Podcast Distribution Checklist: Submit to All Major Platforms
TL;DR: Submit your podcast to 10-15 directories for maximum reach. Priority order: Apple Podcasts and Spotify first (they drive most listening), then Amazon, iHeartRadio, and others. Most directories accept your single RSS feed URL. Complete submissions in one session—it takes 1-2 hours total. Many smaller directories auto-index from Apple.
Table of Contents
- Distribution Strategy Overview
- Pre-Distribution Checklist
- Tier 1: Essential Platforms
- Tier 2: Major Directories
- Tier 3: Additional Reach
- Tracking Your Submissions
- Post-Submission Verification
- FAQ
Distribution Strategy Overview
Prioritize platforms based on listening share and effort required.
Here's the thing: you don't need to be on every obscure podcast directory. Focus on platforms where listeners actually are. Apple Podcasts and Spotify account for the majority of podcast listening—submit there first. Then add major secondaries, and only pursue smaller directories if you have specific audience reasons.
Platform Priority Tiers
| Tier | Platforms | % of Listeners | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Apple, Spotify | 60-70% | Must do |
| Tier 2 | Amazon, Google, iHeartRadio | 15-25% | Should do |
| Tier 3 | Stitcher, TuneIn, Podcast Addict | 5-10% | Nice to have |
| Auto-index | Many apps | Varies | Automatic |
Time Investment
Total time for comprehensive distribution: 1-2 hours
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep and verification | 15 min |
| Apple Podcasts submission | 10 min |
| Spotify submission | 10 min |
| Amazon Music submission | 10 min |
| Remaining directories | 30-60 min |
Submit everything in one session while you have your information ready.
Pre-Distribution Checklist
Verify everything before starting submissions.
Feed Requirements
- RSS feed URL is accessible (test in browser)
- Feed validates without errors
- At least one episode published
- HTTPS is working (no certificate errors)
Artwork Requirements
- Artwork is 3000×3000 pixels (maximum compatibility)
- File is under 512KB
- Format is JPEG or PNG
- Image displays correctly in feed
Metadata Requirements
- Show title is final and correct
- Description is complete and compelling
- Author/host name is accurate
- Owner email is accessible (for verifications)
- Categories are selected
- Language is set correctly
- Explicit rating is accurate
Information to Have Ready
Prepare these before starting:
RSS Feed URL: _______________________
Show Title: _______________________
Show Description: _______________________
Website URL: _______________________
Owner Email: _______________________
Apple ID: _______________________
Spotify Account: _______________________
Amazon Account: _______________________
Tier 1: Essential Platforms
These platforms are non-negotiable.
Apple Podcasts
Why it matters: Largest podcast directory, many apps index from Apple.
Submission URL: podcastsconnect.apple.com
Process:
- Sign in with Apple ID
- Click "+" to add new show
- Paste RSS feed URL
- Verify parsed information
- Complete email verification
- Submit for review
Timeline: 1-5 business days
Full guide: Submitting to Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Why it matters: Second-largest platform, strong growth, unique features.
Submission URL: podcasters.spotify.com
Process:
- Sign in with Spotify account
- Click "Get Started"
- Select "I have a podcast"
- Paste RSS feed URL
- Verify ownership
- Submit
Timeline: Hours to 3 days
Full guide: Submitting to Spotify
Tier 2: Major Directories
Add these for comprehensive coverage.
Amazon Music / Audible
Why it matters: Growing platform, Alexa integration, audiobook listeners.
Submission URL: music.amazon.com/podcasters
Process:
- Sign in with Amazon account
- Click "Add Podcast"
- Paste RSS feed URL
- Verify ownership via email
- Review and submit
Timeline: 2-5 business days
Notes: Amazon Music and Audible are integrated—one submission covers both.
iHeartRadio
Why it matters: Major broadcast radio company, radio listener crossover.
Submission URL: podcasters.iheart.com
Process:
- Create iHeartRadio account
- Submit podcast for consideration
- Paste RSS feed URL
- Complete profile information
- Submit for review
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Notes: iHeartRadio is more selective—may not accept all submissions.
Samsung Podcasts
Why it matters: Pre-installed on Samsung devices worldwide.
Submission URL: Via RSS submission form
Process:
- Submit RSS feed through partner form
- No account required
- Automatic processing
Timeline: Varies
Notes: Samsung Podcasts pulls from various sources; direct submission ensures inclusion.
Podcast Index
Why it matters: Open index used by many newer apps, supports podcasting 2.0 features.
Submission URL: podcastindex.org/add
Process:
- Go to submission page
- Paste RSS feed URL
- No account required
- Submit
Timeline: Usually immediate
Notes: Free, open-source index. Supports advanced features like chapters and transcripts.
Tier 3: Additional Reach
Complete these for maximum coverage.
Stitcher
Why it matters: Established podcast app with dedicated listeners.
Submission URL: partners.stitcher.com
Process:
- Create partner account
- Submit RSS feed URL
- Complete show information
- Submit for review
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
TuneIn
Why it matters: Popular radio and podcast app, smart speaker integration.
Submission URL: help.tunein.com (contact form)
Process:
- Go to TuneIn help
- Submit contact form with RSS URL
- Include show details
- Wait for response
Timeline: 1-3 weeks
Notes: Manual review process, response times vary.
Podcast Addict
Why it matters: Popular Android app with dedicated user base.
Submission URL: Auto-indexes from Podcast Index
Process:
- Ensure you're listed on Podcast Index
- Podcast Addict pulls automatically
- No direct submission needed
Timeline: Automatic after Podcast Index listing
Podchaser
Why it matters: Discovery platform, reviews, creator profiles.
Submission URL: podchaser.com (claim your podcast)
Process:
- Search for your podcast
- Click "Claim This Podcast"
- Verify ownership
- Complete creator profile
Timeline: Usually same day
Notes: Focuses on community and reviews; good for discoverability.
Listen Notes
Why it matters: Podcast search engine, used by researchers and discoverability.
Submission URL: listennotes.com/submit
Process:
- Go to submission page
- Paste RSS feed URL
- Submit
Timeline: Usually within days
Deezer
Why it matters: Popular in Europe and international markets.
Submission URL: Via aggregator or podcasters.deezer.com
Process:
- Check if your host distributes to Deezer automatically
- If not, submit directly
- Complete verification
Timeline: Varies
Player FM
Why it matters: Web-based player with good SEO.
Submission URL: player.fm/importer
Process:
- Go to importer page
- Paste RSS feed URL
- Submit
Timeline: Usually automatic
Castbox
Why it matters: Popular app in Asian markets.
Submission URL: Via RSS or castbox.fm
Process:
- Most podcasts auto-index
- Verify by searching
- Claim if needed
Timeline: Usually automatic
Tracking Your Submissions
Keep records of your distribution status.
Submission Tracker Template
| Platform | URL | Submitted | Status | Approved | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Podcasts | [ ] | ||||
| Spotify | [ ] | ||||
| Amazon Music | [ ] | ||||
| iHeartRadio | [ ] | ||||
| Samsung | [ ] | ||||
| Podcast Index | [ ] | ||||
| Stitcher | [ ] | ||||
| TuneIn | [ ] | ||||
| Podchaser | [ ] | ||||
| Listen Notes | [ ] | ||||
| Deezer | [ ] | ||||
| Player FM | [ ] | ||||
| Castbox | [ ] |
Account Credentials
Store login information securely:
- Apple ID and password
- Spotify for Podcasters credentials
- Amazon Music Podcasters credentials
- Other platform logins
Use a password manager for security.
Post-Submission Verification
Confirm everything worked correctly.
Verification Checklist
After approval, verify on each platform:
- Show title displays correctly
- Artwork appears properly
- Description is complete
- Episodes are listed
- Audio plays correctly
- Categories are accurate
When to Verify
| Platform | Check After |
|---|---|
| Apple Podcasts | 1-5 days |
| Spotify | 1-3 days |
| Amazon | 3-7 days |
| Others | 1-2 weeks |
Troubleshooting Missing Listings
If your podcast doesn't appear after expected timeline:
- Check submission status in platform dashboard
- Review email for rejection notices
- Validate RSS feed again for errors
- Verify feed URL is publicly accessible
- Contact support if still missing after 2x expected time
Ongoing Maintenance
Monthly:
- Verify all listings are current
- Check that new episodes are appearing
- Review analytics across platforms
When making changes:
- Update in hosting platform first
- Changes propagate automatically
- Allow 24-48 hours for updates
FAQ
Do I need to submit to every directory?
No. Focus on Apple Podcasts and Spotify first—they represent the majority of listening. Add Tier 2 platforms for broader reach. Tier 3 platforms are optional and provide diminishing returns. Many smaller apps index from Apple or Podcast Index automatically, so you gain reach without direct submission.
What if my hosting platform distributes automatically?
Many hosting platforms auto-submit to major directories. Check your host's distribution settings. Even with auto-distribution, verify listings exist and claim your profiles where possible (for analytics and control). Auto-distribution saves time but doesn't always include every platform.
How often should I check my directory listings?
Check weekly during your first month, then monthly thereafter. Verify new episodes appear on major platforms within 24-48 hours of publishing. If you notice issues (missing episodes, outdated information), address immediately. Most problems stem from RSS feed issues, not directory problems.
Can I be removed from directories after approval?
Yes, if you violate platform guidelines, have extended feed outages, or request removal. Directories may also remove inactive podcasts (varies by platform). Maintain regular publishing and feed health to stay listed. If you want to remove your podcast from a directory, check their specific removal process.
Ready to Get Your Podcast Everywhere?
Comprehensive distribution ensures your podcast reaches listeners wherever they prefer to listen. Work through this checklist systematically, and your show will be available across all major platforms within weeks.
As your episodes go live everywhere and your catalog grows, make every episode discoverable. Try PodRewind free and search your entire archive—find any moment across all your episodes in seconds.