Podcast Popularity in Germany: A Look at iTunes and Spotify Charts and the Quest for Standardized Measurement

Germany boasts a vast selection of podcasts, covering topics from science and news to movies, series, gaming, true crime, daily life, and current social trends. Podcast rankings on platforms like iTunes and Spotify offer a glimpse into current listener preferences. However, unlike traditional media, podcasting in Germany lacks standardized measurement metrics. While iTunes and Spotify rankings are based on proprietary criteria, the US utilizes the IAB standard for measuring podcast downloads, promoting transparency for podcasters and advertisers. iTunes charts, updated frequently, remain a key indicator despite their opaque algorithm. Factors like subscriptions, views, ratings, downloads, and user interactions likely contribute to podcast rankings. Popular podcasts include "Geyer & Niesmann" (politics), "Ach, komm!" (love, partnership, and sex), "Eine Halbzeit mit" (football), "Der Tag" (news), and "Die Wochentester" (politics, economy, society).