Podcast Distribution
How Do You Publish a Podcast to Spotify and Apple Podcasts?
Publishing is easier when you treat the podcast host as the source of truth and the listening platforms as directories that read your feed.
Short answer
To publish a podcast to Spotify and Apple Podcasts, create the show in a podcast hosting platform, upload your artwork and first episode, complete the show metadata, generate the RSS feed, then submit or connect that feed to the platform accounts required by each directory. After approval, future episodes are normally published through the host and distributed through the feed.
1. Set up the podcast host
Create the show, enter the title, author, description, category, artwork, language, and other required metadata, then upload at least the content needed for submission.
2. Validate the RSS feed
Make sure the feed contains working media, correct artwork, complete metadata, and the intended show identity before submitting it to directories.
3. Submit to the listening platforms
Use the appropriate creator or podcast-management account for each platform to claim or submit the show. The exact interface can change, but the feed and account ownership remain the core pieces.
4. Publish future episodes from the host
After the show is approved, add new episodes to the hosting platform. The directories read the updated feed and display the new release.
Protect account ownership
Use company-controlled email addresses for business podcasts, document login ownership, and avoid leaving the show tied permanently to a freelancer or former team member.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I upload every episode separately to Apple Podcasts?
For a standard RSS-based podcast, you normally publish through the host and Apple reads the updated feed.
How long does podcast approval take?
It varies by platform and account status. Build approval time into the launch plan rather than submitting on the exact day you want to launch.
Can I publish a podcast before the first full episode?
Yes. Some shows publish a trailer first so the feed can be established and submitted before the main launch.
Who should own the podcast platform accounts?
For a business, the company should retain control of the email, credentials, and recovery methods even if an agency or producer manages the workflow.
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