Congrats on beginning your podcast! In our earlier post, we went through the steps you need to take to get started. Now, let's talk about publishing your podcast.

When launching or expanding your podcast, distribution is an essential factor to consider. You've put in lots of effort planning, recording, editing, and refining your podcast's audio and content. Now, it's time to share it with popular podcast directories and platforms.

Many aspiring podcasters often ask themselves a crucial question: how do I submit my podcast to various directories and platforms? Where should I publish my audio content? With so many options out there, the podcasting landscape can seem daunting.

If you're ready to launch your podcast but feel unsure about the publishing process, don't worry! You've come to the right place. Consider this your go-to guide for launching and running the podcast of your dreams. In the following sections, we'll provide you with a step-by-step breakdown of everything you need to know to get your podcast published and into the ears of eager listeners.

Choosing a podcast host

Selecting a podcast host can be challenging with so many providers available. To help you compare different hosts, create a list of your criteria based on what you need from your host. Here are some important questions to consider before finalizing a podcast host:

1. Do they offer enough storage space to meet your needs?

2. Who owns the content on their platform?

3. What are their pricing plans? Are there any subsidized or free hosts that meet your requirements?

4. Is there a limit to the size of audio files, the number of downloads per month, or the number of episodes or shows that can be downloaded?

5. Do they provide access to podcast analytics or statistics?

6. If you're currently monetizing your podcast, do they offer relevant services?

7. Is it easy to migrate your podcast from this host to another, if you choose to switch hosts?

Take a quick glance at your list and pick the host that best suits your needs. Remember, only you can decide which host is the right fit for your podcast.

Podcast Distribution Checklist

Here's a podcast distribution checklist to ensure your podcast is ready to be published:

1. Cover Art: Your podcast's cover art should adhere to the specifications of different audio players. The artwork should be in JPG or PNG format with measurements ranging from 1400 x 1400 to 3000 x 3000 pixels.

2. Published Episode: You need to publish at least one brand-new episode, such as a teaser or a full-length episode, before submission. Make sure the episode is not scheduled or stored as a draft.

3. Summary/Description: Your podcast's notes, descriptions, or summaries should be detailed and informative, giving listeners an idea of what to expect from your podcast.

4. RSS Feed URL: Knowing your RSS feed URL is crucial because it is how podcast players will find your podcast. Ensure that your RSS feed URL is accurate and up-to-date.

By completing this checklist, you can ensure that your podcast is ready for distribution and can be found by your target audience.

Where to Distribute Your Podcast

When it comes to launching a podcast, the process is generally the same regardless of the publishing platform you choose. However, certain sites may have specific guidelines and requirements for publishing podcasts, such as YouTube's emphasis on videos.

To assist you, we will discuss how to publish your podcast on three of the most popular platforms: Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your podcast is available to a wide range of listeners and viewers.

Publish on Apple Podcasts

To publish your podcast on Apple Podcasts, follow these steps:

1. Upload your episode to your podcast host.

2. Log in to Apple Podcasts Connect using your Apple ID account.

3. Add a new program using the RSS feed of your audio host.

4. Copy and paste the RSS feed for your podcast into the appropriate field.

5. Verify your program's information and submit your podcast artwork.

6. Allow Apple to review and authorize your show before it is published on their platform.

It's important to note that uploading your podcast to Apple Podcasts is free, but you will need an Apple ID account to complete the process. By following these steps, your podcast will be available to millions of Apple Podcasts listeners worldwide.

Publishing on Spotify

When it comes to publishing your podcast on Spotify, the process is similar to Apple Podcasts and also free of charge. Additionally, Spotify offers video hosting options for those looking to create video content.

Spotify has also established partnerships with several audio hosting websites, including Podbean, Simplecast, and Anchor, which simplifies the process of podcast distribution. However, if your hosting site is not a Spotify collaborator, you can follow these steps:

1. Sign in to Spotify for Podcasters using your Spotify account.

2. Click on the "Get Started" button.

3. Paste the RSS file for your podcast from your hosting site into the Spotify entry box.

Fill in the details for your podcast and double-check everything before publishing.

Publishing on Youtube

YouTube has become increasingly popular in the podcast industry, with the introduction of a dedicated podcast page and other signs that indicate YouTube is leaning towards podcasts. However, before starting a podcast on YouTube, consider the following:

1. What video format will work best for your podcast?

2. Does your podcast recording software produce high-quality video?

3. What are your YouTube SEO and marketing strategies?

To start a video podcast on YouTube, record and create your video podcast and then follow these steps:

1. Sign up for a YouTube account.

2. Click on "Create" on the camera icon.

3. Select "Upload Videos" and choose the video you want to share.

After uploading the video, edit it in YouTube's studio or add a title and description before publishing.

Yes, there are many other hosts and platforms where you can distribute your podcast. Some popular options include Amazon Music, Castbox, Castro, Deezer, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Listen Notes, Overcast, Pandora, PlayerFM, PocketCasts, PodChaser, Stitcher, TuneIn, and Anchor. It's a good idea to research these options and choose the ones that best fit your needs and audience.

Publishing to a Directory

To distribute your podcast, the typical process involves uploading your initial episodes to an audio hosting service, creating an RSS feed for your podcast, and submitting this feed to the podcast directory where you want to broadcast. Although the process may vary slightly across platforms, once approved, any new episodes you upload to your podcast hosting website will be automatically published on the directories you've selected.

Frequently Asked Questions About Publishing a Podcast

Do you need a license to launch and publish a podcast?

If you plan to use music that you didn't create in your podcast, you will need to obtain a synchronization license. However, generally speaking, you do not need a license to launch and publish a podcast.

Do podcasts require a website?

While it is not a requirement, having a website can be beneficial if you are committed to podcasting and increasing your audience.

A website can:

1. Serve as a library for past episodes

2. Help you expand your business and maintain brand consistency

3. Allow you to engage with and build a community

In addition, a website can create a funnel for your listeners by collecting their contact information and adding them to your email list. This can aid in future marketing and promotional initiatives.

In conclusion...

To maximize your podcast's reach, it is recommended to submit it to as many podcast directories as possible. As long as your podcast is hosted on a platform with a working RSS feed, you can easily distribute it to different platforms. By doing so, you increase your chances of reaching a wider audience and gaining more followers.