The simplest way to find a podcast is to search by name in your podcast app
If you already know which podcast you want, open your podcast app (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or whatever you use), tap the search icon, type the show's name, and tap the result. Then tap "Subscribe" or the plus sign. That's it — the show will appear in your library and new episodes will read automatically.
Most people find podcasts this way because it's the fastest route. You heard about a show from a friend, saw it mentioned on social media, or read about it somewhere, and you go straight to your app to get it.
The search function works the same way across most apps. The podcast name appears in results within seconds. If the show exists on that platform, it will show up; if it doesn't, the app will say "No results found" and you may need to try a different app or a different search term.
Key Takeaways
- Searching by name in your podcast app is the fastest way to find a show you already know about.
- Browsing categories and charts in your app lets you discover new shows without knowing what you're looking for.
- Podcast directories like Podchaser and Podcast Addict let you search across multiple apps and read listener reviews before subscribing.
- Some podcasts are exclusive to one platform (like Spotify exclusives), so you may need to switch apps to find a specific show.
- Your podcast app collects data about what you search for and listen to, which is why you should review your app's privacy settings after subscribing.
Browse categories and charts when you don't have a show in mind
If you want to discover new podcasts but don't know where to start, use the Browse or Discover section of your app. Most podcast apps organize shows by category — News, Comedy, True Crime, Business, Health, Sports, and others — and show you what's popular in each one.
Apple Podcasts has a "Top Charts" section that updates daily. Spotify shows "New & Noteworthy" and category-specific recommendations. Google Podcasts displays trending shows and lets you filter by category. The exact layout differs between apps, but the idea is the same: you can scroll through what's popular or what matches your interests without searching for a specific title.
This browsing method is slower than searching by name, but it's how most people stumble onto shows they end up loving. You might click on something because the cover art catches your eye or the description sounds interesting, listen to one episode, and then subscribe.
Use podcast directories to search across platforms and read reviews
Podcast directories are websites that index shows from multiple apps in one place. The most useful ones are Podchaser, Podcast Addict, and Listen Notes. You search for a show or browse by category, and the directory tells you which apps carry it, shows you listener ratings and reviews, and links you directly to the show on your preferred platform.
Podchaser lets you read what other listeners think before you subscribe. You can see how many episodes exist, when the show last released an episode, and whether people recommend it. Podcast Addict focuses on discovery and lets you filter by episode length, release frequency, and language. Listen Notes has a powerful search function that can find shows by topic even if you don't know the exact name.
These directories are useful if you're unsure whether a show is worth your time, or if you want to compare how the same show appears on different apps. They don't require you to create an account to browse, though some offer optional accounts that let you save favorites.
Check if the podcast is exclusive to one platform
Some podcasts are exclusive to a single app, which means they only exist on that platform. Spotify has exclusive shows that you can't find on Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. Apple has some exclusives too. If you search for a show and can't find it on your usual app, it may be exclusive to a different one.
You can check by searching the show's name on Podchaser or Listen Notes, which will tell you which platforms carry it. If it's exclusive to Spotify but you use Apple Podcasts, you have two choices: switch to Spotify for that show, or skip it. There's no way to listen to an exclusive show on a platform that doesn't have it.
Exclusivity is less common than it used to be, but it still happens. If you follow multiple podcasts and some are exclusive to different apps, you may end up using more than one podcast app — which also means your listening data is split across multiple services.
Search by topic or host name if you don't know the exact show title
If you remember the topic of a podcast but not its name, or you know the host's name but not the show title, use the search function with what you do remember. Type "true crime" or "climate change" or the host's name into your app's search bar. You'll get results for shows that match, and you can read the descriptions to find the one you're thinking of.
This method is less precise than searching by exact title, so you may see dozens of results. Read the descriptions and check the episode count and most recent episode date to narrow it down. If the show you're looking for hasn't released an episode in years, it may still appear in search results but won't have new content to listen to.
Podcast Addict and Listen Notes are especially good for topic-based searches because they index episode descriptions and let you filter results in more detail than most podcast apps do.
Look at what similar shows recommend or cross-promote
Many podcasts mention or recommend other shows in their episodes or show notes. If you like one podcast, listen for mentions of others, or check the show's website or social media to see what the host recommends. Some podcasts also do cross-promotion deals where hosts appear on each other's shows.
This is a slower way to discover new content, but it often leads you to shows you'll actually like because they come from someone whose taste you already trust. If a host you enjoy recommends a show, there's a good chance you'll enjoy it too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I search for a podcast by topic instead of by name?
Yes. Type a topic like "parenting" or "science fiction" into your app's search bar and you'll see shows related to that topic. You can also browse by category in the Discover or Browse section of most apps. Podcast directories like Listen Notes are better for topic-based searches because they index episode descriptions, not just show titles.
What if I search for a podcast and it doesn't show up?
The show may not be on that platform, or it may be exclusive to a different app. Try searching on Podchaser or Listen Notes to see which apps carry it. If it's very new, it may take a few days to appear in all apps. If it's very old and hasn't released episodes in years, it may still exist but be buried in search results.
Do I have to use the same app for all my podcasts?
No. You can use different apps for different shows if some are exclusive to certain platforms. Keep in mind that each app collects data about what you listen to separately, so your listening history won't sync across apps unless you manually add the same show to multiple apps.
Is it safe to click links to podcasts from social media or websites?
Links from official podcast websites or the show's verified social media accounts are safe. They usually open your default podcast app and take you straight to the show. Avoid clicking links from unknown sources or accounts that claim to be the show but aren't verified, as they could be phishing attempts or lead to fake versions of the podcast.
Can I find podcasts through my smart speaker or voice assistant?
Yes. You can ask Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri to play a specific podcast by name. The assistant will search available platforms and play the show if it finds it. This is convenient if you're cooking or driving, but it doesn't let you browse or discover new shows the way an app does.