INAUGURAL
Podcast Tonight
2026 AWARDS
Celebrate the stories, voices, and soundscapes that defined the year. The inaugural 2026 Podcast Awards are now open for entries, honoring outstanding achievements across the entire podcasting universe.
This is your stage. Whether you're an indie creator with a passionate following or a major network show, we've created a category to celebrate your work. Submit your podcast for consideration and gain the recognition you deserve.
ποΈ How to Enter
Joining the awards is simple. Follow these steps to ensure your podcast is in the running:
Submit Your Entry: Use our online submission form to enter your podcast. You can nominate your own show or a show you love.
Choose Your Categories: Select up to three relevant categories that best fit your podcast. Please see the full category list below.
Pay the Entry Fee: The early submission fee is $90 (regularly $120). This fee helps cover platform hosting, promotions, prizes, and judge honorariums .
Key Dates to Remember:
β Early Bird Deadline: October 31, 2025 ($90 entry fee)
ποΈ Final Entry Deadline: December 25, 2025
β¨ Shortlist Finalists Announced: January 26, 2026
π Winners Announced: February 28, 2026
π Award Categories
We've designed our categories to honor excellence in every genre and format. Find your podcast's home below.
Overall & Major Awards
These are our most prestigious awards, open to podcasts of all genres.
Podcast of the Year 2026: The highest honor, awarded to the podcast that had the greatest overall impact and excellence.
Best New Podcast (Newcomer):: Celebrating the most outstanding podcast that launched within the last year.
Host of the Year:: Awarded to the individual or host team whose talent, personality, and connection with the audience set the standard.
Episode of the Year:: For the single most compelling, innovative, or impactful episode from any podcast.
Listener's Choice Award: The people have the power! This award is decided entirely by public vote.
Genre Awards
From true crime to comedy, these categories celebrate the best in popular podcast genres .
Arts & Culture
Business & Entrepreneurship
Comedy
Education & Self-Improvement
Entertainment & Pop Culture
Health & Fitness
History
Music
News & Politics
Science & Technology
Society & Culture
Sports & Recreation
True Crime
TV & Film
More TBC
Specialized & Craft Awards
These categories honor the incredible skill and artistry behind the microphone.
Best Writing
Best Production & Sound Design
Best Limited Series
Best Video Podcast
Best Interviewer
Best Branded Podcast
Community Impact Award
Niche & Identity Awards
We are proud to celebrate the diverse voices and communities that make podcasting great.
Best Podcast by an Emerging Voice (For creators with an audience under 10k)
Best Indie Podcast (For creator-owned shows without major network backing)
Best Podcast in [Language other than English]
Best LGBTQ+ Podcast
π‘ A Note on Judging & Fairness
Our judging panel comprises industry experts, creators, and critics. We believe in a transparent process that evaluates entries on content quality, creativity, production value, and audience engagement. Unlike some major awards that select from a pre-determined list based on size alone , our doors are open to all. Your $90 entry fee directly supports a fair and prestigious awards program, covering platform costs, promotions, prizes, and judge honorariums .
β Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enter more than one category?
Once you have entered our editor Rizza will select your categories for you, at a minimum you will be entered for your niche genre.
What do the entry fees cover?
Your fee helps ensure the awards are a celebration of the community. It supports the platform hosting for submissions and voting, extensive promotions to bring recognition to all entrants, prizes for winners, and honorariums for our esteemed judges .
How are the podcasts judged?
Podcasts will be judged by a panel of industry experts on criteria including content quality, creativity, production value, host performance, and overall audience engagement.
My podcast is new and doesn't have a huge audience. Should I still enter?
Absolutely! We have categories like Best New Podcast and Best Emerging Voice designed specifically to highlight up-and-coming creators. We judge on merit, not just download numbers.
π€ Ready for Your Moment?
Don't miss your chance to be part of podcasting history. Submit your entry before the October 31st deadline to lock in the special launch price and showcase your work to the world.
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