The podcast world just got a little more competitive—and a lot more exciting.
In a bold move, YouTube has rolled out its Weekly Top Podcast Charts exclusively for U.S. listeners. This isn’t just another listicle of popular shows. It’s a real-time pulse on what America is actually listening to. And for creators? It’s a brand new leaderboard worth paying attention to.
If you’re a podcaster trying to get noticed—or an influencer who wants to stay ahead of the content curve—this update is more than just a new tab in the app. It’s an opportunity.
Here’s everything you need to know about YouTube’s weekly podcast rankings, how they work, and what you can do to ride the wave.
What is YouTube’s Weekly Top Podcast Chart?
Welcome to the podcast power rankings.
YouTube’s Top 100 Podcast Chart is now a thing—and it’s updated every single Wednesday. The list features the most popular podcasts being streamed in the U.S., measured by actual watch time, not just listens or likes. So yes, it rewards the stuff people stick around for.
That means the more minutes your audience watches, the higher your podcast ranks on YouTube.
But this isn’t just a one-time flex. It’s a weekly showdown, refreshed regularly, showcasing creators who are holding attention and growing loyal listeners. Think of it like the Billboard 100—except it’s not for pop songs, it’s for long-form conversations, hot takes, and brilliant audio storytelling.
And it’s not just for audio purists either. Whether your show is video-heavy or audio-only, if it’s hosted on YouTube and people are watching, you’re in the running.
Why This New Feature Matters for YouTube Creators
Increased Discoverability for Podcasts
Let’s be honest—getting noticed as a podcaster can feel like screaming into the void. You upload an episode, you share a link, and… crickets.
YouTube’s new chart flips that script. It gives your content a shot at being discovered by a much wider audience, all from one highly visible, centralized list.
This is a win for both established creators and new voices. For newer podcasters, a breakout episode could land you in the Top 100. For seasoned veterans, the chart is a way to stay top of mind and ride the algorithmic love.
Enhanced Audience Engagement
The playlist-style chart also makes things easier for listeners. Instead of hunting for what’s trending, users can just scroll, click, and listen. That means more casual listeners are becoming engaged ones. The kind who binge your back catalog and hit Subscribe without a second thought.
For creators, it’s a new way to build community, gain traction, and drive steady traffic to their YouTube podcast rankings.
How YouTube’s Weekly Podcast Chart Benefits Influencers
Boosted Visibility and Reach
If you’re an influencer, this isn’t just about being a podcaster. This is about owning more real estate in the YouTube ecosystem.
With this new chart, creators have a fresh path to gain organic reach, especially with video-based podcasts that hit both visual and conversational sweet spots. The ranking system rewards watch time, not clout, which levels the playing field in a big way.
More visibility = more subscribers = more brand potential.
A New Avenue for Cross-Promotion
Let’s talk partnerships. This chart makes it easier than ever to scout out trending podcasters for collaboration. Imagine a guest appearing on a rising show or getting your brand mentioned on one that’s charting.
Better yet, if your show hits the list, you become a magnet for brands looking to align with trending voices.
Cross-promoting with chart-toppers becomes a growth strategy, not just a networking move. It’s a smart way to build credibility while tapping into new audiences.
Consider incorporating a YouTube Video Promotion Platform into your podcast growth goals. Platforms like Flintzy help you beyond promoting podcasts.
Promote YouTube Music Video at your will, or even consider the Promotion YouTube Gaming Video!
Best Practices for Creators to Rank on YouTube’s Weekly Podcast Chart
Okay, so how do you actually make it onto this magical Top 100?
Optimizing Podcast Content
Start with the basics:
- Create killer thumbnails. It’s YouTube, after all. Visual appeal still matters.
- Use strong, searchable titles with emotional pull or trending keywords.
- Publish consistently. Weekly uploads help YouTube’s algorithm recognize you as a reliable content source.
This isn’t the time to wing it. Structure matters. Hook your audience in the first 30 seconds, and keep your segments tight but engaging.
Leveraging Audience Engagement
Every comment, every like, every share—it all counts. Ask your audience to engage. Better yet, give them a reason to.
Drop questions in your description. Run polls in your community tab. Feature fan comments in future episodes.
And don’t sleep on analytics. Use YouTube Studio to track watch time, viewer retention, and drop-off points. It tells you exactly what’s working (and what’s not).
The weekly podcast rankings reflect consistency and engagement, not just virality.
Collaborating with Other Podcasters
Want to climb faster? Collaborate.
- Invite trending voices onto your show.
- Offer to guests on others.
- Create content that features buzz-worthy topics or reacts to cultural moments—these tend to get shared, clicked, and watched longer.
Remember: the goal isn’t just to make good content. It’s to make content that people can’t stop watching.
What’s Next? Potential Future Updates to YouTube’s Podcast Chart
The feature’s just launched in the U.S., but it’s easy to imagine where it’s going next.
Regional Rankings and Personalized Recommendations
We could soon see state-by-state or city-level podcast rankings. That means creators could hyper-target audiences in their local region—and gain hometown traction faster.
Expect YouTube to also experiment with personalized charts, based on listening history and user preferences. That opens up even more discovery avenues beyond the national Top 100.
New Monetization Options for Podcasters
With features like Super Thanks and Memberships already in play, don’t be surprised if YouTube adds monetization layers tied to chart performance.
Think early access for top fans, ad revenue boosts, or branded integrations surfaced by the algorithm. The more value the platform attaches to us podcast rankings, the more incentives creators will have to show up weekly.
Why YouTube Creators Should Embrace This Feature
YouTube is telling creators loud and clear: podcasts matter here now.
This chart isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a roadmap. A signal that podcast rankings on YouTube are about to become just as influential as traditional podcast charts on Spotify or Apple.
If you’re a creator looking to promote YouTube music videos, expand your influence, or even cross over into different niches like gaming or education, this is your chance to do it through long-form content that sticks.
Visibility. Discoverability. Engagement.
These are the pillars of growth on YouTube, and this new feature boosts all three.
Final Thoughts from Flintzy
At Flintzy, we’ve always believed in strategic visibility. Whether you’re building your audience from scratch or scaling your channel with promotion for YouTube gaming videos, the right platform visibility changes everything.
This new feature is your chance to:
- Be seen more organically
- Rank among trending creators
- Attract new subscribers, collaborations, and even sponsors
Don’t just post your podcast—position it.
Use smart targeting. Create content people want to finish. Build audience loyalty.
And hey, if you want help?
Flintzy is your go-to YouTube video promotion platform. From category-specific campaigns to playlist placement, we help creators like you move from invisible to unmissable.
Ready to rise in the podcast rankings?
Let’s make that Top 100 feel like home.