Podcast Awards Directory: 30+ Global, Local, Niche & Community Awards for Podcasters
Podcast awards aren’t just about trophies.
When chosen strategically, they can strengthen your influence, increase sponsorship opportunities, support PR pitches, and position your show as credible long after the submission deadline passes.
Below you’ll find a two-layer directory:
a quick-scan table to compare awards at a glance
followed by in-depth listings with eligibility, costs, and timelines
This guide is designed for independent, professional, and purpose-driven podcasters who want clarity before committing time or money.
Podcast Awards Directory
All-at-a-glance tables first, followed by deeper criteria below (optional). Paused programs are included and clearly marked.
Global & International
| Award | Best for | Cost | Window | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The Ambies (Podcast Academy) |
High-production, industry podcasts | $275–$325 | Jan–Feb | View |
Webby Awards |
Digital-first & branded podcasts | $125–$625 | Sep–Feb | View |
Signal Awards |
Indie + branded, episodes & series | $215–$265 | May–Jun | View |
Peabody Awards (Audio/Podcast) |
Narrative, documentary & journalism | $450–$900 | Oct–Dec | View |
Headliner Awards |
Audio storytelling & journalism | Paid | Aug–Oct | View |
New York Festivals – Radio Awards |
Professional audio & podcast teams | Paid | Jan | View |
Telly Awards |
Video podcasts + cross-media | Paid | Dec–Feb | View |
Communicator Awards |
Creative audio + comms projects | Paid | Winter–Spring | View |
Content Marketing Awards |
Branded podcasts with strategy | Paid | Spring | View |
|
People’s Choice Podcast Awards
Paused / irregular
|
Audience-voted visibility | ~$50 | Spring–Summer | View |
Ear Worthy Awards |
Indie discovery (curated) | Free | Rolling | View |
International Women’s Podcast Awards |
Women & gender-diverse podcasters | Paid / varies | Annual | View |
Quill Podcast Awards |
Indie + branded podcasts (community-led) | Free | Annual | View |
Audio Verse Awards |
Fiction podcasts & audio drama | Free / varies | Annual | View |
United States
| Award | Best for | Cost | Window | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
iHeart Podcast Awards |
Mainstream recognition + voting | Free | Late year | View |
NYC Podcast Awards (Libby) |
Indie & student creators | Free–$150 | Oct–Jan | View |
AMA Awards |
Marketing & branded podcasts | Paid | Varies | View |
MarCom Awards |
Comms + creative recognition | $125–$195 | Spring–Summer | View |
AVA Digital Awards |
Entry-level digital awards | $10–$30 | Annual | View |
Pulitzer Prize – Audio Reporting |
Investigative/public service audio | ~$75 | Jan | View |
Black Podcasting Awards |
Black-hosted podcasts | $79–$199 | May–Jul | View |
|
AAPI Podcast Awards
Paused / edition varies
|
AAPI creator recognition | Varies | Annual | Varies |
Gracie Awards (Alliance for Women in Media Foundation) |
Women-led audio + podcast categories | Paid | Annual | View |
Golden Mike Awards (RTNA SoCal) |
News, journalism & regional audio/podcasts | Paid / varies | Annual | View |
Stevie Awards (American Business Awards) – Podcast categories |
Business, marketing & branded podcasts | Paid | Annual | View |
Golden Globes – Best Podcast |
Mainstream visibility (not open submission) | N/A | Annual | View |
ARKAST Podcast Awards |
Local + community-led recognition (Arkansas) | Varies | Annual | View |
Canada
| Award | Best for | Cost | Window | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Canadian Podcast Awards |
Canadian shows (country link) | Free | Oct–Nov | View |
T.O. Webfest |
Short-form series + podcasts | Paid | Spring | View |
UK & Ireland
| Award | Best for | Cost | Window | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
British Podcast Awards |
UK indie → professional | £210 + VAT | Spring | View |
Independent Podcast Awards |
Indie (no corporate backing) | £35 (+£5 extras) | May–Jun | View |
Radio Academy ARIAS |
Broadcast-level audio | Paid | Annual | View |
Audio Production Awards (AudioUK) |
Producers, teams, networks | £45–£65 | Aug–Sep | View |
All-Ireland Podcast Awards |
Irish link + Irish-language friendly | Free | Annual | View |
Marketing Institute Ireland (AIM Awards) |
Marketing campaigns & branded content (incl. audio/podcast work) | Paid / varies | Annual | View |
Europe (Non-UK)
| Award | Best for | Cost | Window | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Premios Ondas Globales del Podcast |
Narrative + documentary excellence | Free | Nov–Dec | View |
Podcast Days Spain – Premios |
Spanish-language shows | Varies | Annual | View |
PODES Festival (Portugal) |
Portuguese podcasts | Varies | Annual | View |
Paris Podcast Festival – Competition |
“Podcast natif” creators | Free | Annual | View |
Belgian Podcast Awards |
Belgian podcasts (community + industry) | Varies | Annual | View |
Australia & APAC
| Award | Best for | Cost | Window | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Australian Podcast Awards |
Australian creators & teams | AUD $230+ | Jun–Jul | View |
Asia Podcast Awards |
APAC shows + intl category | $200 | Jul | View |
Africa
| Award | Best for | Cost | Window | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
APVA Podcast Awards |
African podcasters & stories | Free–Low | Annual | View |
Below you’ll find expanded details for each award, including who it’s best suited for, eligibility nuances, and what to consider before applying.
In-Depth Listings (Grouped by Region)
🌍 Global & International Podcast Awards
The Ambies (The Podcast Academy Awards)
Who is it for: Professional and independent podcasters across genres, including narrative, interview, documentary, and branded podcasts.
Submission timeline: Typically opens in the autumn, with finalists announced early the following year.
Cost: Paid entry. Recent cycles ranged from approximately $275 (members) to $325 (non-members).
Participant criteria: Shows must meet minimum episode requirements and fall within the eligibility year defined by the Academy. Categories are tightly defined and competitive.
Web link: https://www.ambies.com
The Webby Awards
Who is it for: Podcasts positioned within the broader digital media landscape, including high-production independent shows and branded content.
Submission timeline: Opens in early autumn, with extended deadlines running into winter.
Cost: Paid entry. Fees vary significantly depending on deadline and entrant type, typically ranging from ~$125 to $600+.
Participant criteria: Global eligibility. Work must have been published within the defined eligibility window and meet category-specific requirements.
Web link: https://www.webbyawards.com
Signal Awards
Who is it for: Indie podcasts, limited series, individual episodes, and branded storytelling projects.
Submission timeline: Usually late spring to early summer.
Cost: Paid entry. Approx. $215 for individual episodes and $265 for shows or series.
Participant criteria: Open internationally. Clear separation between episode-level and series-level submissions.
Web link: https://www.signalaward.com
Headliner Awards
Who is it for: Podcasts, audio journalism, and narrative storytelling
Submission timeline: Late summer–early fall
Cost: Paid
Participant criteria: Editorial excellence and storytelling focus
Web link: https://www.headlinerawards.org
Content Marketing Awards
Who is it for: Branded and business-focused podcasts
Submission timeline: Spring
Cost: Paid
Participant criteria: Strategy, results, and audience impact emphasized
Web link: https://contentmarketingawards.com
The Telly Awards
Who is it for: Video podcasts, audio podcasts, and branded media
Submission timeline: Winter–spring
Cost: Paid
Participant criteria: Global submissions accepted
Web link: https://www.tellyawards.com
International Women’s Podcast Awards
Who is it for: Women and gender-diverse podcast creators
Submission timeline: Late winter
Cost: Paid (lower-cost indie tiers available)
Participant criteria: Inclusive, genre-agnostic
Web link: https://everybody-media.com
NYC Podcast Awards (Libby Awards)
Who is it for: Podcasters of all sizes, including student, indie, and professional creators.
Submission timeline: Generally opens in October and closes in January.
Cost: Free to low-cost options depending on entrant type (student, indie, company).
Participant criteria: Global submissions accepted; includes diversity-focused categories.
Web link: https://www.silver-nyc.com/nycpodcastawards
Quill Podcast Awards
Who is it for: Podcasters and podcast companies of all sizes across genres — from indie creators to branded series. Anyone can nominate a podcast, even if they’re not the creator or owner.
Submission timeline: Nominations typically open in early April (e.g., April 7, 2025) with finalists announced in late May. For 2026, nominations are expected in spring 2026 — exact dates announced via newsletter.
Cost: Free to enter - no fees to nominate a podcast.
Participant criteria:
Podcasts must be active for at least 6 months.
For the “Best New Podcast” category, shows must have published at least 6 episodes.
A podcast can be nominated in up to two categories, and only the two with the most nominations will advance to finalist status.
Web link: https://www.quillpodcasting.com/qpa/quill-podcast-awards
Audio Verse Awards
Celebrates excellence in immersive audio fiction, which often includes podcasts in the fiction and audio-drama space.
Region: Global
Best for: Fiction podcasts, audio dramas, narrative audioplays
Submission window: Traditionally opens in September/October (for nominations) — check current year updates
Cost: Community-oriented, typically free or low-barrier (based on past cycles)
Participant criteria: Fiction productions available via RSS or major audio platforms
Web Link: https://audioverseawards.net/
AVA Digital Awards
A broad digital/media awards program that includes audio/podcast categories alongside wider creative categories.
Region: Global
Best for: Podcasts tied to digital creative/media/brand campaigns
Submission window: Annual (deadline often January 15; results Feb 1)
Cost: Paid (e.g., $125 entry; $195 campaign)
Participant criteria: Must be digital creative work produced within eligibility period, including podcast audio as part of digital communication projects
Web Link: https://avaawards.com/
Golden Globe Awards [Podcast Category]
The Golden Globes introduced an official Best Podcast category for the 83rd awards.
Region: Global / US-based
Best for: High-visibility, high-production podcasts spanning storytelling, narrative, and entertainment
Submission timeline: Entries open October 2, 2025; deadline October 31, 2025; nomination phase November 2025; ceremony January 11, 2026.
Cost: Paid (per the official Golden Globes rules site)
Participant criteria: Must meet Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) eligibility rules
Web Link: https://goldenglobes.com/award-rules-and-entry-forms/
Gracie Awards (by Alliance for Women in Media)
Celebrates media created by, for, and about women - including podcast content.
Region: US / Global
Best for: Shows with women-led creative/production teams or women-focused storytelling
Submission timeline: Annual (varies year to year)
Cost: Paid
Participant criteria: Media content with strong contribution or focus by women
🇺🇸 United States
Black Podcasting Awards
Who is it for: Podcasts hosted or co-hosted by Black creators, across genres.
Submission timeline: Typically opens late spring and closes mid-summer.
Cost: Paid entry, with tiered pricing depending on submission window (roughly $79–$199).
Participant criteria: English-language podcasts with a minimum episode count; strong emphasis on representation and community impact.
Web link: https://blackpodawards.com
Communicator Awards
Who is it for: Creative audio and branded podcasts
Submission timeline: Spring
Cost: Paid
Participant criteria: Open to individuals, agencies, and organizations
Web link: https://communicatorawards.com
People’s Choice Podcast Awards
Who is it for: Podcasts with engaged audiences
Submission timeline: Annual (varies)
Cost: Free nomination; optional paid categories
Participant criteria: Audience voting
Web link: https://www.podcastawards.com
Stevie Awards [Podcast Categories /American Business Awards]
The Stevie Awards (particularly the American Business Awards) include specific podcast categories as part of their annual competition.
Region: Global / US-centric
Best for: Business-related podcasts, industry series, branded content
Submission timeline: Annual (typically spring submissions for summer awards)
Cost: Paid
Participant criteria: Must align with category rules (business/innovation storytelling)
Link: https://stevieawards.com/aba/podcast-awards-categories
🇬🇧 UK & Ireland
Independent Podcast Awards
Who is it for: Independent podcasters without corporate backing
Submission timeline: Late spring
Cost: Low-cost entry
Participant criteria: Indie-first ethos; originality emphasized
Web link: https://independentpodcastawards.com
British Podcast Awards
Who is it for: UK podcasts across all sizes and genres
Submission timeline: Spring
Cost: Paid (discounts for indies and charities)
Participant criteria: UK production focus
Web link: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com
Radio Academy ARIAS
Who is it for: Professional radio and podcast productions
Submission timeline: Annual
Cost: Paid
Participant criteria: Industry-level production standards
Web link: https://www.radioacademy.org/arias
🇮🇪 Ireland
All-Ireland Podcast Awards (Sound.Waves)
A national podcast awards program celebrating Irish podcasts across multiple categories, with an emphasis on Irish creators and productions.
Region: Ireland / Europe
Best for: Podcasts with an Irish link (hosts, production, audience, or Ireland-based focus)
Submission window: Typically annual (varies by year; check the official site for current dates)
Cost: Not consistently published publicly (varies by year)
Participant criteria: Shows with an Irish connection; categories may include Irish-language options depending on the year
Web Link: https://www.soundwaves.ie/aipa
Irish Podcast Awards
A separate Irish-focused awards program (distinct from Sound.Waves) that has been covered via Irish media/trade sources through winners/shortlists.
Region: Ireland / Europe
Best for: Irish podcasts seeking national visibility and credibility
Submission window: Annual / varies (often tied to an event cycle)
Cost: Not published consistently (varies by year)
Participant criteria: Generally requires a clear Irish connection (creator, production, or audience)
Web Link: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/irish-podcast-awards
Check Out This Guide:
10 Key Strategies To WIN Podcast Awards and Pitches
🇪🇺 Continental Europe
🇧🇪 Belgium
Belgian Podcast Awards
A dedicated podcast awards program celebrating Belgian shows and creators.
Region: Belgium / Europe
Best for: Podcasts with Belgian production, creators, or audience
Submission window: Voting opened May 30, 2025 for that cycle; future windows typically annual late spring/early summer.
Cost: Not published (likely free to enter/nominate - typical of community awards; you can check the official site for current entry info)
Participant criteria: Podcasts/creators with a Belgian connection (or recognized by the Belgian audio ecosystem)
Link: https://belgianpodcastawards.be/
🇳🇱 Netherlands
Dutch Podcast Awards
A dedicated awards program celebrating Dutch podcasts, often combining industry recognition with public-facing visibility.
Region: Netherlands / Europe
Best for: Dutch-language podcasts and shows with Dutch creators, production, or audience focus
Submission window: Annual (varies by year; check the official site for current dates)
Cost: Not published consistently (varies by cycle)
Participant criteria: Typically requires a Netherlands connection (creator/production) and/or Dutch-language focus (category dependent)
Web Link: https://www.podcastawards.nl/
🇪🇸 Spain
Premios Ondas Globales del Podcast
Who is it for: Narrative and documentary podcasts worldwide
Submission timeline: November–December
Cost: Free
Participant criteria: Multilingual; editorial excellence
Web link: https://podcast.premiosondas.com
Podcast Days Awards
Who is it for: Spanish-language podcasters
Submission timeline: Annual
Cost: Varies
Participant criteria: Spanish-speaking content
Web link: https://www.podcastdays.es
🇵🇹 Portugal
PODES Festival Awards
Who is it for: Portuguese podcasts and creators
Submission timeline: Annual
Cost: Varies by category
Participant criteria: Portuguese language or production link
Web link: https://podesfestival.pt
🇨🇦 Canada
Canadian Podcast Awards
Who is it for: Canadian podcasters
Submission timeline: Autumn
Cost: Free
Participant criteria: Canadian residency or production link
Web link: https://canpodawards.ca
T.O. Webfest
Who is it for: Podcasts and short-form series
Submission timeline: Spring
Cost: Paid
Participant criteria: International submissions accepted
Web link: https://towebfest.ca
🇦🇺 Australia & APAC
Australian Podcast Awards
Who is it for: Australian podcasters and production companies.
Submission timeline: Mid-year, with ceremonies toward the end of the year.
Cost: Paid entry (approx. AUD $230+), with discounts for eligible indie creators.
Participant criteria: Australian connection required for most categories; some global categories available.
Web link: https://www.australianpodcastawards.com
🇳🇿 New Zealand
New Zealand Podcast Awards
A national awards program recognizing New Zealand podcasts and creators across genres, often designed to elevate local talent and storytelling.
Region: New Zealand / Oceania
Best for: Podcasts with New Zealand-based creators, production teams, or audience focus
Submission window: Annual (varies by year; check official site for current dates)
Cost: Not published consistently (varies by cycle)
Participant criteria: Requires a clear NZ connection (creator/production/audience), with categories varying by year
Web Link: https://www.nzpodcastawards.com/
🇯🇵 Japan
Japan Podcast Awards
A major national program recognizing standout Japanese podcasts and creators, typically featuring jury-led selection and public/audience participation depending on the category.
Region: Japan / Asia
Best for: Japanese-language podcasts or podcasts with strong relevance to Japanese audiences
Submission window: Annual (commonly runs in winter for that cycle; check official site for exact dates)
Cost: Not published (commonly free to apply/nominate for national awards; confirm on the official site)
Participant criteria: Typically requires eligibility aligned with Japan-based distribution and/or Japanese-language content (varies by category)
Web Link: https://www.japanpodcastawards.com/
👥 Community & Niche Awards
Black Podcasting Awards
Who is it for: Black podcasters globally
Submission timeline: Late spring–summer
Cost: Paid (tiered pricing)
Participant criteria: Representation and community impact
Web link: https://blackpodawards.com
Health Podcast Awards
Who is it for: Health, wellness, and medical podcasts
Submission timeline: Annual
Cost: Paid
Participant criteria: Health-focused content
Web link: https://awards.healthpodcast.co
Parapod Festival Awards
Who is it for: Paranormal and horror podcasts
Submission timeline: Annual
Cost: Paid
Participant criteria: Genre-specific
Web link: https://parapodfestival.com
Hubhopper Podcast Awards
Who is it for: Indie and emerging podcasters
Submission timeline: Annual
Cost: Free or low-cost
Participant criteria: Strong presence in Asia
Web link: https://community.hubhopper.com
AMA Awards (American Marketing Association Awards / AMA Awards via local chapters)
Who is it for: Marketers, brands, agencies, and creators producing marketing work. Depending on the chapter/program, this can include podcasts under broader communications/content categories.
Submission timeline: Annual, but varies by AMA chapter or awards program.
Cost: Free or paid entry (pricing varies by chapter and category).
Participant criteria: Criteria and categories are set by the specific AMA awards program you’re entering. Best approach: identify the relevant AMA chapter or national program and match categories to podcast/audio content.
Web link: https://www.ama.org
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hi, I’m Ana Xavier, a multilingual award-winning podcast marketing and content strategist specialized in generating online visibility for women, multilingual, and minority impact-driven business owners.