How to Make Your Podcast Downloadable

New podcasters are often faced with the challenge of how to upload their podcast to a site like Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. Setting your podcast up on these sites is actually a pretty straightforward process, but there are some specifics that you’ll want to keep in mind to make it easier for your podcast to be downloaded. Below you’ll find steps on how to make your podcast downloadable on Apple Podcasts, Google, Spotify, and more!

Step 1: Sign-up for a podcast hosting account

You don’t actually directly upload your episode files to podcast channels like iTunes or Spotify. Instead, the easiest way to send your podcast episodes to a site like Apple Podcasts is to setup an account on a podcast hosting platform. A podcast host is a place where all the content for your podcast is stored. This content is then easily distributed to podcasting sites and apps using an RSS feed.

For hosting options: Spoiler alert, Simplecast offers a podcast hosting and distribution service where you can easily create an RSS feed to connect to Apple Podcasts and more! On top of hosting, we provide in-depth analytics and a website for you to showcase your latest episodes. You can try out our platform with a free trial.

Step 2: Upload your podcast and select podcast categories

Once you’ve created your account with a podcast host, the next step to make your podcast downloadable is to upload your podcast episodes. If you sign-up with Simplecast, all you need to do is provide a title, description, and categories that your show fits into.

You’ll usually be asked to select your podcast categories when you create your hosting account. Be thoughtful about your category selection because it will affect where and how your show ranks on podcasting sites. You’ll notice by looking at these sites that some categories are more competitive than others, so do your research and pick categories strategically.

When you go to upload episodes, we recommend uploading at least 3 episodes before publishing your podcast live. When people find a podcast they like, they usually look through past episodes and select a few to download. Having 3 or more podcasts ready to share makes it easier for people to immediately download your show and return to it in the future.

Step 3: Pick where to distribute your podcast

What sites and apps do you want to use to promote your podcast? Some options for places where you can make your podcast downloadable include:

Main Podcast Distribution Channels:

• Apple Podcasts
• Google Podcasts
• Spotify
• Radio.com

Podcast Listening Apps or “Podcatchers”:

• Breaker
• iHeartRadio
• Overcast
• Pocket Casts
• RadioPublic
• Stitcher
• TuneIn

We recommend distributing your podcast on iTunes / Apple Podcasts because it's the largest podcast directory on the market and the Apple Podcasts app has over 50% of the market share of all podcast player apps. The other places you share your podcast will depend on where your audience listens, but it doesn’t hurt to distribute your show where you can.

Step 4: Setting up podcast distribution channels

If you create an account with a podcasting host like Simplecast, then you’ll be able to easily link your podcast feed to any of the channels listed above. For distribution channels like Apple Podcasts you’ll need some additional details, like an Apple ID, to setup your show. We recommend creating a completely new Apple ID that you can use primarily for podcasting because this ID will link to your Apple Podcast portal.

Keep in mind that when you start to share your RSS feed with podcast channels, you may need to wait a day or two to get confirmation that your show has been accepted. Channels like Apple Podcasts and Spotify manually check each podcast submission, so except things to take a few days before your podcast is downloadable.

Step 5: Promoting your podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and more

Lastly, one of the best ways to get more downloads for your show is to have a plan in place for promoting it. Promoting your podcast on iTunes and Spotify doesn’t end when you distribute your podcast to these channels, you also need to put some work in to get your show recognized. Here are a few things to consider as you get started:

• Create a simple website for your podcast where you can include the latest episodes, show notes, and more.
• You have about 2 months for your podcast to be selected in the “New and Noteworthy” section of Apple Podcasts. To increase your odds of being selected, reach out to people you know and ask them to listen to your podcast, rate, and review it.
• Connect with a community of other podcast creators, get feedback, and chat with them about your promotion ideas.

With these simple steps, your podcast will be available to download on Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more in no time.