Publish Podcast on Most Popular Apps: Ultimate Distribution Guide

Struggling to navigate the maze of podcast publishing platforms?

Our comprehensive guide simplifies the landscape for you.

• Discover which podcast apps have the largest listener bases.
• Learn the steps to submit your RSS feed to each major platform.
• Find out how to include video episodes for multimedia-friendly apps.
• Understand how to optimize your content for a successful launch.

Stay with us to unlock these insights and take your podcast to unprecedented heights.

Ranking the Titans: The Biggest Players in Podcast Apps

When you’re ready to publish your podcast, knowing where your audience hangs out is crucial. The podcast industry is booming, and numerous apps are vying for the top spot. We have sifted through the data to bring you the most up-to-date ranking of podcast apps by listener base size. This isn’t just about numbers; each platform offers unique features and audience types, so select the ones that align with your podcast’s goals.

• Apple Podcasts: As a pioneer in the podcasting space, Apple hosts millions of listeners with a wide variety of interests.
• Spotify: Quickly becoming a listener favorite, especially among the younger demographic, Spotify offers both music and podcasts in a single app.
• Google Podcasts: Ensuring visibility across Google’s network, this app integrates seamlessly with Android devices and the Google Home ecosystem.
• Amazon Music / Audible: Expanding into podcast listings, these platforms are attracting users who appreciate the synergy between audiobooks and podcasts.

In the following sections, we’ll dive into the specifics of how to get your podcast featured on each of these platforms, helping you expand your digital presence and engage with listeners worldwide.

Step-by-Step Guide: Submitting Your Podcast to Audio Platforms

Embarking on the podcast publication journey starts with getting familiar with the platforms that will serve as a home for your content. Here’s a simplified walkthrough for broadcasting your podcast to some of the podcasting giants.

Apple Podcasts

The incumbent of podcast apps, Apple Podcasts boasts a vast audience. Begin by signing up for an Apple Podcasts Connect account, then submit your podcast’s RSS feed for approval. In just a few days, your podcast could be available to millions of listeners via their iOS devices, Mac or via Siri-controlled devices.

Spotify

One of the fastest-growing platforms for podcasters is Spotify. With its user-friendly interface and extensive reach, your voice can go even further. Head over to the Spotify for Podcasters portal to create an account, and submit your podcast’s RSS feed for review.

Google Podcasts

Google Podcasts is an essential stop for Android users. Ensuring your podcast features here means tapping into a large segment of the Android market. Use the Google Podcasts Manager tool to submit your RSS feed. Google’s seamless integration with search also means greater discoverability for your content.

Amazon Music & Audible

Branch out to the listeners of Amazon Music and Audible by submitting your podcast through the Amazon Music for Podcasters page. With the growing popularity of Echo devices, being on this platform improves your podcast’s accessibility through voice commands.

iHeartRadio

Gain access to one of the top radio platforms that have embraced podcasts by applying through the iHeartRadio for podcasters page. Once approved, your podcast joins a curated lineup that could feature alongside celebrity-hosted shows and exclusive content.

For podcasters who venture into the world of video podcasts, platforms like Spotify and Google Podcasts provide avenues to submit both audio and video content, giving you a chance to engage with your audience on a more visual level. The submission process for these platforms accommodates multimedia content, so be sure to check the guidelines on their respective websites for any specific requirements for video.

Remember that each platform has its criteria and approval times, so patience is a virtue in the podcast publication process. By ensuring that your RSS feed is correctly set up and that your content adheres to each platform’s content guidelines, you can look forward to reaching the ears—and eyes—of a global audience.

Diving into Video: Podcasts on Multimedia Platforms

While podcasts are traditionally audio-centric, the rise of multimedia platforms has opened up new avenues for video podcasting. Engaging your audience with video content can differentiate your podcast and cater to listeners who enjoy visual elements. Let’s look at how to publish your video episodes on popular podcast platforms that accept multimedia content.

YouTube: As the world’s largest video-sharing platform, YouTube is a prime spot for publishing video podcasts. You can start by creating a dedicated channel for your podcast. To upload an episode, click the ‘Create’ button and select ‘Upload video.’ Remember, YouTube’s algorithm favors consistency, so aim for a regular upload schedule. Visit the YouTube Studio to get started.

Spotify: Spotify supports video podcasts through the Spotify for Podcasters dashboard. Once you’re accepted into the program, you can upload your video episodes directly through the dashboard. The platform requires that the video and audio tracks are embedded within the same file. For detailed instructions, refer to the Spotify for Podcasters guide.

Apple Podcasts: Although Apple Podcasts is predominantly audio-focused, it’s possible to upload video content. Your RSS feed will need to have episodes encoded as video files. Videos should be in the MP4 or M4V format. Access the Apple Podcasts Connect for further details on how to manage and submit your video podcasts.

By expanding your podcast to include video content on these multimedia platforms, you increase the visibility and engagement of your series. Ensure that your videos comply with the individual specifications of each platform, both in terms of content and technical requirements. Creating compelling video content may require additional effort, but the potential rewards in audience growth are substantial.

Chart the Course: Your Path to Podcast Publication

Embarking on the journey of podcast publication requires a mix of creativity, strategy, and technical know-how. To maximize the chances of your podcast being featured and well-received across different platforms, it’s essential to uphold best practices throughout the publication process. Here are consolidated strategies to guide you along your path to successful podcast publication.

Firstly, craft a captivating title and description for your podcast that includes relevant keywords without overstuffing—this aids in discoverability. Make sure the artwork for your podcast is striking and adheres to the specifications of major platforms; high-resolution and square format images are typically preferred.

Quality content is pivotal, so invest time in good recording equipment to ensure clear and crisp audio. For video content, lighting and clear visuals are just as important. Edit your episodes carefully, removing unnecessary pauses or filler words, and aim to present your content in an engaging, listener-friendly manner.

When it comes to your RSS feed, validate it before submission. Use a reliable hosting platform to create your feed, and test it across different aggregators to ensure compatibility. This step is crucial as a faulty feed can lead to failed submissions or distribution issues.

Consistent episode release schedules are also key to building and maintaining an audience. Decide on a frequency—weekly, biweekly, or monthly—that you can sustain over time. The regularity helps with audience retention and may favor your ranking within platform algorithms.

Finally, understand each platform’s unique submission and content guidelines. Tailor your approach to each application to streamline the acceptance process. As you publish your podcast, remember to actively monitor feedback and engagement metrics. This data will provide valuable insights, allowing you to fine-tune future episodes and grow your listener base.

With diligence and attention to detail, you can set your podcast up for success across the most popular apps. Keep abreast of changes and trends within the industry to evolve your strategy and keep your content feeling fresh and relevant to your audience.

Conclusion

Embarking on the podcast publication journey is an exciting step towards sharing your voice with the world, and equipping yourself with the right distribution knowledge is vital for success.

• Identifying and targeting the most popular podcast apps maximizes your potential audience reach.
• Submitting your podcast involves preparing your RSS feed and following each platform’s unique submission guidelines.
• Several leading platforms also support video podcast episodes, offering a multimedia experience to listeners and viewers.
• Following best practices when publishing ensures not just acceptance across platforms, but also greater visibility and engagement.

Ultimately, understanding and utilizing the power of distribution can be the defining factor in the growth and influence of your podcast.

Publishing Podcasts on Popular Apps FAQs

What is an RSS feed and why do I need one for my podcast?

An RSS feed is a type of web feed that allows users and applications to access updates to online content in a standardized, computer-readable format. For podcasts, the RSS feed is essential as it contains all the necessary information about your podcast, including episodes, metadata, and more. This feed is submitted to podcast platforms, which then use it to distribute your content to listeners all around the world.

Can all podcast platforms host video content?

No, not all podcast platforms are equipped to host video content. While some of the more popular apps do support multimedia podcasts, including video episodes, there are others that cater strictly to audio content. It’s important to check the content guidelines of each platform to understand their capabilities and restrictions regarding video podcasts.

How do I maximize my podcast’s reach after publishing?

After publishing your podcast, you can maximize its reach by promoting it through social media, engaging with your listeners, and collaborating with other podcasters. It’s also beneficial to encourage reviews and ratings on the various podcast apps and directories, as these can greatly influence your podcast’s visibility and discoverability to new potential listeners.

How often should I release new episodes?

The frequency of new podcast episodes should align with your content strategy and the expectations you have set with your audience. Consistency is key; whether that’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, it is important to have a regular schedule. This helps with audience retention and can even affect how podcast platforms prioritize your episodes in their algorithms and recommendations.