How to Make a Podcast on Spotify in 2025

Introduction: Why Spotify is the Place to Start

Podcasting has exploded in recent years. According to Edison Research, over 100 million Americans listen to podcasts monthly. Spotify offers creators access to this huge audience, but many beginners struggle with unclear audio, confusing RSS feeds, or how to post a podcast on Spotify.

With the right gear, even a home-based creator can sound professional. NearStream’s equipment simplifies recording, letting you focus on content. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to make a podcast on Spotify from idea to launch.

Step 1: Plan Your Podcast Like a Storyteller

Every great podcast starts with a clear plan. Think of it like writing a story—you need a plot, characters, and a setting before you begin. Without planning, even the best audio quality can’t save a show that feels scattered. This initial step is foundational for anyone learning how to start a podcast on Spotify.

Start by defining your focus. Are you sharing personal insights, interviewing experts, or telling stories? Knowing your niche helps attract the right listeners. Then, consider your format: solo episodes, interviews, or co-hosted conversations. Each style creates a different dynamic and audience expectation.

Once your theme is set, brainstorm at least 10 episode ideas. Having a roadmap reduces stress and keeps you consistent, which is crucial for growing your audience.

Define your niche: Identify the audience you want to serve.
Choose a format: Solo, co-host, interviews, or storytelling.
Decide on episode length: 20–40 minutes is a sweet spot for most listeners.
Set a release schedule: Consistency matters more than frequency.

Planning isn’t just about logistics—it sets the tone for your entire podcast journey, making your show more enjoyable for both you and your audience.

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Step 2: Gear Up for Quality Audio

You might be tempted to record on your phone, but great audio quality immediately sets your podcast apart. Even a small home setup can produce professional-sounding episodes if you choose the right gear.

Starting small is fine. A good USB microphone and headphones can take you a long way. But if you want to invest once and avoid headaches later, consider NearStream’s Home Studio gear. Their kits bundle microphones, stands, and cables, giving you everything you need to record crisp, clear audio.

Basic setup: USB mic, headphones, free software like Audacity.
Advanced setup: XLR mic with an audio interface, pop filter, and extra accessories.

Think of your gear as your creative partner—it won’t write your script, but it ensures your voice comes through clearly and professionally. When listeners can hear every word without distraction, your content shines.

Step 3: Recording and Editing Your Episodes

Once your gear is ready, it’s time to bring your ideas to life. Recording isn’t just hitting a button—it’s capturing energy and connecting with your audience through your voice.

Start in a quiet environment and speak naturally. Don’t worry about perfection; your editing process will polish the audio. Editing allows you to remove pauses, background noise, and minor mistakes. Even subtle EQ adjustments can make a big difference.

Recording software: Audacity, GarageBand, Adobe Audition, or Descript.
Editing steps: Remove unwanted noise, balance volume, trim pauses.
Add finishing touches: Intro/outro music, transitions, light vocal enhancements.

Storytelling matters as much as technical quality. Each edit should preserve your authentic voice, making listeners feel like they’re having a conversation with you rather than listening to a lecture.

Step 4: Build Your Podcast Brand

Spotify is visual as well as audio. Your podcast cover art is often the first thing listeners notice. Think of it as your show’s storefront—it should be eye-catching and communicate your theme instantly.

Cover art size: 3000 x 3000 pixels (JPEG or PNG)
Design tips: Bold fonts, strong contrast, simple and memorable visuals
Show description: Clear, compelling summary of your podcast with relevant keywords

Your brand extends beyond cover art. Think about tone, social media visuals, and even episode titles. A strong brand helps listeners recognize and remember your show, increasing engagement over time.

Step 5: Publishing on Spotify

Now comes the part many new podcasters find confusing: the actual process of how to publish a podcast on Spotify. Unlike uploading a video to YouTube, Spotify requires an RSS feed from a podcast host. This is the technical answer to the common question, "how to post podcast on Spotify?"

Here’s how the process works:

You first upload your episodes to a podcast hosting platform, which generates your RSS feed. Then you submit that feed to Spotify. Once approved, your episodes are automatically available to millions of listeners worldwide.

Step 1: Choose a podcast host (Anchor, Podbean, Buzzsprout).
Step 2: Upload your episode to the host.
Step 3: Copy your RSS feed link.
Step 4: Submit to Spotify via Spotify for Podcasters.
Step 5: Wait for approval, usually under 24 hours.

For a detailed walkthrough, check out spotify podcast upload or our guide on how to upload your podcast to spotify.

Publishing is exciting because it’s the moment your work becomes public. Seeing your podcast live on Spotify is the first real step toward building an audience.

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Step 6: Promote and Grow Your Podcast

Publishing is just the beginning. Even a great podcast won’t find its audience without promotion. Think of each episode as a mini-launch. Share it widely and consistently.

Social media is your best friend here. Short clips, behind-the-scenes videos, and teaser posts can attract new listeners. Collaborations with other podcasters or guest appearances can extend your reach. Don’t forget to ask for reviews—they build credibility and improve discoverability on Spotify.

Social media teasers: Post engaging clips or highlights.
Email newsletters: Keep your audience updated with new episodes.
Cross-promotion: Appear on other shows in your niche.
Listener engagement: Encourage reviews and comments on Spotify.

Promotion is not just marketing—it’s storytelling. You’re inviting new listeners into your world, giving them reasons to stay and share.

Step 7: Refine Your Process

Podcasting is a journey, not a one-time task. Use analytics to understand which episodes resonate most, which topics get the highest engagement, and what your audience wants more of.

Experiment with formats, styles, and episode lengths. Ask for listener feedback directly. Improvement comes from a willingness to adapt and grow, not from perfection on the first try.

Even small adjustments—like clearer audio or a catchier intro—can make a huge difference in audience retention.

The Role of NearStream Gear

We know choosing the right podcast gear can feel overwhelming—microphones, stands, cables, interfaces… it adds up fast and can be confusing. That’s why NearStream offers bundled solutions designed to simplify the process, especially for those who want to create video podcasts for platforms like Spotify.

One standout option is the PodPro Video Kit, an all-in-one solution that includes everything you need to produce high-quality audio and video from home. This kit is designed to eliminate guesswork and technical headaches, letting you focus on your content. It typically includes a professional-grade microphone like the VM33, a sturdy stand, and all necessary cables, ensuring every component works together seamlessly. By providing a complete setup for both audio and video, the PodPro Video Kit empowers you to create dynamic content that stands out on Spotify, where video podcasting is becoming increasingly popular.

High-quality audio reduces listener fatigue and keeps your audience engaged. When you finally learn how to make a podcast on Spotify, having a reliable setup like NearStream's ensures your episodes sound crisp, polished, and professional from day one.

FAQs: Key Questions for New Podcasters

1. How much does it cost to publish on Spotify? Publishing on Spotify is free; however, your podcast host (which is required) may have subscription fees depending on the platform and features you need.

2. How long does it take to get approved? Typically under 24 hours, though it can sometimes take a few days depending on your RSS feed and Spotify's review queue.

3. Can I change an episode after publishing? Yes, but you must make the changes through your podcast host. Upload the new audio or edit the details there, and the changes will automatically reflect on Spotify once your feed refreshes.

4. What's the best way to learn how to post podcast on Spotify? The simplest way is to follow the five steps in this guide: choose a host, upload your audio there, copy the RSS feed they provide, and submit that feed to Spotify for Podcasters.

5. Can I monetize my podcast on Spotify? Yes—Spotify offers several monetization tools, including ads, sponsorships through their marketplace, listener support buttons, and premium subscription content.

Conclusion: Start Your Podcast Journey Today

Starting a podcast on Spotify may feel intimidating at first, but with the right planning, gear, and promotion strategy, it’s completely achievable. From brainstorming episode ideas to recording professional audio and figuring out how to publish a podcast on Spotify, each step moves you closer to sharing your voice with the world.

Remember, while your ideas and storytelling drive your podcast, having the right tools makes the process smoother. NearStream’s gear ensures your recordings sound professional, giving your content the best chance to shine.

If you’ve been asking yourself how to make a podcast on Spotify or how to start a podcast on Spotify, the time to act is now. Gear up, record, and let the world hear your story.