To enhance users’ podcast listening experiences, a suite of new Apple Podcasts features will “elevate and celebrate narrative series,” Apple said Tuesday. Series refers to multi-episode stories. Updates introduce a Top Series chart, a dedicated Series category and a new editorial initiative called Series Essentials.

“Serialized podcasts are some of the most impactful shows in podcasting, featuring captivating voice talent and best-in-class writing and sound design. They are the stories we can’t stop thinking about and are talking about even years later,” said Ben Cave, Apple’s global head of Podcasts.

“We are thrilled to celebrate this incredible catalog with a new Top Series chart, Series category and Series Essentials on Apple Podcasts, making it easier for listeners to discover their next favorite show,” he added.

New Apple Podcasts narrative series features: Top Series Chart, Series category and Series Essentials

New additions in Apple Podcasts for series include a new Top Series Chart, a new Series category and Series Essentials, which will recognize one great series each month. And podcasters are showing enthusiasm for the form and for Apple’s new changes.

“I live for stories in any form — books, TV segments, documentaries, movies graphic novels … any story, any form,” said Rachel Maddow, host of MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow Presents: Bag Man and Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra. “But I am never more dialed into a story than when I am hooked on a podcast series. There’s just something about a single story — one voice, a sustained narrative that builds from episode to episode and then to an ending. We’re wired to not just learn things this way, but to feel them, too.”

“For my series Ultra and Bag Man, I’ve heard from so many people that these big historical and political tales became for them not just relatable, but emotional,” she added. “I really think that most of the best stories take longer than one sitting to tell — and that the best stories in the world right now are being told in podcast series.”

And another well-known podcaster hopes to find inspiration in Apple’s series selections.

“Making a short series requires such a monumental amount of work and dedication that I must bow to the audio producers of the world who still do it,” said Jad Abumrad, creator of Radiolab, More Perfect, and Dolly Parton’s America. “I’m glad to hear that Apple Podcasts is supporting these critical shows and the producers who make them. I can’t wait to explore their selections and find inspiration.”

Top Series Chart: A first in the industry
Apple Podcasts’ new Top Series chart marks the first chart for serialized shows in the industry.Photo: Apple

Apple Podcasts breaks new ground by introducing a Top Series chart. It’s the first of its kind in the podcasting industry, Apple said. This continuously updated chart will showcase the top 100 series, providing listeners with a curated space to discover trending narrative shows. The chart aims to recognize creators who have developed some of the most popular serialized content on the platform.The new chart should also make it easier for listeners to find their next favorite show.

New Series category

To further improve discoverability, Apple Podcasts also launches a new Series category. The dedicated space will help listeners explore and find shows that align with their interests, streamlining the process of discovering compelling narrative content.

Series Essentials celebrates great podcasts

Perhaps the most notable addition is Series Essentials, an editorial initiative that will recognize and celebrate one outstanding series each month. These selections will represent the pinnacle of podcasting, chosen for their captivating storytelling, artistic excellence and exceptional craft. As an added bonus, each featured Series Essential will be available ad-free on Apple Podcasts during its spotlight month.

The inaugural Series Essential selection is Ghost Story, hosted by journalist Tristan Redman. Apple Podcasts said it chose the compelling series, which blends true crime, personal narrative and historical storytelling, for its timeless story and broad appeal.

Source: Apple Podcasts