How to Submit Your Podcast to Major Directories and Emerging Platforms
It can be tough as a beginner
You want your podcast to be popular. But there’s so much competition.
How do you reach listeners who may be interested? What platforms can you find them on?
In this post, you’ll learn how to submit your podcast to podcast directories and platforms so you get that visibility.
Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Why You Should Submit Your Podcast To Many Directories
Just starting your podcast won’t help. You need to promote it to your potential listeners. The best way to do this is to submit your podcast to multiple podcast directories. This has several benefits:
Increased Discoverability
Different listeners use different platforms, so the more directories your podcast is on, the more likely it is to be found by new audiences.
Higher Engagement
Being available on multiple platforms increases the chances of listener engagement through subscriptions, downloads, and reviews.
SEO Benefits
Submitting your podcast to various directories can improve your show’s SEO, making it easier to find through search engines.
Step 1: Prepare Your Podcast for Submission
You’ll need to prepare some basic details before you can submit your podcast to directories.
Podcast RSS Feed: Your podcast hosting service provides an RSS feed, which is essential for submission. This feed includes all episodes and metadata.
Podcast Title and Description: Craft a clear, concise title and a compelling description that summarizes your show’s content and appeal.
Cover Art: Create high-quality cover art that meets the specifications of each platform (typically 1400×1400 to 3000×3000 pixels in JPEG or PNG format).
Episode Metadata: Ensure each episode has a title, description, and appropriate tags or keywords.
Step 2: Submit to Major Podcast Directories
Now, it’s time to submit your podcast to as many directories as possible. Many of the below are major ones that can get you a good number of listeners.
1. Apple Podcasts
Apple Podcasts is one of the most important directories to submit your podcast to, as it’s a top destination for listeners.
Steps to Submit:
If you don’t already have one, create an Apple ID.
Go to Apple Podcasts Connect and log in with your Apple ID.
Click the “+” button to add your podcast. Paste your RSS feed URL.
Review the details, then submit your podcast for approval. Apple typically takes 1-2 weeks to review and approve new podcasts.
2. Spotify
Spotify is a rapidly growing podcast platform with millions of users, making it a key directory for podcast distribution.
Steps to Submit:
Visit Spotify for Podcasters.
Use your existing Spotify account or create a new one.
Click “Get Started” and paste your RSS feed URL.
Fill out the required information and submit your podcast. Spotify’s approval process usually takes a few hours to a couple of days.
3. Google Podcasts
Google Podcasts is another major platform that offers excellent discoverability through Google’s search engine.
Steps to Submit:
Go to Google Podcasts Manager.
Sign in using your Google account.
Click “Add a podcast” and enter your RSS feed URL.
Google will send a verification email to the email address associated with your RSS feed. Verify the email to complete the submission.
4. Amazon Music
Amazon Music and Audible have also entered the podcast space, providing another large platform for your podcast.
Steps to Submit:
Visit Amazon Music for Podcasters.
Log in with your Amazon account credentials.
Enter your podcast’s RSS feed URL and review the details.
Submit your podcast for approval, which usually takes a few days.
5. Stitcher
Stitcher is a popular podcast app with a dedicated user base, making it another important platform.
Steps to Submit:
Go to the Stitcher Partner Portal.
Create an account or log in with your existing credentials.
Paste your RSS feed URL and fill out the necessary information.
Submit your podcast for approval, which can take a few days.
Step 3: Submit to Emerging Platforms
You’ve submitted your podcast to the major directories. But you can also submit to emerging platforms. They will be smaller compared to the major podcast directories but can still get you a lot of listeners with lower competition.
1. TuneIn
TuneIn offers a wide variety of content, including podcasts, making it a valuable platform for broadening your audience.
Steps to Submit:
Visit TuneIn’s submission page and sign in.
Enter your podcast’s RSS feed, title, and other relevant details.
Submit your podcast for approval, which typically takes a few days.
2. iHeartRadio
iHeartRadio is a popular platform that combines music, live radio, and podcasts.
Steps to Submit:
Some hosting services like Libsyn offer direct submission to iHeartRadio. Check if yours does.
Or you can submit directly through iHeartRadio’s submission page.
Enter your podcast’s RSS feed, title, and other relevant details.
The approval process can take a few days to a week.
3. Pandora
Pandora has a unique algorithm for recommending content, making it a good platform for discovering new listeners.
Steps to Submit:
Go to the Pandora AMP submission page.
Log in and click “Submit Podcast.”
Enter your RSS feed URL and other required information.
Approval can take several weeks as Pandora reviews submissions carefully.
4. Podchaser
Podchaser is a podcast database that allows users to discover, review, and rate podcasts.
Steps to Submit:
If your podcast is already listed, claim it; otherwise, submit it.
Fill out any missing information to complete your listing.
Step 4: Monitor and Promote Your Podcast
Once you’ve submitted your podcast to various directories and platforms, it’s important to monitor its performance and promote it.
1. Check Analytics
You’ll find analytics tools in many of the podcast platforms you submitted your podcast. They provide insights into listener behavior, downloads, and engagement. Use these tools to track your podcast’s performance and adjust your strategy as needed.
2. Promote on Social Media
Share your podcast episodes across your social media channels to increase visibility and attract more listeners. Use targeted hashtags, engage with your audience, and collaborate with influencers in your niche.
3. Encourage Reviews and Ratings
You should ask your listeners to leave a review on the platform where they listen. Positive reviews can boost your podcast’s visibility and credibility.
Conclusion
It can be a challenge when you’re starting out with a podcast.
It’s important to submit your podcast to various platforms to get a lot of visibility.
Go to each of the above platforms and add your podcast. It does not matter whether the platform is a major one or it’s just a niche one. Register wherever you can for submitting your podcast RSS feed.
Congratulations! You’re on the way to building a super popular podcast.