About the LIBBYs
The NYC Podcast Awards were born from a simple observation: while podcasting has exploded globally, many exceptional creators-- particularly from underrepresented communities-- remain overlooked by traditional industry recognition. We decided to change that.
The story behind the NYC Podcast Awards
Founded in 2025 by Silver Sound, an Emmy-winning sound studio based in Manhattan, the LIBBYs exist to honor and celebrate exceptional audio and audio storytelling-- no matter who makes it. We believe New York City, as a global crossroads of culture and media, is uniquely positioned to celebrate the full spectrum of audio storytelling talent.
Year one was real: 100+ nominees across 38 categories, a packed ceremony at Bravo Studios, a boatload of LIBBYs that went home with the best in audio. Year two is bigger: 54 categories, new Creator awards, and a season that runs from July to a March ceremony.
We welcome entries from podcasters and audio creators globally; you don't need to be based in New York City to participate. Our mission is to recognize excellence wherever it originates.
What makes us different
We've structured our fees so emerging creators can participate alongside established studios: Student $75, Independent $100, Company $150 per category, with scholarships available by application for those who need support.
Craft
The Craft is what makes good audio storytelling really sing: editing, sound design, writing, acting, engineering.
Creator
Free-to-enter awards honoring excellence from underrepresented voices, named for notable figures in audio.
Content
Twenty-eight genres and formats, from kids podcasts to talk shows to full-on audio-cinema.
A vintage microphone, reborn as Lady Liberty
Designed by artist Zach Shukan of Omega Darling, the LIBBY transforms a vintage microphone into Lady Liberty, a symbol of both New York's creative spirit and podcasting's power to amplify voices seeking freedom of expression. Every single LIBBY is lovingly assembled by hand.
And yes, we'll say it: it's the best-looking trophy in audio.
Enter. Learn. Connect.
Winning matters, but building sustainable creative momentum matters more. Entry comes with real support, not upsells.
The Audience Vote
Every nominee goes before the public when the audience vote opens February 4. Being nominated isn't just a laurel; it puts your show in front of new listeners during voting season.
Scholarships
Full fee waivers by application for creators who demonstrate financial need, because money should never be the reason great work goes unrecognized. And Creator awards are always free with any paid entry.
Community, All Year
Listening parties at venues across New York City featuring winning work, and a winners' celebration that's free to attend. The awards are one night; the community is the point.
Part of something louder.
In a world where the audio-only ecosystem needs strengthening, we proudly stand alongside the Signal Awards, the Ambies, Tribeca Audio, ON AIR Fest, Podcast Movement, and others building spaces where audio creators thrive.
Silver Sound
Our Emmy-winning parent studio in the Flatiron District: sound design, mixing, and original audio production for film, TV, and podcasts since 2004.
silversound.usSonic Dash
Our sister competition: a twice-yearly audio race where creators make short works against the clock, with events on the solstices. Same family, faster heartbeat.
sonicdash.nycThe Silver Podcast Network
Through the emerging Silver Podcast Network, we're expanding beyond production, creating distribution pathways that help exceptional audio from around the world find its audience. The NYC Podcast Awards represents our commitment to elevating the entire audio ecosystem.
Be part of the story.
The 2027 season is under way. Your work belongs in the room.