Podcast directories connect your show with listeners, making them essential for growing your audience.
Getting listed in major podcast directories helps potential listeners discover your content through their preferred listening platforms.
This guide covers the key podcast directories and how to submit your show to each one effectively.
Essential Podcast Directories
- Apple Podcasts – The largest directory with over 2 million shows
- Spotify – Second largest platform with 489 million monthly active users
- Google Podcasts – Default podcast app for Android devices
- Amazon Music/Audible – Growing platform integrated with Alexa devices
- Stitcher – Popular directory with dedicated listener base
Submitting to Apple Podcasts
Sign up for an Apple ID at Apple Podcasts Connect.
Your RSS feed must meet Apple’s technical requirements, including properly formatted artwork and metadata.
Review times typically range from 24 hours to 5 business days.
Getting Listed on Spotify
Create an account at Spotify for Podcasters.
Submit your RSS feed and verify ownership through the email confirmation process.
Spotify typically approves submissions within 2-5 business days.
Google Podcasts Submission
Submit your podcast through Google Podcasts Manager.
Google will crawl your website to verify ownership of the RSS feed.
Approval usually takes 3-5 business days.
RSS Feed Requirements
- High-quality cover art (minimum 1400×1400 pixels)
- Complete show description with relevant keywords
- Accurate episode titles and descriptions
- Valid audio file links
- Proper metadata including category tags
- Author and copyright information
Tips for Directory Success
- Test your RSS feed using Cast Feed Validator before submission
- Use consistent branding across all directories
- Include relevant keywords in your show description
- Select appropriate categories for your content
- Monitor your listings regularly for any technical issues
Next Steps After Listing
Track your podcast analytics across different platforms to understand listener behavior.
Promote your show’s availability on specific platforms to your target audience.
Consider creating platform-specific links using a service like Podnews.
Maintaining Directory Listings
Regular maintenance of your podcast listings ensures optimal visibility and performance across platforms.
- Update show artwork when refreshing your brand
- Keep episode metadata current and accurate
- Remove broken links or outdated information
- Monitor platform-specific requirements changes
- Respond to listener reviews and feedback
Expanding Your Directory Presence
International Directories
- Explore region-specific podcast platforms
- Consider multilingual show descriptions
- Target directories popular in your target markets
Niche Platforms
- Submit to industry-specific directories
- Join topic-focused podcast networks
- Participate in podcast communities
Maximizing Directory Impact
Create platform-specific promotional strategies to leverage each directory’s unique features.
- Optimize show descriptions for each platform’s search algorithm
- Utilize platform-specific features like Spotify’s video podcasts
- Create custom artwork variants for different directory displays
- Engage with platform-specific communities
Future-Proofing Your Podcast Distribution
Stay informed about industry changes and emerging platforms to maintain a strong directory presence.
Keep your RSS feed flexible and compliant with evolving standards to easily adapt to new directories.
Build a diverse distribution strategy that doesn’t rely too heavily on any single platform.
FAQs
- Which podcast directories are most important to get listed on?
Apple Podcasts (formerly iTunes), Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Amazon Music are the most crucial directories as they account for the majority of podcast listeners. - Do I need to submit my podcast to each directory separately?
Yes, most major directories require separate submissions, though some smaller platforms may automatically pull from your Apple Podcasts listing. - What do I need before submitting to podcast directories?
You need a valid RSS feed, cover art meeting specific requirements (minimum 1400×1400 pixels, maximum 3000×3000 pixels), podcast description, and at least one published episode. - How long does it take for directories to approve my podcast?
Approval times vary by platform: Apple Podcasts typically takes 1-5 business days, Spotify 2-5 days, Google Podcasts 1-4 days, though times can vary during busy periods. - Is it free to submit my podcast to directories?
Yes, most major podcast directories including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Amazon Music are free to submit to. - Can I track which directories are generating the most listeners?
Yes, through podcast hosting analytics and directory-specific analytics like Apple Podcasts Connect and Spotify for Podcasters. - What happens if I need to update my podcast information after getting listed?
Most changes made to your RSS feed will automatically update across directories, though some elements like artwork may require manual updates in certain platforms. - Do I need a website to get listed in podcast directories?
No, a website isn’t required, but having one can help with discoverability and provide a central hub for your podcast content. - Will my podcast episodes appear immediately after being approved?
Once approved, new episodes typically appear within 24 hours across most directories, though some may take up to 48 hours to display new content. - Can I be removed from podcast directories after being listed?
Yes, directories can remove podcasts for violating their terms of service, copyright infringement, or extended periods of inactivity.
