You have your podcast ready, but don’t know how to make it available for your listeners? Apple Podcasts is one of the best directories for publishing your show and attracting an audience. In this article, we'll walk you through the process of submitting your podcast to Apple Podcasts, step-by-step, along with some useful tips.
How to Get a Podcast on Apple Podcasts: Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Find a Podcast Hosting Platform
Before we show you how to upload podcasts to Apple Podcasts we need to talk about podcast hosting. To submit your podcast to Apple, you need a reliable podcast hosting platform to store and distribute your episodes. There are a lot of hosting services out there to choose from, here are some of the best ones:
Podcastle Hosting Hub: Launched recently, Podcastle Hosting Hub is ideal for those who are new to podcast hosting. The best part of Podcastle Hosting Hub is that it also allows you to create, edit and publish your episodes in a single platform, using Podcastle’s recording and editing software.
Podbean: Podbean is a user-friendly hosting service with an intuitive interface and comprehensive podcasting tools. It also provides podcast monetization options.
Buzzsprout: Known for its simplicity and ease of use, Buzzsprout offers various features like analytics, episode scheduling, and easy integration with other platforms.
Anchor: A free hosting platform that is owned by Spotify. Anchor provides tools to record, edit, and distribute your podcast episodes with ease.
In this article, we’ll show you how to submit your podcast to Apple podcasts using Podcastle Hosting Hub. Simply create an account on Podcastle and upload your episode to get started. You can also simply record your podcast using the same software. Once you’ve filled in all the details and uploaded your audio to the My Shows section of Podcastle, you’ll see the following message.
From here copy the RSS link and click on the Connect button below the Apple Podcasts to be forwarded to the Apple Podcasts page.
With other platforms like Buzzsprout and Podbean you will also be given an RSS feed URL that you can copy and paste.
Step 2: Sign Up for Apple Podcasts
To upload your podcast to Apple Podcasts, you'll need an Apple ID. If you already have an Apple ID, you can skip this step. If not, visit Apple's website to create an Apple ID using your email address and a secure password.
Our suggestion is to create a new Apple ID for your podcast even if you already have a personal one. This is especially important if you’re planning to co-host your podcast with someone. If you don’t want to share all your personal data with your co-host then make sure you have a separate account for your podcast!
Step 3: Add Your Show to Apple Podcasts
Once you have your Apple ID ready, open your web browser and go to Apple Podcasts Connect. Sign in using your Apple ID credentials. If you haven't used Podcasts Connect before, you'll need to agree to the terms and conditions.
In the top left corner, click on the '+' icon to add a new show. Enter your podcast's RSS feed URL. As we’ve already mentioned, this feed is provided by your podcast hosting platform, in our case Podcastle. Apple Podcasts will use this feed to pull your episodes and display them on their platform.
Step 4: Review the Show Details
After entering your podcast's RSS feed URL, Apple Podcasts will fetch the details and display them on the screen. Review the show's title, description, artwork, and other information to ensure everything is accurate and engaging. Your podcast artwork should be in JPEG or PNG format with a minimum size of 1400 x 1400 pixels and a maximum size of 3000 x 3000 pixels.
Pay special attention to the show's description, as this is what potential listeners will read to decide if they want to tune in. Use clear and concise language to describe your podcast's theme and what listeners can expect from your episodes.
Step 5: Wait Until Your Podcast Is Approved
Keep in mind that the Apple Podcasts upload might take a couple of days. Once you've reviewed and submitted your show details, Apple Podcasts will review your submission for compliance with their guidelines. This process usually takes a few days. Be patient and refrain from making any significant changes to your podcast during this period.
Tips for a Successful Podcast Submission
High-Quality Audio: Ensure that your podcast episodes have good audio quality. Invest in a decent microphone and recording setup or opt for a quality recording software like Podcastle to provide a pleasant listening experience to your audience.
Consistent Schedule: Stick to a regular release schedule for your episodes. Whether it's weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, consistency helps build a loyal audience.
Engaging Artwork: Create eye-catching podcast artwork that reflects the essence of your show. Avoid clutter and use colors that resonate with your content.
Descriptive Episode Titles: Craft episode titles that give listeners a clear idea of what each episode covers. This helps them find relevant content easily.
Promote Your Podcast: After submitting your podcast to Apple Podcasts, share it on social media, your website, and other platforms to attract more listeners.
Submitting your podcast to Apple Podcasts can open up a world of opportunities for your show. Follow the steps outlined in this article, and be sure to present your podcast in the best light possible. With patience and persistence, your podcast will be available to millions of potential listeners on Apple Podcasts.
Happy podcasting!
