Podcast Analytics Metric Dictionary

Podcast Analytics Metric Dictionary

Definition fields

Each metric record requires platform, metric name, exact definition, event or person grain, minimum threshold, window, denominator, exclusions, refresh timing, export time, source URL, and definition version.

Current examples

Apple listeners are people who played or watched more than zero seconds within Apple’s environment. Engaged listeners use a time or percentage threshold. Apple states that its analytics are not third-party download reporting.

Spotify currently defines a play as at least thirty seconds on Spotify. Downloads, audience, completion, retention, impressions, and conversion remain separate.

YouTube impressions, click-through rate, views, unique viewers, watch time, average view duration, and retention are video-platform measures.

IAB podcast guidelines describe server-log measurement for downloads, audience, and ad delivery. Host implementation and certification must be checked.

Comparison rule

Align episodes by days since release and compare like formats. Report cohort count, median, and range. Mark feed incidents, distribution delays, promotion, duration, guest, and topic.

Do not publish one combined audience total without an explicit method and overlap limitations.