Dont get into this misconception that podcast directories such as Apple podcasts, google podcasts, and Spotify host your audio files. They don’t. They just read the RSS feed of the audio files hosted on your podcast host.

You can not directly upload a podcast to Apple podcasts or any other podcast-listening apps.

The Uploading process of a podcast works like this: You sign up for a podcast hosting service(For Example, Buzzsprout), and You upload the audio files to the podcast host>Your podcast host automatically creates a podcast RSS feed for you to submit on major podcast listening apps (For Example, podcasts) to get listed your show on those platforms.

Every time you upload a new podcast episode to the host, your podcast host automatically creates and updates a unique RSS feed, and podcast directories update your show listing with the new episode accordingly.

In this guide, I’ll show you the exact process of publishing your podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.

How To Publish A Podcast

The very first step of publishing a podcast to a major podcast distribution platform is choosing a podcast host to store audio files. Buzzsprout is the most easy to podcast hosting platform in 2024. Sign up with them and upload your first episode immediately; they will create an RSS feed for the show so that you can list your show on platforms like Apple podcasts, google podcasts, Spotify, and many more.

Buzzsprout is so simple and easy to use as a podcast host. I use it to host my podcast. Use this link to get a $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up. You will have all advanced features such as stats, easy podcast RSS feed submission to podcast directories, the ability to connect a custom domain, monetization opportunities, and more. Read our Buzzsprout review here.

Submit RSS Feed To Apple Podcasts

Apple Podcasts requires you to have at least one podcast episode published on your show to be listed on the platform. When you upload your first episodes to Buzzsprout, they will create a podcast RSS feed that you will submit to apple podcasts.

Plus, there are other requirements for submitting a podcast to Itunes that include:

• Apple ID ( create one here if you don’t have one)
• Podcast Episode Title
• Podcast Description
• Podcast Artwork (minimum 1400 x 1400 pixels, maximum 3000 x 3000 pixels)
• 3 Selected Category To describe Your podcast
• Language
• Explicit or Not Explicit

Most podcast hosts will make sure that you put all this information correctly to get listed on podcast-listening apps.

Here is how you will submit your RSS feed to Apple Podcasts:

1. Copy the podcast RSS feed from the directories tab of the Buzzsprout dashboard.

2. Paste your podcast RSS feed into the new feed section of Podcasts Connect.

3. They will allow you to see the final preview of the podcast cover art, title, description, episodes, and other information included with your feed. If everything looks fine, click on the “Submit” button.

Usually, they will take a few weeks to approve your podcast, so Just be patient to get listed your show on apple podcasts.

Submit RSS Feed To Google Podcasts

If you are using Buzzsprout free account, To get listed on your show on Google podcasts, they require you to have a paid subscription account.

Here is how you will submit your RSS feed to Google Podcasts:

1. log in to your Buzzsprout dashboard and copy the RSS feed from the directories tab.

2. Visit the Google Play Podcast Portal and Paste your podcast RSS feed

3. Click the “Submit RSS Feed” Button and Verify the podcast ownership.

4. Click “Publish Podcast.” usually, it takes a few days for Google to manually approve your podcast, so be patient.

Submit Your RSS Feed To Spotify

Buzzsprout makes it really easy to submit your show on Spotify. Visit the directories tab and copy the RSS feed from the dashboard. Under the directories tab, you will see a button that says, “Get listed on Spotify.” Visit the button, paste your RSS feed, and click submit the show. Your podcast will be listed on the Spotify platform within minutes.

Submit RSS Feed To Other Directories

Visit Your Buzzsprout account and click on the directories tab; you will see the options to submit your show on the platforms listed below.

• Amazon Music / Audible
• Stitcher
• iHeartRadio
• Pandora
• TuneIn + Alexa
• Podcast Addict
• Podchaser
• Pocket Casts
• Deezer
• Listen Notes
• Player FM
• Podcast Index

Right from the dashboard’s directories tab, copy the podcast RSS feed and paste it into the podcast directories tab.

Final Thoughts

In summary, the process of publishing a podcast is pretty easy and straightforward. Once you sign up for a podcast and upload at least one single podcast episode, they will create a podcast RSS feed for your show, and this is the thing you want to submit to podcast distribution platforms like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and more. Each time you publish a new podcast episode, they will read the rss feed and update the show in real time.