “Hosts cut filler and ask follow-ups that land. Mix of solo explainers and tight interviews.”
Try this: “Start with S4E3 at 18:12 for the clearest privacy walkthrough.”
30-Second Template (Narrative Series)
Verdict: “Lean, well-paced true-crime arc over six episodes.”
Why: “Clean scene tape and dates; no melodrama. Sources named in-episode.”
Try this: “Play Ep. 2 from 12:45 for the interview that reframes the case.”
30-Second Template (How-To Show)
Verdict: “Actionable career tips with real scripts.”
Why: “Clear segments, timestamps in notes, and links to tools.”
Try this: “Check the negotiation episode; the 5-step framework lands fast.”
Rating Fairly: A Simple Scoring Lens
Star counts work best when they map to clear criteria. Use this light rubric so your rating signals more than a mood.
Five Signals To Weigh
- Clarity: Do you track the story without rewinding?
- Originality: Are insights fresh, or just echoing trending takes?
- Craft: Script, editing, and sound design that fits the topic.
- Usefulness: Can a listener act on the episode, or feel informed?
- Consistency: Quality across at least three episodes.
Map Your Stars To What You Heard
- 5: Would recommend to a friend without caveats.
- 4: Strong pick with minor quirks.
- 3: Mixed results; try one curated episode.
- 2: More misses than hits.
- 1: Hard to follow or low value.
Common Pitfalls To Avoid
- Episode bias: One weak cut doesn’t define a show. Sample two or three.
- Insults: Point to moments and choices, not personal digs.
- Spoilers without warning: If the show relies on reveals, flag them or keep them vague.
- Inside jokes only fans get: Write for new listeners who haven’t met the host yet.
Platform Nuances That Shape Your Review
On Apple, your note sits under the show’s rating average on the show page. On Spotify, your stars roll into a public average on the show page, which launched as a mobile feature. Podchaser displays both show-level and episode-level notes, which helps niche series with standout chapters.
| Element | What To Write | Quick Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Hook | One-line verdict a skimmer can trust | Use a plain adjective and one concrete trait |
| Evidence | Two details: segment, question, or timestamp | Name the exact moment a new listener should try |
| Fit | Who will enjoy it, and when to listen | Commute, deep-work, workout, or wind-down |
| Compare | One nearby show; what’s different | Keep it friendly; no pile-ons |
| Stars | Pick a number based on your rubric | Note one fix for a higher score next time |
Make Your Note Useful To Strangers
Write with readers in mind, not just the host. Cut filler. Use plain claims that someone can test in minutes. A tight review with one smart pointer often gets upvotes and stays visible longer.
Examples Of Clear Phrasing
- “Balanced audio; ad breaks land between segments.”
- “Host asks follow-ups instead of moving to the next bullet.”
- “Best entry point: Season 2, Ep. 4 at 10:20.”
How To Share A Review Without Spoiling The Story
Reveal the craft, not the twist. Mention pacing, scene tape, source variety, or the host’s questioning style. If you cite a moment, give a timestamp, not the secret itself. That way you help new listeners sample without ruining payoffs.
Ethics: Fair, Honest, And Transparent
- Disclose ties if you have any: guest spot, sponsor link, or team role.
- No copy-paste rants across apps. Tailor to the show and the episode count you sampled.
- Flag sensitive topics if the show goes there. Keep language calm and clear.
Refine Your Note Before You Hit Post
- Read-through: Trim any vague words. Swap them for concrete bits.
- Link value: If the show has show notes, mention that. Many listeners care about sources.
- Format: Short title, then compact body. Avoid long blocks.
FAQ-Free Tips (Because You’re Here To Act)
Picking A Starter Episode
Scan the feed for labeled guides, season pilots, or episodes with guest names you trust. These usually show the best mix of clarity and pacing.
What If You Bounce Off A Show?
Say why without insults. “Heavy banter up top,” “many mid-rolls,” or “surface-level sources” tells others what to expect.
What If You Love It?
Point to a segment and describe why it lands: a smart follow-up, a cited dataset, a clean timeline. Then add a star count that matches your own rubric.
One More Look At Posting Flow
Apple posts sit under Ratings & Reviews on a show page and can include a title and body. Spotify stars roll into a visible average once a show has enough ratings. Podchaser lets you rate both shows and episodes, which helps match praise or critique to the exact cut you heard.
Final Nudge: Keep It Short, Honest, And Specific
Pick one hook line, two proof points, and a clear star count. Share a starter episode. That’s enough to guide a new listener and help the team behind the mic grow the show in the right ways.