How to Publish a Podcast on Spotify: Step-by-Step (2025)
- Sam Hajighasem
- 14 hours ago
- 8 min read
If you’re wondering how to publish a podcast on Spotify, you’re in the right place. This step-by-step 2025 guide walks you through everything from choosing a podcast host and creating your RSS feed to meeting Spotify’s specs, submitting your show, and speeding up approvals. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to publish a podcast on Spotify and how to distribute that same RSS feed to Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music, and TuneIn for maximum reach.
Pro tip: You only upload an episode once to your podcast host. Your host then updates your podcast RSS feed, and directories like Spotify pull new episodes automatically. That’s why picking the right podcast host (sometimes called a podcast host service) is the first, most important step to publishing a podcast.
What You Need Before You Publish (Host, RSS, Cover Art, Compliance)
Before you submit to Spotify or any podcast publishing platform, make sure these essentials are ready:
A polished audio or video file for your episode. Common audio formats: MP3, WAV. Common video formats: MP4, MOV.
A podcast host that supports byte-range requests (so listeners can stream). Examples include Spotify for Podcasters (formerly Anchor), Buzzsprout, Podbean, and others.
Your podcast RSS feed (generated by your host). You’ll paste this feed URL into Spotify, Apple Podcasts Connect, YouTube, Amazon Music, and TuneIn.
Square cover art (1:1). Recommended safe range: 1400×1400 up to 3000×3000 pixels. PNG or JPG.
Accurate metadata: show title, description, language, categories, author, and an explicit/clean tag.
At least one published episode in your host so directories can validate your feed.
Nice-to-haves that improve discoverability and user experience:
Transcripts for accessibility and SEO (many hosts and tools can auto-generate).
Episode show notes with links, resources, and a single clear call-to-action (CTA).
A simple podcast website or landing page for your show.
How to Publish a Podcast on Spotify (2025)
Publishing on Spotify can be near-instant once your feed and files meet spec. Here’s the process using Spotify for Podcasters:
Step 1: Create or log in to Spotify for Podcasters
Visit Spotify for Podcasters with your Spotify account. If you plan to use Spotify as your podcast host, you can create a new show and upload episodes directly from this dashboard.
Step 2: Add your show
Click Add a show. Choose either:
I host with Spotify for Podcasters (direct upload/management), or
I host somewhere else (submit your podcast via RSS).
Step 3: Verify and connect your RSS feed (if hosted elsewhere)
Paste your podcast RSS feed URL from your host. Spotify will email a verification code to the address in your feed. Enter the code to prove ownership.
Step 4: Complete your show details
Fill in your show’s title, description, category, language, and location. Upload your cover art if needed. Confirm explicit/clean tags.
Step 5: Submit and go live
Click Submit. For most shows, Spotify listings appear quickly once your feed validates and your first episode is live. From now on, every new episode you publish through your host will auto-appear on Spotify.
What audio and cover art specs does Spotify require?
Audio
Formats: MP3, WAV, or MP4 (with AAC)
Bitrate: 96–320 kbps (128 kbps+ recommended)
Max length: Up to ~12 hours per episode (file-size dependent)
Cover Art
Formats: JPG, PNG, or TIFF
Size: Between 640×640 and 10,000×10,000 pixels (square)
Metadata
Title (avoid excessive special characters; encode where needed)
Description (clear and accurate)
At least 1 published episode in your feed
Video (Optional)
Formats: MP4 or MOV
Resolution: 1080p, 16:9
Encoding: H.264 High Profile, 25–35 Mbps recommended
Sync: Separate, synchronized audio and video tracks if you record multi-track video
Can I publish a video podcast, and which platforms support it?
Yes. Spotify supports video podcasts, as do YouTube and Apple Podcasts. If you’re recording video, follow Spotify’s 1080p H.264 guidance and ensure your artwork and metadata meet spec. On YouTube, you can upload full video episodes or use your RSS feed to auto-import audio with a static image.
Bonus: One-Click Publish to Spotify with Riverside
If you record in Riverside, you can host a new show from its Hosting tab and one-click publish to Spotify (and also connect Apple Podcasts and YouTube). The workflow is:
Set up your show (name, description, categories, cover art)
Pick your exported episode, add title/season/episode type, thumbnail, and notes
Click Connect to Spotify to publish now or schedule for later
This saves time by keeping recording, editing, hosting, and distribution in one place.
Do I Need a Podcast Host, or Can I Upload Directly to Spotify/Apple/YouTube?
Podcast Host vs Directory (the quick difference): A podcast host stores your audio/video files and generates your podcast RSS feed. A podcast directory (like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, TuneIn) lists your show and plays episodes by pulling from your host. In other words, hosts store; directories distribute.
Uploading directly to Spotify: Possible if you use Spotify for Podcasters as your host. You’ll manage everything from Spotify’s dashboard.
Apple Podcasts: Requires an RSS feed via Apple Podcasts Connect, so you still need a host (unless your host has a native integration to submit for you).
YouTube: Supports uploading directly or importing via RSS through YouTube Studio. If you want an audio-first workflow, RSS import is convenient.
Publish Everywhere After Spotify (Apple, YouTube, Amazon Music, TuneIn)
To maximize reach, submit your podcast RSS feed to more directories after Spotify. Here are quick-start checklists using the most common requirements and steps.
Apple Podcasts quick-submit checklist
Requirements: RSS 2.0-compliant feed, title, description, author tag, language tag, explicit/clean tag, cover art 1400×1400 to 3000×3000 (JPEG/PNG)
Submission steps:
1) Create or use a dedicated Apple ID and log in to Apple Podcasts Connect.
2) Click the + icon > Add a show with an RSS feed.
3) Paste your RSS URL and click Validate.
4) Resolve any errors, then Submit.
Approval time: Commonly 24–48 hours; first-time shows can take up to 10 business days.
YouTube Podcasts quick-submit checklist
Requirements: Title, description, language, category; YouTube will use your uploaded video or create a static image if importing by RSS.
Submission steps:
1) Open YouTube Studio > Create > New Podcast.
2) Choose Submit an RSS feed and accept terms.
3) Paste your RSS URL, verify email ownership, and choose which episodes to import (all, new only, or from a date).
4) Set visibility and Save.
Approval time: Often immediate after verification.
Amazon Music & TuneIn quick-submit checklist
Amazon Music & Audible
Requirements: MP3/M4A/MP4/WMA/FLAC/OGG/ALAC audio; 1400–3000 px square artwork; at least one episode; compliant content.
Steps: Go to Amazon Music for Podcasters > Add or Claim Your Podcast > paste RSS > accept terms > confirm via email.
Approval time: Typically under 24 hours.
TuneIn
Requirements: MP3 or M4A; square cover art (1400×1400+); title, description, language, genre; at least one episode.
Steps: Create a Broadcaster Portal account > submit RSS URL and details > accept terms > and wait for email approval.
Approval time: Can take up to 10 business days for new shows.
How long does Apple Podcasts or TuneIn take to approve a new show?
Apple Podcasts: Usually 24–48 hours, but allow up to 10 business days for a first submission.
TuneIn: Often several days; allow up to 10 business days.
Troubleshooting: Why Hasn’t My Podcast Appeared Yet?
If your listing or latest episode isn’t showing, check these common culprits:
No episode in feed: Most directories won’t accept a feed without at least one published episode.
Cover art violations: Wrong dimensions, file type, or non-compliant imagery.
Metadata issues: Missing language/author tags (Apple), incorrect explicit/clean setting, or titles with disallowed characters.
RSS validation errors: Use your host’s validator or a third-party tool to identify malformed tags.
Caching delays: Directories cache feeds; new episodes can take a few hours to appear.
301 redirect or migration in progress: If you recently moved hosts, set a proper 301 redirect and keep the old feed live until changes propagate. Search for “podcast migration 301 redirect” in your host’s help docs.
Email verification missed: Look for verification or approval emails in spam/promotions.
Optimization Tips to Rank and Grow on Spotify
Use these best practices to stand out in search results and build loyal listeners.
1) Nail your naming and metadata
Clear, searchable show titles outperform clever but vague names. Include your topic and audience e.g., “Mental Health for Lawyers.”
Keep episode titles concise and descriptive. Avoid all caps and excessive punctuation.
Choose accurate categories and language tags to improve discovery.
2) Publish consistently
Data suggests weekly releases help habit-building. Publishing frequency data: 3–7 days (36%) and 8–14 days (39%) are the most common cadences.
Plan a realistic schedule you can sustain for 50+ episodes. Consistency beats sporadic bursts.
3) Hit the sweet spot on episode length
Popular durations cluster around 20–40 minutes (31%) and 40–60 minutes (22%). Your ideal length depends on your audience and format; prioritize quality and pacing.
4) Upgrade production where it matters
Use a dynamic mic (less room noise) and record locally for clean audio. Budget picks: Samson Q2U (~$70) or upgrade later to a broadcast-style mic.
Edit content first (tighten structure), then polish audio (remove noise, level volume).
Export to WAV, let your host handle conversion/ID3 tagging.
5) Add transcripts and strong show notes
Transcripts improve accessibility and can boost search visibility.
Write skimmable show notes with keywords (“how to publish podcast on Spotify,” “podcast RSS feed,” “podcast host”) and a single CTA (e.g., join your email list or download a checklist).
6) Leverage analytics to refine your content
Claim your show in Spotify for Podcasters to unlock podcast analytics: listener demographics, plays, retention, and devices.
Watch episode drop-off points and test tighter openings, clearer hooks, and sharper topic focus.
7) Monetize smartly with dynamic ad insertion (DAI)
DAI places ads across your entire catalog and can expire by date or plays—more flexible than baked-in ads.
Start with in-house sponsors and simple host-read spots; iterate based on listener feedback and performance.
8) Multiply reach with YouTube clips
Even audio-first shows can grow by posting short video clips (reels/shorts) and clean audiograms. Avoid visuals-only callouts that alienate audio listeners.
Once your show is live, learn how to promote it effectively in our guide on podcast marketing to increase visibility and growth.
FAQ: Quick Answers to Common Publishing Questions
What is the difference between a podcast host and a podcast directory?
A podcast host stores your media files and generates an RSS feed (your show’s source of truth). A podcast directory (Spotify, Apple, TuneIn) lists and distributes your show to listeners by pulling from your RSS feed.
Do I need a podcast host, or can I upload directly to Spotify/Apple/YouTube?
Spotify: You can host directly on Spotify for Podcasters or submit an RSS from another host.
Apple Podcasts: Requires an RSS feed submitted via Apple Podcasts Connect.
YouTube: Either upload directly to YouTube Studio or import via RSS.
How long does Apple Podcasts or TuneIn take to approve a new show?
Apple: Typically 24–48 hours; allow up to 10 business days.
TuneIn: Can take up to 10 business days.
What audio and cover art specs does Spotify require?
Audio: MP3/WAV/MP4 (AAC), 96–320 kbps, up to ~12 hours.
Cover art: Square JPG/PNG/TIFF between 640×640 and 10,000×10,000 px.
Video: MP4/MOV, 1080p, H.264 High Profile.
Can I publish a video podcast, and which platforms support it?
Yes. Spotify, YouTube, and Apple support video podcasts. Follow each platform’s specs.
Do I need to submit my podcast to each platform manually?
Many hosts offer one-click distribution to major directories. If your host doesn’t support a specific directory, submit your RSS manually once; future episodes will appear automatically.
Can I change hosts after I’ve submitted my podcast?
Yes. Migrate your media to the new host, then set a 301 redirect from your old RSS to the new RSS. Keep the old feed active until the directories update.
Do I need a website to publish a podcast?
Not required. But a lightweight site improves discoverability, centralizes your content, and helps with lead capture and SEO.
Conclusion:
Publishing your show doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’re asking how to publish a podcast on Spotify, the fastest path is simple: choose a reliable podcast host, validate your RSS feed, meet Spotify’s audio/video and cover art specs, and submit through Spotify for Podcasters. Once you’re live on Spotify, use the same RSS feed to submit to Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music, and TuneIn so every new episode you upload to your host publishes everywhere automatically. Follow the optimization tips above to improve discoverability, understand your podcast analytics, and grow faster in 2025.
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