Starting and growing a podcast takes more time, energy, and behind-the-scenes work than most people realize. From planning and recording to editing, publishing, and marketing—indie (independent) podcasters often wear all the hats.
If you have a friend (like meeeeee) who hosts a podcast and you’ve ever wondered how to support them without spending money, this post is for you. The good news? Some of the most impactful ways to support a podcast are completely free.
Here are five meaningful (and free) ways you can support your friend’s podcast—and why each one matters.
1. Listen to the Episode (All the Way Through)
It sounds simple, but listening is powerful.
Podcast platforms track downloads, completion rates, and listener engagement. When you listen all the way through an episode—even while doing dishes, commuting, or walking—you’re helping boost those metrics.
These metrics help indie podcasters land brand partnerships, sponsorships, and network opportunities. All of this means that your podcaster friend can monetize their podcast with your free support.
Pro tip: Subscribe to or follow the podcast on your preferred platform to ensure you don’t miss new episodes and signal consistency to podcast algorithms.
2. Leave a Rating and Review
Ratings and reviews are social proof—and they matter more than you think.
A short review helps:
- Build credibility with new listeners
- Increase discoverability on platforms like Apple Podcasts
- Encourage podcast hosts to keep going (trust me, reviews mean everything)
You don’t need to write a novel. A few honest sentences about what you enjoy about the podcast goes a long way.
Example:
“I love the storytelling and real conversations on this podcast. Every episode leaves me inspired!”
When you leave a review on Apple Podcasts, the platform will suggest the show to other audiences with similar interests. And this will help grow the show.
3. Share the Episode on Social Media
One of the biggest challenges podcasters face is getting their show in front of new listeners.
Sharing an episode link, audiogram, or clip on Instagram Stories, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Threads helps expand reach beyond the host’s existing audience.
The number one way people discover new podcasts is through word-of-mouth recommendations. So, if you share your friend’s podcast on social media, at least one of your followers who may not know your friend will be encouraged to listen.
You can:
- Share an episode that resonated with you
- Tag the host and podcast page
- Add a sentence about why others should listen
- Your share might be the reason someone discovers their new favorite podcast.
4. Talk About the Podcast Offline
Word-of-mouth still works.
Mentioning a podcast in conversations with friends, coworkers, or family can be just as impactful as sharing it online. Podcasts grow through genuine recommendations (like mentioned above)—especially when they come from someone people trust.
You can say something as simple as:
“I’ve been listening to this really powerful podcast lately—you should check it out.”
Even texting the podcast link to another friend helps tremendously because those small moments add up.
5. Engage With Their Content
If your friend promotes their podcast on social media, engagement matters.
Liking, commenting, saving, and sharing posts:
- Helps content reach more people
- Boosts visibility in social algorithms
- Shows real support and encouragement
Even a quick comment like “This episode was so good!” can help keep their content circulating longer.
Supporting a Podcast Is Supporting a Dream
For many podcasters—especially those sharing personal stories, immigrant experiences, or underrepresented voices—support from friends and community is everything.
You don’t need a big platform or a big budget to make a difference. Listening, sharing, and engaging are powerful acts of support that help podcasts grow, stay visible, and continue telling important stories.
If you have a friend with a podcast, choose one (or all) of these ways to support them today. Your support is what keeps them going!
As an indie podcaster, I share this because support from our friends and family helps move the podcast forward. I’ve secured brand partnerships, sponsorships, and a network opportunity thanks to the support of my community. I greatly appreciate your support, and I don’t take it lightly!
Podcasting truly comes from a labor of love and passion. Unless you are a celebrity, monetizing your podcast is hard work. Thank you, and let’s support more independent creators and podcasters.
With Love, Heidy
Check out my SEO Guide and Free Podcasting Resources at – https://stan.store/heidydelacruz
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