Award Categories
Every submission in every category is scored by our judges panel first. Most categories produce two winners: one selected by our judges and one Listener Vote winner from public vote. Craft categories produce one winner, determined by VIP voters. Five categories produce two winners through separate voting lanes: a Listener Vote winner from public vote and a winner determined by VIP voters.
Podcast of the Year is up for a public vote. Podcaster of the Year is up for a VIP vote.
Nominees are announced August 15. Public & VIP voting runs August 15–25.
Who votes publicly? Anyone. Every listener, every fan, every person who believes in Black podcasting.
Who are VIP voters? BPAwards winners, nominees, volunteers and staff; Afros & Audio speakers and staff; active subscribers of Black Podcasters Association, and Black Podcasts Directory Deluxe members.
- Best Arts Podcast
- Podcasts dedicated to design, performing and/or visual arts such as dance, theater, art, etc.
- Best Black Girl Magic Podcast
- Podcasts highlighting Black women doing amazing things within our community, past, present, and impending future. These podcasts can cover powerful women past and present, the future of women, women’s rights, women’s health, innovations made by women, laws affecting women, etc.
- Best Blerd Podcast
- Podcast by and/or for individuals who self-identify as a Black Nerd. Anime, cinematic universe, gaming, cosplay and amateur reviews.
- Best Branded Podcast
- Podcasts created on behalf of a brand or organization.
- Best Business Podcast
- Podcasts that are covering business “free game” in the Black business and finance world, Black Wall Street and Black business shoutouts. This is related to providing business tips, do’s and don’ts, what practices to consider, and/or steps to take. These podcasts can also cover stock market, banking, real estate or other non-personal finances. Can include business strategy, entrepreneurship, real estate and investing.
- Best Christian Podcast (NEW)
- Podcasts centered on Christian faith, scripture, ministry, testimony, church life, and Christian living. Distinct from Best Religion and Spirituality and Best Sermon as a Podcast.
- Best Comedy Podcast
- Podcasts by and for comedians that highlight the industry and inspire laughter. Industry expert interviews, industry news, stand-up specials, etc.
- Best Culture Podcast
- Podcasts dedicated to Black culture and its intersectionalities such as Black womanhood, Black manhood, hot topics, etc.
- Best Daily Podcast (NEW)
- Podcasts publishing new episodes daily or near-daily, defined as at least five new episodes per week, while maintaining consistent quality, clarity, and audience value. Eligibility requires an average of at least five episodes per week during the award period.
- Best Documentary Podcast (NEW)
- Nonfiction podcasts using research, reporting, interviews, archival material, or narrative structure to explore real people, events, or issues in depth. Distinct from Best History, Best True Crime, and Best Limited Series.
- Best Editing
- This award recognizes exemplary achievement in the condensation of episode content, development of a cohesive theme throughout, and delivery of top-notch audio quality. Submission must include your Podchaser creator profile URL with your editing role and associated podcast(s) visible.
- Best Education Podcast
- Education-related podcasts by and for educators, academic scholars and students, including K–12 topics, education policy, higher learning, academic journals, teacher hacks, etc.
- Best Entrepreneur Podcast
- Podcasts offering profound insights, expert interviews, and motivating success stories specific to entrepreneurship, and thought leadership.
- Best Episode of the Year
- Podcast episode demonstrating exceptional storytelling, audience engagement, and overall production quality.
- Best Family and Parenting Podcast
- Podcasts dedicated to child- and family-related topics. Parenting, child development, family entertainment, children’s shows, etc.
- Best Fashion and Beauty Podcast
- Podcasts about the fashion and beauty industries. Fashion news, beauty news, reviews, personal hygiene, makeup, design, etc.
- Best Film and Television Podcast
- Podcasts dedicated to the film or television industries. Television and movie reviews, upcoming projects, entertainment news, industry hacks and recaps, etc.
- Best Finance Podcast
- Podcast shares financial advice on income, career, wealth building, investing, budgeting, spending, debts, FIRE, retirement and/or similar.
- Best Food & Drink Podcast
- Podcasts for the foodies. Food critics, food connoisseurs, chefs, tips, etc.
- Best Guest Appearance
- One podcast episode showcasing a guest in an interview or conversational format.
- Best Health and Wellness Podcast
- Podcasts dedicated to physical and mental health-related topics. Nutritional health, self-care, stigma, industry news, etc. These podcasts can also discuss the progress (or lack thereof) regarding Black health and wellness and the intersectionality of other industries on Black wellness.
- Best History Podcast
- Podcasts dedicated to history-related topics. Black history, United States history, world history, music history, etc.
- Best Hosting Duo
- Any podcast hosting duo consistently displaying an ability to deliver quality content in an engaging, informative and entertaining manner.
- Best Hosting Team
- Any podcast with at least three billed co-hosts consistently displaying an ability to deliver quality content in an engaging, informative and entertaining manner.
- Best Indie Podcast
- Podcasts made by individuals or micro-production teams (up to 5 people) that are self-financed. Not funded by a third-party or commissioned content.
- Best International Podcast
- Podcasts whose production is based outside of the United States and its territories.
- Best Interviewer (NEW)
- A podcast host consistently demonstrating exceptional preparation, deep listening, meaningful follow-up, and guest-centered conversation skills that elevate every interview. Submission must include your Podchaser creator profile URL with your host role and associated podcast(s) visible.
- Best LGBTQ Podcast
- Podcasts by and/or for individuals who self-identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community.
- Best Limited Series Podcast
- Non-fiction podcasts that depict a story in a single season consisting of at least 4 episodes, all released between May 1, 2025 and April 30, 2026.
- Best Literary Podcast
- Podcasts dedicated to the literary arts. Amateur reviews, book critics, creative writing, book clubs, etc.
- Best Longtime Podcast
- Podcasts with 100 or more episodes and/or in production across five years with at least 60 episodes.
- Best Music Podcast
- Podcasts that focus on music-related topics. Album reviews, artist and industry expert interviews, music industry news and hot topics.
- Best New Podcast
- Podcasts with at least six episodes, whose first episode was released between *March* 1, 2025 and April 30, 2026 (not including a trailer).
- Best New Video Podcast
- Podcasts with at least six episodes, whose first episode was released between *March* 1, 2025 and April 30, 2026 (not including a trailer). Must be in a video format available on a public RSS feed per our eligibility requirements. Episode upload must be in an acceptable video format. Submission must include your Podchaser creator profile URL with your relevant role and associated podcast(s) visible.
- Best News & Politics Podcast
- Podcasts that focus on politics or current events.
- Best Original Music – Intro and/or Outro
- Podcasts that feature the best original body of music in the episode’s intro(duction) or outro.
- Best Personal Development Podcast
- Podcasts sharing enriching personal growth and self-improvement content, inspirational insights and practical advice, helping listeners enhance their personal and professional lives.
- Best Personal Journals Podcast
- Podcasts that act as a diary or journal where people talk about their lives or share their opinions on certain topics.
- Best Pioneer Podcaster (NEW)
- A podcaster whose longevity, body of work, and sustained excellence have helped shape what Black podcasting is and what it can be. Pioneers paved a road that others are still walking.
- Eligibility: Minimum 5 years active as a Black podcaster.
- Best Podcast Cover Art
- Podcast cover art should be visually compelling, encapsulate the podcast’s essence, and effectively engage potential listeners at first glance.
- Best Podcast Introduction
- Opening sequences effectively setting the podcast’s tone and theme, enticing listeners to continue tuning in through creative elements like music and narration. Submission must include your Podchaser creator profile URL with your relevant role and associated podcast(s) visible.
- Best Podcast Network
- A media network dedicated to podcast content by and for Black people that positively amplifies that community. Must be at least 51% Black-owned and operated. Must have at least two active shows, each with at least six episodes released between May 1, 2025 and April 30, 2026.
- Best Podcast Outro (NEW)
- Closing sequences that effectively conclude the podcast experience through music, narration, calls to action, or memorable production choices that leave a lasting impression on listeners. Submission must include your Podchaser creator profile URL with your relevant role and associated podcast(s) visible.
- Best Podcast Trailer (NEW)
- Trailers that introduce a podcast compellingly, communicate its value clearly, and create genuine audience interest in listening further.
- Best Producer
- An individual or group that has consistently displayed an ability to develop and execute creative podcast content strategy and innovative perspectives. Submission must include your Podchaser creator profile URL with your producer role and associated podcast(s) visible.
- Best Production Company of the Year
- Podcast production companies elevating the podcasting industry through superior output. Considerations include the diversity and quality of productions, innovation in audio techniques, and strong influence within the podcast community. Submission must include your Podchaser creator profile URL with your relevant role and associated podcast(s) visible.
- Best Regional Podcast
- Podcasts specifically focused on local people, community happenings, businesses, organizations, destinations and news.
- Best Relationship Podcast
- Discusses relationship topics, advice, healthy and unhealthy, how-to’s, etc. These podcasts can speak on internet dating, social media’s influence on dating, marriage and divorce rates, dating abroad and LGBTQ+ dating.
- Best Religion and Spirituality Podcast
- Podcasts dedicated to the exploration of traditional and non-traditional religious and spiritual denominations and practices.
- Best Science and Technology Podcast
- Podcasts about STEM-related topics: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
- Best Scripted Fiction Podcast
- Scripted podcasts that depict an original fictional story. Anthologies, audio dramas, short stories, etc.
- Best Sermon as a Podcast
- Podcasts effectively delivering sermons with originality and clarity while engaging and inspiring listeners.
- Best Sex Podcast
- Podcasts that discuss sex- and relationship-related topics ranging from marriage and family, sexual and reproductive health, sexual fluidity, intimacy and dating and other taboo topics.
- Best Short-Form Podcast (NEW)
- Podcasts consistently delivering complete, high-quality episodes under 15 minutes. Eligibility requires an average episode length under 15 minutes during the award period.
- Best Social Impact Podcast (NEW)
- A podcast that has demonstrably advanced civic engagement, community action, advocacy, health outcomes, financial wellbeing, or other real-world change benefiting Black people. The impact must be tied to the podcast’s content, platform, or community, and must be documented with third-party evidence such as partner letters, fundraising records, press coverage, or measurable outcomes.
- Eligibility: At least 50% Black hosted. International eligible. Third-party documentation required.
- Best Solo Host
- An individual host consistently displaying an ability to deliver quality content in an engaging, informative and entertaining manner.
- Best Sound Design
- Exemplary achievement in the art and practice of creating layered sound for podcast projects. Soundscape that is integral to the flow of content in a seamless, engaging, and innovative manner. Submission must include your Podchaser creator profile URL with your sound design role and associated podcast(s) visible.
- Best Sports Podcast
- Podcasts covering sports-related topics. Team and athlete features, sports news and fantasy sports.
- Best Travel Podcast
- Podcasts about travel and personal hobbies, resources, hacks, destinations, tourism and city guides.
- Best True Crime Podcast
- Scripted non-fiction podcasts that depict true crime stories.
- Best Video Podcast
- Podcasts in a video format available on a public RSS feed per our eligibility requirements. Episode upload must be in an acceptable video format.
- Best Youth Podcast
- Podcasts hosted by and/or specifically for those under 18.
- Legend Award
- Recognizes a podcaster whose longevity, community-building, consistency, and documented impact have fundamentally shaped Black podcasting. The highest individual honor BPAwards confers. Nominees can reside anywhere in the world and work in any language. This application must be in English.
- Podcast of the Year
- A podcast that consistently showcases exemplary achievement in content development, production, and audience growth and engagement.
- Podcaster of the Year
- A podcaster who has consistently produced high-quality content, engaged with their audience, and made a positive impact on the Black podcasting community over the past season.
- The Uplift (NEW)
- Career-spanning recognition for podcasters and ecosystem contributors who raised the standard of Black podcasting through their own work. This is not about a single season or a single moment. It is about a body of work that moved the art form and the community forward.