How to Get Your Podcast on Spotify: Complete 2026 Guide

Getting your podcast on Spotify is essential for reaching modern podcast listeners. As the second-largest podcast platform globally, Spotify provides access to millions of potential listeners who discover podcasts exclusively through the platform.

This guide walks you through the process of submitting your podcast to Spotify, optimizing your presence, and using Spotify for Creators to grow your audience. For broader podcast marketing strategies, see our complete guide on how to promote your podcast in 2026.

Two Ways to Get on Spotify

You can get your podcast on Spotify through two methods:

1. Through your podcast host: Most hosting platforms automatically distribute to Spotify
2. Directly via Spotify for Creators: Submit your RSS feed manually

The first method is simpler and recommended for most podcasters. Your podcast host handles the submission and ongoing updates. The second method works if your host does not support automatic distribution or if you want more control over the process.

Method 1: Distribution Through Your Podcast Host

Most modern podcast hosts include Spotify distribution as a standard feature. Here is how major hosts handle it:

Automatic Distribution Hosts

These hosts automatically submit your podcast to Spotify when you create your show:

• Buzzsprout: One-click Spotify submission from the distribution settings
• Transistor: Automatic submission to Spotify with all plans
• Captivate: Includes Spotify in standard distribution
• Podbean: Spotify distribution included on all plans
• Libsyn: Spotify submission available in distribution settings
• Castos: Automatic Spotify distribution
• Simplecast: One-click Spotify submission

How Host Distribution Works

When you enable Spotify distribution through your host:

1. Your host submits your RSS feed to Spotify
2. Spotify reviews and approves your podcast (usually within hours to a few days)
3. Your podcast appears on Spotify once approved
4. New episodes automatically appear on Spotify when published

This is the recommended approach because your host handles the technical details and troubleshoots any issues. Check your host's distribution or directories section to enable Spotify if it is not already active.

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Method 2: Direct Submission via Spotify for Creators

If you need to submit directly, Spotify for Creators (formerly Spotify for Podcasters) lets you add your podcast manually.

Step-by-Step Direct Submission

Step 1: Access Spotify for Creators

Go to creators.spotify.com and sign in with your Spotify account. If you do not have a Spotify account, create one. You can use a free Spotify account; no premium subscription is required.

Step 2: Choose "Add Your Podcast"

From the Spotify for Creators dashboard, select the option to add or claim a podcast. You will be asked whether to create a new podcast or add an existing one.

Step 3: Enter Your RSS Feed URL

Select "Add existing podcast" and paste your podcast's RSS feed URL. Your podcast host provides this URL in your show settings or dashboard. It typically looks like: https://feeds.yourhost.com/yourpodcast

Step 4: Verify Ownership

Spotify will send a verification code to the email address listed in your RSS feed. Enter this code to confirm you own the podcast. This prevents unauthorized claiming of shows.

Step 5: Complete Your Profile

Add any missing information about your podcast:

• Category and subcategory selection
• Language
• Country of origin
• Any content advisories if applicable

Step 6: Submit and Wait

After submission, Spotify reviews your podcast. Approval typically takes a few hours to a few days. You will receive email notification when your podcast is live.

Requirements for Spotify Submission

Before submitting, ensure your podcast meets Spotify's requirements:

Technical Requirements

• Valid RSS feed: Your feed must be properly formatted and publicly accessible
• At least one episode: Your podcast must have published content
• Cover art: Square image, minimum 640x640 pixels, maximum 3000x3000 pixels
• Supported audio format: MP3 (recommended) or M4A
• Email address in feed: Required for verification

Content Guidelines

• Content must not violate Spotify's content policies
• No copyright-infringing material
• Accurate show descriptions and metadata
• No misleading information or spam

Most podcasters meet these requirements without issue. If your submission is rejected, review the requirements and resubmit after corrections.

Optimizing Your Spotify Presence

Once your podcast is on Spotify, optimize your presence to help listeners discover your show.

Podcast Title and Description

Your title and description appear in Spotify search results. Write them with discovery in mind:

• Include relevant keywords listeners might search for
• Keep the title clear and memorable
• Write a description that explains who the podcast is for and what they will learn
• Avoid excessive keywords or spammy descriptions

Episode Titles

Episode titles influence both search and browse behavior. Make them descriptive:

• Include the main topic or guest name
• Avoid generic titles like "Episode 47"
• Use language your target audience would search for
• Keep titles under 60 characters when possible for full display

Cover Art

Your cover art appears in search results, browse sections, and when listeners share your podcast:

• Use readable text even at small sizes
• Choose colors that stand out in Spotify's interface
• Avoid busy designs that become unclear when shrunk
• Update annually to signal active production

Using Spotify for Creators Analytics

Spotify for Creators provides valuable analytics unavailable elsewhere. Understanding these metrics helps you grow your audience effectively.

Key Metrics to Monitor

Streams: Total plays of your episodes on Spotify. Note that Spotify counts streams differently than traditional podcast downloads.

Listeners: Unique listeners over a time period. This shows how many individuals engage with your content.

Followers: People who follow your podcast on Spotify. Followers receive new episode notifications.

Audience Demographics: Age ranges, gender distribution, and geographic data about your Spotify listeners.

How They Found You: Search queries, browse features, and other discovery methods that brought listeners to your show.

Using Search Analytics

Spotify shows what search terms brought listeners to your podcast. This information is valuable for:

• Understanding what your audience is looking for
• Identifying topics to cover in future episodes
• Optimizing episode titles with relevant terms
• Discovering related topics your audience cares about

Review search analytics monthly to inform your content strategy.

Spotify-Specific Features for Podcasters

Spotify offers features unique to their platform that can help grow your audience.

Video Podcasts

Spotify supports video podcasts, displaying video when available and audio when users listen in the background. If you produce video content, uploading it to Spotify can increase engagement.

Polls and Q&A

Spotify for Creators includes interactive features like polls and Q&A in episodes. These features increase listener engagement and provide feedback on your content.

Episode Comments

Listeners can leave comments on episodes within Spotify. Monitor and respond to comments to build community around your podcast.

Spotify-Only Exclusives

Some podcasters create Spotify-exclusive episodes or early access for Spotify listeners. This can drive followers to your Spotify presence specifically.

Common Submission Problems and Solutions

RSS Feed Not Accepted

If Spotify rejects your RSS feed:

• Verify the feed URL is correct and publicly accessible
• Check that your feed validates using a podcast feed validator
• Ensure you have at least one published episode
• Confirm your cover art meets size requirements

Verification Email Not Received

If you do not receive the verification email:

• Check spam and junk folders
• Verify the email in your RSS feed is correct and accessible
• Wait 24 hours and request a new verification code
• Contact your podcast host if the email address cannot be changed

Podcast Stuck in Review

Most podcasts are approved quickly, but some take longer:

• Wait at least 5 business days before contacting support
• Verify your content follows Spotify's guidelines
• Check that all metadata is complete and accurate

Episodes Not Updating

If new episodes do not appear on Spotify:

• Verify new episodes are in your RSS feed
• Check that episode publish dates are not set in the future
• Wait a few hours; Spotify does not update instantly
• Contact your podcast host to verify the feed is updating correctly

Beyond Spotify: Other Essential Directories

While Spotify is crucial, submit your podcast to other major directories as well:

• Apple Podcasts: Still the largest directory, essential for reaching Apple device users
• Amazon Music/Audible: Reaches Alexa users and Amazon customers
• Listen Notes: Major podcast search engine indexing millions of shows
• Podchaser: Podcast database with ratings and reviews
• Podcast Addict: Popular Android podcast app
• Castbox: International podcast app with over 259 million audio files

Most podcast hosts distribute to major directories automatically, but verify your podcast appears on each platform.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get on Spotify?

Most podcasts are approved within a few hours to a few days after submission. If using automatic distribution through your podcast host, the process often completes within 24-48 hours. Direct submissions may take slightly longer during busy periods.

Is Spotify for Creators the same as Anchor?

Spotify acquired Anchor and rebranded it as Spotify for Creators. The platform combines Anchor's hosting features with Spotify's creator tools. If you used Anchor previously, your account has been migrated to Spotify for Creators.

Do I need a premium Spotify account?

No. You can submit and manage your podcast with a free Spotify account. Spotify Premium provides ad-free listening and other benefits for listeners but is not required for podcasters.

Can I see who listens to my podcast on Spotify?

Spotify for Creators provides aggregate demographic data including age ranges, gender distribution, and geographic locations. You cannot see individual listener identities, but the aggregate data helps you understand your audience.

Does Spotify pay podcasters?

Spotify does not pay podcasters for streams like it pays musicians. However, Spotify offers various monetization programs for eligible podcasters, including advertising options and listener support features. Check Spotify for Creators for current monetization opportunities.

How do I remove my podcast from Spotify?

You can remove your podcast through Spotify for Creators by accessing your podcast settings and selecting the removal option. If distributed through your podcast host, disable Spotify distribution in your host's settings. Allow several days for the removal to process.

Conclusion

Getting your podcast on Spotify is straightforward whether you use automatic distribution through your podcast host or submit directly via Spotify for Creators. Most podcasters should use their host's automatic distribution for simplicity and reliability.

Once on Spotify, optimize your presence with clear titles, good cover art, and engaging descriptions. Use Spotify for Creators analytics to understand your audience and refine your content strategy. The search data alone provides insights unavailable from most podcast hosts.

Remember that Spotify is one part of a broader distribution strategy. Submit to Apple Podcasts, Listen Notes, and other directories to maximize your reach. For more marketing strategies, see our complete guide to promoting your podcast in 2026.

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