Submitting Your Podcast to Apple Podcasts: Complete Guide
TL;DR: Submit to Apple Podcasts through Apple Podcasts Connect using your RSS feed URL (Apple: submit a show). You'll need an Apple Podcasts Connect account, a feed that meets Apple's requirements with at least one episode, and artwork (Apple Podcasts requirements). Show artwork sent through RSS can range from 1400×1400 to 3000×3000 pixels (Apple: show cover). Every show passes technical validation and a review before it's listed (Apple: submit a show). Meet all requirements before submitting to avoid rejection delays.
Table of Contents
- Why Apple Podcasts Matters
- Requirements Before Submitting
- Step-by-Step Submission Process
- After Submission: What to Expect
- Rejection Reasons to Avoid
- Optimizing Your Apple Podcasts Listing
- FAQ
Why Apple Podcasts Matters
Apple Podcasts is Apple's podcast app and directory.
Here's the thing: a listing on Apple reaches beyond Apple's own app. Apple says third-party services such as Overcast, Pocket Casts, and Podchaser reference its catalog (Apple: how Apple Podcasts distributes your shows).
Apple Podcasts at a Glance
- Available to Apple Podcasts app users in over 170 countries and regions (Apple)
- Its catalog is referenced by third-party apps and services (Apple)
- Search and category browsing inside the Apple Podcasts app
Benefits of Listing
Discoverability:
- Search within the Apple Podcasts app
- Category browsing
- Editorial features and recommendations
Credibility:
- A listing in Apple's directory
- Professional appearance
Requirements Before Submitting
Ensure you meet all requirements to avoid rejection.
Account Requirements
Apple Podcasts Connect account:
- You need an Apple Podcasts Connect account to submit a show (Apple: create an account)
- Use a permanent email you'll always access
- Enable two-factor authentication for security
Note: The Apple Developer Program is a separate $99 annual membership (Apple Developer Program). Apple's show submission instructions ask for an Apple Podcasts Connect account, not a developer membership (Apple: submit a show).
RSS Feed Requirements
Feed must include:
- RSS 2.0 format (Apple Podcasts requirements)
- At least one episode (Apple Podcasts requirements)
- Apple's required tags (Apple Podcasts requirements)
- A publicly addressable URL that isn't password-protected (Apple Podcasts requirements)
- A hosting server that supports HTTP HEAD and byte-range requests (Apple Podcasts requirements)
Episode requirements:
- A unique
<enclosure>with URL, length, and type for each episode (Apple Podcasts requirements) - A globally unique identifier (GUID) that never changes (Apple Podcasts requirements)
- An accessible audio file
Artwork Requirements
Technical specifications:
| Requirement | Value |
|---|---|
| Preferred size | 3000×3000 pixels, square (Apple: show cover) |
| Accepted range via RSS | 1400×1400 to 3000×3000 pixels (Apple: show cover) |
| Format | JPEG or PNG (Apple's RSS guide) |
| Color space | RGB (Apple's RSS guide) |
| Resolution | 72 dpi (Apple's RSS guide) |
| Transparency | No alpha channel; use a solid background (Apple: show cover) |
Content guidelines:
- Metadata, including titles and descriptions, must accurately represent the content (Apple content guidelines)
- Don't use another creator's artwork or metadata without permission (Apple content guidelines)
- Don't use Apple trademarks in a way that makes the show look Apple-branded (Apple content guidelines)
- Only include content you have the rights to use (Apple content guidelines)
- Make sure text stays legible at small sizes
Metadata Requirements
Show information:
- Title (clear, unique, not misleading)
- Description (comprehensive, not keyword-stuffed)
- Category (Apple's RSS guide)
- Language (Apple's RSS guide)
- Explicit setting, true or false (Apple's RSS guide)
- Author name (recommended by Apple: Apple's RSS guide)
Episode information:
- Title
- Description
- Valid audio file
- Publication date
Step-by-Step Submission Process
Apple documents the current flow on its submit a show page. For a show hosted elsewhere, it looks like this:
Step 1: Open Apple Podcasts Connect
Sign in to Apple Podcasts Connect with your account (Apple: submit a show).
Step 2: Add Your Show
Choose Add a show with an RSS feed (Apple: submit a show).
Step 3: Enter Your RSS Feed
Paste your complete RSS feed URL. Apple validates the feed (Apple: submit a show).
Step 4: Set Show Details
Apple's flow covers access restrictions, content rights, contact information, availability by country or region, distribution preferences, transcripts, and release date (Apple: submit a show).
Verify everything is correct. Apple notes that show metadata in your RSS feed overrides metadata you entered in Apple Podcasts Connect (Apple: submit a show), so fix mistakes at your hosting platform.
Step 5: Save and Publish
Save and publish to send the show for validation and review (Apple: submit a show).
After Submission: What to Expect
What happens while you wait and after approval.
Review
Every show must pass technical validations and a review process before it's available on Apple Podcasts (Apple: submit a show). Apple's instructions don't state a fixed review time, so submit early.
After Approval
Apple notes that a show can display a Published status but won't be available on Apple Podcasts until an episode is added and published (Apple: submit a show). Then:
- Search for your show in the Apple Podcasts app
- Verify all information displays correctly
- Test playback of episodes
- Share your Apple Podcasts link
Find your Apple Podcasts link:
- Search your show in the Apple Podcasts app
- Use "Share" → "Copy Link"
Performance Data
Check Apple Podcasts Connect for your show's data once listeners start playing episodes.
Rejection Reasons to Avoid
Check these before you submit to avoid delays.
Artwork Issues
Problem: Artwork doesn't meet requirements.
Causes to check:
- Size outside 1400×1400 to 3000×3000 pixels (Apple: show cover)
- Transparency or an alpha channel (Apple: show cover)
- Apple trademarks used in a way that looks Apple-branded (Apple content guidelines)
- Blurry or low quality
Fix: Upload compliant artwork to your hosting platform, wait for the feed to update, resubmit.
Feed Technical Problems
Problem: RSS feed has errors.
Causes to check:
- Invalid XML structure
- Missing required tags (Apple Podcasts requirements)
- Audio files not accessible
- Server doesn't support HEAD or byte-range requests (Apple Podcasts requirements)
- Feed URL password-protected or not publicly addressable (Apple Podcasts requirements)
Fix: Run your feed through a validator, fix errors in your hosting platform, resubmit.
Metadata Issues
Problem: Show information doesn't meet guidelines.
Causes to check:
- Metadata that doesn't accurately represent the content (Apple content guidelines)
- Keyword stuffing in the title (Apple's RSS guide)
- Impersonation (Apple content guidelines)
- Missing required information
Fix: Review Apple's content guidelines, update metadata honestly, resubmit.
Content Violations
Problem: Content violates Apple's policies.
Causes to check:
- Content that infringes others' rights, such as copyright or trademark (Apple content guidelines)
- Explicit episodes not flagged as explicit (Apple content guidelines)
- Other breaches of Apple's content guidelines (Apple content guidelines)
Fix: Review Apple's content policies, remove or modify violating content, resubmit.
Empty or Test Shows
Problem: No substantial content.
Causes to check:
- No episodes published
- Only test episodes
- Placeholder content
Fix: Publish at least one complete, legitimate episode before submitting; Apple requires at least one episode.
Optimizing Your Apple Podcasts Listing
Improve discoverability once approved.
Title Optimization
Do:
- Use your actual show name
- Be memorable and searchable
- Include a subtitle for clarity if needed
Don't:
- Stuff keywords; Apple warns that a long keyword list in the title can get a show removed from its directory (Apple's RSS guide)
- Use "Podcast" unless it's truly part of your brand
- Use misleading names
Description Writing
Write for both listeners and search.
Opening: Put the most important information first.
Full description:
- Explain what the show is about
- Describe who it's for
- Include relevant keywords naturally
- Mention episode format and frequency
Category Selection
Primary category: Most relevant to your content Secondary category: Extends discoverability
Choose categories where your target audience browses, not just where you technically fit.
Episode Optimization
Titles: Clear, descriptive, searchable Descriptions: Include key topics and guest names Episode numbers: Help with organization and navigation
Ratings and Reviews
We suggest asking for ratings and reviews. Encourage them by:
- Asking listeners directly in episodes
- Making it easy (provide a direct link)
- Responding to reviews when possible
FAQ
How long does Apple Podcasts review take?
Apple's instructions don't state a fixed review time; they say every show must pass technical validation and review before it's available (Apple: submit a show). Submit early and have backup content planned while waiting.
Why was my podcast rejected?
Check Apple Podcasts Connect and your email for the reason Apple gives. Things to check include artwork specifications, RSS feed errors, misleading or incomplete metadata, and content policy. Fix the specific issue mentioned, update your feed, and resubmit. Don't resubmit without addressing the stated problem.
Can I edit my listing after approval?
Yes. Update information in your hosting platform. Apple notes that show metadata in your RSS feed overrides metadata entered in Apple Podcasts Connect (Apple: submit a show), so the feed is the place to make changes. Make major changes to artwork or title carefully.
Do I need to resubmit for new episodes?
No. Apple says that if your RSS feed validates, all episodes associated with the feed will be available on Apple Podcasts (Apple: submit a show), so you publish new episodes at your hosting platform. If episodes aren't appearing, check your feed and your host first.
Ready to Get Listed on Apple Podcasts?
Follow the requirements above, submit correctly, and your show can pass Apple's validation and review.
Once your episodes are live and growing your archive, make them discoverable beyond Apple's search. Try PodRewind and search every word across your entire catalog—find any moment in seconds. The free plan covers five episodes; the Creator plan covers the rest of your catalog.