HOW TO UPLOAD PODCAST TO ITUNES: A STEP BY STEP GUIDE

Photo Credit: https://twitter.com/

If you’re hoping to hit the big time with your podcast, you’re probably going to want to upload it to iTunes Podcasts – which, FYI, has been rebranded to Apple Podcasts.

‘That sounds like hard work’, we hear you say. On the contrary, it couldn’t be easier! Start by brainstorming, planning and recording your podcast, then stick to our five easy-to-follow steps below.

How to Upload Podcasts to iTunes:

1. Sign Up to a Podcast Hosting Platform
2. Host Your Podcast and Publish Show Notes
3. Log into Apple Podcast Connect
4. Find and Submit RSS Feed to iTunes (Apple Podcast)
5. Upload Your Podcast to iTunes/Apple Podcast

Before We Get Started, Cue the Music...

You may want to consider having background music for your podcast, and signing up to a music library which can offer you flexible licencing.

You can find all the music you need for your podcast right here at Audio Network!

We’ve got high-quality podcast music tracks of every kind – from electronic anthems to pastoral compositions, space-inspired songs to ambient symphonies.

Explore our catalogue of over 200,000 tracks and check out our playlist hub today!

Best Podcast Hosting Platforms:

• iTunes (Apple Podcast)
• Buzzsprout
• Captivate
• Transistor
• Castos
• Podbean
• Simplecast
• Resonate
• Spreaker
• Blubrry
• Spotify For Podcasters

1. Sign-up to a Podcast Hosting Platform

The first step to uploading your podcast to iTunes Podcast/Apple Podcast is to sign up to a podcast hosting platform.

What is a podcast hosting platform? Essentially, it’s a place to store your mp3 files and transform them into podcast feeds.

Podcast hosting platforms include Buzzsprout, Captivate, Transistor, Castos, Podbean and Soundcloud.

2. Host Your Podcast and Publish Show Notes

Now you’ve signed up to a hosting platform, it’s time to upload your mp3 recording and publish any show notes.

‘Show notes’ usually contain a summary (or a full transcript) of the episode, alongside relevant links and extra details.

Seasoned podcasters recommend publishing show notes alongside each and every upload. Why? For two crucial reasons: audience satisfaction and SEO.

3. Log Into Apple Podcast Connect

What are the other iTunes podcast requirements? Well, to access Podcast Connect – Apple’s dedicated podcast portal – you must first have an Apple ID.

Use your Apple ID details to log into Podcast Connect, agree to the terms and you’ll be presented with a page that requests your podcast’s RSS Feed URL.

4. Find and Submit RSS Feed to iTunes (Apple Podcast)

Wondering how to create a URL for iTunes podcast account?

To find your RSS Feed URL, you must return to your podcasting hosting platform.

Once you’ve located the URL, copy and paste it into Podcast Connect and hit the Validate button. Then, when Apple has validated your link and you’ve checked your podcast details have been inputted correctly, you can press Submit.

Your podcast is then sent off for review. Once there’s a status update, Apple will send you an email – so make sure to check your inbox!

How long does it take for iTunes to approve a podcast? The process may take up to 5 working days.

5. Upload Your Podcast to iTunes (Apple Podcast)

Your podcast has been accepted? That’s great news!

Want some better news? Apple automatically uploads your podcast for you, approximately 24 hours after you receive the confirmation email. Which means you don’t need to lift another finger.

Don’t want your podcast to go live straight away? No worries - you can choose to hide your episode in Podcast Connect after submitting it for review. There, it’ll remain hidden until you log back into the software and choose to unhide it.

Uploading Podcasts to iTunes FAQ's

Now we’ve covered the basics, it’s time to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about how to upload a podcast to iTunes.

Photo Credit: https://www.apple.com/uk

1. How to Register a Podcast Name

Once you’ve decided on a unique name for your podcast, it’s important to secure it by registering a domain.

You can choose to register your domain with your hosting platform’s registrar service or with an external registrar service, such as GoDaddy and Namecheap.

Simply type in your desired domain, choose your preferred options and press purchase.

2. What Are iTunes' Podcast Requirements?

There are several requirements you need to meet before you submit your podcast to Apple Podcasts. In addition to a Podcast Connect account, you will need:

• Artwork
• A unique title
• A description
• A language tag
• A clean or explicit tag
• At least one category tag
• At least one completed episode

3. How Many Podcast Episodes Are Required for Apple Podcast?

As mentioned above, only one podcast episode is required to be considered by Apple for Apple Podcasts. So, get recording!

4. How to Publish a Podcast (Other Than iTunes)

Publishing your podcast elsewhere requires you to take similar steps to the ones above. Take Spotify, for example.

To publish a podcast on Spotify, all you have to do is log into your Spotify account, visit Spotify for Podcasters, validate and submit your RSS Feed URL and then wait for the team to review it.

5. Is It Free to Upload a Podcast to iTunes?

Yes, you can submit your podcast on iTunes for free and gain new listeners.

6. How Long Does It Take for a Podcast to Be Approved on iTunes?

It can take 24 to 72 hours for Apple to process the submission.

7. What Is the Most Popular Podcast Platform?

The most popular podcast platform is Spotify, with 25 percent of podcast listeners aged 18 or above saying that they used Spotify to listen to podcasts.

Photo Credit: https://www.apple.com/uk/

Now You Know How to Upload a Podcast to iTunes

So, there you have it!

We hope you enjoyed this article! If you did, be sure to check out our blog for more insightful articles, the latest news, inspiration for your next project and industry expertise.