Getting your podcast on Apple Podcasts is a lot easier than you might think. You’ve got your first episode recorded, edited, and ready to go live but you have no idea how to submit your podcast to the most popular podcast directory. Follow the step-by-step guide below to get your brand new podcasts on Apple Podcasts!
Why is Apple Podcasts Important?
Apple Podcasts is the most popular podcast directory on the internet. Even if you are an avid Android user (my hand is raised), you still want to meet your audience where they are the most. Many podcasters have this issue. They think that just because Spotify, or whatever their favorite podcast listening app is, is the only app they use, then their audience feels the same.
By limiting yourself to one platform, you risk not reaching as many people as you might be able to if you make sure your podcast is listed in all the major platforms. It doesn’t take a lot of time and is one of the most important parts of having a successful podcast launch.
Step 1: Upload at Least One Episode
I absolutely love Buzzsprout (*Get a $20 Amazon gift card if you sign up for a paid plan) and highly recommend them as a podcast hosting system. You’ll need to upload at least on episode for Apple Podcasts to approve your show.
Not sure if you want to have a trailer or first episode? You can check out the linked blog post to find out which might be best for your show.
Step 2: Make Sure You meet the Apple Podcast Requirements
Apple has a few requirements to get your podcast approved. These requirements are pretty standard for the industry and you shouldn’t need to do much more than this to get on all the other platforms.
- Logo
- Your cover art must be in JPEG or PNG file format with the correct file extensions (.jpg, .png).
- In the RBG color space
- Minimum size of 1400 x 1400 pixels and a maximum size of 3000 x 3000 pixels, 72 dpi. You can read more about specifications for podcasts on iTunes.
Step 3: Find your podcast RSS feed
Buzzsprout
On your Buzzsprout dashboard, you can go to Directories -> RSS Feed to find your RSS feed. This is the information you need.
Libsyn
On your Libsyn dashboard, you can go to Destinations -> Edit/View Existing. Locate Libsyn Classic Feed in the listing and select view feed to find your RSS feed. This is the information you need.
Podbean
On your Podbean dashboard, you can go to Settings -> Feed to find your RSS feed. This is the information you need for.
Step 4: Submit your RSS feed to Apple Podcasts
Click the link below to submit your RSS feed to Apple Podcasts.
You’ll need an Apple ID in order to submit your podcast. If you don’t already have one, you can easily create an Apple ID account for free. It’s easy to do and doesn’t take much effort.
Click “Validate”
Review your podcast information for any errors and click “Submit“
It typically takes between 1-14 days for your podcast to be approved on Apple Podcasts. That’s why I recommend my clients submit up to 14 days before their official launch so they don’t run the risk of not being available on a major platform. They will send you an email and link once your podcast is approved.
Once you’ve uploaded your podcast to Apple Podcasts, it will automatically be available on popular podcast apps like the following:
So there you have it. You’ve now submitted your podcast show and simply need to wait for Apple Podcasts to approve it.
FAQ about Apple Podcasts:
Do I need an Apple ID and iTunes account to submit a podcast?
Yes, you definitely need a valid Apple ID to submit your new podcast. It does not cost anything and you can create an account without a credit card on file.
Do I have to submit my RSS fee every time I publish a new episode?
No. After you have been accepted into the Apple Podcasts directory, you don’t need to do anything else to be found on that platform. Apple Podcasts checks your RSS feed every 24 hours and updates the listings when you’ve uploaded more episodes with your hosting platform. Again, we recommend Buzzsprout to host your site.
Does Apple Podcasts (iTunes) host my podcast?
No, Apple Podcasts does not host your podcast. It is a podcast directory and doesn’t host audio files. They simply provide a place for people to find and learn about your podcast. To get your podcast listen on Apple Podcasts you’ll have to follow the guide above.
Why didn’t Apple Podcasts approve my podcast fee?
I’m so sorry you didn’t get approved on your first time around. Some reasons your show might have been rejected is because it contains any of the following:
- Unauthorized copyrighted material
- Profane Metadata
- Illegal Solicitations
- Hate Speech
- Erotica
You can troubleshoot failed, rejected, or removed podcasts using this link. Also, if you don’t submit new episodes to your podcast, it might disappear from areas in APple Podcasts so be sure to stay consistent with your production if you want new ears listening in.
Can I resubmit a podcast that’s been rejected?
Once you’ve fixed the reason your podcast was rejected, you can try to resubmit the fee to the platform.
