The Ambies recognizes excellence in two types of categories: Show Recognition categories and Talent Recognition categories.

Show Recognition awards are presented to the creator or producer of the respective podcasts (an individual, or a company). For these category-specific podcasts (eg Sports), submitters are invited to select the category most appropriate to their podcast, as generally understood by their peers. You are welcome to enter the same show to multiple categories among these awards, not to exceed three.

Talent Recognition awards are presented to individuals or teams to recognize excellence.There is no limit to the number of Talent Recognition categories you may enter.

Additionally, The Board of Governors of The Podcast Academy may elect to bestow additional awards on a deserving podcast or individual — The Governors’ Award, and The Impact Award.

 SHOW RECOGNITION CATEGORIES

• Podcast of The Year
  Determined by Academy voters, this award recognizes a title with high-quality content and production values. It should stand as a benchmark of excellence for the industry. As a listener, this is the podcast you would recommend to someone who has never listened before as well as to a podcast aficionado. Submissions to this category will only be accepted if the title has been entered into and nominated in another category. 
   

• Podcast Advertising Innovator Award (New for 2026)
  This award honors innovation, effectiveness, and impact in podcast advertising. Eligible entries may include a campaign, series sponsorship, branded content, or creative partnership that exemplifies best-in-class collaboration between creators and advertisers. *This award will be voted on by the Executive Blue Ribbon Panel *Nominee must be present to accept the award.
   

• Best Ad Read (New for 2026)
  This category celebrates a standout podcast ad read that is original, effective, and seamlessly integrated into the listening experience. Judges will evaluate creativity, tone, audience alignment, and how well the ad supports both the brand and the podcast’s voice. *Please only submit the ad and not the entire episode.
   

• Best Branded Podcast (New for 2026)
  This category honors a podcast created in partnership with or on behalf of a brand, company, or organization. Eligible podcasts seamlessly combine editorial storytelling with brand values, delivering content that is engaging, high-quality, and audience-focused. Judges will consider creativity, production quality, narrative clarity, brand integration, and overall impact.
   

• Best Business Podcast
  A podcast providing analysis, insight, or discussion about companies. Companies can range from micro to multinational.
   

• Best Comedy Podcast
  A podcast that is intentionally humorous.
   

• Best DIY Podcast
  This category is for any podcast with a budget of $500 USD per month ($6,000 USD per year). Budget document(s) must be included with your submission.
   

• Best Documentary Podcast
  A non-fiction show presenting a truthful account of an event, person, or topic without intentional misrepresentation. Typical modes of documentary are observational, expository, or participatory.
   

• Best Emerging Podcast (New for 2026)
  This category recognizes a standout new podcast that has shown exceptional promise. Podcasts must have launched within the eligibility year and should demonstrate originality, audience connection, and strong creative potential. Open to creators of all experience levels, this award celebrates bold, fresh voices.
   

• Best Entertainment Podcast
  A podcast about movies, books, television, podcasts, radio, theater, audiobooks, video games, or other media entertainment. Is your podcast entertaining but not on one of these subjects? Then this is not your category.
   

• Best Fiction Podcast
  A narrative work portraying individuals, events, or places that are imaginary. Though it may be based on a true situation or time, it must not be presented as fact.
   

• Best History Podcast
  A chronicle or inquiry into a past event. To distinguish history from other categories, the title must have significant distance from current events.
   

• Best Indie Podcast
  This category is intended for individuals or micro-production teams (i.e. fewer than 5 individuals). Titles must be self-financed (not commissioned by a broadcaster, streaming service, studio, or brand). Submissions from registered companies are accepted, however they cannot be supported by a third party (e.g. investors, venture capitalists, or joint ventures). 
   

• Best Interview Podcast
  A podcast primarily characterized by a single interview per episode between one or more hosts and one or more guests.
   

• Best Podcast For Kids
  A podcast that is intended to be listened to by children.
   

• Best Knowledge, Science or Tech Podcast
  A podcast about the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world as seen through observation and experiment. "Tech" here means the application of scientific (as defined in the previous sentence) knowledge for practical purposes.
   

• Best News & Politics Podcast
  This category honors podcasts that focus on current events, political issues, public policy, and government affairs. Submissions may include investigative reporting, daily or weekly news roundups, political commentary, or interviews with newsmakers and experts. Entries should demonstrate journalistic integrity, clarity, and the ability to inform and engage listeners on timely and relevant topics.
   

• Best Personal Growth / Spirituality Podcast
  A podcast about personal development and/or spirituality.
   

• Best Spanish Language Narrative Podcast - Fiction or Nonfiction 
  This category is intended for the best production of a Spanish narrative-driven Fiction or Nonfiction podcast. The podcast must have audio-first IP and originally be written in Spanish, no adaptations or translations are permitted. Any detected use of artificial intelligence for translation or other purposes will immediately disqualify the podcast from consideration. Interview and News podcasts are not currently eligible for submission.
   

• Best Sports Podcast
  A podcast about sports and/or athletes.
   

• Best Society and Culture Podcast
  A podcast that brings the host's perspective/opinion on any number of topics that reflect societies and cultures worldwide.
   

• Best True Crime Podcast
  A non-fiction podcast about true crime events.
   

• Best Use of Video in a Podcast (New for 2026)
  This category honors podcasts that make exceptional use of video as a core part of their format. Entries must include a video component that is publicly distributed and intentionally designed to enhance the storytelling or viewer experience. Judges will evaluate production quality, visual creativity, integration of video with audio content, and how effectively the visual format elevates the podcast as a whole. *The episode must be a video submission
   

• Best Wellness or Relationships Podcast
  A podcast about health, wellness, and/or relationship topics.
   

TALENT RECOGNITION CATEGORIES