How to Submit Your Podcast to Apple Podcasts and Spotify

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

  1. Visit podcastsconnect.apple.com
  2. Sign in with your Apple ID
  3. If this is your first time, accept the terms and conditions

3. Submit Your Podcast

  1. Click the “+” button in Podcast Connect
  2. Select “New Show”
  3. Enter your RSS feed URL
  4. Click “Validate”
  5. Review the preview of your podcast details
  6. Fix any validation errors if they appear

4. Complete the Submission

  1. Choose your podcast’s primary category
  2. Verify your email address (if required)
  3. 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

  1. Create a Spotify Account

  2. Access the Dashboard

    • Click “Get Started” or “Add Your Podcast”
    • Select “Get Started” with Spotify for Podcasters
  3. Submit Your Podcast

    • Click “Add or claim your podcast”
    • Enter your RSS feed URL
    • Verify ownership via email if required
    • Review your podcast details
  4. Customize Your Podcast

    • Select relevant categories
    • Add podcast description
    • Verify episode information
    • Choose podcast language
  5. 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

  1. Access YouTube Studio

    • Visit YouTube Studio
    • Sign in with your Google account
    • Ensure your channel is in good standing
  2. Set Up YouTube Music Podcasting

  3. 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
  4. Configure Your Podcast

    • Select appropriate categories
    • Verify episode details are correct
    • Choose your podcast language
    • Set age restrictions if needed
  5. 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

  1. 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
  2. Submit to Overcast Directory

  3. 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
  4. 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

  1. Visit Pocketcasts Submission Page

  2. 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
  3. Verify Email Ownership

    • Check your email for verification request
    • Click the verification link
    • This confirms you own the podcast
  4. 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

  1. Use a podcast validator to identify problems
  2. Update your RSS feed with missing information
  3. Ensure artwork meets specifications
  4. 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

  1. Monitor your podcast analytics
  2. Maintain consistent publishing schedule
  3. Keep your RSS feed active and updated
  4. 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.

Additional Resources

comments powered by Disqus

Related Posts

The Benefits of Podcasting 2.0: Why You Should Upgrade Your Podcast

The Benefits of Podcasting 2.0: Why You Should Upgrade Your Podcast Podcasting has come a long way since its early days, and with the introduction of Podcasting 2.

Read More

How to Repurpose Podcast Content for Maximum Exposure

How to Repurpose Podcast Content for Maximum Exposure Creating high-quality podcast episodes requires a significant investment of time and effort.

Read More

The Ultimate Podcast Marketing Strategy for 2024

The Ultimate Podcast Marketing Strategy for 2024 As podcasting continues to grow in popularity, standing out in a crowded market can be challenging.

Read More