One Episode Slot Available
PodRoll can only publish a new feed drop on a seller's feed periodically.
The algorithm selects a single campaign to fill that slot from the pool of approved matches between buyers and sellers.
Approval Matching
A campaign is eligible for a slot if both:
The seller has approved the buyer’s campaign.
i.e. the seller considers the content appropriate and entertaining for their audience
The buyer has approved that seller’s podcast.
i.e. the buyer believes their content will convert new listeners from the audience of the seller's podcast
The more mutual approvals, the larger the candidate pool the algorithm can choose from. If approvals from the buyer's side are limited, there are fewer podcasts to compete for and the chance of delivery for that campaign drops.
Factors That Influence Selection
Once approvals are set, the algorithm weighs several factors:
Available Campaign Budget: If the budget is too small, the campaign may fall in the queue to ensure the seller's inventory can be filled. Larger budgets get priority in the selection algorithm.
Campaign CPM: Higher CPM campaigns are more competitive in both the seller’s selection process and the algorithm’s selection process.
Approval Pool Size: More approved sellers = more opportunities for delivery.
Why Approvals Matter Most
Approvals are the biggest lever. With only a handful of approved shows, a campaign will struggle to get placed—especially if the budget is small and CPM is lower than competing campaigns. More approvals give buyers the best chance of their content being picked up in a seller's feed.
Patience Matters
We suggest waiting at least one week before making edits to your campaign. Even with strong approvals, it can take a few days for the algorithm to find an open slot. If you’ve already approved 10+ podcasts, the best move is often to let the campaign run and give the system time to deliver.
How to Improve Campaign Delivery (In Order of Effectiveness)
Approve More Seller Shows
Expands the eligible pool and gives the algorithm more opportunities to match.Increase Campaign Budget
Ensures the campaign is prioritized in the queue when a spot opens up and allows spend to spread across multiple feeds.
→ Contact us in the chat widget to adjust campaign budgets.Raise the CPM
Increases chances of approval from sellers and improves competitiveness when the algorithm selects from multiple eligible campaigns.
→ Contact us directly to increase CPM for your campaign.
Key Takeaway
PodRoll can only place feed drops periodically in a feed. It’s a robust and active marketplace with shifts in supply and demand. To maximize delivery and your chances of getting your content in front of podcast audiences:
Approve more shows first.
Then strengthen budgets and CPMs.
After that, give the system time to work.