Most podcasters skip one of the most powerful steps in their launch or relaunch strategy: choosing the right categories.

It sounds small, almost like a checkbox you tick and forget. But in 2025, that checkbox can determine whether your show reaches thousands of listeners or disappears in the algorithm.

In this post, we’ll break down how podcast categories impact your rankings, why they matter more than ever in the age of AI, and how to pick the right ones to future proof your show.

Why Podcast Categories Matter More Than You Think

Think of your podcast category as your show’s book genre. If your book about entrepreneurship is shelved under self-help, the wrong readers will find it. They might browse, listen to one episode, and leave.

The same thing happens when your podcast is listed in the wrong category. Apple, Spotify, and YouTube use your categories as the first signal to understand what your show is about and who to recommend it to.

In 2025, AI powered discovery tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity are also scanning your metadata, transcripts, and titles to decide where your show fits. That means your categories don’t just influence charts; they influence AI-driven search.

Pro Tip: Your category is the algorithm’s compass. Choose it carefully and it will guide new listeners straight to you.

The 3 Steps to Choosing Categories That Rank

1. Lead With Your Core Content Pillar

Start by asking: what do I really talk about? Not what sounds impressive, but what topics come up most often in your episodes.

If you interview entrepreneurs, your main category might be Business → Entrepreneurship.

If you teach brand storytelling, you might fall under Education → Courses or Arts → Design.

If your show mixes mindset and leadership, you might choose Health & Fitness → Mental Health.

Pro Tip: The main category you select is the one that appears on the charts. Pick one that matches your message and gives you a fair chance to compete.

2. Use Subcategories Strategically

You get two secondary categories to help the algorithm connect the dots about your show. Think of them as branches extending from your main focus.

A business growth podcast could use Business → Entrepreneurship and Education → How To.

A wellness leadership podcast could combine Health & Fitness → Mental Health with Business → Management.

Pro Tip: Smaller, niche subcategories can help you chart faster and reach listeners who are looking for exactly what you talk about.

3. Align Your Metadata With Your Message

Your categories only work if your metadata supports them.

That means your episode titles, show description, and transcripts should use natural language that matches your category. For example, a show in Entrepreneurship should use words like startup, founder, scaling, growth, and strategy.

When every piece of your content tells the same story, you train the algorithm to recognize and recommend you.

Pro Tip: Consistency wins. If your metadata says “business,” but your episodes focus on mindset, the system gets confused and hides your show from the right audience.

How AI Is Changing Podcast Discovery

We’re moving from keyword search to context search.

AI no longer just looks for words in your titles; it reads your show notes, transcripts, and categories to understand what your podcast is really about. This is called LLMO — Large Language Model Optimization.

Here’s what that means for you:

AI learns your show’s intent and aligns it with listener requests.

Listeners can now ask tools like ChatGPT to “find podcasts for solopreneurs who want to grow without burnout.”

If your categories and metadata match that context, your podcast shows up.

Pro Tip: Your categories are now part of your SEO. Treat them like keywords for your entire show.

Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced podcasters overlook the power of categories. Avoid these common errors:

• Picking a category that doesn’t match your real content

• Ignoring subcategories or leaving them blank

• Stuffing your description with irrelevant keywords

• Forgetting to review your categories after a rebrand

• Assuming “Business” or “Education” is specific enough

The fix is simple: revisit your categories once a quarter and make sure they still align with your content.

Mindset Shift: Metadata Is Marketing

Your metadata isn’t busywork. It’s your first impression.

In 2025, AI tools, podcast directories, and search engines are all reading the same thing — your words. Your titles, categories, and descriptions tell them who you are, who you serve, and whether your content deserves to be recommended.

When you treat your categories as strategy instead of setup, you build long term discoverability.

Pro Tip: The more intentional your metadata is, the less you’ll have to rely on luck to get found.

Final Thoughts: Your Categories Are Your Compass

Your podcast categories are not just labels. They’re levers.

When chosen well, they help you rank faster, get recommended more often, and reach listeners who are searching for what you actually create.

Start by reviewing your categories, aligning your metadata, and optimizing your show for AI powered search. You’ll be amazed at how quickly visibility grows when everything speaks the same language.

👉Free Resource: Download my Podcast Launch Blueprint for templates, checklists, and strategies to help you launch or relaunch your podcast with confidence.

Your audience is waiting. And your categories might just be the key to unlocking your next wave of growth.

About Simona Costantini

Simona Costantini is the Founder and CEO of VOLT Productions, a leading podcast production agency with 30+ weekly shows, many ranking in the top 30-100 in their niches. Simona is a dynamic speaker and podcast host known for delivering actionable insights and value. 

She hosts "Happiness Happens" and "As It Relates to Podcasting" and empowers female entrepreneurs in parenting, wellness, and marketing to launch and grow their podcasts. Her mission is to empower creators to make a meaningful impact with their voices, drawing from her 10+ years of marketing and PR experience. When not working, she enjoys life in wine country with her cockapoo, Gus.

Connect with Simona here:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/simona__costantini

• Business Instagram: www.instagram.com/volt.productions 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simona-costantini-25653a30/

• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimonaCostantini_/

• Website: www.voltproductions.co