The iHeart Podcast Awards are annual awards presented by iHeartRadio that honor excellence, influence, and achievement in podcasting across the United States. Launched in 2019 by iHeartRadio, these awards recognize the most popular and impactful podcasts and creators from the past year, celebrating outstanding storytelling, innovation, and listener engagement across a wide range of genres.
The awards acknowledge both fan-favorite podcasts and industry-led selections: many categories are determined through public voting open to podcast fans online, while a panel of podcast industry experts judges winners in several other categories.
Categories span multiple podcast formats and genres, including comedy, true crime, news, pop culture, sports, business, food, and more, reflecting the diversity of the podcasting landscape. Fans help decide key honors such as Podcast of the Year, emphasizing both popularity and community engagement.
Winners are selected through a combination of fan voting and expert judging, showcasing both peer recognition and listener support. The iHeart Podcast Awards aim to spotlight exceptional creative achievement, amplify influential voices, and celebrate the medium’s impact on contemporary audio culture.