Six Steps on How to Upload Podcast to Spotify

How to Upload a Podcast to Spotify: Step-by-Step Guide

Uploading your podcast to Spotify is a key step if you want to reach a wide audience. Spotify is one of the most popular platforms for listeners around the world (Statista, 2023). This guide shows you how to upload your podcast to Spotify in simple, easy-to-follow steps.

Podcast Preparation Checklist

Before you upload your podcast, make sure you’ve completed the following:

• Written and recorded at least one full episode, though having multiple ready helps create a better launch.
• Used a good-quality microphone for clear sound.
• Edited your recordings for the best listening experience.
• Created a transcript of your episode. Transcription services improve accessibility and help with SEO.
• Prepared eye-catching cover art for your podcast.

Remember, a strong first episode helps encourage listeners to come back for more.

Why List Your Podcast on Spotify?

Spotify acts as a huge directory, helping millions of users discover podcasts easily. Here’s why it’s important to get listed:

• Spotify is one of the largest podcast platforms worldwide.
• Listing helps new audiences find your show.
• Adds credibility and professionalism to your podcast.
• Boosts reputation and organic reach (Edison Research, 2022).

Getting Your Podcast Ready for Spotify

Spotify has specific rules for podcasts to make sure all content is easy to access and high quality. Here’s what you need:

Audio Format Requirements

• Use MP3 files with at least 128kbps bitrate or MP4 files with AAC-LC encoding.
• Each episode must not exceed about 12 hours or 2GB at 320kbps.

Podcast Cover Art

• Use a 1:1 ratio image (square) as your cover art.
• Format can be JPEG, PNG, or TIFF.
• Save your image at the highest quality possible.

Metadata and Descriptions

• Unique podcast title in your RSS feed.
• Description for each episode.
• Cover art added to your RSS feed’s metadata.
• All visible text elements—except descriptions—must not exceed 20 characters.

If your podcast host partners with Spotify (like BuzzSprout or Podbean), uploading directly from your host is even easier.

Step-by-Step: How to Upload a Podcast to Spotify

Follow these steps to list your podcast on Spotify:

1. Create a Dedicated Spotify Account
   • Do not use your personal Spotify account for your podcast.
   • Use the same email address as your podcast host for easy management.
   • Review and accept Spotify’s terms of service.
2. Access Spotify for Podcasters
   • Visit the Spotify for Podcasters page and click “Get Started.”
3. Submit Your Podcast RSS Feed
   • Paste your RSS feed link into the box provided and click “Next.”
   • You will see a preview of your podcast’s artwork and description.
   • If you receive an error, make sure your email is verified and at least one episode exists in your RSS feed.
4. Verify Ownership
   • Spotify sends a verification code to the email linked to your RSS feed.
   • Check your email, copy the code, and paste it into the Spotify portal.
5. Add Podcast Details
   • Select your country, language, and show categories.
   • Review your show’s information.
6. Submit and Launch
   • Once you are satisfied with all details, click “Submit.”

After submitting, check Spotify regularly to see when your show is live. Spotify does not send notifications when your podcast goes public. Share your live podcast on your social media to boost listener numbers.

Adding New Episodes to Spotify

• Upload new episodes to your podcast host as usual.
• Spotify pulls new episodes automatically using your RSS feed.
• No need to repeat the Spotify upload steps for each new episode.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a new episode to appear on Spotify?

Spotify checks and updates podcast feeds daily. Expect new episodes to appear within 24 hours after uploading to your host.

Will I receive a notification when my podcast goes live?

No, Spotify does not notify you when your show is live. Check your podcast listing on Spotify manually.

Can I monetize my podcast on Spotify?

Yes, starting in April 2021, Spotify introduced podcast monetization tools through Anchor. These include paid subscriptions, making it possible to earn revenue based on your listeners (Spotify for Podcasters).

• Create paid content for subscribers.
• Add ad reads or seek sponsors for additional revenue.
• Promote Patreon content or sell digital products and merchandise.

How do I track podcast performance on Spotify?

Log into your Spotify for Podcasters dashboard to access show and episode statistics. Your host may also offer detailed metrics.

Where can I find the “Listen on Spotify” badge for my website?

• Access the badge from your Spotify dashboard under the "Details" tab.
• Add the badge as an image to your site and link it to your Spotify show URL.

Enhance Your Podcast Accessibility and Reach

To reach more listeners, consider making your podcast accessible:

• Add closed captions or subtitles with each episode for people with hearing loss and for those who prefer reading.
• Use professional transcription services to create podcast transcripts for SEO and wider reach.
• Translate your content with text translation services or provide translations of your audio for global audiences (audio translation service).
• Consider automated solutions like AI transcription subscription for fast and accurate results.

Conclusion

Learning how to upload a podcast to Spotify lets you reach millions of potential listeners. Preparing your episodes well and ensuring clarity, accessibility, and professionalism are vital steps. To enhance your podcast’s success, add transcripts, captions, and translations to every episode.

For all your transcription, captioning, and translation needs, GoTranscript provides reliable and expert solutions.

Ready to take your podcast to the next level? Order transcription or order captions today to ensure your digital show is accessible and professional from launch.