How to Upload a Podcast to Spotify: A Comprehensive Tutorial

Podcasting has exploded in popularity over the past decade, making platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and others prime destinations...

Podcasting has exploded in popularity over the past decade, making platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and others prime destinations for podcasters to host and distribute their content. This guide will walk you through how to upload a podcast to Spotify and answer crucial questions like costs involved and the top hosting providers you should consider.

Is it free to upload a podcast to Spotify?

Yes, it is entirely free to upload your podcast to Spotify. However, you need a podcast hosting account with an RSS feed to post your podcast on Spotify. While Spotify doesn't directly charge for uploading podcasts, costs may arise from the podcast hosting platform you choose.

How do I upload a podcast directly to Spotify?

1. Create your own podcast: Craft your successful podcast show, including high-quality audio files, catchy podcast title, compelling cover art (either JPEG or PNG), and transcription for accessibility.
2. Find a podcast hosting service: Spotify uses RSS feeds from your podcast hosting provider to update your show. When you upload a new episode to your hosting site, Spotify automatically updates your podcast.
3. Prepare your podcast RSS feed: Once you've picked a podcast hosting service, create a new podcast RSS feed. Ensure that the feed includes details like your podcast title, primary language, primary category (and any sub-categories), and demographic information.
4. Setup a Podcasters account on Spotify: Create a Spotify account specifically for podcasters.
5. Submit your podcast to Spotify: Log into your podcasters account on Spotify. Click on 'Add or Claim Your Podcast' then enter your podcast RSS feed link.
6. Confirm podcast details: Spotify will then fetch details from your podcast feed. Confirm these details, including podcast title, description, and cover art.
7. Submit your podcast: Finally, accept the terms and conditions and click 'Submit'. Spotify will review your podcast, and once approved, it will appear on Spotify within a few hours to a few days.
8. Promote your podcast: Share your podcast on social media, Amazon, your website, and more to attract podcast listeners.

What does it cost to post a podcast on Spotify?

While it's free to post a podcast on Spotify, costs may arise from hosting services. Some services like Anchor (owned by Spotify) are free, while others like Buzzsprout, Podbean, or Castos offer free tiers but also premium options with additional features.

Top 8 Podcast Hosting Platforms

1. Anchor: This all-in-one platform, owned by Spotify, allows podcasters to host, distribute, monetize, and gain insights into their podcast demographics.
2. Buzzsprout: Offering both free and paid plans, Buzzsprout provides advanced features like episode chapter markers, transcription services, and a customizable podcast website.
3. Podbean: With unlimited hosting services, distribution and promotional tools, monetization, and comprehensive podcast stats, Podbean stands as a popular choice for many podcasters.
4. Castos: Castos offers unlimited podcasts and episodes, detailed analytics, automatic podcast transcriptions, and integrations with WordPress.
5. Transistor: Known for hosting podcasts that scale, Transistor offers unlimited shows, multiple users, and built-in analytics.
6. Simplecast: With one-click publishing to major listening platforms, comprehensive analytics, and a sleek embed player, Simplecast is a great option for podcasters of all sizes.
7. Spreaker: Besides hosting, Spreaker also includes a podcasting app that lets you record shows directly from your smartphone.
8. Libsyn: As one of the oldest and most reputable podcast hosting sites, Libsyn offers advanced distribution opportunities, including Spotify, iTunes, and Google Podcasts.

Remember, the key to a successful podcast lies not only in the content you produce but also how you distribute it. With Spotify as one of the leading podcast apps, leveraging it as a listening platform could significantly boost your podcast's visibility and success. Happy podcasting!