Spotify for Podcasters is a great way to reach your audience without needing any fancy equipment. Once you have started your podcast, there are many ways you can market and promote it to reach as many people as possible.
We’ll tell you everything about how to podcast on Spotify and upload your new episode. You can also hear what seasoned podcasters think about the platform.
What are Spotify podcasts?
Spotify for podcasters offers a simple and free platform to host, create, and distribute your podcasts. It is suitable for both beginners and more experienced podcasters.
It gives you multiple options for growing your show and engaging your audience, as well as monetizing content. Some of the most notable features are:
- Show and Episode Analysis in Depth
- Money-making tools
- Recording and editing in-app (or platform)
- Share Q&As or polls with your audience to increase engagement
- Video episodes for an exclusive viewing experience for fans
If you already have a podcast host, then it is possible to upload the episodes directly via RSS or use Spotify as your platform.
Spotify RSS feeds: How do they work?
RSS is like a card that identifies your podcast. It’s like an address. There is only one RSS per podcast.
Each host will give you a unique code to copy and paste in different directories, such as from Apple Podcasts to Spotify. RSS feeds are automatically updated, so there’s no need to send your link more than once.
What are the requirements for Spotify podcasts?
To start a Spotify podcast, you must first ensure that your podcast meets Spotify’s podcast requirements. Here’s a quick rundown.
You should include:
- The title should include all relevant information (e.g. category, primary language).
- Cover art with a ratio of 1:1 and in PNG, JPEG or TIFF formats. Higher resolution is better.
- AAC or AAC-LC in MP4 format.
- The maximum duration of a single episode is 12 hours.
You’re now ready to upload the podcast. Follow the below steps.
How to start a podcast on Spotify
- Create a Spotify for podcasters account.
- Include information on your podcast.
- You can upload your files.
- Add Episode Information
- Your podcast can be shared on other directories.
1. Create a Spotify for podcasters account.
You’ll also need to have a Spotify for podcasters account in order to upload the podcast. This form allows you to register and choose “I would like to create a new podcast” or select “I already have one.”
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Clicking the first option will allow you to log into your Spotify account, or create one. Selecting the second option will allow you to select a podcast from the list, and then claim the show you want by entering your RSS feed.
Follow these steps to convert your podcast to Spotify.
2. Include information on your podcast.
You’ll need to add some information about your podcast when you create your account.
- Name of the podcast
- Description
- Cover Art
- Categories
- The Language of the Speaker
- Type of content (clean or explicit).
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3. You can upload your files.
You can edit and create a new episode if you have an existing podcast.
Click Quick Uploadand select an audio file or video to upload. Click to create an episode if you are starting from scratch.
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When creating an episode within the platform, you’ll land on a dashboard that lets you record or upload audio, add files you’ve previously uploaded to your library, and edit and add effects.
The drag-and-drop builder is an easy way to build all of your episodes, and you can preview it as many times as you’d like during your editing process.
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4. Add episode information.
Add an episode description and timeline when you are ready to publish. Note if it’s part of a show, what type of episode and whether or not the content is explicit.
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5. Share your podcast on other directories.
Once published, your podcast will be available to Spotify users globally. You’ll need to use your RSS feed link to share it on other platforms. On podcasters.spotify.com:
Click Settings, then Podcast Availability, then click RSS Distribution to get your unique link to paste in the designated distribution spot on other directories.
Switch to Spotify for Podcasts Hosting
If you already have a podcast host but want to switch to Spotify for Podcasts, the process is relatively easy and you won’t lose your existing episodes or profiles on other platforms. It’s a three step process:
- Go to Spotify for Podcasters switching page and use the search field to enter your unique RSS link or your podcast name.
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- Sign up for a Spotify for Podcasters account or import your podcast into an existing account.
- Redirect your RSS feed so it points to your new Spotify URL. The exact process for this final step varies by hosting provider, so it’s a best practice to follow their unique steps.
Once you’ve migrated successfully, you can use the platform for all it offers and upload audio or video or create a new episode with its built-in features.
Spotify for Podcasters: Expert Insight
I know that there are multiple podcast hosting platforms available, but I wanted to know what Spotify for Podcasts’ current users think, so I spoke to some experts.
Troy Sandidge, host of iDigress Podcast, says “Spotify for Podcasts provides a plethora of creative tools and features to share your podcast episodes.”
Sandidge says the platform is especially useful for minority-led podcasters: “They [Spotify for Podcasters] have programs like the “Making Space” initiative that literally helps podcasters find free places where they can record episodes. That is by far such a phenomenal way to make things more accessible for those who may not have the same financial ability to start, but this provides an equity pathway for more creatives to proceed.”
Al and Leanne Elliot, hosts of Truth, Lies, and Workplace Culture, also use the platform: “We’ve had Spotify as part of our Podcast Distribution mix since the beginning of Truth Lies & Work podcast, and although it’s no ‘silver bullet’ for podcast reach, we’ve seen huge advantages to using it.”
They say, “[Spotify for Podcasts] continues to unveil new features that help podcast creators and encourage listeners to swap to the platform