Guidelines for Search - Podcasts Top Results Training — BaseLine
Guidelines for Search - Podcasts Top Results Training — BaseLine
Preview pages
Spell Correction
Adult Content
Problem: Other
Unacceptable: Misleading
How to rate Episodes results when the query type is Podcast Show Navigational
What is a snippet?
Query: [serial]
Query: [hooked]
Query: [smartless]
PODCAST CHANNEL
Query: [wondery]
PODCAST HOST
AMBIGUOUS
Query: [emma]
BROWSE
Query: [podcasts]
CATEGORY
Query: [science]
Query: [art]
Query: [news]
PODCAST TOPIC/KEYWORD
Query: [asmr]
Query: [mafia]
PROVIDER
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Query: [npr]
PERSON
Update 9/01/2023
Added instructions regarding snippets
Update 08/11/23
Add an example to the How to rate episodes results when the query type is podcast navigational section
Apple Podcasts is home to the largest and most talked-about collection of shows across
all subjects. From globally recognized names to the most authentic independents, this is
a place where every voice matters. And that says it all.
podcasts.apple.com
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podcasts.apple.com
podcasts.apple.com
Apple Podcasts is the best app for finding, following, and listening to millions of the
world’s most popular podcasts. And you can quickly discover new shows through expert
curation and personalized recommendations.
Our ultimate goal is to surprise and delight our customers by improving search quality and enhancing customer
satisfaction, and you play an essential role in this.
Ask yourself, “Why is this particular result returned for this query? Is this relevant?”. Then, stay curious and do
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a thorough search to understand the relationship between a query and the result.
Your attention to detail, research and language skills, and cultural knowledge of the market are all critical to the
success of our projects. Please keep in mind that your tasks will be spot-checked for quality and measured
against your peers. If your accuracy rate is consistently high enough, you may be qualified to work as an
auditor who gives feedback to your peers.
Remember: use the Apple Podcasts app as a starting point rather than a definitive popularity signal resource.
Preview pages
Each result will have a link to an Apple Podcasts Preview page. This preview page will provide more details
about the result and allow you to listen to the Podcast.
Spell Correction
Our users misspell some queries. When this is the case, assume the query intent is for the correctly spelled
query.
If the query is [mark kilmek], the user meant to type [mark klimek]. Use your best judgment.
Adult Content
We assume that all adult or pornographic content is Off-Topic for non-adult and non-porn queries. For example,
any adult or porn content is Unacceptable: Off-Topic for the query [popular podcasts] because the user has not
expressly indicated that they want the content of this type. On the other hand, if the query is [erotica] or [porn],
any adult or porn content is relevant.
For example, suppose the user enters the Spanish language query [liderazgo hoy]. In that case, they're looking
for the "Liderazgo Hoy con Victor Hugo Manzanilla" Podcast, which would be rated Perfect. Results should be
in either the language of the query, market language, or in English (OK for all markets).
Note: If the result is in a different language than the query, with no apparent relevance to that market or direct
title match then the rating should be Unacceptable: Off-Topic.
For example, user enters the English language query [politics] and the result is German channel [RND
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RedaktionsNetzwerk], the rating would be Unacceptable: Off-Topic
For example, in the US market a result in Spanish would be relevant but considered secondary intent.
Problem: Other
A problem or technical issue with the task in BaseLine that makes it impossible to judge relevance. For
example, a piece of content with an unavailable show/episode/channel/provider name, an unavailable
thumbnail image, and no clickable preview page link, as seen in the screenshot below.
-
Note: “Problem: Other” rating should not be used if the content is unavailable in Apple Podcasts, but it is still
possible to determine relevance between input and output based on the result title, description or provider
name and by completing a side search on Google and/or on other platforms such as Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn,
etc.
Exception: For cases where only the thumbnail image is available but no title/description and content is
unavailable, rate Problem: Other
Unacceptable: Misleading
This rating should be used for content that is likely to mislead users about its authorship and/or non-podcast
content. A thorough side search and checking the Apple Podcasts Preview page information for each result
will aid in spotting potential discrepancies and red flags.
Please find below a couple of examples of podcast channel search results on an iOS device.
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Episodic: This is the most common type of Podcast. The Podcast episodes are displayed from newest-to-
oldest. The most recently published episodes will be listed at the top of the results page. This format is
recommended for stand-alone episodes. A good example of an “episodic” Podcast is news and current affairs
types of shows.
Here is an example of the episodic format on the Apple Podcasts web preview page:
Podcast show: The Daily - episodes are arranged from the newest-to-oldest.
Serial: The Serial format arranges podcast episodes from oldest-to-newest nested within the assigned
season/year.
The newest season/year is listed at the top of the Apple Podcasts listing. However, there are cases where the
oldest/first season (Season 1) is listed at the top of the result page. This option supports narratives, storytelling,
thematic, and multiple seasons/years.
Here are a couple of examples of the serial format on the Apple Podcasts web preview page:
Podcast show: Dirty John displays the oldest season(Season 1, or the year of the first season, 2017) followed
by the first episode of the season at the top of the result page. Note: sometimes, the show releases two
episodes on the same day.
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Podcast show: CounterClock displays the latest season followed by the first episode of the season at the top of
the result page. Note: sometimes, the show releases all episodes (or parts) of the season/year on the same
day in ascending numeric order. Please see the screenshot below:
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Good: A piece of content that only partially satisfies the intent of the query but is still high-quality
or satisfies the intent of the query but is lower quality
or satisfies a secondary intent of the query.
Acceptable: A piece of content that is related to the query but may be of poor quality, not popular, or poorly
satisfies a secondary intent of the query.
Unacceptable: Off-Topic: A piece of content that does not satisfy any of the above conditions.
Unacceptable: Misleading - This rating should be used for content that is likely to mislead users about its
authorship intentionally and/or non-podcast content.
Problem: Other: A problem with the task in BaseLine; for example, the result image thumbnail and the result
show/episode title are missing, making it impossible to rate the result.
Rating:
Excellent:
All the recent or latest* episodes, except trailer episodes, from the intended show (Episodes in both video
and audio types)
* Sometimes the intended Podcast Show stop releasing new episodes. The latest released episodes are the
most recent ones and should be rated as Excellent.
Good:
“Old/dated” episodes from the intended show would receive a Good rating. Below are some examples of
what we should consider an “old” episode that are eligible for a rating of Good:
Daily release frequency: 1-2 weeks old episode
Semi-weekly frequency: 3 weeks old episode
Weekly release frequency: 1 month-old episode
Trailer episodes of the intended show
Acceptable:
Episodes from the secondary intent podcast show
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Rating:
Excellent:
Recent episodes, except trailer episodes, of the current season
Recent follow-up/bonus episodes from a past season
First episode of the season (S1E1 , S2E1, S3E1…)
Good:
All other episodes that are not from the current season
Not a recent follow-up/bonus episodes from old “cases”
Season’s trailer
Not the first episode of the season (S1E2, S3E4, S2E8...)
Acceptable:
Episodes from the secondary intent podcast show
What is a snippet?
A snippet is a line from an episode transcript that is shown in the podcast search results when the user
searches for content using keywords/tokens.
Matching tokens from the search query to tokens in the transcript snippets can indeed enhance the user
experience in some ways.
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Example of a snippet
The goal is to provide another avenue to establish relevance beyond title matching. Sometimes there will be a
full query ↔ snippet match and sometimes only partial match. Remember, snippets is to establish connection
between the query and the episode result. Episode's relevance should be predominant when choosing the
appropriate rating. Make sure to do a side research to understand the content of the episode result and its
relevancy to the query.
NOTE: You will see snippets returning for all query types, but it will be most helpful for queries without a
singular navigational intent, such as Topic/Keyword, Browser, Ambiguous, and Category.
Excellent:
Episodes of the intended Podcast show
Note: Episodes of the intended Podcast Show can receive Excellent or Good based on recency. Please
familiarize yourself with the type of podcasts and how that would affect the ratings
Future release episodes of the intended Podcast Show - This is not a trailer episode. Please refer to the
example - Query [smartless] later in this section.
Channel of the intended Podcast Show
Good:
Trailer episode of the intended Podcast Show
Secondary intent Podcast Show
High-quality podcasts sharing the same category and slightly similar topic
Podcast shows with near text match AND high popularity
High-quality podcast by the same channel/provider/creator with loose connection to category and/or topic.
Note: those Podcasts can receive Good - Acceptable rating based on quality and popularity.
Acceptable:
Episodes from the secondary intent Podcast Show
Channel of the secondary intent Podcast Show
Other podcast shows with a connection to the provider but on a different topic, or in a similar category but
different topic or low quality, or poorly satisfying a secondary intent such as content only relevant through
title match.
Please keep in mind that recency, relevance, quality, and popularity should be always taken into
consideration while selecting the rating. Please find below examples and further explanation on how to rate
Podcasts content by each rating. Note: both video and audio media types are relevant.
The podcast Pardon My Take by Barstool Sports. Pardon My Take (PMT) is a comedic sports podcast on
which “Big Cat & PFT Commenter deliver the loudest and most correct sports takes in the history of the
spoken word.” Category: Sports & Recreation. This is the navigational episodic show the user is searching
for, rate as Perfect.
Excellent - content likely to satisfy primary intent, for example, seasons and episodes - video and audio
media types - ( Please refer to How to rate episodes results when the query type is Podcast Navigational
section) from the intended show, including future releases episodes and the channel result containing the
intended podcast show.
Note: Episodes of the intended show can receive Excellent or Good based on recency. Please familiarize
yourself with the type of podcasts and how that would affect the ratings
The podcast Pardon My Take by Barstool Sports - is an episodic type of podcast ( please refer to “What are
the types of Podcasts?”), and all recent episodes from the intended show should be rated as Excellent.
The Channel Barstool Sports. This is a Podcasts Channel result that contains the intended show, and other
shows by Barstool Sports, which “began as a newspaper in 2003 and has since grown into one of the top
media brands and podcast networks in the country, with shows like Pardon My Take, Million Dollaz Worth of
Game, Spittin Chiclets, and so many more. Follow alongside your favorite personalities in sports, comedy,
and culture on Barstool Sports, with new content from their 60+ shows every single day of the week.” This
result is highly relevant to the query and likely to satisfy the primary intent of the user, and it should be rated
Excellent.
Good - content likely to satisfy a secondary intent, for example but not limited to, episodes - video and audio
media types - ( Please refer to How to rate episodes results when the query type is Podcast Navigational
section), trailer of the intended show and secondary intent Podcasts shows: high-quality podcasts sharing the
same category and slightly similar topic or high-quality podcast by the same provider/creator with loose
connection to category and/or topic, or near text match podcasts WITH high popularity.
The podcast Pardon My Take by Barstool Sports - is an episodic type of podcast ( please refer to “What are
the types of Podcasts?”), and dated episodes should be rated as Good at most.
Heartland Radio: Presented by The Pat McAfee Show by Barstool Sports. This is another comedy podcast
by Barstool Sports, but it's not on the topic of sports commentary. Likely to satisfy a secondary intent of most
users. Rate as Good.
The Podcast The Pat McAfee Show 2.0. This Podcasts Show will satisfy a secondary intent; therefore it
merits Good rating. This is a popular podcast that follows the same themes, styles, and concepts as Pardon
My Take. On "The Pat McAfee Show, Pat McAfee and his friends deliver one-of-a-kind opinions that won't be
heard anywhere else. Pat's a recently retired NFL All-Pro who has zero filters." Category: Sports &
Recreation.
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Acceptable - for example but not limited to, lower quality podcasts with a connection to the provider but on a
different topic, or in a similar category but different topic or low quality, or poorly satisfying a secondary intent
such as content only relevant through title match, Channel or episodes from the secondary intent Podcast
Shows.
Recent Episode from a secondary intent Podcast Show Pad McAfee Show 2.0: PMS 2.0 937 - Feel Good
Friday With The Match Recap, Mark Schlereth, Kendrick Perkins, & AJ Hawk - the result would poorly satisfy
the user intent; hence Acceptable rating.
Pod Yourself A Gun - A Sopranos Podcast. This is a comedy podcast, but not on the topic of sports.
Acceptable relevance at best.
Macrodosing: Arian Foster and PFT Commenter podcast by Barstool Sports. This is a podcast from the same
provider as Pardon My Take, but on a completely different topic and category. In this show “Arian Foster and
PFT Commenter explore conspiracies, conundrums, and the dark corners of the deep web”. Because the
intended podcast Pardon My Take and this result are very different but share the same provider, rate as
Acceptable.
Unacceptable: Misleading - this rating should be used for content that is likely to mislead users about its
authorship
The Sports Betting Rundown by Pardon My Take. The provider name "Pardon My Take" is the name of the
highly popular Pardon My Take by Barstool Sports, and is very misleading to use as a provider name for a
low-quality sports commentary podcast. Rate as Unacceptable: Misleading.
The particular podcast show implied by the query: My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia
Hardstark. Lifelong fans of true crime stories Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark tell each other their
favorite tales of murder and hear hometown crime stories from friends and fans. Categories: Comedy & True
Crime. This is the navigational episodic show the user is searching for, rated as Perfect.
Excellent - content likely to satisfy primary intent, for example, seasons and episodes - video and audio
media types - ( Please refer to How to rate episodes results when the query type is Podcast Navigational
section) from the intended show, including future releases episodes and the channel result containing the
intended podcast show.
Note: Episodes of the intended show can receive Excellent or Good based on recency. Please familiarize
yourself with the type of podcasts and how that would affect the ratings
My Favorite Murder - is an episodic type of podcast ( please refer to “What are the types of Podcasts?”),
and allrecent episodes from the intended show should be rated as Excellent.
The Channel result Exactly Right . This is a Podcasts Channel result that contains the intended show, and
other shows from the makers of the hit podcast, My Favorite Murder. “The Exactly Right podcast network
provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining, and relatable stories for
fans of true crime, comedy, and popular culture.” This result is highly relevant to the query and likely to satisfy
the primary intent of the user, and it should be rated Excellent.
Good - content likely to satisfy a secondary intent, for example but not limited to, episodes - video and audio
media types - ( Please refer to How to rate episodes results when the query type is Podcast Navigational
section), trailer of the intended show and secondary intent Podcasts shows: high-quality podcasts sharing the
same category and slightly similar topic or high-quality podcast by the same provider/creator with loose
connection to category and/or topic, or near text match podcasts WITH high popularity.
My Favorite Murder - is an episodic type of podcast ( please refer to “What are the types of Podcasts?”),
anddated episodes should be rated as Good at most.
The Last Podcast on the Left (LPOTL). LPOTL hosts Ben Kissel, Marcus Parks, and Henry Zebrowski
discuss everything from serial killers to unsolved cases to giant conspiracies. Categories listed on Wikipedia:
comedy; true crime; dark comedy; paranormal. This podcast would satisfy a secondary intent.
What The F Podcast - “Best Friends, Rebecca Lassiter and Tamara London, share real and entertaining
stories that will make you say What the F!? They discuss true crime, pop culture, current news events,
personal and viral stories.” Since this comedy podcast covers true crime, but with a distinct pop culture
angle, it’s likely to satisfy only a secondary intent of most users looking for My Favorite Murder. Rate as
Good.
Jensen and Holes: The Murder Squad. “Retired Cold Case Investigator Paul Holes and Investigative
Journalist Billy Jensen dig deep into unsolved murders, unidentified remains, and missing person cases.”
This podcast has no comedic elements, but it's from the same provider as "my favorite murder", and in the
true crime category, rate as Good for satisfying a likely secondary intent.
Acceptable - for example but not limited to, lower quality podcasts with a connection to the provider but on a
different topic, or in a similar category but different topic or low quality, or poorly satisfying a secondary intent
such as content only relevant through title match, Channel or episodes from the secondary intent Podcast
Shows.
The Shocking Details. This podcast has no comedic elements, but is on the topic of true crime. Likely to only
poorly satisfy a secondary intent of the query. Rate as Acceptable. Morbid: A True Crime Podcast is a
comedy podcast very similar to MFM, and would be a better result to return here.
Query: [serial]
Perfect - the navigational result
Serial, the particular serial navigational podcast show implied by the query. Serial is an investigative
journalism podcast hosted by Sarah Koenig, narrating a nonfiction story over multiple episodes (S1
investigated the 1999 murder of Hae Min Lee, S2 focused on Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, S3 explored cases
within the Justice Center Complex in the Cleveland area).
Excellent - content likely to satisfy primary intent, for example, seasons and episodes - video and audio
media types - ( Please refer to How to rate episodes results when the query type is Podcast Navigational
section) from the intended show, including future releases episodes and the channel result containing the
intended podcast show.
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Note: Episodes of the intended show can receive Excellent or Good based on recency. Please familiarize
yourself with the type of podcasts and how that would affect the ratings
Serial is a serial type of podcasts ( please refer to “What are the types of Podcasts?”). Below are possible
scenarios where the episode result can receive an Excellent rating ( please, familiarize yourself with How to
rate episodes results when the query type is Podcast Navigational section):
Episodes from the current season
Recent follow-up/bonus episodes from a past season
First episode of the season (S1E1 , S2E1, S3E1…)
Serial the Podcasts Channel result. This Podcasts Chanel contains the intended show, and other shows from
the makers of the hit podcast, Serial. This result is highly relevant to the query [serial], likely to satisfy the
user's primary intent, and it should be rated Excellent.
S-Town - S-Town is also an investigative journalism Podcast hosted by Brian Reed and created by the
producers of Serial and This American Life. S-Town is very similar to Serial in its themes and topics and is
likely to satisfy the primary intent of the user searching for [serial]. Rate as Excellent.
S-Town - is a serial type of podcasts, ( please refer to “What are the types of Podcasts?”) very similar to the
intended podcast, Serial. Below are possible scenarios where the episode result can receive an Good rating
( please, familiarize yourself with How to rate episodes results when the query type is Podcast
Navigationalsection):
Episodes from the current season
Recent follow-up/bonus episodes from a past season
First episode of the season (S1E1 , S2E1, S3E1…)
Good - content likely to satisfy a secondary intent, for example but not limited to, episodes - video and audio
media types - ( Please refer to How to rate episodes results when the query type is Podcast Navigational
section), trailer of the intended show and secondary intent Podcasts shows: high-quality podcasts sharing the
same category and slightly similar topic or high-quality podcast by the same provider/creator with loose
connection to category and/or topic, or near text match podcasts WITH high popularity.
Full-length episode (October 2018) from the intended show, Serial: “S03 Episode 04: A Bird in Jail Is Worth
Two on the Street” - The result is neither an episode from the current season nor the first episode of a
season; the rating should be Good at most. Please, familiarize yourself with How to rate episodes results
when the query type is Podcast Navigational section, and the below scenarios for Good rating episodes
results:
All other episodes that are not from the current season
Not a recent follow-up/bonus episodes from old “cases”
Season’s trailer
Not the first episode of the season (S1E2, S3E4, S2E8...)
The Nightmare Next Door. Nightmare Next Door is a true crime, episodic type of show that peels back the
peaceful facade of small-town America and exposes the dark secrets hidden behind its white-washed picket
fences. Since this show is not an investigative journalism one like Serial, it’s likely to only satisfy a
secondary intent of the user and should be rated Good.
Wondery the Podcasts Channel result: This channel contains 111 podcast shows, including true crime
podcasts "The Vanished Podcast", and "Over My Dead Body". Likely to satisfy a secondary intent, rated
Good.
The Trojan Horse Affair - Trailer from the intended show, Serial. This is a trailer, not a full-length episode, and
hence likely to only satisfy a secondary intent of most users. Rated Good.
Acceptable - for example but not limited to, lower quality podcasts with a connection to the provider but on a
different topic, or in a similar category but different topic or low quality, or poorly satisfying a secondary intent
such as content only relevant through title match, Channel or episodes from the secondary intent Podcast
Shows.
The Nightmare Next Door is an episodic type of podcast and satisfies a secondary intent. Either recent or
dated episodes results should be rated as Acceptable at most.
Introducing: Nice White Parents - Trailer. Nice White Parents is a five-part series from the the makers of
Serial and The New York Times. Hosted by Chana Joffe-Walt. This trailer is likely to only poorly satisfy the
secondary intent of most users since it’s very different from Serial the investigative journalism crime podcast.
Rated Acceptable.
Query: [hooked]
Acceptable - for example but not limited to, lower quality podcasts with a connection to the provider but on a
different topic, or in a similar category but different topic or low quality, or poorly satisfying a secondary intent
such as content only relevant through title match, Channel or episodes from the secondary intent Podcast
Shows.
Fiction podcast "Hooked on Horror" by Hooked . The result is relevant through title match but is unpopular
and different from the intended Apple TV+ podcast, rate as Acceptable.
Query: [smartless]
Excellent - content likely to satisfy primary intent, for example, seasons and episodes - video and audio
media types - ( Please refer to How to rate episodes results when the query type is Podcast Navigational
section) from the intended show, including future releases episodes and the channel result containing the
intended podcast show. Note: Episodes of the intended show can receive Excellent or Good based on
recency. Please familiarize yourself with the type of podcasts and how that would affect the ratings
Searching for "smartness" on 01/11/2023 would return a future release episode, "Steven Spielberg" (the
episode will be release on 01/16/2023.) The result is very relevant to the query and should be rated as
Excellent. Please see picture below:
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Excellent - a piece of content that clearly satisfies a likely primary intent of the query, for example, the show
and any other episode or season of the podcast of the navigational episode
Good - a piece of content that only partially satisfies the intent of the query, but is still high-quality or satisfies
the intent of the query but is lower quality or has near text match WITH high-quality or satisfies a secondary
intent of the query
7 Reasons Why Everyone is Moving to Dallas Texas, an episode by Living In Dallas Texas. “Dallas Texas is a
great city to live, work and play. We will go over 7 reasons why a lot of people move to the Dallas area.“ This
is a lesser-known podcast episode by the provider Darius Holmes, related to the user’s intent. Likely to
satisfy a secondary intent, rate as Good.
The podcast show Living In Dallas Texas by Darius Holmes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-in-
dallas-texas/id1524098101. This is a lesser-known podcast show by the provider Darius Holmes, related to
the user’s intent. Likely to satisfy a secondary intent, rate as Good.
Acceptable - a piece of content that is related to the query (i.e. keyword/title matching), but may be of poor
quality, not popular, or poorly satisfies a secondary intent of the query
EPISODE 6: SPRAWL II - EXPLORING DALLAS AND NORTH TEXAS Living in the Sprawl: Southern
California's Most Adventurous Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-6-sprawl-ii-exploring-
dallas-and-north-texas/id1566972238?i=1000526727775. “On this week's episode, we take you on a trip
outside of Southern California to Dallas, Texas. Host Jon Steinberg shares his top ten list of things to do
when exploring Dallas and North Texas.” This episode about Dallas could poorly satisfy a secondary intent of
the query and should be rated Acceptable.
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Episode.
400 - Ronald Reagan w/ guest Patton Oswalt (Part 2) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/400-ronald-
reagan-w-guest-patton-oswalt-part-2/id643055307?i=1000454358815. This is part 2 of the navigational
Episode. Note: since parts 1 and 2 are sharing the same Episode name, they are both rated Perfect. If Part 2
did not share the same episode title or the input was specifically for part 1, this result would be rated
Excellent.
Excellent - a piece of content which clearly satisfies a likely primary intent of the query, for example the show
and any other episode or season of the podcast of the navigational episode.
the show and any other episode or season of the podcast Serial
Excellent - a piece of content which clearly satisfies a likely primary intent of the query, for example the show
and any other episode or season of the podcast of the navigational episode.
V-Day Special of Let Me tell you a story, hosted by Chris and Jerry -
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-4-v-day-special/id1450082856?i=1000429485167This Podcast
has a keyword match in "Chris and Jerry", but is completely unrelated to the user intent. Note: The Podcast
Let Me tell you a story by Chris & Jerry will also get a rating of Unacceptable: Off-Topic.
PODCAST CHANNEL
Navigational Podcast Channel queries imply a very specific Podcast Channel which the user typically
queries for by name, i.e. [ted audio collective], [wondery kids], [espn], [crooked media], [the new york times],
[national geographic].
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Excellent - a piece of content that clearly satisfies the primary intent of the query. For example, the primary
intent of Shows and Episodes in the collective
Good - a piece of content that only partially satisfies the intent of the query, but is still high-quality or satisfies
the intent of the query but is lower quality or satisfies a secondary intent of the query
Acceptable - a piece of content that is related to the query (i.e. keyword/title matching), but may be of poor
quality, not popular, or poorly satisfies a secondary intent of the query
Unacceptable: Off-Topic: a piece of content that does not satisfy any of the above conditions
Problem: Other - a problem with the task in BaseLine, for example the result image thumbnail and the result
show/episode title are missing, making it impossible to rate the result.
Query: [wondery]
Perfect - the navigational channel requested by the user
Good - a piece of content which only partially satisfies the intent of the query, but is still high-quality or satisfies
the intent of the query but is lower quality or satisfies a secondary intent of the query
Acceptable - a piece of content that is related to the query (i.e. keyword/title matching), but may be of poor
quality, not popular, or poorly satisfies a secondary intent of the query
Unlike Navigational queries, users are not searching for a singular specific Podcast, Podcast Episode, or
Channel. Instead, multiple pieces of content can satisfy the users’ primary intent and/or secondary intents.
https://baseline.apple.com/training/evaluations/1036/guidelines 15/23
9/5/23, 10:20 AM Guidelines for Search - Podcasts Top Results Training — BaseLine
Excellent: A piece of content which clearly satisfies a likely primary intent of the query.
Good: A piece of content which only partially satisfies the intent of the query, but is still high-quality
OR satisfies the intent of the query but is lower quality
OR satisfies a secondary intent of the query.
Acceptable: A piece of content that is related to the query, but may be of poor quality, not popular, or poorly
satisfies a secondary intent of the query.
Unacceptable: Off-Topic: A piece of content that does not satisfy any of the above conditions.
Unacceptable: Misleading - This rating should be used for content that is likely to intentionally mislead users
about its authorship and/or non-podcast content.
Problem: Other: A problem with the task in BaseLine, for example the result image thumbnail and the result
show/episode title are missing, making it impossible to rate the result.
PODCAST HOST
The highest applicable rating for this query type is Excellent.
For Podcast Host queries shows and episodes hosted by the intended person are eligible for Excellent.
Content that is likely to satisfy a secondary intent should be rated Good or Acceptable based on popularity and
quality.
#272 – Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal, an episode of the Lex Fridman Podcast -
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/272-brett-johnson-us-most-wanted-cybercriminal/id1434243584?
i=1000555373059. This is an episode hosted by the intended podcast host, and will be rated Excellent.
The Lex Fridman Podcast by Lex Fridman https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lex-fridman-
podcast/id1434243584. “Conversations about science, technology, history, philosophy and the nature of
intelligence, consciousness, love, and power. Lex is an AI researcher at MIT and beyond.” Category:
Technology. This result is a podcast show hosted by the intended host, and will be rated Excellent.
Good - a piece of content which only partially satisfies the intent of the query, but is still high-quality, or satisfies
the intent of the query but is lower quality, or satisfies a secondary intent of the query. Note: Podcast Shows
hosted by the intended Podcast Host but not anymore should also receive a Good rating ( Please be mindful of
how long ago the host stopped contributing to the podcast show.)
An episode where Lex Fridman is the guest on Good For You podcast -
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lex-fridman/id1485527143?i=1000494688953. “Lex and Whitney
discuss love and robots. Follow Lex Fridman everywhere: @lexfridman”.
Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas by Sean Carroll | Wondery -
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sean-carrolls-mindscape-science-society-philosophy/id1406534739.
“Each week, Sean Carroll will host conversations with some of the most interesting thinkers in the world.
From neuroscientists and engineers to authors and television producers, Sean and his guests talk about the
biggest ideas in science, philosophy, culture and much more.” Category: Science. This podcast is very similar
to the intended podcast and likely to satisfy a secondary intent of the user, rated Good.
Acceptable - a piece of content that is related to the query (i.e. keyword/title matching), but may be of poor
quality, not popular, or poorly satisfies a secondary intent of the query
My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark . Category: True Crime. This result is a
podcast show currently being co-hosted by the intended host, and will be rated Excellent.
Good - a piece of content which only partially satisfies the intent of the query, but is still high-quality, or satisfies
the intent of the query but is lower quality, or satisfies a secondary intent of the query. Note: Podcast Shows
hosted by the intended Podcast Host but not anymore should also receive a Good rating ( Please be mindful of
how long ago the host stopped contributing to the podcast show.)
https://baseline.apple.com/training/evaluations/1036/guidelines 16/23
9/5/23, 10:20 AM Guidelines for Search - Podcasts Top Results Training — BaseLine
Slumber Party With Alie and Georgia . Category: Comedy. This result is a podcast show that was co-hosted
by the intended host, and will be rated Good.
Good - a piece of content which only partially satisfies the intent of the query, but is still high-quality, or satisfies
the intent of the query but is lower quality, or satisfies a secondary intent of the query. Note: Podcast Shows
hosted by the intended Podcast Host but not anymore should also receive a Good rating ( Please be mindful of
how long ago the host stopped contributing to the podcast show.)
Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell: Meet the Filmmakers, from Events at the Apple Store -
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dax-shepard-and-kristen-bell-meet-the-filmmakers/id549867516. "Join
comic talent Dax Shepard and actor Kristen Bell as they discuss their new film "Hit and Run", written and
directed by Shepard." This is an interview with Dax Shepard from 2012, and likely to only partially satisfy the
user intent.
Acceptable - a piece of content that is related to the query (i.e. keyword/title matching), but may be of poor
quality, not popular, or poorly satisfies a secondary intent of the query
The Podcast episode Loyal Dax Shepard Fans Are Selling Out Theaters, from School of
Podcastinghttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/loyal-dax-shepard-fans-are-selling-out-
theaters/id83653087?i=1000425928325 "Tryo Heinritz attended a live event from Dax Shepard, and David
Hooper gives us behind the scenes of hosting an event." Only slightly relevant to the query intent, rate as
Acceptable.
Good - a piece of content which only partially satisfies the intent of the query, but is still high-quality, or satisfies
the intent of the query but is lower quality, or satisfies a secondary intent of the query. Note: Podcast Shows
hosted by the intended Podcast Host but not anymore should also receive a Good rating ( Please be mindful of
how long ago the host stopped contributing to the podcast show.)
#22 Adam Grant: Givers, Takers, and the Resilient Mind https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/22-adam-
grant-givers-takers-and-the-resilient-mind/id990149481?i=1000392517331. This is an episode from The
Knowledge Project hosted by Shane Parrish, where Adam Grant is a special guest. Rate as Good.
https://baseline.apple.com/training/evaluations/1036/guidelines 17/23
9/5/23, 10:20 AM Guidelines for Search - Podcasts Top Results Training — BaseLine
Good - a piece of content which only partially satisfies the intent of the query, but is still high-quality, or satisfies
the intent of the query but is lower quality, or satisfies a secondary intent of the query. Note: Podcast Shows
hosted by the intended Podcast Host but not anymore should also receive a Good rating ( Please be mindful of
how long ago the host stopped contributing to the podcast show.)
Karen Kilgariff, an episode from the Never Not Funny: The Jimmy Pardo
Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/karen-kilgariff/id142348028?i=1000487257073. “Never Not
Funny is an award-winning weekly podcast hosted by comedian and TV personality Jimmy Pardo and
producer Matt Belknap. Since 2006, the show has offered comedy fans the unique opportunity to eavesdrop
on freewheeling conversations between Pardo and his sometimes famous, always funny friends.” This is an
episode where Karen Kilgariff is a guest.
AMBIGUOUS
Ambiguous queries are simply too vague to identify a clear primary intent, and are often just a few letters long:
[an], [c], [bill]. The highest applicable rating for this query type is Excellent. Results for Ambiguous queries
need to be rated based on relevance, popularity, and quality.
Tip: For ambiguous queries, enter the query in the search field in Apple Podcasts to see suggested search
hints and most likely user intents.
Query: [emma]
This query is very ambiguous, and the user could be searching for a podcast host (Emma Chamberlain), a
topic (the book “Emma” by Jane Austen), or possibly a person (Emma Stone, Emma Thomson, etc.).
Excellent - a piece of content which clearly satisfies a likely primary intent of the query
Good - a piece of content that only partially satisfies the intent of the query, but is still high-quality or satisfies
the intent of the query but is lower quality or has near text match WITH high-quality or satisfies a secondary
intent of the query
Acceptable - a piece of content that is related to the query (i.e. keyword/title matching), but may be of poor
quality, not popular, or poorly satisfies a secondary intent of the query
The Podcast episode 'Solving the Climate Crisis, Preserving Biodiversity and the 6th Extinction with Emma
Marris' from Factually! with Adam Conover by Earwolf- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/solving-
climate-crisis-preserving-biodiversity-6th/id1463460577?i=1000444652474 - Emma Marris is not a
mainstream popular person.
BROWSE
Examples of browse queries include: [popular podcasts], [new], [top shows], [free], [best].
The highest applicable rating for this query type is Excellent. Results need to be rated based on relevance,
popularity, and quality.
Tip: For browse and category queries, check the "Browse" and "Browse → All Categories" sections in the Apple
Podcasts app to see What's Hot, New & Noteworthy, and Curated Collections.
Query: [podcasts]
This is a browse query as every show in the Apple Podcasts catalogue qualifies as a Podcast.
Excellent - a piece of content which clearly satisfies a likely primary intent of the query
https://baseline.apple.com/training/evaluations/1036/guidelines 18/23
9/5/23, 10:20 AM Guidelines for Search - Podcasts Top Results Training — BaseLine
Good - a piece of content that only partially satisfies the intent of the query, but is still high-quality or satisfies
the intent of the query but is lower quality or has near text match WITH high-quality or satisfies a secondary
intent of the query
Acceptable - a piece of content that is related to the query (i.e. keyword/title matching), but may be of poor
quality, not popular, or poorly satisfies a secondary intent of the query
CATEGORY
Category queries are: [arts], [fiction], [history], [true crime], [business], [comedy], [education], [games &
hobbies], [government], [health], [kids & family], [music], [news], [religion & spirituality], [science], [society &
culture], [sports], [technology], and [TV & film].
The highest applicable rating for this query type is Excellent. Results need to be rated based on relevance,
popularity, and quality.
Tip: For browse and category queries, check the "Browse" and "Browse → All Categories" sections in the Apple
Podcasts app to see What's Hot, New & Noteworthy, and Curated Collections.
Query: [science]
Excellent - for example high quality shows, episode, channels satisfying primary intent of the category
Good - for example lower quality and/or less relevant shows, episodes or channels of the intended category or
satisfying secondary intent, or has near text match WITH high-quality
Acceptable - a piece of content that is related to the query (i.e. keyword/title matching), but may be of poor
quality, not popular, or poorly satisfies a secondary intent of the query
https://baseline.apple.com/training/evaluations/1036/guidelines 19/23
9/5/23, 10:20 AM Guidelines for Search - Podcasts Top Results Training — BaseLine
Good - for example lower quality and/or less relevant shows, episodes or channels of the intended category or
satisfying secondary intent, or has near text match WITH high-quality
Query: [art]
Acceptable - a piece of content that is related to the query (i.e. keyword/title matching), but may be of poor
quality, not popular, or poorly satisfies a secondary intent of the query
Query: [news]
Excellent - for example high quality shows, episode, channels satisfying primary intent of the category
Good - for example lower quality and/or less relevant shows, episodes or channels of the intended category or
satisfying secondary intent, or has near text match WITH high-quality
PODCAST TOPIC/KEYWORD
Podcast Topic/Keyword queries are slightly more specific than Ambiguous, Browse, and Category queries.
These queries do not seem to point to a particular show, episode, or podcast channel; instead, users are likely
wanting to surface popular Podcasts and Podcast episodes that cover the topics and/or keywords entered e.g.
[michelle obama book], [hunting], [scary], [nba], [cooking].
The highest applicable rating for this query type is Excellent. Results need to be rated based on relevance,
popularity, and quality.
https://baseline.apple.com/training/evaluations/1036/guidelines 20/23
9/5/23, 10:20 AM Guidelines for Search - Podcasts Top Results Training — BaseLine
Good - a piece of content that only partially satisfies the intent of the query, but is still high-quality or satisfies
the intent of the query but is lower quality or or has near text match WITH high-quality or satisfies a secondary
intent of the query
Query: [asmr]
ASMR stands for autonomous sensory meridian response. It's a feeling of well-being combined with a tingling
sensation in the scalp and down the back of the neck, as experienced by some people in response to a specific
gentle stimulus, often a particular sound like whispering voices, paper tearing, and scalp massage.
Excellent - for example high quality shows and episodes satisfying primary intent of the topic/keyword
Good - a piece of content that only partially satisfies the intent of the query, but is still high-quality or satisfies
the intent of the query but is lower quality or or has near text match WITH high-quality or satisfies a secondary
intent of the query
The Podcast Sleep Meditation Podcast - Relaxing Nature Sounds and Ambient Music for Sleep - ASMR
Sleep Triggers - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sleep-meditation-podcast-relaxing-nature-sounds-
ambient/id1365312021 - This Podcast is not entirely dedicated to ASMR. It also offers some meditation, rain
sounds, etc. Likely to satisfy a secondary intent. Note: Any episode of Sleep Meditation Podcast should get a
rating of Good too.
Acceptable - a piece of content that is related to the query (i.e. keyword/title matching), but may be of poor
quality, not popular, or poorly satisfies a secondary intent of the query
Query: [mafia]
Good - a piece of content that only partially satisfies the intent of the query, but is still high-quality or satisfies
the intent of the query but is lower quality or or has near text match WITH high-quality or satisfies a secondary
intent of the query
PROVIDER
A query that refers to a Podcast provider by name; [npr], [ESPN], [crooked media], [the new york times]. The
highest applicable rating for this query type is Excellent.
The shows and episodes by the intended provider will be rated Excellent, but there are a few exceptions.
https://baseline.apple.com/training/evaluations/1036/guidelines 21/23
9/5/23, 10:20 AM Guidelines for Search - Podcasts Top Results Training — BaseLine
Query: [npr]
Excellent - for example shows and episodes by the intended provider
The Podcast Fresh Air by NPR. A piece of content which very clearly satisfies the intent of the
query.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fresh-air/id214089682.
Note: Any episode of Fresh Air should get a rating of Excellent.
The Podcast Planet Money by NPR -https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/planet-money/id290783428.
Note: Any episode of Planet Money should get a rating of Excellent too.
Good - a piece of content which only partially satisfies the intent of the query, but is still high-quality, or satisfies
the intent of the query but is lower quality, or satisfies a secondary intent of the query
The Podcast Pod Save America by Crooked Media - A piece of content which very clearly satisfies the intent
of the query https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pod-save-america/id1192761536.
Note: Any episode of Pod Save America should get a rating of Excellent too.
The Podcast With Friends Like These by Crooked Media - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/with-
friends-like-these/id1207507389.
Note: Any episode of With Friends Like These should get a rating of Excellent too.
The Podcast Design Time . A piece of content which very clearly satisfies the intent of the query.
Note: Any episode of Design Time should get a rating of Excellent.
Good - a piece of content which only partially satisfies the intent of the query, but is still high-quality, or satisfies
the intent of the query but is lower quality, or satisfies a secondary intent of the query
The Podcast show How to Decorate is from a different provider with content similar to the intended
provider. It would satisfy a secondary intent.
Note: episodes from How to Decorate ( secondary intent show) would receive Acceptable rating at most.
PERSON
A query that refers to a person who does not host a Podcast of their own, nor has a strong association with
one; [martin short], [donald trump], [meryl streep].
The highest applicable rating for this query type is Excellent. Results need to be rated based on relevance,
popularity, and quality.
Good - a piece of content which only partially satisfies the intent of the query, but is still high-quality, or satisfies
the intent of the query but is lower quality, or satisfies a secondary intent of the query
The Podcast episode "SHORT: Farming chickens, pigs, and hunting... How homesteaders can stop buying
meat from the supermarket" by Austin Martin- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/short-farming-chickens-
pigs-hunting-how-homesteaders/id879310835?i=1000318468040 - this result episode is returned due to the
keyword matches on "short" and "martin", unrelated to the query intent. Note: The Podcast Homesteady will
get a rating of Off-Topic too.
The Podcast episode Hour 2: Anthony Joshua on First Take - an episode on which the intended person is
interviewed - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hour-2-anthony-joshua/id428989929?
i=1000439962278". Unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua joins the show." → The intended person
is interviewed on this returned episode.
Good - a piece of content which only partially satisfies the intent of the query, but is still high-quality, or satisfies
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9/5/23, 10:20 AM Guidelines for Search - Podcasts Top Results Training — BaseLine
the intent of the query but is lower quality, or satisfies a secondary intent of the query
Acceptable - a piece of content that is related to the query (i.e. keyword/title matching), but may be of poor
quality, not popular, or poorly satisfies a secondary intent of the query
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