on August 08, 2025
So you’ve recorded, edited, and polished your podcast — now it’s time to share it with the world. Uploading your podcast to platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and others is the key to growing your audience. The good news? Once you know the process, it’s easier than you think.
This guide will walk you step-by-step through how to publish your podcast everywhere listeners are.
Step 1: Understand How Podcast Distribution Works
Unlike YouTube or TikTok, you don’t upload a podcast episode directly to each listening app. Instead, you host your audio files on a podcast hosting platform (like Buzzsprout, Podbean, Captivate, or Libsyn), which creates an RSS feed — a special web link containing your episodes and show details.
When you submit your RSS feed to platforms like Spotify or Apple Podcasts, they automatically pull in new episodes whenever you publish them.
Step 2: Choose a Podcast Hosting Service
Before you can distribute your podcast, you’ll need a host. Look for a provider that offers:
- Reliable uptime (your podcast is always available)
- Analytics to track downloads and audience trends
- Easy distribution tools
- Storage limits that fit your publishing schedule
Popular options:
- Buzzsprout – Beginner-friendly with great analytics
- Libsyn – One of the oldest and most trusted hosts
- Podbean – Affordable plans with unlimited hosting
- Captivate – Strong growth-focused features
Step 3: Submit Your Podcast to Major Platforms
Spotify
- Sign up or log in to Spotify for Podcasters.
- Click Add Your Podcast.
- Paste your RSS feed URL from your hosting provider.
- Verify ownership via the email associated with your RSS feed.
- Submit — your show will appear on Spotify within hours or a couple of days.
Apple Podcasts
- Create an Apple ID if you don’t already have one.
- Log in to Apple Podcasts Connect.
- Click the “+” button to add a new show.
- Enter your RSS feed URL and review the show details.
- Submit for approval — Apple typically takes 1–5 days to review.
Google Podcasts (Transitioning to YouTube Music)
- Visit Google Podcasts Manager.
- Add your RSS feed URL.
- Verify ownership via email.
- Once approved, your podcast will be searchable on Google Podcasts (and soon integrated into YouTube Music).
Other Popular Platforms
Most other apps like Pocket Casts, Overcast, and Castbox pull podcasts automatically from Apple’s directory. This means once you’re on Apple Podcasts, you’ll often appear in multiple apps without extra submissions.
Still, check your hosting provider’s distribution tab — many let you connect to dozens of platforms in just a few clicks.
Step 4: Keep Your Feed Updated
The beauty of RSS is that you only upload episodes once — to your host. Any changes or new episodes will automatically appear everywhere your show is listed.
Pro tip: Update your show description, artwork, and episode notes occasionally to keep your podcast looking fresh across platforms.
Step 5: Promote Your Show After Uploading
Getting listed is just the beginning. To grow your audience:
- Share direct episode links on social media.
- Encourage reviews and ratings on Apple Podcasts.
- Embed episodes on your website or blog.
- Collaborate with other podcasters for cross-promotion.
Quick Troubleshooting Tips
- Episode not appearing? Check that your RSS feed is valid using Cast Feed Validator.
- Artwork rejected? Make sure it’s a square image (minimum 1400 x 1400 pixels, maximum 3000 x 3000, under 500KB).
- Multiple show versions? Ensure you only submit one active RSS feed to avoid duplicates.
Final Thought
Uploading your podcast to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other platforms is a one-time setup that can give your content global reach. By using a reliable host and properly submitting your RSS feed, you’ll make your show available on every major listening app — and that’s where your audience growth begins.
