Podcasting has come a long way in recent years and is now one of the most popular ways to share content. It’s no wonder why so many people are interested in podcasting – it provides an opportunity to tell stories, engage with listeners, and reach new audiences. But before you can start producing your own podcast episodes, you need to know how to publish a podcast.
This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about the process, from finding the right hosting platform to getting your podcast listed in iTunes and other directories. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to successfully launch your own podcast in no time. So let’s get started!
Related: Start a Podcast People Will Listen To
Contents
What Is A Hosting Platform?
Before we dive into the details, it’s important to understand what a hosting platform is and why you need one. A hosting platform is a service that allows you to upload your podcast audio files and distribute them through different channels. This includes making the podcast available on popular podcast directories like Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, Stitcher, and more.
When you use a hosting platform, your audio files are stored securely in the cloud and made accessible to podcast listeners. This is important since it means that your podcast won’t be lost if something happens to your computer or device. In addition, many hosting platforms offer additional features such as analytics, dynamic advertising insertion, and more.
Related: Best Podcast Hosting Platforms
What Is A Podcast Directory?
Now that you know what a hosting platform is, it’s time to look at podcast directories. Podcast directories are online services that list podcasts and allow listeners to subscribe to and download them. The most popular podcast directory is Apple Podcasts, followed by Google Play Music, Stitcher, TuneIn Radio, and more.
In order for your podcast to be listed in these directories, it needs to have an RSS feed. This is a type of file that contains information about your podcast, including the title, description, and episode links. Most hosting platforms will provide you with an RSS feed when you sign up for their service.
Once you’ve created your RSS feed and uploaded your audio files to your hosting platform, you can submit your podcast to the various directories. There are some different ways to do this, so it’s a good idea to research the process for each directory before you begin.
Related: How To Distribute A Podcast
Hosting Platform vs. Podcast Directory
When it comes to podcasting, one of the most common questions people have is whether they should use a hosting platform or a podcast directory. The answer ultimately depends on your goals and what type of content you’re creating.
If you want to launch a professional-grade podcast, then it’s usually best to use a hosting platform. This will provide you with features such as statistics, analytics, and more that can help you better understand your audience and grow your podcast.
On the other hand, if you just want to get started with podcasting without investing too much time or money into it, then a podcast directory may be the right choice for you. While they won’t provide you with the same level of features, they will still allow you to create and distribute your podcast episodes.
Publishing The Podcast On Various Platforms
Now that you know the difference between a hosting platform and a podcast directory, it’s time to look at how to publish a podcast on various platforms. In this section, we’ll look at how to get your podcast listed in popular directories such as Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, Stitcher, and more.
1. Apple Podcasts
Apple Podcasts (formerly known as iTunes) is the biggest directory and one of the best ways to get your podcast out there. This platform allows you to upload your podcast and gain access to over 550 million active users. It was launched in 2005 and has since become the industry standard for podcast hosting.
To get started with Apple Podcasts, you will need to follow these steps:
Step One: Create An RSS Feed
The first step to publishing your podcast on Apple Podcasts is to create an RSS feed. This will serve as a direct link between your podcast and the platform, allowing you to upload directly from there.
Step Two: Submit Your Show
Once you have created your RSS feed, you can then submit your show to Apple Podcasts. Make sure to have some basic information ready such as series description, artwork, and contact information.
Step Three: Validate Your Feed
Once you’ve submitted your show to Apple Podcasts, they will validate your feed to make sure it is compliant with the platform’s standards. This process can take up to 72 hours.
Step Four: Monitor Performance
Once your podcast is live, you can monitor its performance on the platform. Apple Podcasts provides metrics such as downloads, subscribers, and reviews that can help you determine how well your show is doing.
Now that you know how to publish a podcast on Apple Podcasts, you’re ready to get started. Just remember to create a podcast’s RSS feed, submit your show, validate your podcast feed, and monitor its performance to ensure success.
Related: How to Start A Podcast on Apple Podcasts
2. Google Podcasts
Once you have your podcast all set up, the next step is to publish it. One of the most popular platforms for publishing and hosting podcasts is Google Podcasts. It’s a free service that allows you to easily upload your audio files and makes them available on Google’s search engine, as well as other platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Google Podcasts was designed with the intent of helping creators reach audiences around the world, and it’s also a great way to connect with new listeners. Below are the steps for submitting your podcast to Google Podcasts:
Step One: Sign Up For A Google Account
The first step for submitting your podcast to Google Podcasts is to sign up for a Google account. If you already have a Gmail address, then you’re all set. Otherwise, you can create an account on the Google website using any email address.
Step Two: Create A ‘Podcast Manager’ Profile
Once you have a Google account, the next step is creating a ‘Podcast Manager profile. This will allow you to manage and submit your podcast directly from Google Podcasts.
Step Three: Submit Your Podcast By Clicking “Add Show”
Once you have created your Podcast Manager profile, you can now submit your podcast. To do this, simply go to the Google Podcasts homepage and click on ‘Add Show’. You will then be prompted to enter some basic information, such as the title of your podcast and a brief description.
Step Four: Upload Your Podcast Audio Files
The next step is to upload your podcast audio files. This can be done by clicking on the ‘Upload Episodes’ tab within your Podcast Manager profile. Here, you will be able to add and manage your audio files.
Step Five: Publish Your Podcast
Once all of your audio files have been uploaded, it’s time to publish your podcast! To do this, simply click on the ‘Publish’ button within your Podcast Manager profile. Your podcast will then be available for anyone to listen to and subscribe to.
This is how you can submit your podcast to Google Podcasts. It’s an easy and straightforward process that anyone can do with just a few clicks. Once you have your podcast uploaded and published, it’s important to promote it in order to reach new listeners. You can do this by sharing it on social media, reaching out to influencers in your niche, or even running an ad campaign. With the right promotion, your podcast will be able to reach audiences around the world.
Transferring The Podcast From Google Play Music To Google Podcasts
If you’ve already uploaded your podcast to Google Play Music, the good news is that it can be transferred over to the new Google Podcasts platform with ease. All you need to do is go into ‘My Library’ in the Play Music app and locate your podcast.
Then click ‘Transfer To Google Podcasts’. This will move your podcast and all of its episodes over to the new platform without losing any data. Once you’ve done this, your podcast should be visible in the Google Podcasts app and website. Your episodes will have all transferred over too, so it’ll be ready for you to start promoting straight away!
Related: How To Get Your Podcast Listed On Google Play
3. Spotify
Spotify is one of the most popular music streaming services and is also a great platform for hosting podcasts. It has a dedicated podcast section with millions of listeners, making it an ideal choice for getting your show in front of new audiences.
Creating a podcast on Spotify is simple and straightforward. Once you’ve chosen your hosting service and recorded your audio files, you’ll need to upload them to Spotify. To start the process, there are several steps you’ll need to take:
Step One: Create A Spotify Profile
You’ll need to sign up using your email address and create a profile.
Step Two: Navigate To The “Catalog Here” Page
Once you’ve created your profile, you can start the process of uploading your podcast. Navigate to the “Catalog Here” page on Spotify and select “Podcasts.”
Step Three: Submit Your Podcast
You’ll need to fill out a few forms and provide some basic information about your podcast. This includes the title, description, artwork, and episode files.
Step Four: Submit Your Podcast For Review
Once you’ve completed all of the necessary forms and provided your information, it’s time to submit your podcast for review. Spotify will review your submission and make sure it meets its standards before publishing it on the platform.
Step Five: Publish Your Podcast
Once your podcast has been approved, you can publish it and start reaching new audiences. You’ll be able to track your listenership and make adjustments accordingly.
That’s all there is to publishing a podcast on Spotify! With these simple steps, you can be sure to reach new audiences and grow your podcast.
Related: How to Submit Your Podcast to Spotify
4. Stitcher
Stitcher is another popular podcast platform that distributes your show to listeners and helps you earn money from ads. Stitcher boasts a massive library of over 100,000 podcasts for listeners to explore, and it’s available on iOS, Android, and many other devices. It also offers premium services where podcasters can put their content behind a paywall and earn money from it. Getting your show onto Stitcher is quick and easy. There are also several easy steps to follow.
Step One: Create An Account On Stitcher
The first step to getting your podcast on Stitcher is to create an account. You can do this by going to the Stitcher home page and clicking “Sign Up”.
Step Two: Enter The RSS Feed URL
Once you’ve created an account, the next step is to enter your RSS feed URL. This can be found in your podcast hosting platform or on your website.
Step Three: Verify Your Identity
Stitcher requires that you verify your identity in order to distribute your show and get paid for ads. Stitcher will send a verification e-mail to the address you provided when registering. This will include a code that you must enter in order to verify your identity.
Step Four: Review And Submit
Once your identity is verified, Stitcher will review your podcast and decide if it meets its guidelines. If everything looks good, they’ll add it to their directory of podcasts. Congratulations, you’re now on Stitcher!
Step Five: Promote Your Podcast
Once your podcast is accepted by Stitcher, it’s time to start promoting it. You can do this by submitting the show to popular directories such as Apple Podcasts and Google Play Music. You can also share the link to your show page on social media, create content around it and start networking with other podcasters in your genre.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to get your podcast on Stitcher and start reaching a larger audience.
Related: How To Get Your Podcast On Stitcher
5. TuneIn
TuneIn is another popular platform you can use to publish your podcast. It’s one of the oldest broadcasting services and also one of the most widely used. They offer a range of features, such as podcasts, audiobooks, and radio stations from around the world. This is a great option if you want your podcast to be available to a large audience because TuneIn has over 100 million monthly active users. To get started, you will need to follow some simple steps.
Step One: Create An Account On TuneIn
The first step is to create a TuneIn account. Sign up with your email address, provide your podcast details, and upload your podcast RSS feed.
Step Two: Fill out The Podcast Submission Form
Once your account is created, you need to fill out the podcast submission form. This form will ask for information about your podcasts, such as name, language, category, and other relevant data.
Step Three: Verify Your Content
TuneIn has a verification process that ensures all content uploaded to their platform meets certain standards. Before your podcast can be published, it must pass its verification process.
Step Four: Promote Your Podcast
Once your podcast is verified and approved, you can start promoting it. TuneIn has a variety of promotional tools that allow you to share your podcast with your audience. You can also use other platforms, such as social media or email, to get the word out about your podcast.
Now that you know how to publish a podcast on TuneIn, it’s time to get started! It might take some time and effort to get everything set up, but the end result will be worth it.
How To Choose The Right Podcast Host For Your Show?
Once you’ve figured out how to publish a podcast on the various platforms, it’s time to choose the right podcast hosting platform for your show. There are many factors that should be considered when making this decision, including:
Features
The first thing you should consider when choosing a podcast hosting platform is what features they offer. Some of the most common features include file storage, analytics, website integration, audience engagement tools, RSS feed generation, and more.
Depending on your goals for your podcast, different hosting platforms may offer more or less helpful features to help you meet them. If you’re interested in monetizing your podcast, for example, you may want to choose a host that offers ad placement capabilities.
Sometimes, platforms also offer helpful extras like access to a community of podcasters, one-click distribution to popular podcast apps and services, or the ability to record remote interviews. Ultimately, it’s important to research the features offered by each hosting platform you consider in order to find the right match for your needs.
Cost
The second factor you should consider is cost. Generally speaking, the more features a platform offers, the more it will cost you each month. Do your research and find out what each host charges for their services, and decide which ones fit within your budget.
In addition to monthly fees, you may also want to consider setup costs. Some hosting platforms will charge a one-time fee in order to get started with their service. Don’t forget to factor these costs into your decision-making as well.
Support
You should think about the level of support each hosting platform offers and how important that is to you. If something goes wrong with your podcast, will someone be available to help you out? Consider what kind of customer service each host provides and decide if it’s up to your standards before you make your choice. Not all hosting providers are the same and some may offer more assistance than others.
Make sure you’re aware of any extra fees that may be associated with support, too. It’s best to understand what kind of help is available before making a decision. Additionally, when picking a host, look into the maintenance they offer. Keeping your podcast up and running smoothly is essential, so make sure you’re choosing a host that’s reliable and trustworthy.
Reliability
Consider the reliability of each hosting platform. It’s important to select a host that will be able to effectively store and deliver your podcast files reliably and one that won’t cause any downtimes or disruptions. Look into their uptime record and make sure they have a good track record before selecting them. You should also make sure they have a good support system in case you run into any issues. Additionally, some hosting providers offer backups and redundancy options to give your podcast even more reliability.
Also, consider the level of control you’ll have over your podcast content. Make sure that you can easily access and manage all aspects of your podcast, including the audio files themselves and other features like statistics tracking. Having control over your media is essential for maintaining the reliability of your podcast and delivering a consistent experience to your listeners.
Reputation
When choosing a podcast publishing platform, make sure the platform is reputable. A good reputation can show that they have a track record of providing quality content and reliable service. You should also look into how long the company has been in business, what their customer support is like, and if they are endorsed by any well-known people or organizations.
Furthermore, take some time to read customer reviews and feedback about different podcast hosting sites before signing up to get a better idea of the platform’s services. This can help you make sure that you are getting the best possible experience when publishing your podcast.
Finally, don’t forget to pay attention to how well their analytics system works – having accurate data about your podcast can be essential for getting more listeners and understanding who your audience is. With the right platform, you can be sure that your podcast will get the attention it deserves.
Conclusion
Publishing a podcast is relatively easy and straightforward. With the right tools, broadcast-quality production values are achievable on any budget. Before you begin recording, plan out your podcast: decide which topics to cover, choose guests, set up a hosting service and website, create artwork, and more.
Once you’ve created the content of your podcast, it’s time to publish it. Depending on your podcast hosting service, you may be able to upload directly from the platform or may need to find another solution. If you want to ensure maximum reach and discoverability make sure you submit your podcast to popular directories such as Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.
With a few simple steps, you’ll soon have your podcast available for the world to listen to. Once published, you should use analytics and data to measure performance and inform decisions around future content. So go ahead and get started – recording your first podcast episode today!
