One of the most frequent questions I get about podcasting is how to submit your show to Apple Podcasts. It’s not as straightforward as you might think, and that’s why I made a video tutorial to guide you through the process and I’m breaking down into this blog.
Why Apple Podcasts Matters for Podcasters
Before going into the steps, it’s important to understand why Apple Podcasts is a big deal in the podcasting world. It’s one of the largest podcast directories, offering a wide reach and valuable analytics. Getting your podcast listed here can significantly boost your visibility and audience engagement.
Apple Podcasts is a behemoth in the podcasting world, and for good reason. In 2022, Apple Podcasts hosted over 1.5 million shows and more than 34 million episodes. That’s a staggering amount of content, and it’s a platform that you definitely want your podcast to be a part of.
User Base: How Big Is It?
Apple doesn’t release exact numbers on its user base for Apple Podcasts, but it’s safe to say that it’s massive. Considering that Apple has over 1.4 billion active devices worldwide, even a small percentage tuning into Apple Podcasts would be a significant number. Some estimates suggest that Apple Podcasts could have upwards of 60 million monthly active users, although this is speculative.
While Apple Podcasts is big in the United States, it’s also popular internationally. The platform is available in more than 175 countries and regions, offering content in multiple languages. This global reach provides an excellent opportunity for podcasters to attract a diverse and international audience.
Genre Diversity: Something for Everyone
One of the strengths of Apple Podcasts is its diverse range of genres. Whether you’re into true crime, politics, comedy, or educational content, there’s something for everyone. This diversity also means that new and niche podcasts have a chance to shine, as users often explore different categories.
Analytics: A Podcaster’s Goldmine
Apple Podcasts offers robust analytics for podcasters, providing insights into listener behavior, demographics, and more. You can see how long people are listening, where they’re dropping off, and what episodes are the most popular. This data is invaluable for tailoring your content and growing your audience.
You can also see some of the data from Spotify for podcasters:
The Future: Where Is Apple Podcasts Headed?
Apple continues to invest in its podcasting platform, with new features and updates regularly rolled out. The introduction of paid subscriptions in 2021 marked a significant shift, allowing podcasters to monetize their content directly through the platform. With Apple’s commitment to podcasting, it’s an exciting time to be a part of this ever-growing ecosystem.
Uploading Your Podcast to a Hosting Platform
The first step in this journey is to create your podcast and upload it to your chosen podcast host. In my case, that’s Spotify for Podcasters (Anchor FM). Once you’ve uploaded and published your podcast, it will appear on platforms like Spotify, but not automatically on Apple Podcasts.
Manual Submission to Apple Podcasts: The How-To
This is where you’ll need to roll up your sleeves and do some manual work. Navigate to your podcast host’s settings and find the ‘Podcast Availability’ section. Here you’ll see an empty Apple Podcast tab. Click on the Apple Podcast Connect link to proceed.
Using Your Apple ID to Add Your Podcast
The next step involves logging in with your Apple ID. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to create one. Once logged in, you’ll see a plus button next to ‘Podcast.’ This is where you can add your show. I recommend using an RSS feed from your podcast host for a smooth submission process.
The Apple Podcasts Review Process: What to Expect
After hitting the submit button, patience is key. Apple takes its time to review your podcast, which can range from a few hours to a few weeks. If your podcast hasn’t appeared after a month, then it’s time to investigate.
How to get listeners?
Publishing your podcast is just the tip of the iceberg; attracting a loyal listener base is where the real challenge lies. The first crucial step? Ensuring your podcast boasts top-notch audio quality. While the content is your creative playground, the technical aspects can’t be ignored.
For those looking to elevate their online recording quality, Riverside.fm (use code NICOLE15 for a discount) offers monthly subscriptions packed with features to make your podcast sound professional. If you prefer a more flexible approach, WaveRoom provides pay-as-you-go packages that let you control your spending while still delivering high-quality audio. These platforms are like Zoom but they record in the highest quality no matter how good is the internet connection. They also record in separate tracks.
And let’s not forget the hardware. Investing in a high-quality microphone can make a world of difference. Whether you opt for a USB microphone for budget-friendly convenience or go all out with an XLR setup for studio-level sound, the right equipment is key to making your podcast stand out in a crowded market. Get my full recommendations list.
So remember, quality isn’t just about what you say; it’s also about how you sound while saying it.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
And there you have it—a detailed guide on how to get your podcast listed on Apple Podcasts. If you have any questions or need further clarification, feel free to drop a comment or send me an email. I’m here to help you navigate the podcasting world. You can book a private consultation with me or get my Podcasting 101 online course.
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