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Every creator wants a larger audience. Initially it could be really difficult to bring an audience other than your family and friends. That’s why you should submit your podcast on iTunes (Also known as Apple Podcast).
Uploading a podcast on iTunes can be crucial for your marketing strategy. As most of the new listeners find podcasts through iTunes.
If you’re just starting a podcast, and you’re ready with all the things needed for a podcast, you’re at the right place.
Because today you will learn how you can upload your very own podcast on iTunes. Step by Step!
I’ve seen beginners have this misconception that submitting a podcast on iTunes means uploading their mp3 file on a platform. Only if it was that easy.
Technically it is easier, but we need to do some background work. iTunes just fetches your podcast from your Podcast Hosting with the help of RSS feeds (go through the steps below and you will understand). You cannot upload your .mp3 file on iTunes.
They are just directories who list your podcasts.
Table of Contents
Here are the steps to submit a podcast to iTunes:
These steps are tried and tested by myself. Also, I use Buzzsprout (Sign up today to get $20 Amazon Credit) to host my podcasts. So, I will be explaining from Buzzprout’s context.
Once you sign up, you can follow the steps below:
1. Enter your Podcast Details
Apple Podcast or iTunes have a certainly required checklist that you must complete before uploading your podcast. Head over to Podcasts Settings Tab and enter these details:
- Podcast Title
- Podcast Description
- Podcast Artwork (You can hire someone from Fiverr to create your podcast artwork)
- Apple Podcast Category
- Explicit or Not Explicit Category
These details are mandatory and once you have submitted these details, head over to the next step.
2. Upload your Podcast on Hosting
Yes, podcasts have different hosting than your basic web hosting. Also, you should avoid using your web hosting for uploading podcasts as you may encounter severe bandwidth issues.
I personally use and recommend Buzzsprout for hosting your podcasts.
Buzzsprout makes things easier and it is the best way to launch, promote, and track your podcast.
So while you’re logged in to your Buzzsprout account, all you have to do is click on the green button which says “Upload a New Episode” in the Episodes Tab:
Full Disclosure (Because I love to be honest): I will make a small commission when you sign up using my link at no extra cost to you. Also, they would give you a $20 Amazon Gift Card when you sign up using my links.
3. Submit your Podcast RSS Feed to iTunes/Apple Podcasts
Now comes the main part, submitting your podcast to iTunes. This is just a one-time process. Once you have completed this, you have to just upload the episodes on your Buzzsprout account and it will automatically show up on iTunes.
Before you submit, you must have an Apple ID. If you don’t have one, you can create here.
Now, head over to directories tab (Yes, you can list yourself into 15 different podcasting directories with the help of Buzzsprout):
If you don’t use Buzzsprout, you can directly head over to https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/
Now, you will be redirected to Apple Podcast’s Page where you will see the steps and “Submit to Apple Podcast” Button:
Once you click on the button, you will be redirected to iTunes Connect Login Page.
You have to log in with your Apple ID on iTunes Connect page.
By default, Buzzsprout will add your data to Apple Podcast Page. You have to click on the Validate & Submit button. If you are using different hosting, you have just have to enter your RSS feed in the box as shown below:
The errors are because I’ve not set the descriptions and cover arts. I took this screenshot just to illustrate this blog.
4. Wait for Approval
Generally, it takes 5 business days to approve your podcast. But, in rare cases it could take 2 weeks. Once approved, you will be notified through an email. So sit tight!
Now it’s time to submit your podcast on other platforms which you can find in Buzzsprouts panel.
Now you just have to upload your episodes on Buzzsprout and it will be automatically added on all the channels without any additional effort!
I hope this step-by-step tutorial was helpful. Your next step should be to grow your audience and try to monetize your podcast.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach me out in the comments section below.
So, can you share your podcast link in the comments, so that other readers can subscribe and help each other?