How to Publish a Podcast Step by Step (Beginner’s Guide 2026)
- Sam Hajighasem
- 30 minutes ago
- 6 min read
Learning how to publish a podcast step by step can seem intimidating at first, but once you understand the process, it becomes surprisingly straightforward. Whether you’re launching your first audio show or starting a video podcast, this guide will walk you through everything you need to go live across major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. By mastering podcast hosting, RSS feeds, and directory submissions, you’ll be ready to share your content with the world.
Publishing a podcast involves three essential components: your recording files, a podcast hosting platform, and submissions to directories. The host stores your episodes, generates your RSS feed, and distributes new episodes automatically. Once you’ve completed the setup once, publishing each new episode takes only a few minutes.
If you’re planning to turn your podcast into a serious marketing channel rather than a side project, understanding how businesses use podcasting strategically is essential. You can explore this in Podcasting Companies: The Ultimate Content Marketing Strategy for Businesses, which breaks down how podcasts support brand growth, authority, and long-term content strategy.
What You Need Before Publishing a Podcast
Before you upload your first episode, you’ll need to assemble the right pieces. Each one plays a critical role in how your show appears and performs across directories.
Essential Podcast Assets
Your podcast assets ensure your show meets the technical and branding requirements of every host and directory.
Recording files: Create high-quality audio or video recordings using tools like Riverside. Aim for lossless WAV or MP3 files at 48kHz quality for audio, and up to 4K for video.
Cover art: Prepare artwork in a square 3000x3000 pixel format with RGB color and under 512KB. Use JPEG or PNG for best results.
Show notes and chapters: Write a short description, list resources, and add timestamped sections. This helps listeners navigate your content.
Metadata: Your title, categories, language, and episode details help listeners find your show and help search engines index it correctly.
Choosing Your Podcast Hosting Platform
A podcast hosting platform is where your episodes live online. It’s responsible for generating your RSS feed, which sends your episodes to podcast directories automatically.
Popular podcast hosting platforms for beginners include Riverside, Buzzsprout, Podbean, and Spotify for Creators. A quality host should provide reliable storage, streaming support, and effortless distribution. For 2026, the best podcast hosting platforms for beginners also include integrated editing, analytics, and one-click publishing options.
Consider these factors when choosing a podcast hosting service:
Integrated RSS generation and automatic directory submission.
Built-in analytics to track plays and listener demographics.
Scalability to support growth or video podcasting.
Understanding the RSS Feed
Your podcast’s RSS feed is the backbone of podcast distribution. It’s a special link that directories like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube use to identify and pull new episodes automatically.
Once your RSS feed is generated by your host, you can submit it to any directory that supports podcasting. After your show is approved, every new episode you upload will appear automatically in all your connected directories.
How to Publish a Podcast Step by Step
If you’re ready to start podcast publishing, follow this complete step-by-step process. This approach works for both audio and video-based podcasts.
Step 1: Record and Finalize Your Episode
Start by recording your podcast. Use a quiet room and a reliable microphone. You can edit your episode using native apps like Riverside, Audacity, or Descript. When you finish editing, export your file in a supported format, such as MP3, WAV, or MP4.
Step 2: Upload to Your Podcast Host
Log in to your hosting service and upload the finalized episode. Add your title, description, season number, and custom thumbnail. You can automatically generate transcripts or show notes using AI tools built into certain hosting services.
Step 3: Connect Your Host to Directories
Once your first episode is uploaded, most hosts display an RSS feed link. Copy this link and use it to submit your podcast to major directories like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Some hosts offer one-click publishing for faster distribution.
Step 4: Wait for Directory Approval
Each directory reviews submissions before they go live. Spotify and YouTube generally approve immediately, while Apple Podcasts and TuneIn may take anywhere from 24 hours to 10 days.
Step 5: Claim Your Podcast on Each Platform
After your podcast appears, claim ownership through each platform’s dashboard. Doing this unlocks your analytics tools, allowing you to track total downloads, listener retention, and engagement trends.
How to Publish a Podcast on Major Platforms
The process is similar across most podcast directories, but a few differences are worth noting.
How to Publish a Podcast on Spotify
Spotify is one of the top platforms for both audio and video shows. If your host integrates directly with Spotify, you can automatically push new episodes through your host’s dashboard. To publish manually, go to Spotify for Creators and add your show’s RSS feed link. Verify ownership and complete the submission form to make your show live. Spotify processes new submissions almost instantly.
How to Publish a Podcast on Apple Podcasts
Apple Podcasts remains one of the most trusted directories. To publish, log in to Podcast Connect using an Apple ID. Add your show by selecting “Add a show with an RSS feed,” paste your RSS feed link, and click “Validate.” Once approved, your podcast will appear in the Apple ecosystem across all iOS and macOS devices within a few days.
How to Publish a Podcast on YouTube
Since YouTube added dedicated podcast support, it’s become a primary platform for video podcasters. You can upload episodes manually through YouTube Studio or submit your RSS feed through the “New Podcast” option. Verify your show, choose how you want episodes to appear, and publish. YouTube provides instant publication for most verified accounts and supports resolutions up to 4K.
What Happens After Publishing a Podcast
After your podcast is published, directories take a short time to sync. Depending on the directory, your show may go live within hours or days. Once this happens, your main focus should shift to consistency, promotion, and analyzing your data.
Accessing Podcast Analytics
Analytics are vital to long-term growth. You can measure:
Listener locations and demographics
Average listening duration
Episode performance by platform
Retention and skip rates
Look for trends in episodes that perform well, and adjust your topics and formats accordingly. Most hosting platforms and directories like Spotify and Apple provide built-in analytics dashboards.
How to Promote and Monetize Your Podcast
Publishing is only half the journey. Promotion and monetization are essential for long-term success.
How to Promote Your Podcast Effectively
Promote your podcast by actively engaging with your audience across channels.
Submit your show to as many directories as possible.
Repackage clips into YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and TikToks.
Collaborate with other podcasters in your niche.
SEO-optimize your podcast website using episode transcripts for extra visibility.
Launch a weekly newsletter to keep your audience updated.
How to Monetize Your Podcast
Even as a beginner, you can start earning revenue from your podcast by diversifying your monetization strategies.
Sponsorships: Partner with brands that match your show’s topic.
Donations: Create direct support links using Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee.
Ads: Leverage programmatic advertising offered through your host or Spotify’s ad marketplace.
Merchandise: Sell branded items to strengthen community engagement.
Monetization takes time, but consistent publishing and audience trust are the foundations of financial growth.
Troubleshooting Common Podcast Publishing Problems
Sometimes, you might face technical or submission issues. Here’s how to fix frequent obstacles:
Podcast not appearing: Wait up to 10 days for manual reviews on larger platforms like Apple Podcasts.
Cover art rejection: Ensure your file meets size and format guidelines.
RSS feed errors: Validate your feed online using tools like Podbase or Cast Feed Validator.
Broken links: Check that each episode URL is accessible by your hosting platform.
FAQs About Publishing a Podcast
Can You Publish a Podcast for Free?
Yes, you can publish a podcast at no cost by using a free podcast hosting plan. Many platforms, such as Spotify for Creators or Podbean, provide limited free storage options. However, paid plans often include better features, longer storage, and enhanced analytics.
How Do You Publish a Video Podcast?
Video podcasting is gaining popularity. To publish one, use a host that supports video formats and submit your RSS feed to video-ready directories like YouTube and Spotify. Video podcasts help boost engagement by combining audio storytelling with visual impact.
Can You Change Hosts Later?
Yes, you can switch hosts anytime. Export your episodes, import them into your new host, and set a 301 redirect from your old RSS feed to the new one. The redirect ensures subscribers continue receiving new episodes automatically.
Do You Need a Website to Publish a Podcast?
While not mandatory, having a website improves credibility and SEO. It also acts as a central hub where listeners can find your episodes, show notes, and subscription links.
Conclusion:
Learning how to publish a podcast step by step no longer needs to feel overwhelming. By choosing a reliable podcast hosting platform, generating a valid RSS feed, and submitting it to major directories, you can distribute your show worldwide. Focus on consistency, use analytics to refine your strategy, and continue promoting your episodes across social media and your website. With time and dedication, your podcast can build a loyal audience and even become a new revenue stream in 2026 and beyond.
