You’ve set up your podcast and you want it to grow, which is why you should get it onto iTunes, which is now called Apple podcasts. This will distribute your podcast to more listeners.
How popular are iTunes podcasts? iTunes, or Apple, podcasts are predicted to have approximately 28.5 million monthly listeners.
That’s a lot of listeners waiting for your pod! If you’re ready to submit your podcast to iTunes, you’ll have to ensure you follow the correct steps. Read on to find out how to get podcast on iTunes and how to do it properly.
See also: How to Publish a Podcast
Quick Guide
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Hosting 🎙️ | Select a podcast hosting provider and upload your podcast episodes there. |
| 2. RSS Feed 🔗 | Obtain the RSS feed URL for your podcast from your hosting provider. |
| 3. Apple Podcasts Connect 🍎 | Submit your podcast’s RSS feed URL to Apple Podcasts Connect and validate. |
| 4. Review Process 🕒 | Wait for Apple to review and approve your podcast. |
How To Submit Your Podcast To iTunes/Apple Podcast
It’s completely free to get listed on Apple podcasts. The only time when it’s not is if you’re producing a paid Apple Podcasts Subscription. With this in mind, here are the steps to follow on how to get podcast on iTunes, specifically Apple podcasts.
1. Record Your Podcast
You require at least two or three podcast episodes before you can submit your podcast to iTunes.
While that might seem like a lot, it gives you a chance to work on creating a good amount of high-quality audio, increasing your chance of being accepted on the Apple Podcast directory.
Before you submit your podcast, make sure that you’ve edited all the episodes (also see, “Best Podcast Editing Software“). This will ensure that you avoid common errors, such as background noise or inconsistent volume levels, that can reduce the quality of your podcast.
2. Complete Your Podcast Details
You will need to fill out important details about your podcast when recording and editing it. These include the title, summary, description, and categories in which your podcast falls, such as “History” or “Fitness.” You should also enter your contact info.
When it comes to artwork, you’ll require an image for your podcast. Make sure that it has at least 1400 x 1400 pixels, with a maximum resolution of 3000 x 3000 pixels.
The image format needs to be PNG or JPG. Check that the image file size of your podcast isn’t larger than 512KB (also see “Podcast Logos and Cover Art Designs“).
3. Choose a Podcast Hosting Platform
Having your podcast hosted by a podcast host, such as Blubrry or SoundCloud, makes it easier if you’re thinking of ways on how to get podcast on iTunes for consideration.
On the podcast hosting site, you’ll get to upload all your audio files, add your artwork, edit the show details, and generate a RSS podcast feed, which you’ll be required to submit to Apple.
4. Retrieve Your RSS Feed URL
RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is a file format you need to be able to distribute your podcast across applications, such as Apple Podcasts. If you don’t have an RSS feed, it becomes difficult for people to access the latest episodes of your podcast.
It’s essential that you have an RSS feed when submitting your podcast to Apple. You can get your RSS feed from your podcast host website.
For example, if your podcast host is Blubrry, you’ll simply have to go to “Hosting settings” inside the “Podcast hosting” box. From there, you’ll see your podcast’s RSS feed URL.
Later on in this process, you will be asked to provide this URL so that you can submit it to Apple, so keep it handy!
5. Download And Create An iTunes Account
One of the first things you learn about how to get podcast on iTunes is that you require an Apple ID. If you already have one, you’ll be able to use it. However, you can also create a new one if you’d prefer to keep your podcast information separate from your personal Apple account.
Having an Apple ID specifically for your podcast will also enable you to use a customized ID name that links to your show, so it’s worth it.
Your Apple ID will be useful when you’ve set up your podcast on Apple. It will enable you to check analytics pertaining to your podcast.
6. Submit Your Podcast To Podcasts Connect
To submit your podcast to Apple Podcasts, you will have to log into Apple Podcast Connect with your Apple ID. Then, follow these steps:
- You’ll see a “+” next to Podcasts, located in the top left screen.
- Click on “New show.”
- Click “Add a show with an RSS feed.”
- The RSS feed URL that you got earlier will now be pasted into the box before clicking “Validate.” Your feed might be invalid. If this happens, don’t worry. Return to the previous steps on how to get podcast on iTunes so you can fill out any other details that are required that you might’ve forgotten.
- When your RSS feed URL has been validated, click “Submit.”
There you go! The process of how to get podcast on iTunes doesn’t have to take a lot of time or energy.
As long as you have everything you need, such as your RSS feed URL and information about your podcast, you’ll be able to send it to Apple for approval.
Related Questions
How Long Does It Take Apple Podcasts To Approve Your Podcast?
Once you’ve submitted your podcast to Apple Podcasts, you’ll have to wait between 24 hours to 14 days to get approved. This is the final stage on how to get podcast on iTunes so you need to be patient. Once your podcast is under review, you’ll receive an email. You’ll also get an email when your podcast has been approved.
What If Apple Doesn’t Send You Updates On Your Podcast Approval Process?
If you’ve waited 14 days and you still haven’t heard from Apple about the status of your podcast submission, contact Apple Podcast support.
Conclusion
If you want to reach many more listeners, you should submit your podcast to Apple, previously called iTunes.
In this article, we’ve provided you with all the steps you need on how to get podcast on iTunes and boost the popularity of your podcast.
