How to Make Your Google Podcasts creator program Application Stand Out

The Google Podcasts creator program is a partnership between Google and PRX that trains, mentors, and provides resources to underrepresented voices in podcasting around the world.

We are now accepting applications for three, 12-week accelerators! Read on for more information and tips on how to stand out in the crowd.

Creators in each accelerator will receive:

• Training from PRX’s expert team and the program’s accomplished advisors on topics such as storytelling, sound design, and reaching audiences through marketing and engagement;
• Regular feedback on all aspects of their production, including editorial and technical input;
• Equipment and software to help meet independent production needs amid the challenging circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic; and,
• Up to $12,000 in funding for use as they see fit for their productions.

Selected teams will join one of three virtual accelerators:

• Mid-September — December 2020
• Late January — Mid-April, 2021
• May — Mid-July 2021

Because of safety concerns around gathering and travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program will be entirely online.

To learn more about the program and eligibility requirements, please check out our FAQs.

The deadline to apply is 11:59 pm ET, Sunday, August 2.

Four Ways To Make Your Application Stand Out

1. Tell us why you’re the one to make this podcast

The strongest applicants make clear why they are the team to create this podcast in particular.

Think about the work you’ve done, the experiences you’ve had, the places you’ve lived, the passions you’ve pursued, and anything else that’s relevant to the story. Then connect the dots for us: Why you, for this show?

2. Tell us who your show is for — and be specific

“When you make a podcast for everyone, you make a podcast for no one.” That’s a phrase you’ll hear us say a lot.

So tell us: Who is your listener? What do they care about? Can you picture where they’ll be and what they’ll be doing while they listen? Do you know why they started listening? Do you know what you want them to think, feel, and do after they listen to your podcast?

The team reviewing your application may not be your target audience, but the more you demonstrate you know who you’re trying to reach and how your podcast serves them, the more we’ll trust you’ll reach them.

3. Think stories, not topics

A lot of applications we receive are about general topics: art, entrepreneurship, race, health, or identity…about almost any topic someone could make a podcast about! But the applications that get our attention have a story to tell. They have characters instead of categories. They have driving themes instead of loosely structured conversations. They sketch episode outlines and season arcs that allow us to hear the show.

And — you may be sensing a theme here — they get specific.

4. Show us you’re ready to make the most of this opportunity

Twelve weeks of training, mentorship, and funding is a big deal. And strong applicants also know it isn’t everything. They show us they’re ready to make the most of this opportunity, from how they’ll use this time and funding to improve their show to demonstrating an openness to changing their podcasting based on feedback they receive during the program.

This means taking time to create a thorough and sensible budget. It means thinking about what goals you want to achieve. Above all, it means conveying an entrepreneurial spirit, either through work you’ve already done or through your vision for what your show can become–and how you’ll get it there.

Ready to jump in?

Great! All that’s left to do now is apply. The deadline is 11:59 pm ET Sunday, August 2. Good luck. We are excited to hear from you!

Not Ready? Still Have Questions?

If you have questions about the program or application, please sign up for one of our online Q&A sessions and submit your questions in advance using the links below! You can submit questions even if you can not attend the session. We will post recordings to the FAQ page after each session.

You can also send questions to googlecp@prx.org. We will do our best to get back to you promptly but may not be able to respond to everyone individually.

• Thursday, July 9, 5:00–6:00 pm ET: Sign Up & Submit a Question
• Monday, July 13, 9:00–10:00 am ET: Sign Up & Submit a Question
• Wednesday, July 22, 12:00–1:00 pm ET: Sign Up & Submit a Question