How to Submit Your Podcast to Apple Podcasts and Spotify
- Podcasting
- November 18, 2024
Table of Contents
How to Submit Your Podcast to Apple Podcasts and Spotify
Publishing your podcast on Apple Podcasts can significantly increase your audience reach. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get your podcast listed.
Prerequisites
- A valid RSS feed for your podcast
- At least one published episode
- Podcast artwork (3000x3000 pixels minimum)
- An Apple ID
Step-by-Step Guide
Submitting to Apple Podcasts
1. Prepare Your RSS Feed
- Ensure your RSS feed meets Apple’s requirements
- Verify it includes required tags (title, description, artwork, category)
- Test your feed using a podcast validator
2. Access Apple Podcasts Connect
- Visit podcastsconnect.apple.com
- Sign in with your Apple ID
- If this is your first time, accept the terms and conditions
3. Submit Your Podcast
- Click the “+” button in Podcast Connect
- Select “New Show”
- Enter your RSS feed URL
- Click “Validate”
- Review the preview of your podcast details
- Fix any validation errors if they appear
4. Complete the Submission
- Choose your podcast’s primary category
- Verify your email address (if required)
- Submit for review
5. Wait for Approval
- Apple typically reviews submissions within 5 business days
- You’ll receive an email notification when approved
- Your podcast will automatically appear in Apple Podcasts after approval
Submitting to Spotify
Create a Spotify Account
- Visit Spotify for Podcasters
- Sign up for a free account or log in with existing Spotify credentials
Access the Dashboard
- Click “Get Started” or “Add Your Podcast”
- Select “Get Started” with Spotify for Podcasters
Submit Your Podcast
- Click “Add or claim your podcast”
- Enter your RSS feed URL
- Verify ownership via email if required
- Review your podcast details
Customize Your Podcast
- Select relevant categories
- Add podcast description
- Verify episode information
- Choose podcast language
Submit for Review
- Accept Spotify’s terms and conditions
- Click “Submit” to finish
- Wait for approval (typically 2-5 business days)
After Spotify Approval
- Access your Spotify analytics
- Monitor listener engagement
- Update show details as needed
- Share your Spotify podcast link
Submitting to YouTube Music
Access YouTube Studio
- Visit YouTube Studio
- Sign in with your Google account
- Ensure your channel is in good standing
Set Up YouTube Music Podcasting
- Go to YouTube Podcast Portal
- Click “Get Started” or “Add a Podcast”
- Select “Add an RSS feed”
Submit Your RSS Feed
- Enter your podcast’s RSS feed URL
- Verify ownership of the feed (via email verification)
- Review your podcast information
- Ensure your artwork meets YouTube’s requirements
Configure Your Podcast
- Select appropriate categories
- Verify episode details are correct
- Choose your podcast language
- Set age restrictions if needed
Complete Submission
- Review YouTube’s terms of service
- Submit for review
- Wait for approval (typically 2-5 business days)
After YouTube Music Approval
- Monitor your podcast analytics in YouTube Studio
- Share your YouTube Music podcast link
- Update metadata through your RSS feed
- Track listener engagement metrics
Submitting to Overcast
Ensure Your Podcast is on Apple Podcasts
- Overcast pulls its directory from Apple Podcasts
- Your podcast must first be approved and listed on Apple Podcasts
- Wait for Apple Podcasts approval before proceeding
Submit to Overcast Directory
- Visit overcast.fm/podcasterinfo
- No direct submission is required
- Overcast automatically syncs with Apple Podcasts directory
Wait for Sync
- New podcasts typically appear within 24-48 hours after Apple Podcasts listing
- No additional approval process needed
- Your podcast will automatically appear in Overcast’s directory
Verify Your Listing
- Open Overcast app or visit overcast.fm
- Search for your podcast
- Verify all episodes and artwork appear correctly
After Overcast Listing
- Updates sync automatically from your RSS feed
- No separate analytics dashboard available
- Changes made to Apple Podcasts listing will reflect in Overcast
Submitting to Pocketcasts
Visit Pocketcasts Submission Page
- Go to Pocketcasts Publisher Portal
- No account creation required for submission
Submit Your RSS Feed
- Enter your podcast’s RSS feed URL
- Click “Submit” to proceed
- Ensure your feed meets standard podcast requirements:
- Valid RSS XML format
- At least one episode published
- Proper artwork (1400x1400 pixels minimum)
- Complete show description
Verify Email Ownership
- Check your email for verification request
- Click the verification link
- This confirms you own the podcast
Wait for Review
- Pocketcasts team will review your submission
- Review typically takes 1-3 business days
- You’ll receive an email notification upon approval
After Pocketcasts Approval
- Your podcast will automatically appear in Pocketcasts directory
- New episodes sync automatically from your RSS feed
- Updates to your RSS feed reflect within 24 hours
- No separate dashboard for analytics
Common Issues and Solutions
RSS Feed Problems
- Missing required tags
- Invalid artwork dimensions
- Incorrect audio file formats
- Feed validation errors
How to Fix Common Issues
- Use a podcast validator to identify problems
- Update your RSS feed with missing information
- Ensure artwork meets specifications
- Verify audio files are properly formatted
Tips for Success
- Double-check all requirements before submitting
- Use high-quality artwork that stands out
- Write clear, compelling descriptions
- Select relevant categories and tags
- Keep your RSS feed updated
After Approval
- Monitor your podcast analytics
- Maintain consistent publishing schedule
- Keep your RSS feed active and updated
- Promote your Apple Podcasts listing
Conclusion
Publishing your podcast on Apple Podcasts is a crucial step in growing your audience. While the process might seem daunting at first, following these steps will help ensure a smooth submission process.