How to Upload a Podcast to Spotify: Step by Step Guide

Are you searching for how to upload a podcast to Spotify? This blog is for you! Spotify has over 600 million listeners, making it perfect for building listener bases. Once your podcast is live the Spotify algorithm helps surface your content to the right listeners automatically. The process of uploading podcasts to the platform often looks confusing. Beginners think it requires technical skills or approval barriers.

However, you can upload your podcast to Spotify yourself in a few steps. This article will teach you how to upload a podcast to Spotify. You will discover the tools required and how to ensure listeners find you. You will become a pro, even if you are publishing your very first episode.

Key Takeaways

Choose your podcast hosting platform to create your podcast RSS feed.
Generate RSS feed URL and submit to the Spotify app manually.
Verify ownership, add your podcast details, then wait a few hours for approval.
Manage your podcast on Spotify, distribute to podcast directories, and track your analytics.

Spotify Podcast Requirements

The requirements are: a pre-recorded episode, a podcast hosting platform, and a podcast RSS feed. Plus these technical requirements:

1. Getting Your Audio File Ready

Spotify accepts MP3, AAC, and WAV formats. Your bitrate should be between 96 kbps and 320 kbps to produce good sound quality. Your files should be of a reasonable duration. Most hosts recommended size limit is often around 250MB.

A higher bitrate improves the listening experience on the Spotify app. Export your audio file properly before uploading it through your podcast hosting service or hosting platform.

2. Getting Your Video File Ready

Your video files must meet Spotify’s technical requirements for video podcasts. The most widely accepted format is MP4, H.264 codec with AAC audio.

The acceptable aspect ratio is 16:9. Your resolutions should be up to 1080p. Your video length depends on your podcast hosting provider. However, longer files may take a few hours to process. Many creators use editing software to optimize their videos before publishing.

3. Creating Your Podcast Artwork

Your cover art is the first thing listeners see on your podcast directories or Spotify search. Spotify recommends a square image. The ratio should be 1:1 in PNG or JPEG format. Higher resolution can be up to 3000 x 3000px. Use high-quality artwork to improve your discoverability and click-through rates.

For example, “My Favorite Murder” uses bold, simple artwork that stands out. Strong visuals can greatly attract more listeners and increase your engagement rate.

4. Writing Your Title and Description

Use short, clear, and easy-to-remember podcast titles under 60 characters. Your episode descriptions should be 2 to 4 simple sentences that explain the episode’s value.

Crime Junkie is a great example of this — episode titles like “MURDERED: Alberta O. Jones” and “MISSING: Brittany Wallace Shank” are short, direct, and instantly tell listeners what the episode is about.

How to Upload a Podcast to Spotify

Follow the correct steps below to successfully upload your podcast to Spotify.

Step 1: Log in or sign up at creators.spotify.com using your chosen podcast hosting provider account. Ensure you have linked your podcast RSS feed.

Step 2: Click “get started” and paste your RSS feed link from your podcast hosting platform. This will connect your podcast to Spotify.

Step 3: Enter the 8-digit verification code Spotify sends to your email. This is done to verify ownership of your podcast hosting account securely.

Step 4: Fill in your podcast details. They include category, language, and country to complete the setup for your new podcast listing.

Step 5: Review every detail carefully and hit submit to publish your podcast. With these steps, your podcast will be live on Spotify.

Common Podcast Upload Errors on Spotify

Common Spotify podcast upload errors are often related to RSS feed URL submission.

1. Empty Podcast Feed Error

An empty podcast feed error happens when your podcast RSS feed has no episodes or missing data. Hence, Spotify cannot read your show. This usually occurs when a podcast hosting provider has not yet published an episode, or the RSS feed URL is broken.

Spotify requires at least one active episode and valid metadata before accepting submission. To fix it, upload at least one episode. Refresh your feed, then resubmit through your Spotify app.

2. Email Verification Error

You get an email verification error when Spotify cannot confirm the email linked to your podcast RSS feed. This can happen if you provide an invalid email or an incorrect RSS feed URL. Such issues prevent ownership (podcasters) validation.

Update your email in your podcast hosting provider dashboard. Or regenerate your feed and complete your verification through the link sent to your inbox. Then, retry the submission process.

Limitations of Spotify Podcasting

Here are the shortcomings of Spotify as a podcasting platform.

Transcripts Cannot Be Exported: Transcripts cannot be exported from Spotify podcasting tools. This limits creators who want downloadable text for repurposing or accessibility improvements easily.
Direct Upload Limits You to Spotify Only: Direct upload limits you to Spotify only. This means your podcast cannot automatically distribute across other platforms or podcast directories separately.
Spotify Takes 50% of Ad Revenue: Spotify takes up to 50% of the ad revenue share, depending on your monetization setup. This reduces your overall earnings for independent podcasters significantly.
No Notification When Your Podcast Goes Live: Spotify provides no notification when your podcast goes live. This leaves you unsure about your publishing status after submission.
Recording Requires a Paid Riverside Plan: Recording your podcast requires a paid Riverside plan starting at about $15/month. The free version offers limited podcast recording features.

Conclusion

Uploading your podcast to Spotify should not be hard anymore. Check that your podcast has met Spotify’s requirements. Record your audio or video file and create your cover art. Get your RSS feed ready. Next, log in to your Spotify for Creators account to drop your podcast.

Fix any errors you encounter with the tips above. Understanding limitations helps you plan a better Spotify marketing strategy. You are set and ready to upload your podcast and get your voice heard on Spotify!

FAQ

1. How long does it take for my podcast to go live on Spotify?

Your podcast goes live within a few hours. Spotify processes your RSS feed through your hosting provider. You complete the verification, and your content goes live.