Podcasting has become a preferred way to share and consume information over the years. It has provided a means for people to discuss and listen to their favorite topics at any time they like. Podcasts give individuals the opportunity to express their opinions in a unique way and add more depth to the conversation. With Spotify, you can not only listen to podcasts but also share your own. In this blog, we will discuss the steps to create your podcast on Spotify.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Have Your Own Podcast on Spotify
Spotify, one of the world’s leading audio streaming platforms, has over 300 million monthly active users worldwide. They provide a vast range of podcasts from various genres that listeners can access, and this includes both big and small podcasters. If you’re interested in starting a podcast, publishing it on Spotify will enable you to reach a large audience. Here are some additional reasons why you should have your podcast on Spotify:
Pros:
- Access to a large audience, with over 300 million monthly active users
- Provides Analytics to track your podcast’s performance
- Monetization opportunities through Spotify’s partnership program
- You can reach your listeners in over 90 countries
- Automatic distribution to other podcast apps and services
Cons:
- You’ll have to meet a few requirements before your podcast can be published on Spotify.
- Spotify may remove your podcast if any of its guidelines are violated.
- Spotify takes a few days to approve your podcast on their platform.
Method 1: Use Anchor to Publish Your Podcast on Spotify
Using Anchor is the easiest and most popular way to distribute your podcast on Spotify.
1. Sign up for an Anchor account at https://anchor.fm/.
2. After logging in, go to the ‘New Show’ tab on the dashboard.
3. Fill in the information required – your podcast’s title, description, and the name of the podcast host.
4. Under ‘Distribution’, select ‘Add More Platforms.’ Then, select the ‘Spotify’ option.
5. Connect your Spotify account by following the on-screen instructions. If you haven’t created a Spotify account before, you’ll be prompted to create one.
6. Wait for Anchor to upload your podcast to Spotify. You’ll receive a notification once it’s been published.
Pros:
- Quick and straightforward process.
- Anchor does not charge for the distribution of your podcast.
- All the tools you need to record, edit, and produce your podcast are available within Anchor’s interface.
Cons:
- You’ll need an internet connection to use Anchor’s interface.
- There’s a limit to the size and length of your podcast in the free version of Anchor.
- Anchor has limitations for customization compared to other podcast hosts.
Method 2: Publish Your Podcast on Spotify through a Third-Party Hosting Site
Another way to have your podcast on Spotify is by using third-party hosting sites such as Buzzsprout, Podbean, or SoundCloud. Here are the steps to take on Buzzsprout, one of the hosting sites you can use:
1. Create an account on Buzzsprout at https://www.buzzsprout.com/landing.
2. Once you’ve logged in, navigate to the ‘Upload a new episode’ option.
3. Upload your podcast by selecting ‘Choose File’ or dragging it into the space provided.
4. Fill in the podcast’s details such as title, description, and tags.
5. Under the ‘Promotion’ tab, select ‘Add to More Directories,’ followed by ‘Spotify.’
6. Click on ‘Authorize’ to connect your Spotify account with Buzzsprout, then ‘Confirm.’
Pros:
- You get access to advanced analytics features and more detailed customization on hosting sites.
- The audio quality of your podcast is dependent on the hosting site’s capabilities.
- You have no restrictions on the length or number of episodes you can upload.
Cons:
- You’ll have to pay to use third-party hosting sites’ premium features.
- It’s challenging to move your podcast data from one hosting site to another.
- It takes more time to upload podcasts compared to hosting sites that offer a direct publishing option.
Method 3: Distribute Your Podcast on Spotify Using RSS Feed
If you have an already-existing podcast on another platform, you can use your podcast’s RSS feed URL to distribute it on Spotify. Here’s how:
1. Sign in to your Spotify account on the Spotify for Podcasters website at https://podcasters.spotify.com/.
2. Select ‘Add Your Podcast’ on the page’s top left corner.
3. Paste your existing podcast’s RSS feed URL into the space provided, then click on ‘Next.’
4. Confirm that you own the content and agree to Spotify’s terms and conditions.
5. Wait for Spotify to process your podcast and upload it.
Pros:
- You can easily transfer your existing podcast to Spotify without changing hosting sites.
Cons:
- You cannot change any details of your podcast on Spotify; you must change them on the original platform and wait for the changes to reflect on Spotify.
- You must meet Spotify’s requirements to publish the podcast on its platform.
What to Do If You Can’t Upload Your Podcast on Spotify
If you experience any issues while uploading your podcast to Spotify, here are some possible causes and fixes that could help:
Q1: My podcast isn’t available on Spotify even though it’s been uploaded. What should I do?
A: If you’ve recently uploaded your podcast, it may take a few days before it appears on Spotify. Ensure that you have followed all the required steps and comply with Spotify’s guidelines. You can also try logging out and then logging back into your account to confirm that your podcast is available.
Q2: My podcast has been removed from Spotify. Why?
A: Spotify may remove a podcast that violates its guidelines or terms of service. If this happens, reach out to Spotify’s support team at https://support.spotify.com/contact-spotify-anonymous/ for further assistance.
Bonus Tip
Ensure that your podcast’s audio quality is top-notch to retain your listeners and attract new ones. Use the right equipment, such as a good microphone, to improve sound clarity.
5 FAQs
Q1: Do I need to pay to have my podcast on Spotify?
A: No, you don’t have to pay to upload your podcast on Spotify. They provide publishing services for free.
Q2: How long does it take for my podcast to be available on Spotify?
A: It usually takes a few days for your podcast to be available on Spotify after you’ve uploaded it.
Q3: Can I edit my podcast after publishing it on Spotify?
A: You can’t change podcast details such as titles and descriptions after publishing it. However, you can remove or replace the episode with a new version.
Q4: Can I see how many people have listened to my podcast on Spotify?
A: Yes, you can. Spotify provides a range of analytics to track your podcast’s performance.
Q5: Can I monetize my podcast on Spotify?
A: Yes, you can. Spotify offers a partnership program that allows podcasters to monetize their content.
Final Thoughts
Uploading your podcast to Spotify provides access to a vast audience worldwide and allows you to distribute your content without any cost. It’s necessary to understand the options available to get your podcast on the platform and follow all the necessary steps. Remember to keep your audio quality top-notch and comply with Spotify’s guidelines to retain your listeners and attract new ones.