If you're figuring out how to submit a podcast to Spotify, Apple, and more, the good news is that the process is simpler than it used to be. The bad news is that small setup mistakes can still slow approval, break your feed, or make your show harder to find. The goal is not just to “get listed” but to submit once, submit cleanly, and avoid backtracking later.
This guide walks through the practical steps: what you need before submission, how podcast directories actually work, and the common errors that trip up new creators. Whether you're publishing your first show or moving an existing podcast to a new host, this is the checklist I’d use before clicking submit.
How to submit a podcast to Spotify, Apple, and more
Before you start, it helps to understand one key point: most directories do not host your audio. They read your RSS feed, pull in your episodes, and display your show to listeners. That means a successful submission depends on having the right feed and metadata in place first.
At a minimum, you need:
- A valid podcast RSS feed
- A show title, description, and category
- Podcast artwork that meets directory requirements
- At least one published episode in many cases
- Your website or hosting dashboard login for verification
If you're using a platform like PoddyHost, the RSS feed and submission helpers are built into the workflow, which saves time when you're ready to distribute your show.
Before you submit: the checklist that saves time
Most submission problems come from skipping prep work. Use this checklist before you open any directory dashboard.
1. Confirm your RSS feed is live
Your feed should open in a browser or feed reader without errors. If the feed is private, broken, or empty, submission will fail. Check that it includes your latest episode and that the URL is the one you intend to use long term.
2. Make sure your cover art meets requirements
Different platforms have slightly different rules, but the safest approach is to use square artwork that is easy to read at small sizes. Avoid tiny text, cluttered images, or borders that can crop awkwardly in some apps.
3. Review your show title and description
Your title should match the one you plan to use everywhere. Your description should clearly explain the topic, audience, and format. This is not the place for vague branding copy. Search users need quick context.
4. Publish at least one episode
Some directories will accept a feed with no episodes, but many creators get a better result when there is already something for listeners to play. A short trailer or launch episode is usually enough.
5. Verify ownership details
Apple Podcasts and other platforms may ask you to verify that you control the feed. The verification method varies, but the information on your hosting account needs to match the submission process.
How to submit to Spotify
Spotify for Podcasters typically asks for your RSS feed URL, then checks the feed and imports your show. The process is straightforward, but there are still a few details worth watching.
- Log in to your Spotify for Podcasters account
- Choose the option to add or claim a podcast
- Paste your RSS feed URL
- Confirm ownership if prompted
- Review imported metadata
- Submit and wait for approval
After submission, double-check that your artwork, title, and episode list look correct inside Spotify. If anything seems off, fix it in your hosting dashboard first, then refresh the feed. The directory usually reflects feed changes without needing a full resubmission.
How to submit to Apple Podcasts
Apple Podcasts still matters because many listeners browse and subscribe there by habit. The workflow is similar to Spotify, but Apple can be a little stricter about feed quality and show details.
Typical steps:
- Sign in to Apple Podcasts Connect
- Add a new show using your RSS feed
- Validate the feed if requested
- Confirm the show details
- Submit for review
If Apple rejects the feed, read the error message carefully. Common causes include invalid artwork, missing author information, or feed formatting issues. These are usually fixable without starting over.
Tip: If you have multiple versions of your feed from different hosts, choose one and stick with it. Changing feed URLs later can create complications for subscribers if not handled properly.
How to submit to Amazon Music and YouTube Music
Amazon Music and YouTube Music both support podcast distribution, and both are worth listing if you want broader discovery. The process is usually driven by RSS import, though the interface may change over time.
Amazon Music
Amazon's submission flow generally asks for your feed and show metadata. Make sure your podcast category and description are concise and accurate, since these fields affect how your show is displayed.
YouTube Music
YouTube Music accepts podcasts through feed-based submission as well. If you're already publishing video content on YouTube, keep in mind that audio podcast submission is still a separate workflow. Use the RSS feed associated with your podcast host, not your YouTube channel link.
What to do if your podcast is already hosted somewhere else
If your show already lives on another host, you do not need to rebuild everything from scratch. What you need is a clean migration plan.
Here’s the simplest approach:
- Export or copy your current show metadata
- Set up the same title, description, and artwork in your new host
- Import or recreate your episodes
- Confirm the new RSS feed is valid
- Use the new feed for directory submissions
- If needed, update your old host with redirect instructions
The important thing is to avoid having two active feeds fighting for attention. Subscribers should have one clear path to the show.
Common podcast submission mistakes
Most first-time submission headaches come from a few predictable issues. If your feed gets rejected or your show seems stuck in review, check these first.
- Broken RSS feed: The feed URL returns an error or incomplete XML.
- Incorrect artwork size: The image looks fine on your site but fails platform checks.
- Missing episode enclosure: The audio file is not linked properly in the feed.
- Duplicate titles: The show name is too generic or already in use.
- No published episode: Some platforms prefer a live episode before approval.
- Wrong category: The show is filed in a category that doesn’t match the content.
If you only fix one thing before submitting, make it the feed itself. A clean feed prevents most downstream issues.
How long podcast approval usually takes
There is no universal timeline. Some submissions are approved quickly, while others take a few days. The wait depends on the platform, your feed quality, and whether a manual review is involved.
During the waiting period, resist the urge to resubmit repeatedly unless the platform tells you to. If the first submission is still being processed, multiple duplicate attempts can create confusion and slow things down.
Instead:
- Check your email for review notices
- Monitor your hosting dashboard for status changes
- Verify that your feed is still accessible
- Fix any flagged errors before trying again
A simple submission workflow you can reuse
If you want a repeatable process, use this order every time you launch a show or move hosts:
- Finalize podcast title, description, and category
- Upload compliant cover art
- Publish at least one episode
- Confirm the RSS feed validates
- Submit to Spotify and Apple first
- Add Amazon Music and YouTube Music next
- Keep a record of each directory login and approval status
That last step matters more than people expect. A simple spreadsheet with directory names, login email, feed URL, and approval date can save you time later if anything changes.
How PoddyHost fits into the submission process
For creators who want to get from idea to distribution quickly, PoddyHost can help by generating the episode, hosting the audio, and creating the RSS feed in one place. That means the submission step becomes mostly about checking your metadata and pasting the feed into each directory instead of juggling multiple tools.
It is still worth reviewing each platform manually, but having the feed and episode status inside one dashboard makes it easier to catch errors before you submit.
Final thoughts on how to submit a podcast to Spotify, Apple, and more
If you remember only one thing about how to submit a podcast to Spotify, Apple, and more, make it this: submission is mostly a feed-quality problem, not a directory problem. When your RSS feed, artwork, and metadata are clean, the process is usually routine.
Start with the checklist, submit to the major platforms first, and keep your show details consistent everywhere. That approach gives you the best chance of getting approved quickly and keeping your podcast easy to maintain later.