Do you want to support your favorite podcast but don't have the spare cash to send them some coffee and cake money, back their Patreon, or buy some merchandise?

Rating and reviewing your favorite podcast on iTunes will nigh certainly help them out. Hither's why, and how to leave a podcast review on iTunes and other podcast aggregators.

Why You Should Support Podcasts With Reviews

Almost podcasters make their shows as a hobby. Those that are fortunate enough to brand money from podcasting exercise so considering the evidence is role of a large media grouping or website, it has a generous sponsor, or they're benefiting from budgetary support from listeners.

This might be in the shape of small contributions from listeners via PayPal, or perhaps through a Patreon subscription. Many podcasters enjoy success with Patreon, offering exclusive bonuses, simply it doesn't work for every show.

Fortunately, there are other means to monetize creative content open to podcasters, giving yous plenty of opoortunities to support your favorite shows.

If your favorite podcast doesn't use Patreon, doesn't have a donate button, and isn't supported with adverts or a large media company, what tin you do? Well, if in that location's a podcast you really honey, only leaving a review can take an bear upon, and perhaps attract new regular listeners.

While the thought of leaving a review might be new to y'all, it's simple, once you know how to get started. Although many podcast aggregators don't support reviews, Apple'due south iTunes Podcasts app and rival service Stitcher both do.

How to Review iTunes Podcasts on iPhone/iPad

You may retrieve that the mode to review podcasts on iOS devices like the iPhone and iPad is via iTunes. In fact, you lot demand to employ the Podcasts app.

This has a imperial icon and should be on the outset or second screen of your iOS device. Open the app, find the search tool, and enter the name of the podcast you want to review.

You'll meet the podcast's logo (every bit album art), so tap this, and then Reviews > Write a Review. Enter your iTunes countersign when prompted, then exit a star rating, a review, and a title. Tap Send, and you're done.

Before writing a review, it might exist worth looking at other reviews from boyfriend listeners. This tin can exist useful for finding well-regarded episodes of the podcast that you've missed so far.

(Beware expanding a previous review on the iPad, as in that location is no style to exit the view other than closing the Podcasts app and starting again.)

How to Review iTunes Podcasts on Windows/Mac

On Windows or macOS, you can utilize the standard iTunes app to leave a podcast review.

Brainstorm by clicking the drib-down menu to select Podcasts, then using the search box in the superlative-right to notice the podcast you're reviewing. The search results will typically brandish a list of recent shows from that podcast; scroll downwards until you find the large logo for the podcast.

Review a podcast on iTunes on your computer

Click this to view details near the podcast, and y'all'll spot the Ratings and Reviews button. (It's possible to just exit a star rating from the Details screen, if you prefer to go on it quick.)

In the Ratings and Reviews screen, select a star rating under the Click to Rate heading, then leave a review. Don't forget to include a championship to summarize your thoughts (hopefully something that will encourage others to subscribe).

When you're done, hit Submit; you may exist asked to log in again. When canonical (because spotting faux reviews is a skill), the review volition appear on the podcast listing in iTunes.

How to Review Podcasts on Stitcher

If yous don't use Apple products, yous're quite express in how you can review podcasts. One place that does collate reviews, however, is Stitcher, a podcast aggregator that offers mobile and in-motorcar podcast apps.

To utilize Stitcher's review system, head to the website at Stitcher.com and sign in. You tin use an existing Google account, or Facebook, or simply create a new business relationship.

Review podcasts on Stitcher

Once authenticated, search for the podcast you desire to review, then select it. Curl downward to the pes of the page and click Write a review. Here, prepare a rating, requite your review a title, then input your thoughts.

Click Post Review when you're done, and in one case approved the review will be added to the podcast show page.

Unfortunately, y'all cannot currently get out reviews using the Stitcher mobile app.

Other Podcast Libraries With Reviews and Ratings

iTunes and Stitcher aren't the only places where you can charge per unit podcasts. While review options are express, almost every podcast app beyond all platforms lets you leave a star rating or add a "like". Diverse podcast players for Android offer this feature.

The result might be quite different from leaving a review on iTunes, but information technology nevertheless gives the producers the encouragement they need.

As podcasts go increasingly mainstream, however, this is likely to evolve. For example, yous can hands share your appreciation for a podcast on social media by messaging the producers and sharing a link to the show.

Meanwhile, other services are slowly moving into Apple tree's territory. Rumors of Spotify starting a podcast rating organisation have been around for months. Should this be introduced it would likely change the podcasting world overnight.

Similarly, if Amazon added podcasts into its media library, things could cease upwards very different.

Whatever the future holds, remember that Apple currently holds all the aces. So please do accept the time to dorsum your favorite shows with a few kind words on iTunes or the Podcasts app.

Back up the Podcasts You Love!

Supporting your favorite podcast with a rating or a few friendly words of encouragement to other potential subscribers is a great idea.

Whether supporting a podcast with a review or rating will ameliorate its standing in the iTunes chart, no one really knows. Apple tree isn't proverb, but there is enough evidence from podcasters to suggest that information technology probably helps.

There are lots of ways to listen to podcasts on Mac. Looking for a new podcast to subscribe to? Here's how to find great new podcasts.

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Almost The Author

Christian Cawley (1590 Articles Published)

Deputy Editor for Security, Linux, DIY, Programming, and Tech Explained, and Actually Useful Podcast producer, with extensive feel in desktop and software support. A contributor to Linux Format magazine, Christian is a Raspberry Pi tinkerer, Lego lover and retro gaming fan.

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