Start a Podcast on Spotify & Apple Podcasts: Ultimate Guide

Q: How long does it take for a new podcast to appear on Spotify and Apple Podcasts?

The timeline varies. Spotify typically approves and publishes new shows within 24 hours. Apple Podcasts' approval process can take a little longer, ranging from a few hours to several days for a new show to be fully live and searchable. Once the initial show is approved, new episodes will generally appear much faster, often within a few hours to a day, as directories check the show's RSS feed for updates multiple times a day.

Introduction: Your Launchpad to Podcasting Success

Embarking on a podcasting journey may seem daunting, but the process has become more accessible than ever, largely due to a convergence of free, professional-grade tools and comprehensive distribution platforms. This guide provides a definitive roadmap for launching a new podcast, focusing on a robust and cost-effective workflow. It emphasizes the crucial role of Spotify for Podcasters, a platform that has significantly simplified the entry into this dynamic media space. By understanding the foundational concepts and following a clear, step-by-step process, a new creator can successfully launch a show that is not only live on Spotify, but also reaches a global audience through essential directories like Apple Podcasts.

The following key points outline the core principles of this guide:

Starting and hosting a podcast on Spotify is a completely free process.1
The entire journey, from production to publication, can be accomplished in five straightforward steps.1
"Spotify for Podcasters" (formerly known as Anchor) serves as a central, all-in-one platform for both hosting and distribution.2
For creators with an existing show, the process involves linking an RSS feed to Spotify’s platform.1
In the modern media landscape, securing a presence on Spotify is an essential first step for any new show.1

Introduction: Your Launchpad to Podcasting Success

The following key points outline the core principles of this guide:

Starting and hosting a podcast on Spotify is a completely free process.1
The entire journey, from production to publication, can be accomplished in five straightforward steps.1
"Spotify for Podcasters" (formerly known as Anchor) serves as a central, all-in-one platform for both hosting and distribution.2
For creators with an existing show, the process involves linking an RSS feed to Spotify’s platform.1
In the modern media landscape, securing a presence on Spotify is an essential first step for any new show.1

Spotify for Podcasters.webp

The Podcasting Ecosystem: Understanding Hosts & Directories

Before delving into the technical steps of show creation, it is imperative to understand the fundamental mechanics of the podcasting ecosystem. The system is built upon two core components: a podcast host and a podcast directory. A podcast host is the service where a creator's media files (audio, video, etc.) are physically stored and where the show’s central RSS feed is generated.3 This host acts as the show's "home." Conversely, a

podcast directory is a destination where listeners discover and consume content.3 Directories do not store the media files themselves; rather, they read the RSS feed from the host to display the show's information and link back to the episode files. Examples of directories include the Spotify and Apple Podcasts apps, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher.

Spotify for Podcasters holds a unique and powerful position in this ecosystem. It functions as both a free hosting platform and a directory, which simplifies the process for new creators by eliminating the need to find a separate, and potentially paid, hosting service. By offering this all-in-one, free service, Spotify has strategically lowered the barrier to entry, attracting a large volume of new creators into its ecosystem.1 This approach allows Spotify to gain direct control over a creator's content, collect valuable user data, and guide creators toward its proprietary monetization programs.5 This dual role represents a deliberate business strategy aimed at building a robust content library and a powerful network effect, placing Spotify in direct competition with established content platforms like YouTube.5

The 5 Easy Steps to Launching Your Podcast

Step 1: Create a Spotify for Podcasters Account

The first and most foundational step is to create a hosting account. This is accomplished by navigating to the Spotify for Podcasters website and clicking "Get Started".1 From there, a creator can either log in with an existing Spotify listening account or create a brand new account.1 As part of the sign-up process, it is necessary to agree to Spotify's terms and conditions.1 The platform will then prompt a choice between starting a new podcast from scratch or migrating an existing show, at which point "I want to start a new podcast" should be selected.6

Step 2: Set Up Your Podcast Details

Once an account has been created, the next step involves establishing the show’s identity. The platform will guide the user to the "Set up your podcast" section, where several critical details must be provided to ensure the show is discoverable and well-branded.1 This includes providing a unique and memorable name for the podcast, writing a comprehensive description that utilizes relevant keywords, selecting a category that accurately reflects the content, and specifying the show's primary language.1 These details are not only important for appearance, but they are crucial for search engine optimization (SEO), helping listeners find the show across all directories.

Step 3: From Concept to Content: Recording and Editing

Before a show can be published, it requires content. While Spotify for Podcasters provides basic recording tools, using dedicated editing software is highly recommended to achieve professional-quality audio and video.

The Audio Production Workflow with Audacity

For creators focused on audio, Audacity is the industry's go-to solution for a free, professional-grade audio editor.

A. Recording in Audacity:
After downloading and installing the software, a USB microphone should be plugged in and selected as the recording device under the "Audio Setup" menu.7
The most critical step is to test the microphone levels before recording. A creator should speak into the microphone at a normal volume while monitoring the recording meter.7 The audio soundwaves should consistently peak between -12 dB and -6 dB, as this range ensures the audio is loud enough without causing distortion (a condition known as "clipping").7
Once the levels are set, the red "Record" button can be pressed to begin recording.
B. Essential Audio Post-Production:
Noise Reduction: Background hums or consistent noises can be removed with Audacity's noise reduction tool. To perform this, a short segment of silence containing only the background noise must be selected.8 Navigating to
Effect > Noise Removal and Repair > Noise Reduction and clicking "Get Noise Profile" trains the software to recognize the unwanted sound.8 The creator then selects the entire track and applies the effect by clicking "OK".8 An expert-level tip is to use the "Residue" toggle to preview exactly what sound the effect will remove, ensuring it does not negatively impact the voice recording.8
Normalization: For a podcast to sound professional, its volume must be consistent and loud enough to compete with other shows on a listener’s device. Audacity offers two distinct normalization effects. The standard "Normalize" effect adjusts the audio based on its peak amplitude.9 However, the superior method for podcasting is
Loudness Normalization, which adjusts the audio based on its perceived loudness, measured in LUFS (Loudness Units Full Scale).9 This method ensures that the show's volume is consistent across all episodes and sounds balanced against other podcasts.10 Applying this effect is a final step that demonstrates a creator's attention to detail and professionalism.
C. Exporting Your File:
When the editing is complete, the final step is to export the file. Spotify prefers MP3 format.1 From Audacity, a user selects
File > Export > Export as MP3.11
While various bitrate recommendations exist, a widely accepted industry standard is to use a Constant bitrate (CBR) of 128 kbps.11 This setting provides an excellent balance of quality and file size, and the use of a constant bitrate is particularly important for streaming, as it prevents stutters or interruptions that can occur with variable bitrate (VBR) files.11 This technical choice is a subtle but important detail that contributes to a high-quality listener experience.

The Rise of Video Podcasting

As video podcasts gain traction, especially on platforms like Spotify, a creator may choose to produce a video version of their show. While Audacity is audio-only, several free video editing programs can be used for this purpose. These include DaVinci Resolve, a professional-grade editor with a learning curve 13, iMovie, an intuitive and simple option for Mac users 14, and CapCut, which is available on both desktop and mobile devices.15 The workflow involves editing to remove mistakes, adding titles or logos, and enhancing the audio.16 When exporting, the file should be saved as an MP4 or MOV file with the H.264 codec to ensure compatibility with Spotify's platform.17

Step 4: The Final Polish: Optimizing and Uploading

After the episode file is ready, it's time to upload it to the Spotify for Podcasters dashboard. Clicking on "New Episode" prompts the user to select the finished audio or video file.1 While the file uploads, the creator must optimize it for visibility. This involves crafting a compelling episode title that is not just a number (e.g., "Episode 1"), but a rich, descriptive phrase (e.g., "The Origins of an Internet Mystery"). A thorough episode description should also be provided, including guest names, key takeaways, and relevant keywords to improve discoverability.1

Step 5: Publishing Your Show

With the file uploaded and optimized, the final details can be set. The creator can choose to publish the episode immediately or schedule it for a later date.1 This is also the stage where interactive features, such as polls and Q\&A prompts, can be enabled. Once all details are finalized and reviewed, clicking "Publish" makes the show live on Spotify's platform.

The Distribution Funnel: Reaching Every Listener

After publishing on Spotify, the next critical step for any new podcast is distribution to other major directories. A podcast's entire distribution is driven by its RSS feed. This is a unique URL that Spotify for Podcasters automatically generates.18 This URL is the central address that all other directories use to check for new episodes and show updates.19 By understanding the power of the RSS feed, a creator can ensure their show is not limited to a single platform but reaches every potential listener on their preferred app.

Submitting to Apple Podcasts Connect

Apple Podcasts remains one of the most important directories for any show to be listed on. The submission process is straightforward and relies on the RSS feed generated by Spotify for Podcasters.

Find the RSS Feed: In the Spotify for Podcasters dashboard, the RSS distribution link is located under Settings > Podcast availability.18 This link must be copied.
Go to Apple Podcasts Connect: The submission is done through the Apple Podcasts Connect website.19
Log In and Submit: A creator must log in with their Apple ID.19 A crucial point of friction for many new creators is that even though submitting a podcast is free, the Apple ID must have a valid payment method on file to access the portal.19 Once logged in, a creator selects the
+ button, chooses "Add a show with an RSS feed," and pastes the URL copied from Spotify for Podcasters.19
Finalize Submission: Apple will validate the feed, a process that can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Once approved, the podcast will be live on Apple Podcasts, and new episodes will automatically appear there as the RSS feed is updated.19

For more information on the process of getting a podcast on Spotify, readers can explore resources on spotify podcast upload [https://www.nearstream.us/blog/how-to-start-and-upload-podcast-on-spotify], learn more about podcasting on spotify [https://www.nearstream.us/blog/how-to-start-and-upload-podcast-on-spotify], or find guides on how to upload your podcast to spotify [https://www.nearstream.us/blog/how-to-start-and-upload-podcast-on-spotify].

Technical Specifications and E-E-A-T Recommendations

Adhering to the official technical specifications of podcasting platforms is a crucial step that distinguishes a professional show from an amateur one. Following these guidelines ensures that a podcast is correctly indexed, displayed, and streamed without errors, which contributes to its authority and trustworthiness. The following table provides a comprehensive overview of the key technical requirements for the most important platforms.

Feature	Requirement	Spotify Official Spec	Apple Podcasts Official Spec	Industry Best Practice
Podcast Cover Art	Dimensions	1:1 aspect ratio, 1400x1400px to 3000x3000px 22	1:1 aspect ratio, min 1400x1400px to max 3000x3000px 23	3000x3000px, 72 dpi, JPEG or PNG
	File Format	TIFF, PNG, or JPG 22	JPEG or PNG 23	JPEG or PNG
	Colorspace	sRGB 22	RGB 23	sRGB
Audio File	Codec & Bitrate	AAC-LC, PCM, FLAC at 128 kbps+ 17	MP3, M4A, MOV, MP4, M4V 24	MP3, 128kbps Constant Bitrate (CBR)
Video File	Codec	H.264 or H.265 (HEVC) 17	H.264 is recommended 17	H.264 High Profile
	Aspect Ratio	16:9 widescreen 17	Supports 16:9 25	16:9
	Resolution	1080p or higher recommended 17	1080p recommended, supports up to 4K 25	1080p
	File Format	MP4 or MOV 17	MOV, MP4, M4V 25	MP4 or MOV

Monetization: A Podcaster’s Path to Revenue

Monetizing a podcast is a key goal for many creators. Spotify offers multiple programs that allow a show to generate revenue directly within its ecosystem. These programs, which are continually evolving, are a core part of Spotify's strategy to attract and retain top creators. The upcoming launch of a new partner program in early 2025 demonstrates the platform’s commitment to building a creator-centric business model that rivals platforms like YouTube.5

The primary monetization options available on Spotify include:

Podcast Subscriptions: This program allows creators to offer exclusive, paid-only episodes to their audience for a monthly fee.26
Listener Support: A feature that enables creators to accept donations from their fans.1 Note that some sources indicate this program is being phased out in favor of subscriptions.26
Spotify Partner Program (Ads): This is a monetization model where creators can earn revenue from advertisements placed in their episodes.27 The program provides the ability to manually insert ad breaks to maximize revenue potential.27

The new Spotify Partner Program, set to roll out on January 2, 2025, has introduced new, more demanding eligibility criteria that closely mirror the requirements of the YouTube Partner Program.5 This shift from an invite-only model signals Spotify’s maturation from a simple podcast platform to a full-fledged content creation hub. The table below details the current eligibility criteria for Spotify's key monetization programs.

Program	Eligibility Criteria	Revenue Model
Subscriptions	At least 2 published episodes, and an audience of at least 100 Spotify users in the last 60 days.26	Creators set a monthly price and can offer exclusive content.26
Partner Program (Ads)	Host on Spotify for Podcasters, have a legal address in an eligible country, publish at least 12 episodes, and achieve 10,000 consumption hours and 2,000 unique listeners on Spotify within the last 30 days.27	Earn a 50% revenue share from ads and a share of revenue from Premium video streams.27

Conclusion: Your Launchpad to Podcasting Success

Starting a podcast in the current digital landscape is a straightforward process, made more accessible by free, comprehensive tools and platforms. By utilizing a service like Spotify for Podcasters, a new creator can produce, host, and distribute their show without significant investment. From there, understanding the power of the RSS feed and submitting to major directories like Apple Podcasts becomes the key to audience growth. The path to monetization is also more defined than ever, with Spotify's evolving suite of programs providing clear opportunities for creators to generate revenue. The most important step for a new creator is simply to begin.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take for a new podcast to appear on Spotify and Apple Podcasts?
The timeline for a new show to appear varies by directory. Spotify typically approves and publishes new shows quickly, often within 24 hours.28 Apple Podcasts' approval process can take a little longer, ranging from a few hours to several days for a new show to be fully live and searchable.19 Once the initial show is approved, new episodes will generally appear much faster, often within a few hours to a day, as directories check the show's RSS feed for updates multiple times a day.28
How do I monetize my podcast on Spotify?
Spotify offers several methods for monetization. The most common are Podcast Subscriptions and the Spotify Partner Program. Subscriptions allow a creator to charge for access to exclusive content.26 The Partner Program allows for ad revenue to be generated in episodes.27 Starting on January 2, 2025, the eligibility requirements for the Partner Program will become more stringent, requiring a show to have a minimum number of published episodes, consumption hours, and unique listeners.5
Can I switch my podcast host from Spotify to another platform?
Yes, it is possible to switch hosts. The podcasting ecosystem is built on the RSS feed, which allows for a show's content to be migrated to a new hosting platform.2 While the process is possible, a creator should consider their monetization goals, as switching from Spotify for Podcasters to an external host may require re-applying for monetization programs that are tied to a specific hosting platform.27
My podcast was rejected or disappeared from Spotify. What is the most likely reason?
The most common reason for a podcast to be rejected or to disappear from a directory like Spotify is missing or incomplete metadata. Spotify's automated system may initially accept a feed, but a secondary review may later remove a show if mandatory fields such as a title, a description, or cover art are missing.21 The solution is to ensure all of these details are filled out in the hosting dashboard.
What is the difference between an episodic and a serialized podcast?
An episodic podcast is a show where each episode stands alone and can be listened to in any order, such as a news or interview show.29 A
serialized podcast is a show that is meant to be listened to in a specific sequence, as each episode builds upon the last, like a narrative story or a limited series.29 The distinction is important as it affects how a show is organized on platforms like Apple Podcasts.