How to Start a Podcast on Spotify: Complete Guide for Creators
- Sam Hajighasem
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
If you want to start a podcast on Spotify, 2026 is an exceptional time to dive in. With over 600 million monthly listeners, Spotify offers creators one of the largest audiences in the world. Launching a podcast on Spotify is completely free and surprisingly easy, especially with new integrations for Creators. This comprehensive guide explains exactly how to start, upload, optimize, and monetize your podcast on Spotify, even if you're a complete beginner.
Why Start a Podcast on Spotify?
Spotify has evolved far beyond a music app. It’s now a complete podcast hosting platform with tools to record, distribute, and grow your show, all in one place. Whether you’re building a personal brand or launching content for your business, a podcast on Spotify helps you reach new listeners around the world.
Here’s why Spotify is ideal for creators:
Massive global reach across devices.
Built-in listener engagement tools like polls and comments.
Free hosting for audio and video episodes.
Monetization opportunities through subscriptions and ads.
Easy integration with Riverside for high-quality production.
By starting a podcast on Spotify, you aren’t just publishing content, you’re joining an ecosystem designed for continuous creator growth.
How to Start a Podcast on Spotify (Step-by-Step)
Starting your podcast on Spotify takes just a few steps when using Spotify for Creators, formerly Anchor. Here’s exactly what to do.
Step 1 – Create and Set Up Your Spotify Account
Go to Spotify for Podcasters and click “Get Started.” Log in with your existing Spotify account or create a new one. After signing in, select whether you want to start a new podcast or upload an existing one. Choose “Start a New Podcast” if you’re launching fresh content.
Next, fill in your basic details including the name, description, and podcast category. This information helps Spotify’s algorithm categorize your show correctly for search and discovery. Make sure your title includes your main keyword, such as podcast on Spotify, for better visibility.
Step 2 – Record Your First Podcast Episode
You can record directly on Spotify through its Riverside integration. To get started, click “Go to Riverside” inside the Spotify for Creators dashboard. You can record audio or video, invite guests, and edit your episode using powerful AI-enhanced tools.
If you already have your audio ready, click “Upload File.” For best results, follow Spotify’s audio specs: MP3 format, 128–192 kbps, and audio mastered at -14 LUFS. Always keep your True Peak below -1 dB to avoid distortion.
Step 3 – Edit and Polish Your Episode
Riverside’s Co-Creator AI makes editing easier than ever. You can use text-based editing to trim sections, remove long pauses, or clean up audio simply by typing prompts like “remove background noise” or “add intro music.”
This covers the basics of editing and polishing your episode. If you ever want a more refined, strategic finish such as advanced storytelling cuts, branded visuals, or platform-optimized clips, you can also work with professional service providers to elevate the final result.
Step 4 – Optimize Your Podcast Metadata
Metadata is crucial for podcast SEO and discoverability. When uploading, make sure to:
Use clear and keyword-rich titles.
Write concise, engaging descriptions using variations like spotify podcast app or podcast hosting platform.
Select accurate categories and tags.
Add high-quality cover art (3000x3000 pixels recommended).
Within Spotify, keywords in your titles and descriptions help the algorithm understand your content, increasing your chances of appearing in relevant podcast searches.
Step 5 – Publish and Distribute
Once your episode is ready, click “Publish.” You can release it immediately or schedule it for later. Spotify automatically distributes your podcast to listeners and updates whenever you upload new episodes.
If you have an existing podcast hosted elsewhere, simply link your RSS feed to Spotify. Go to Spotify for Creators, select “I already have a podcast,” and paste your feed link. Spotify will verify ownership and automatically import new episodes when they’re published.
How to Upload a Podcast to Spotify Using Riverside Hosting
If you use Riverside’s integrated hosting, you can record, edit, host, and publish directly to Spotify without third-party tools.
1. Log in to your Riverside account.
2. Go to the “Hosting” tab and click “Set up podcast.”
3. Add details such as title, description, and cover art.
4. Upload a new episode or pick one from your Riverside projects.
5. Click “Connect to Spotify” for one-click publishing.
6. Access your analytics under the “Hosting” dashboard to track streams, countries, and audience demographics.
Riverside hosting is not only convenient but also SEO-friendly, allowing for automatic metadata population and seamless RSS feed syncing.
Understanding Spotify’s Podcast Requirements
Before uploading to Spotify, ensure your files meet their format guidelines.
Audio Requirements
Supported formats: MP3, M4A, or WAV.
Recommended bitrate: 128 kbps or higher.
Maximum length: 12 hours per episode.
Master to -14 LUFS with True Peak below -1 dB.
Video Requirements
Supported formats: MOV or MP4.
Aspect ratio: 16:9.
Maximum bitrate: 25 Mbps for 1080p.
No size limit, but maximum length of 12 hours per file.
Cover Art and Metadata
Use JPEG or PNG format.
Best size is 3000x3000 pixels.
Include a podcast title, description, and at least one episode before submission.
If your content includes explicit language, mark it accordingly.
How to Optimize Your Podcast for Success
Publishing your podcast is just the first step. Optimizing it ensures growth and visibility.
SEO Optimization Tips for Spotify Podcasts
Use your main keyword podcast on Spotify in your title and description.
Incorporate related keywords like spotify for creators and podcast hosting.
Write scannable episode summaries using bullet points and timestamps.
Add transcripts to improve accessibility and SEO.
Choose the most relevant category and tags.
Audience Engagement Features
Spotify offers comments, polls, and Q&A features to help creators connect directly with listeners. Engaging your audience boosts algorithmic recommendations and listener retention.
Analytics and Performance Monitoring
Inside your Spotify for Creators dashboard, use spotify analytics to view:
Listener demographics and behavior.
Episode performance.
Stream and follower trends.
Use these insights to refine your topics, structure future episodes, and measure growth over time.
How to Monetize a Podcast on Spotify
Once your podcast gains traction, monetization becomes your next goal. Spotify provides multiple income channels.
1. Podcast Subscriptions
Offer exclusive content for a monthly fee. Spotify allows you to set subscription pricing and offer bonus material like behind-the-scenes talks or ad-free episodes.
2. Listener Support
Enable monthly listener donations to fund your production. This helps independent creators sustain consistent quality content.
3. Sponsored Ads and Affiliates
Partner with brands for paid placements. Spotify’s ad system can automatically match your show with suitable advertisers in selected countries like the U.S., UK, and Australia.
Combine these approaches with your own monetization strategies, such as merchandise sales, affiliate links, and membership tiers, to diversify your revenue.
Common Problems When Uploading and Their Fixes
RSS Feed Errors
If Spotify rejects your feed, it might be empty or missing required tags. Ensure at least one episode is uploaded before submitting your feed.
Missing Episodes or Upload Delays
Re-encode your file to MP3 at constant bitrate (128–192 kbps) and re-upload. Long processing times often result from incompatible formats.
Duplicate Listings
If your show appears more than once, claim it via Spotify for Creators using the same email tied to your RSS feed, or request a redirect from your old host.
How to Grow Your Podcast After Publishing
Growing your audience involves both consistency and creativity.
Promote Your Podcast on Social Media
Create short clips or highlight reels for Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube Shorts. Use the “Listen on Spotify” badge to link directly to your show.
Publish Consistently
Consistency signals reliability to both Spotify’s algorithm and your audience. Establish a regular posting schedule and maintain it.
Leverage Collaborative Episodes
Invite other creators to your show or participate in guest swaps. This cross-promotion introduces your content to new audiences and increases your follower count.
FAQs About Starting a Podcast on Spotify
How long does it take for a new episode to appear?
Most episodes appear on Spotify within a few hours, depending on server loads and verification.
How much does it cost to host a podcast on Spotify?
Hosting on Spotify is completely free. You can record and publish at no cost using Spotify for Creators.
Can I edit an episode after publishing?
Yes, you can replace audio, update titles, or edit show notes through your hosting platform or Riverside.
How does Spotify use my RSS feed?
Spotify continually checks your feed and automatically updates your podcast page when you publish new episodes, ensuring seamless distribution.
Conclusion
Starting a podcast on Spotify has never been easier. The platform offers all the tools you need to record, distribute, and grow your show for free. Whether you use the spotify podcast app or Riverside integration, your content can reach thousands of potential listeners within hours. Focus on producing engaging content, optimize your metadata, and use spotify analytics to keep improving. With consistent publishing and creative promotion, your podcast on Spotify can become a growing part of the global audio conversation in 2026 and beyond.
