How To Upload Your Podcast To Spotify

Niek Leermakers
Niek Leermakers
Posted in Podcasting
17 min read
Spotify logo

A comprehensive guide on understanding Spotify for podcasters, from submission to promotion.

Spotify is a digital music, podcast, and video streaming service that gives you access to millions of songs and other content from creators all over the world. Initially launched in 2008, Spotify is now one of the leading platforms for consuming audio recordings. It's available in 79 countries and has an active user base of over 345 million as of 2021, making it a prime platform for podcasters.

Podcasts have seen a significant surge in popularity over the past few years, and Spotify has been a significant player in this growth. The platform has more than 2.2 million podcast titles and continues to grow, making it a hub for both podcast creators and listeners. From a creator's perspective, getting your podcast on Spotify can assist you reach vast and diverse people, giving your recording the exposure it needs to grow and thrive.

One of the major reasons your podcast should be on Spotify is its user-friendly interface and wide reach. Spotify makes it easy for users to discover new podcasts, thanks to its recommendation algorithm. This means that even if a listener hasn't heard of your podcast, Spotify might suggest it to them based on their previous listening habits. This feature can assist attract new people to your podcast.

In addition, Spotify offers a range of analytics and marketing tools for creators. These tools can provide valuable insights into your audience's listening habits, helping you understand what they enjoy and how you can better cater to their interests. With Spotify, not only can you reach wider people, but you can also engage with them more effectively.

In conclusion, Spotify is a powerful platform for creators. Its vast user base, user-friendly interface, and innovative software for creators make it a fantastic platform to host your podcast. Now that you understand what Spotify is and why your podcast should be there, let's delve into the step-by-step guide on how to get your podcast on Spotify.

Setting Up Your Podcast for Spotify: Technical Requirements

To ensure your podcast is ready for Spotify, you need to meet certain technical requirements. First, it's essential to have a valid RSS tab for your podcast. The RSS tab is the tool that will enable Spotify and other podcast platforms to pull your recording and make it available to people. Be sure your podcast host is compatible with Spotify and can generate an RSS tab for you. Most hosting platforms such as Libsyn, Podbean, and Anchor, to name a few, are compatible with Spotify.

Secondly, your podcast needs to have at least one live episode. Spotify won't accept an empty tab, so be sure you have at least one episode published on your RSS tab before you try to submit your podcast. This episode doesn't have to be long or elaborate; even a brief introductory episode will suffice.

Additionally, your podcast must adhere to Spotify's publish format specifications. Your podcast episodes should be in an MP3 format with bit rates between 96 and 320 kbps. Spotify recommends a bit rate of 160 kbps for optimum audio quality. Your podcast's artwork should be a square jpeg or PNG file with a size of at least 1400 x 1400 pixels and not more than 3000 x 3000 pixels.

Lastly, it's crucial to understand that the podcast guidelines on Spotify require explicit recordings to be marked as such. If your podcast contains anything explicit and it's not marked, Spotify may remove your recording. Be sure to accurately label your podcast to avoid any potential problems down the line.

These technical requirements may seem daunting at first glance, but most podcast hosting websites will help guide you through the process and ensure your podcast meets these standards. By ensuring your podcast meets Spotify's technical requirements, you'll be one step closer to reaching wider people with your upload.

You must fulfill certain technical requirements, such as having a working RSS feed, one live episode, and adhering to Spotify's content format guidelines for your podcast to be approved for Spotify

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Submit Your Podcast to Spotify

Spotify podcast submission is a seamless process that can be broken down into several steps. Here's a guide on how to submit your podcast to Spotify.

  1. Prepare Your Podcast Details. Before you start, be sure you have all the necessary details about your podcast ready. This includes your podcast title, description, podcast cover art, language, and category. Your title should be catchy and your description should be informative enough to let people know what they can expect. The cover art should be eye-catching and relevant to your podcast's theme.

  2. Sign Up for a Spotify for Podcasters Account. To get your podcast on Spotify, you need to have a Spotify for creators account. Visit the Spotify for creators website and click on "Get Started." Follow the prompts to sign up for an account. If you already have a Spotify account, you can use it to log in.

  3. Submit Your Podcast’s RSS Feed. After signing up and logging into your account, click on "Get Started" to submit a new podcast. You will be asked to enter your podcast's RSS feed. Paste your RSS tab into the text box provided. Be sure your RSS tab is correctly formatted and includes all the necessary tags that Spotify requires.

  4. Verify Your Podcast. Once you've submitted your RSS tab, Spotify will send a confirmation code to the email address associated with your podcast's RSS tab. Check your email for the code, copy it, and paste it into the verification box on the Spotify for Creators page. Click "Next" to proceed.

  5. Review and Submit Your Podcast. You will now be asked to review all the information about your podcast. Confirm everything is correct. This is the info that will be visible to listeners on Spotify. Once you're satisfied that everything is accurate, click on "Submit." Spotify will then review your submission and, if approved, your podcast will be available on Spotify within a few hours to a few days.

Remember, Spotify podcast submission is only the beginning. To gain substantial listeners, you will need to regularly create engaging recordings and actively promote your podcast. Happy podcasting!

Adding your podcast to Spotify is a simple process that involves a few steps, such as compiling your podcast information and uploading it

Navigating Through Spotify for Podcasters Dashboard

We'll be diving into the Spotify for Podcasters Dashboard here. Once your podcast has been approved by Spotify, you'll gain access to this feature-rich dashboard. This is where you're going to manage your show, analyze your fans, and monitor your performance on Spotify. Understanding how to effectively navigate through this dashboard is crucial for successfully managing your podcast and growing your listener base.

When you first log in, you'll be greeted by the 'Overview' page. Here, you'll see a snapshot of your podcast's performance. This includes metrics like total streams, total listeners, and total followers. At a glance, you'll be able to see how your podcast is doing overall. You can select specific series to see their performance as well.

Next, you'll see the 'Episodes' tab. As the name suggests, this is where you can manage your series. You'll see a list of all your published series, along with their performance data. You can sort them based on release date, title, total streams, or total fans. You can also click on each episode to see more detailed analytics, like how long people are tuning in and where they're listening from.

Then, there's the 'Audience' tab. This is where you can get to know your fans better. Spotify provides you with data about your fans' age, gender, location, and even the type of device they're using to listen to your podcast. This info is invaluable for tailoring your recording to your fans and creating a more personalized experience for them.

Finally, the 'Catalog' tab is where you can add new episodes, schedule future releases, and manage your show info. This includes your show's title, description, category, language, and explicit recording setting. You can also add or change your show's cover art here.

Navigating through the Spotify for Creators Dashboard may seem daunting at first, but it's quite intuitive once you get the hang of it. By understanding your dashboard, you can leverage the wealth of data Spotify provides to optimize your podcast and engage your fans more effectively.

The Spotify for Podcasters dashboard is where you will manage your program, track your listenership, and keep an eye on your performance

Maximizing Visibility: How to Promote Your Podcast on Spotify

Now that you've successfully uploaded your podcast on Spotify, the next thing is to maximize its visibility. Promoting your podcast effectively is crucial to gaining fans and growing your audience. Here are several strategies that can assist you achieve this on Spotify.

First, consider creating a captivating podcast cover art. A visually appealing cover can draw potential fans' attention and make them curious about your upload. Be sure it's of high quality and accurately represents your podcast's theme or topic. Remember, your podcast cover art is your first impression, let it count.

Next, be sure your podcast description is engaging and informative. It should give potential fans a clear understanding of what your podcast is about, why it's unique, and why they should tune in. Incorporate relevant keywords in your podcast description so it will be easier for users to find your podcast when they search for specific topics on Spotify.

Sharing your podcast on your social media is another effective way to promote your podcast. Encourage your followers to listen, share, and leave a review. Reviews not only provide you with valuable feedback but also contribute to your podcast's visibility. The more positive reviews you get, the higher the chances your podcast will appear in Spotify's recommendations.

Moreover, consider collaborating with other creators or influencers in your field. This can significantly expand your reach as their people can potentially become your fans too. You can invite them as a guest to your podcast or offer to be a guest on their podcast.

Lastly, one of the most powerful software for promoting your podcast is Spotify's promotional tools like Spotify for creators. This tool provides you with valuable insights about your fans' demographics, listening habits, and more. With this information, you can tailor your recording to meet your fans' preferences, leading to increased listener engagement.

Remember, promoting your podcast is a continuous procedure, not a one-time task. Keep experimenting with different strategies, monitor your progress, and tweak your approach as needed. Over time, you'll discover what works best for your podcast and fans.

Troubleshooting Common Issues: Why Your Podcast May Not Be Showing on Spotify

It can be quite frustrating when your podcast does not appear on Spotify after you have gone through the procedure of submitting it. Several common issues might be the reason behind this problem.

Firstly, it could be due to Spotify's review procedure. After you've submitted your podcast, it must go through Spotify's review procedure, which typically takes a few business days. It may still be under review if it's been less than a week since you submitted your podcast. Patience is key here as the review process ensures that all content on Spotify meets its guidelines and provides quality content for fans.

Secondly, it might be due to issues with your RSS feed. Spotify uses your RSS tab to pull in your podcast series. If your RSS tab is not working correctly, your podcast might not show up on Spotify. Ensure your RSS tab is properly formatted and does not have any errors. To check your RSS tab for errors, you can use an RSS validator tool.

Besides that, transcribing your podcast is a smart way to boost its visibility and engagement. Not only does it make your content more accessible to hearing-impaired audiences, but it also allows search engines to index your episodes, improving SEO. This can help your podcast show up in more search results, making it easier for new listeners to discover your content. Transcriptions can also be repurposed into blog posts or social media content, further expanding your reach.

Another common issue could be that your podcast doesn't meet Spotify's publishing requirements. Spotify has certain requirements that your podcast must meet. For example, your podcast must have at least one episode, the series must be in an audio format supported by Spotify, and your podcast cover art must meet Spotify's specifications.

Lastly, it could be due to copyright issues. If your podcast contains copyrighted material that you do not have permission to use, Spotify might remove your podcast. Always ensure that you have the necessary permissions to use any copyrighted material in your podcast.

Remember, if you've checked all of these things and your podcast is still not showing up on Spotify, you can reach out to Spotify's support team for assistance. They're there to assist you and can help troubleshoot any problems you might be experiencing.

Understanding the Basics: What is Spotify and Why Your Podcast Should Be There

Spotify is a digital music, podcast, and video streaming service that gives you access to millions of songs and other content from creators all over the world. Initially launched in 2008, Spotify is now one of the leading platforms for consuming audio recordings. It's available in 79 countries and has an active user base of over 345 million as of 2021, making it a prime platform for podcasters.

Podcasts have seen a significant surge in popularity over the past few years, and Spotify has been a significant player in this growth. The platform has more than 2.2 million podcast titles and continues to grow, making it a hub for both podcast creators and listeners. From a creator's perspective, getting your podcast on Spotify can assist you reach vast and diverse people, giving your recording the exposure it needs to grow and thrive.

One of the major reasons your podcast should be on Spotify is its user-friendly interface and wide reach. Spotify makes it easy for users to discover new podcasts, thanks to its recommendation algorithm. This means that even if a listener hasn't heard of your podcast, Spotify might suggest it to them based on their previous listening habits. This feature can assist attract new people to your podcast.

In addition, Spotify offers a range of analytics and marketing tools for creators. These tools can provide valuable insights into your audience's listening habits, helping you understand what they enjoy and how you can better cater to their interests. With Spotify, not only can you reach wider people, but you can also engage with them more effectively.

In conclusion, Spotify is a powerful platform for creators. Its vast user base, user-friendly interface, and innovative software for creators make it a fantastic platform to host your podcast. Now that you understand what Spotify is and why your podcast should be there, let's delve into the step-by-step guide on how to get your podcast on Spotify.

Setting Up Your Podcast for Spotify: Technical Requirements

To ensure your podcast is ready for Spotify, you need to meet certain technical requirements. First, it's essential to have a valid RSS tab for your podcast. The RSS tab is the tool that will enable Spotify and other podcast platforms to pull your recording and make it available to people. Be sure your podcast host is compatible with Spotify and can generate an RSS tab for you. Most hosting platforms such as Libsyn, Podbean, and Anchor, to name a few, are compatible with Spotify.

Secondly, your podcast needs to have at least one live episode. Spotify won't accept an empty tab, so be sure you have at least one episode published on your RSS tab before you try to submit your podcast. This episode doesn't have to be long or elaborate; even a brief introductory episode will suffice.

Spotify

Additionally, your podcast must adhere to Spotify's publish format specifications. Your podcast episodes should be in an MP3 format with bit rates between 96 and 320 kbps. Spotify recommends a bit rate of 160 kbps for optimum audio quality. Your podcast's artwork should be a square jpeg or PNG file with a size of at least 1400 x 1400 pixels and not more than 3000 x 3000 pixels.

Lastly, it's crucial to understand that the podcast guidelines on Spotify require explicit recordings to be marked as such. If your podcast contains anything explicit and it's not marked, Spotify may remove your recording. Be sure to accurately label your podcast to avoid any potential problems down the line.

These technical requirements may seem daunting at first glance, but most podcast hosting websites will help guide you through the process and ensure your podcast meets these standards. By ensuring your podcast meets Spotify's technical requirements, you'll be one step closer to reaching wider people with your upload.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Submit Your Podcast to Spotify

Spotify podcast submission is a seamless process that can be broken down into several steps. Here's a guide on how to submit your podcast to Spotify.

Prepare Your Podcast Details. Before you start, be sure you have all the necessary details about your podcast ready. This includes your podcast title, description, podcast cover art, language, and category. Your title should be catchy and your description should be informative enough to let people know what they can expect. The cover art should be eye-catching and relevant to your podcast's theme.

Sign Up for a Spotify for Podcasters Account. To get your podcast on Spotify, you need to have a Spotify for creators account. Visit the Spotify for creators website and click on \Get Started. Follow the prompts to sign up for an account. If you already have a Spotify account, you can use it to log in.

Submit Your Podcast’s RSS Feed. After signing up and logging into your account, click on \Get Started\ to submit a new podcast. You will be asked to enter your podcast's RSS feed. Paste your RSS tab into the text box provided. Be sure your RSS tab is correctly formatted and includes all the necessary tags that Spotify requires.

Verify Your Podcast. Once you've submitted your RSS tab, Spotify will send a confirmation code to the email address associated with your podcast's RSS tab. Check your email for the code, copy it, and paste it into the verification box on the Spotify for Creators page. Click \Next\ to proceed.

Review and Submit Your Podcast. You will now be asked to review all the information about your podcast. Confirm everything is correct. This is the info that will be visible to listeners on Spotify. Once you're satisfied that everything is accurate, click on \Submit. Spotify will then review your submission and, if approved, your podcast will be available on Spotify within a few hours to a few days.

Remember, Spotify podcast submission is only the beginning. To gain substantial listeners, you will need to regularly create engaging recordings and actively promote your podcast. Happy podcasting!

Navigating Through Spotify for Podcasters Dashboard

We'll be diving into the Spotify for Podcasters Dashboard here. Once your podcast has been approved by Spotify, you'll gain access to this feature-rich dashboard. This is where you're going to manage your show, analyze your fans, and monitor your performance on Spotify. Understanding how to effectively navigate through this dashboard is crucial for successfully managing your podcast and growing your listener base.

When you first log in, you'll be greeted by the 'Overview' page. Here, you'll see a snapshot of your podcast's performance. This includes metrics like total streams, total listeners, and total followers. At a glance, you'll be able to see how your podcast is doing overall. You can select specific series to see their performance as well.

Next, you'll see the 'Episodes' tab. As the name suggests, this is where you can manage your series. You'll see a list of all your published series, along with their performance data. You can sort them based on release date, title, total streams, or total fans. You can also click on each episode to see more detailed analytics, like how long people are tuning in and where they're listening from.

Then, there's the 'Audience' tab. This is where you can get to know your fans better. Spotify provides you with data about your fans' age, gender, location, and even the type of device they're using to listen to your podcast. This info is invaluable for tailoring your recording to your fans and creating a more personalized experience for them.

Finally, the 'Catalog' tab is where you can add new episodes, schedule future releases, and manage your show info. This includes your show's title, description, category, language, and explicit recording setting. You can also add or change your show's cover art here.

Navigating through the Spotify for Creators Dashboard may seem daunting at first, but it's quite intuitive once you get the hang of it. By understanding your dashboard, you can leverage the wealth of data Spotify provides to optimize your podcast and engage your fans more effectively.

Maximizing Visibility: How to Promote Your Podcast on Spotify

Now that you've successfully uploaded your podcast on Spotify, the next thing is to maximize its visibility. Promoting your podcast effectively is crucial to gaining fans and growing your audience. Here are several strategies that can assist you achieve this on Spotify.

First, consider creating a captivating podcast cover art. A visually appealing cover can draw potential fans' attention and make them curious about your upload. Be sure it's of high quality and accurately represents your podcast's theme or topic. Remember, your podcast cover art is your first impression, let it count.

Next, be sure your podcast description is engaging and informative. It should give potential fans a clear understanding of what your podcast is about, why it's unique, and why they should tune in. Incorporate relevant keywords in your podcast description so it will be easier for users to find your podcast when they search for specific topics on Spotify.

Sharing your podcast on your social media is another effective way to promote your podcast. Encourage your followers to listen, share, and leave a review. Reviews not only provide you with valuable feedback but also contribute to your podcast's visibility. The more positive reviews you get, the higher the chances your podcast will appear in Spotify's recommendations.

Moreover, consider collaborating with other creators or influencers in your field. This can significantly expand your reach as their people can potentially become your fans too. You can invite them as a guest to your podcast or offer to be a guest on their podcast.

Lastly, one of the most powerful software for promoting your podcast is Spotify's promotional tools like Spotify for creators. This tool provides you with valuable insights about your fans' demographics, listening habits, and more. With this information, you can tailor your recording to meet your fans' preferences, leading to increased listener engagement.

Remember, promoting your podcast is a continuous procedure, not a one-time task. Keep experimenting with different strategies, monitor your progress, and tweak your approach as needed. Over time, you'll discover what works best for your podcast and fans.

Troubleshooting Common Issues: Why Your Podcast May Not Be Showing on Spotify

It can be quite frustrating when your podcast does not appear on Spotify after you have gone through the procedure of submitting it. Several common issues might be the reason behind this problem.

Firstly, it could be due to Spotify's review procedure. After you've submitted your podcast, it must go through Spotify's review procedure, which typically takes a few business days. It may still be under review if it's been less than a week since you submitted your podcast. Patience is key here as the review process ensures that all content on Spotify meets its guidelines and provides quality content for fans.

Secondly, it might be due to issues with your RSS feed. Spotify uses your RSS tab to pull in your podcast series. If your RSS tab is not working correctly, your podcast might not show up on Spotify. Ensure your RSS tab is properly formatted and does not have any errors. To check your RSS tab for errors, you can use an RSS validator tool.

Another common issue could be that your podcast doesn't meet Spotify's publishing requirements. Spotify has certain requirements that your podcast must meet. For example, your podcast must have at least one episode, the series must be in an audio format supported by Spotify, and your podcast cover art must meet Spotify's specifications.

Lastly, it could be due to copyright issues. If your podcast contains copyrighted material that you do not have permission to use, Spotify might remove your podcast. Always ensure that you have the necessary permissions to use any copyrighted material in your podcast.

Remember, if you've checked all of these things and your podcast is still not showing up on Spotify, you can reach out to Spotify's support team for assistance. They're there to assist you and can help troubleshoot any problems you might be experiencing.

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