How it works
Open Podcast Awards is a shared listening and feedback process. You enter your show, review a small number of peers, receive independent feedback, and help recognise work worth hearing.
The idea
Most awards ask creators to submit their work to a closed panel. Here, participating creators help make the evaluation possible. That creates more listening, more useful feedback, and a route to recognition that does not depend on the size of a show’s audience.
You do not need to be an industry insider. You only need to bring curiosity, care, and a willingness to give fellow creators the kind of feedback you would value yourself.
Your season, step by step
01
Create an account, add your podcast’s RSS feed, and choose the category that best represents your show. We use the feed to bring in the essential podcast details, so you can review them before entering.
You can enter one active podcast for the season.
02
As soon as you submit your podcast, available peer assignments appear in your review queue. More can arrive as creators join. You will never be assigned your own show, and every review must be completed before the peer-review deadline.
Each review includes three focused ratings, one specific strength, and one constructive priority to develop.
03
Complete your assigned reviews first, then your received feedback becomes available. This shared commitment keeps the awards reciprocal: every creator contributes to the community before receiving its perspective in return.
Reviews are anonymous, so the feedback can stay candid and useful.
04
After the initial review stage closes, entries are assessed within their categories. Qualification is based on completed peer reviews, not audience size, marketing spend, or an existing following.
The shortlist is prepared before finalists are announced.
05
Eligible creators can opt into the finalist jury. Instead of completing another long review, volunteers listen to one balanced head-to-head comparison and choose the podcast they believe should advance.
No one is shown their own podcast, and comparisons are balanced across each category.
06
Once the finalist jury is complete, the award outcome is published by category. Whether or not your show receives an award, you leave with independent feedback and a clearer view of how other creators experienced your work.
The outcome is published after the finalist comparison stage is complete.
Before you join
The awards are designed to be accessible to independent creators, without an entry fee.
Entering a podcast means contributing to the review community as well as receiving feedback from it.
Take time with the assigned podcasts and write feedback that is specific, respectful, and actionable.
Do not try to identify reviewers or influence another creator’s evaluation. The process works when every response is given in good faith.
How fairness is protected
01
The assignment system excludes your own podcast from your review queue.
02
A podcast can receive feedback from multiple independent participants, rather than relying on a single opinion.
03
All participants use the same clear framework: three 0–10 ratings, one specific strength, and one actionable next improvement.
04
Final-round matchups stay within a category and are distributed to avoid over-exposing one finalist.
Independent · Transparent · Worldwide
