Award Categories
Craft, Creator, Content. Fifty-four categories to compete in, including five new ones for 2027.
The arts, artists & artisans:
Editing, sound design, writing, acting, scoring: craft is what makes good audio really sing. One entry fee per category.
Best Editing
Honoring exceptional skill in audio editing, pacing, and storytelling flow.
Best Sound Design
Recognizing creative and immersive sound design that enhances the listening experience.
Best Sound Mixing
Celebrating technical excellence in balancing and mixing audio elements.
Best Show Artwork
Honoring visual excellence in podcast cover art and branding.
Best Original Score
Recognizing original music composition created specifically for a podcast.
Best Theme Song or Sonic Branding
Celebrating memorable and effective audio branding and theme music.
Breaking Conventions (Most Innovative)
Honoring podcasts that push boundaries and redefine what audio storytelling can be.
Best Live Recording
Recognizing excellence in live podcast recording and production.
Best Writing - Fiction
Honoring exceptional scriptwriting in fiction podcasts.
Best Scriptwriting - Nonfiction
Celebrating exceptional writing in nonfiction and documentary podcasts.
Best Host or Hosting Team
Recognizing outstanding hosting skills, chemistry, and audience connection.
Best Acting
Celebrating outstanding vocal performance in audio fiction.
Best Field, Foley'd, or Found Sound
Honoring sound recorded, performed, and discovered in the real world -- the human touch.
The people who make it
Free to enter with any paid entry, self-identified, and named in honor of legends in audio and storytelling. Because who tells the story matters as much as how it's told.
Trans Excellence in Audio Storytelling
Honoring exceptional work by transgender creators.
Female Excellence in Audio Storytelling
Celebrating outstanding work by female creators.
Non-binary Excellence in Audio Storytelling
Recognizing exceptional work by non-binary creators.
LGB Excellence in Audio Storytelling
Honoring outstanding work by lesbian, gay, and bisexual creators.
Black Excellence in Audio Storytelling
Celebrating exceptional work by Black creators.
East Asian Excellence in Audio Storytelling
Recognizing outstanding work by East Asian creators.
South Asian Excellence in Audio Storytelling
Honoring exceptional work by South Asian creators.
Latino Excellence in Audio Storytelling
Celebrating outstanding work by Latino/Latina/Latinx creators.
Native American Excellence in Audio Storytelling
Recognizing exceptional work by Native American creators.
Palestinian Excellence in Audio Storytelling
Honoring outstanding work by Palestinian creators.
Student Excellence in Audio Storytelling
Celebrating exceptional work by student creators currently enrolled in educational programs.
Creator with Disabilities Excellence in Audio Storytelling Award
Honoring exceptional work by creators with disabilities.
Immigrant Excellence in Audio Storytelling Award
Celebrating outstanding work by immigrant creators.
The shows themselves
Twenty-eight genres and formats. If you've got a podcast, we've got a category -- and a LIBBY -- for it.
Best Kids Podcast
Celebrating podcasts created for children and young audiences.
Best Indie Podcast
Honoring independently produced podcasts without network backing.
Best Business Podcast
Recognizing excellence in business, entrepreneurship, and professional development content.
Best Comedy Podcast
Celebrating podcasts that entertain through humor and comedic storytelling.
Best DIY Podcast
Honoring podcasts about crafts, home improvement, making, and hands-on creativity.
Best Documentary Podcast
Recognizing exceptional nonfiction storytelling and investigative audio.
Best Entertainment Podcast
Celebrating podcasts covering entertainment, media, and celebrity culture.
Best Fiction Podcast
Recognizing excellence in scripted audio fiction.
Best History Podcast
Recognizing excellence in historical storytelling and education.
Best Interview Podcast
Celebrating podcasts centered on conversations and interviews.
Best Science Podcast
Honoring podcasts that explore scientific topics and research.
Best Tech Podcast
Recognizing excellence in technology coverage and tech culture.
Best News Podcast
Celebrating daily or weekly news coverage and current events analysis.
Best Personal Growth Spirituality Podcast
Honoring podcasts focused on self-improvement and spiritual development.
Best Politics Podcast
Recognizing excellence in political commentary and analysis.
Best Pop Culture Podcast
Celebrating podcasts covering trends, fandoms, and popular culture.
Best Society and Culture Podcast
Honoring podcasts exploring social issues and cultural topics.
Best Sports Podcast
Recognizing excellence in sports coverage and athletic storytelling.
Best Music Podcast
Celebrating podcasts about music, musicians, and the music industry.
Best True Crime Podcast
Honoring excellence in true crime storytelling and investigation.
Best Paranormal Podcast
Recognizing podcasts exploring supernatural and unexplained phenomena.
Best Wellness Podcast
Celebrating podcasts focused on health, fitness, and wellbeing.
Best Relationships Podcast
Honoring podcasts about love, dating, family, and human connections.
Best Education Podcast
Recognizing excellence in educational content and learning.
Best Public Service Podcast
Celebrating podcasts that serve communities and promote social good.
Best Student Podcast
Honoring exceptional work by currently enrolled students.
Best Community / Local Podcast
Celebrating podcasts rooted in and serving their local communities.
Best Debut Podcast
Recognizing outstanding first-time podcasts and new voices.
Found your category? Good.
Enter as many categories as fit your work. Student $75, Indie $100, Company $150 per category. Creator awards free with any paid entry.