Podcasting has become an increasingly popular form of entertainment and information sharing in recent years. With platforms like Spotify making it easy for creators to reach a broad audience, having a podcast on Spotify has become a goal for many aspiring podcasters. Whether you have an existing podcast or are just starting out, getting your show on Spotify can help you grow your listenership and gain recognition in the podcasting community.
In this blog post, we will walk you through the process of having a podcast on Spotify. We will explore various methods and provide step-by-step instructions to help you get started. So, if you’ve been wondering how to get your podcast on Spotify, continue reading to learn all the ins and outs.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Have a Podcast on Spotify
Podcasting has grown significantly in recent years, and Spotify has become one of the leading platforms for podcast consumption. Here are some reasons why you should consider having your podcast on Spotify:
1. Wide Audience Reach: Spotify has over 345 million active users worldwide, and this number continues to grow. By having your podcast on Spotify, you can tap into this large audience and potentially reach thousands or even millions of listeners.
2. Podcast Discovery: Spotify provides users with personalized recommendations and curated playlists, making it easier for new listeners to discover your podcast. Being on Spotify puts your show in front of potential listeners who may not have found it otherwise.
3. Integration with Music: Spotify’s unique integration of podcasts and music allows users to seamlessly switch between listening to their favorite songs and catching up on episodes of their favorite podcasts. This integration provides exposure to new listeners who may be exploring different genres of content.
4. Analytics and Insights: Spotify offers in-depth analytics and insights into your podcast’s performance. This data can help you understand your audience better, track your growth, and make informed decisions to improve your show.
Now that you understand the importance of having a podcast on Spotify, let’s explore different methods to get your podcast on the platform.
Method 1: How to Have A Podcast on Spotify Using a Podcast Hosting Platform
Before you can submit your podcast to Spotify, you need to host your podcast on a podcast hosting platform. A podcast hosting platform is a service that stores your audio files and generates an RSS feed for your podcast.
Here’s how to have a podcast on Spotify using a podcast hosting platform:
1. Choose a Podcast Hosting Platform: There are many podcast hosting platforms available, such as Anchor, Libsyn, and Podbean. Research and compare different platforms to find one that best suits your needs.
2. Create an Account: Sign up for an account on your chosen podcast hosting platform. Provide the necessary information, such as your podcast’s title, description, and artwork.
3. Upload Episodes: Once your account is set up, upload your podcast episodes to the hosting platform. Make sure your episodes are in the recommended audio format and meet any specified requirements.
4. Customize Your Podcast: Use the hosting platform’s features to customize your podcast settings. This may include adding show notes, episode descriptions, and relevant tags.
5. Generate RSS Feed: Once your podcast is uploaded and customized, the hosting platform will generate an RSS feed for your show. This feed contains all the necessary information about your podcast, including episode details and audio file locations.
6. Submit to Spotify: Next, navigate to Spotify’s podcast submission page. Fill in the required details, including your podcast’s RSS feed. Review and agree to Spotify’s terms and conditions before submitting your podcast.
7. Wait for Approval: After submitting your podcast, Spotify will review your submission and decide whether to accept or reject it. This process may take a few days to a couple of weeks. Ensure that your podcast meets Spotify’s content guidelines and follows any additional requirements.
Pros:
1. Easy and straightforward process to submit your podcast to Spotify.
2. Wide audience reach on one of the leading podcast platforms.
3. Integration with music, allowing for seamless listening experiences.
4. Access to detailed analytics and insights from Spotify.
Cons:
1. Approval process can take some time, delaying your podcast’s availability on Spotify.
2. Limited customization options compared to hosting your podcast independently.
3. Reliance on a third-party hosting platform for managing your podcast.
Method 2: How to Have A Podcast on Spotify via SoundCloud
If you already have your podcast hosted on SoundCloud, you can easily submit it to Spotify. SoundCloud is a popular audio platform that allows creators to upload and share their audio content. Here’s how you can have your podcast on Spotify via SoundCloud:
1. Create a SoundCloud Account: If you don’t have one already, sign up for a SoundCloud account. Provide the necessary information, such as your email address and preferred username.
2. Upload Podcast Episodes: Once your account is set up, upload your podcast episodes to SoundCloud. Ensure that your episodes are in the recommended audio format and meet any file size requirements.
3. Customize Your Podcast: Use SoundCloud’s features to customize your podcast settings. This includes adding episode descriptions, artwork, and relevant tags.
4. Enable Podcast Distribution: In your SoundCloud settings, enable podcast distribution for your account. This option allows your podcast to be available on external platforms, including Spotify.
5. Submit to Spotify: After enabling podcast distribution, log in to your Spotify for Podcasters account. If you don’t have one, create one following Spotify’s instructions. Once logged in, search for your podcast on Spotify and claim it as your own.
6. Link SoundCloud Account: In your Spotify for Podcasters account, link your SoundCloud account. This allows Spotify to fetch and update your podcast episodes automatically.
7. Confirm and Publish: Once your SoundCloud account is linked, confirm the details and publish your podcast on Spotify. It may take a few hours for your episodes to appear on Spotify.
Pros:
1. Easy integration if your podcast is already hosted on SoundCloud.
2. Quick submission process through SoundCloud’s podcast distribution feature.
3. SoundCloud offers additional features for music creators, allowing for unique podcast experiences.
Cons:
1. Limited customization compared to hosting your podcast independently.
2. Reliance on both SoundCloud and Spotify platforms for managing and distributing your podcast.
Method 3: How to Have A Podcast on Spotify via RSS Feed Submission
If you have your podcast hosted independently or on a platform that doesn’t have direct integration with Spotify, you can still have your podcast on Spotify by submitting your podcast’s RSS feed. Here’s how:
1. Host Your Podcast Independently: First, ensure that your podcast is hosted independently using a reliable hosting service. This means having access to your podcast’s RSS feed.
2. Validate Your RSS Feed: Use an RSS feed validator to ensure that your podcast’s feed is valid and meets the necessary standards. Fix any errors or issues that are flagged.
3. Submit Your RSS Feed: Once your RSS feed is validated, visit Spotify’s podcast submission page. Enter your podcast’s RSS feed URL, along with all the required details, and submit it to Spotify.
4. Wait for Approval: Spotify will review your submission and decide whether to accept or reject it. The approval process may take some time, so be patient. Ensure that your podcast meets Spotify’s guidelines and requirements.
Pros:
1. Flexibility to host your podcast independently or on a platform of your choice.
2. Ability to customize and control all aspects of your podcast’s hosting.
3. No additional platform reliance beyond Spotify for podcast distribution.
Cons:
1. Requires technical knowledge to set up and manage an independent hosting solution.
2. Longer process compared to platforms with direct integration capabilities.
3. No additional features or benefits provided by a dedicated hosting platform.
Method 4: How to Have A Podcast on Spotify via Podcast Distributors
If you prefer a more streamlined approach, you can use a podcast distributor to submit your podcast to multiple platforms, including Spotify. Podcast distributors act as intermediaries between podcasters and various podcast platforms, simplifying the submission process. Here’s how you can have your podcast on Spotify via a podcast distributor:
1. Choose a Podcast Distributor: Research and choose a podcast distributor that suits your needs. Some popular podcast distributors include Anchor, Podbean, and Buzzsprout.
2. Create an Account: Sign up for an account on your chosen podcast distributor’s website. Provide the necessary details, such as your podcast’s title, description, and artwork.
3. Upload Episodes: Once your account is set up, upload your podcast episodes to the distributor’s platform. Ensure that your episodes meet any specified requirements and are in the recommended format.
4. Customize Your Podcast: Use the distributor’s features to customize your podcast settings. This may include adding show notes, episode descriptions, and relevant tags.
5. Submit to Spotify: After customizing your podcast, look for the option to submit your podcast to external platforms. Select Spotify as one of the platforms and proceed with the submission.
6. Wait for Approval: Once your podcast is submitted, the distributor will handle the process of getting your podcast on Spotify. Wait for the distributor to confirm that your podcast is available on Spotify.
Pros:
1. Streamlined submission process to multiple platforms, including Spotify.
2. Simplifies podcast hosting and distribution management.
3. Access to additional features and resources provided by the podcast distributor.
Cons:
1. Limited control over the podcast distribution process.
2. Reliance on the podcast distributor’s platform and services.
3. May require paid subscription or additional fees for certain features.
What to Do If You Can’t Have A Podcast on Spotify
If you encounter any issues or are unable to have your podcast on Spotify, here are some fixes you can try:
1. Double-check Requirements: Ensure that you have followed all the guidelines and requirements provided by Spotify. Check your podcast’s audio format, episode descriptions, and artwork to ensure they meet the necessary criteria.
2. Contact Spotify Support: If you have verified that your podcast meets all the requirements but are still experiencing issues, reach out to Spotify’s support team. They may be able to offer insights or assistance.
3. Explore Alternative Platforms: While Spotify is a popular platform, there are other podcasting platforms available. Consider submitting your podcast to other platforms like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Stitcher to reach a broader audience.
Bonus Tips
Here are some bonus tips to help you make the most of having a podcast on Spotify:
1. Promote Your Podcast: Once your podcast is available on Spotify, promote it on your website, social media platforms, and other marketing channels. Encourage your listeners to follow and share your podcast on Spotify.
2. Engage with Your Audience: Interact with your listeners on Spotify by responding to comments and messages. Engage with your audience to build a loyal following and drive listener engagement.
3. Optimize Your Podcast Description: Craft a compelling podcast description that accurately represents your show and its unique value. Use relevant keywords to improve discoverability within Spotify’s search.
5 FAQs
Q1: How long does Spotify take to approve my podcast submission?
A: The approval process can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Be patient and ensure that your podcast meets Spotify’s guidelines to increase the chances of approval.
Q2: Can I monetize my podcast on Spotify?
A: Yes, Spotify offers monetization options through its Spotify for Podcasters program. You can explore advertising, sponsorship, and subscription opportunities to monetize your podcast.
Q3: Can I edit or update my podcast on Spotify?
A: Yes, you can edit or update your podcast’s details, descriptions, and artwork through your Spotify for Podcasters account. Changes may take some time to reflect on the platform.
Q4: Do I need a certain number of episodes to submit to Spotify?
A: Spotify does not have a specific requirement for the number of episodes you need to submit. You can submit your podcast with as few as one episode.
Q5: Can I track the performance of my podcast on Spotify?
A: Yes, Spotify for Podcasters provides detailed analytics and insights into your podcast’s performance. You can track metrics such as listens, followers, and geographic distribution of your audience.
Final Thoughts
Having a podcast on Spotify is a great way to expand your reach, engage with a wider audience, and gain recognition as a podcaster. Whether you choose to use a podcast hosting platform, distribute through SoundCloud, submit your RSS feed directly, or rely on a podcast distributor, the steps provided in this blog post will help you get your podcast on Spotify.
Remember to follow Spotify’s guidelines and requirements, promote your podcast, engage with your audience, and optimize your podcast description for better discoverability. With persistence and quality content, your podcast can thrive on Spotify and attract a loyal following.
So, what are you waiting for? Start your podcasting journey on Spotify and make your voice heard in the world of podcasting!