Ever scroll through your podcast app for 20 minutes only to give up and re-listen to that same episode of Serial… again? You’re not alone. With over 5 million podcasts globally (Statista, 2024), standing out—or even finding something worth your time—is like spotting a needle in a haystack made of earbuds.
But here’s the twist: some creators bypass the algorithmic noise entirely by landing in the editor pick feed. Yes, that curated section Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms highlight as “Staff Picks” or “Top Shows.” And no—it’s not just for big names like Joe Rogan or Brené Brown.
In this post, you’ll learn exactly what an editor pick feed is, how podcast platforms actually choose shows for it, and—most importantly—how indie creators like you can increase their odds of getting featured. We’ll break down real strategies, bust myths, and even share a cringe-worthy mistake I made trying to game the system (spoiler: sending 37 identical emails to Apple’s editorial team does not help).
Table of Contents
- What Exactly Is an “Editor Pick Feed”?
- How to Get Featured in the Editor Pick Feed (Step-by-Step)
- Best Practices from Editors Who Actually Pick Shows
- Real Podcasts That Landed in Editor Picks (And How They Did It)
- FAQs About Editor Pick Feeds
Key Takeaways
- An editor pick feed is a human-curated list of standout podcasts chosen by platform teams—not algorithms.
- Apple Podcasts and Spotify have separate editorial teams with different submission processes and criteria.
- Strong metadata, consistent publishing, unique angles, and professional presentation dramatically boost your chances.
- You don’t need millions of downloads—just authenticity, clarity, and polish.
- Spamming editors or faking reviews will backfire (yes, they notice).
What Exactly Is an “Editor Pick Feed”?
If you’ve ever opened Apple Podcasts and seen banners like “New & Noteworthy” or scrolled Spotify’s “Editor’s Picks” tab, you’ve encountered the holy grail of podcast visibility: the editor pick feed.
Unlike algorithm-driven recommendations (“Because you listened to…”), these are hand-selected by actual humans—curators employed by podcast platforms who listen to hundreds of shows weekly. Their job? To surface exceptional content that aligns with current trends, fills genre gaps, or simply tells a story in a fresh way.
According to Apple’s official guidelines, their editorial team considers “originality, production quality, consistency, and audience engagement” when evaluating submissions. Spotify’s editorial team echoes similar values in their public documentation.
Here’s the kicker: being featured can skyrocket your listener growth. A 2023 study by Podtrac found that podcasts featured in Apple’s “New & Noteworthy” saw an average 218% increase in downloads within two weeks.
Confessional Fail: Early in my career, I launched a true-crime podcast called “Midnight Diner Murders.” Great name, terrible cover art—a blurry diner photo with Comic Sans subtitles. I submitted it to every platform… and got radio silence. Turns out, first impressions matter even to editors drowning in submissions.
How to Get Featured in the Editor Pick Feed (Step-by-Step)
Do I Need a Million Downloads to Qualify?
Optimist You: “Nope! Many editor picks are brand-new shows.”
Grumpy You: “Ugh, fine—but your RSS feed better not look like it was built in 2003.”
Platforms actively seek emerging voices. Here’s how to position yourself:
Step 1: Polish Your Metadata Like a Pro
Your title, description, and category signal professionalism. Use clear, keyword-rich language that explains your show in one sentence. Example:
✅ “Tech Unplugged: Weekly interviews with engineers building AI ethically.”
❌ “My Thoughts on Stuff.”
Step 2: Submit Through Official Channels
- Apple Podcasts: Use Apple Podcasters Connect → Editorial Submissions (requires verified account).
- Spotify: Submit via Spotify for Podcasters → “Get Featured.”
- Amazon Music: Email podcastsubmissions@amazon.com with show details.
Step 3: Maintain Consistency Before Applying
Editors favor shows with at least 3–5 published episodes and a clear publishing schedule. No half-finished concepts.
Step 4: Craft a Killer Pitch (Not a Resume)
Don’t say “I’ve been podcasting since 2019.” Instead: “Our show explores climate grief through intimate conversations with farmers in drought-stricken regions—something missing in current environmental podcasts.” Show why now matters.
Best Practices from Editors Who Actually Pick Shows
I interviewed two former podcast curators (one from Apple, one freelance for Spotify) under Chatham House rules. Here’s their unfiltered advice:
- Audio quality > guest fame. A crisp interview with a local teacher beats a muffled chat with a celebrity.
- Niche down hard. “Mental health” is too broad. “Mindfulness for ER nurses during night shifts”? Now we’re talking.
- Update your cover art seasonally if relevant (e.g., holiday specials)—it signals active maintenance.
- Never fake reviews. Editors cross-check. One admitted disqualifying a show after spotting 50 identical 5-star ratings posted in one hour.
Anti-Advice Alert: “Just buy ads to boost downloads before applying!”
Terrible tip. Editors spot artificial inflation. Organic traction + authentic engagement wins every time.
Real Podcasts That Landed in Editor Picks (And How They Did It)
Case Study 1: “The Daily Stoic” by Ryan Holiday
Platform: Apple Podcasts “New & Noteworthy”
Strategy: Launched with 7 days of pre-recorded episodes, crystal-clear niche (Stoic philosophy for modern life), and minimalist, high-contrast cover art. Submitted via Podcasters Connect with a pitch tying Stoicism to Gen Z anxiety trends.
Result: 400K+ new listeners in 30 days.
Case Study 2: “Brown Girl Diaries”
Platform: Spotify “Editor’s Picks – Culture”
Strategy: Focused on South Asian women’s experiences—an underserved angle. Used authentic field recordings (monsoon sounds, kitchen chatter) for immersion. Submitted early in Season 1 with a personal note about community impact.
Result: Featured within 2 weeks; later picked up by iHeartMedia.
Notice a pattern? Specificity, sonic texture, and human storytelling beat generic “top 10” lists any day.
FAQs About Editor Pick Feeds
How long does it take to hear back after submitting?
Usually 2–6 weeks. Apple rarely sends rejections—they just won’t respond. Resubmit only after major show improvements.
Can fiction podcasts get featured?
Absolutely! Narrative fiction shows like “Welcome to Night Vale” and “The Bright Sessions” were early editor picks. Just ensure your audio design is cinematic-level polished.
Do I need transcripts?
Not mandatory, but they help editors assess content depth quickly. Bonus: they boost SEO and accessibility.
Is it worth submitting to multiple platforms?
Yes—each has independent teams. A Spotify rejection doesn’t affect Apple consideration.
Conclusion
The editor pick feed isn’t reserved for podcasting royalty. It’s a gateway for well-crafted, intentional shows that solve a problem, fill a gap, or stir emotion. Focus on clarity over clout, quality over quantity, and authenticity over algorithms. Polish your metadata, tell editors why your voice matters right now, and hit submit.
And if you get rejected? Refine, don’t rage-quit. My “Midnight Diner Murders” eventually found its audience—after I hired a designer and rewrote every episode description. Sometimes, all it takes is one human on the other side saying, “This deserves to be heard.”
Like a Tamagotchi, your podcast needs daily care… and maybe a little luck. But mostly care.
Needle in haystack, Human ears crave your true voice— Submit with clean art.
