How It Works
1. Submit
Enter your podcast and choose the categories you want to compete in.
2. Review
Help evaluate fellow creators by reviewing a small number of podcasts from other categories using our open judging criteria.
3. Feedback
Your podcast is independently reviewed by multiple participants, giving you transparent scores and constructive written feedback.
4. Award
The highest-rated podcasts earn international recognition at the annual Open Podcast Awards.
Built for Independent Creators
Every great podcast begins with an idea. Whether you record in a professional studio or a spare bedroom, what matters most is the quality of your storytelling, creativity, and the impact you make on your audience. We believe exceptional podcasts can come from anywhere.
The Open Podcast Awards were created to give independent creators the same opportunity for recognition as established productions. By keeping our submission process accessible and judging focused on merit rather than popularity, we aim to ensure that every podcast has the chance to be discovered, celebrated, and rewarded for the work behind it.
Because great podcasts deserve to be found — no matter where they’re made.
How the Peer Review Works
The Open Podcast Awards are powered by the podcasting community. Every participant
submits a podcast and becomes part of the judging community by reviewing a small
number of podcasts from other categories. Every entry follows the same transparent
process, receives multiple independent reviews, and competes for recognition based
on the collective evaluation of fellow creators.
Submit Your Podcast
Complete your submission, choose the categories you want to enter, and pay the
entry fee. Once your submission is verified, your podcast officially joins the
Open Podcast Awards.
Review Fellow Creators
As part of your participation, you’ll be assigned a small number of podcasts
from categories that do not directly compete with yours. Using our transparent
judging criteria, you’ll provide scores and constructive written feedback for
each podcast.
Receive Your Reviews
Your podcast is independently reviewed by multiple participants. You’ll receive
transparent scores and valuable written feedback from fellow podcasters,
providing insights you can use to improve your show regardless of the final
outcome.
Celebrate the Winners
Once all reviews are complete, the highest-rated podcasts in each category are
recognized at the annual Open Podcast Awards. Winners receive official awards,
promotional assets, and international recognition from the global podcasting
community.
More Than an Award
The Open Podcast Awards were created to celebrate exceptional podcasting and to help outstanding creators gain the recognition they deserve.
Recognition
Winning an award is an achievement — but every creator deserves to know what makes their work stand out. Our evaluation process is designed to recognize excellence while encouraging continuous growth.
Professional Feedback
Every eligible submission receives constructive written feedback from independent judges. Whether you qualify for the awards this year or continue refining your show, you’ll leave with valuable insights to improve future episodes.
Built for Creators
The Open Podcast Awards exist for independent creators, emerging voices, and established professionals alike. We believe exceptional storytelling can come from anywhere — not only from the biggest publishers or the largest audiences.
Our Promise
Every podcast receives the same opportunity. Every eligible submission is judged using the same criteria. Every creator deserves transparency, fairness, and respect throughout the evaluation process.
“Because great podcasts deserve to be found.”
Become a founding member
A dedicated team is currently building the Open Podcast Awards and bringing the world’s largest peer-to-peer podcast review to life. Because this award is powered by the podcasting community itself, we’ll launch once enough creators have joined to ensure a meaningful and fair review process for everyone.
Join the waiting list to become one of our founding participants. You’ll receive launch updates, early access to submissions, and help shape a new kind of podcast award — one where creators discover, evaluate, and celebrate each other’s work.