Podcast discoverability may get a boost, as Edison Research just rolled out an official “Top Podcast Badges” program tied to their Q2 2025 rankings.
Shows making the Top 10, Top 25, or Top 50 lists in the U.S. can now display a badge with the year—adding credibility and promotional weight. The badge data will also be available in Nielsen Media Impact (NMI), a key tool for advertisers assessing podcast reach.
Why the badge system matters
- Trust signal: For new listeners, badges offer social proof and legitimacy.
- Ad metrics alignment: Advertisers can more easily filter for top-performing shows in campaign planning.
- Monetization leverage: Podcasters may command higher rates or premium partners when they carry a top-tier badge.
How creators can use it
- Display the badge on websites, show pages, and marketing assets
- Highlight it in sponsorship decks and media kits
- Track badge qualification thresholds to plan content and growth goals
Risks & considerations
- Badge qualification is rankings-based: small fluctuations could cause removal or risk of losing a badge.
- Overemphasis on badge chasing might push creators toward clickbait or trending topics instead of authenticity.
- Smaller niche podcasts may struggle to compete for badges but still produce deeply valuable content.
Edison’s badge system crystallizes recognition in podcast ranking. For creators aiming for growth and monetization, badges offer a new milestone to aim for—and a new advantage to market.
But they should complement, not replace, deep listener relationships and purposeful content.
