What exactly do Podcast Directories refer to?
A listening application known as a podcast directory serves as the hub where podcasts and their audience intersect. Listeners browse through the directory to find and subscribe to your podcast, allowing them to listen to it effortlessly.
Some examples of well-known directories for podcasts are Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts.
Once podcasters have finished creating and distributing their podcast, the final step is to submit it to a podcast directory. First, the podcaster must record and edit their content before uploading it onto a preferred host platform.
If the podcaster has already submitted the show’s RSS feed, then it can be automatically syndicated within the directory. Once you add your latest episodes, they will be updated automatically on different podcast directories.
When you publish a new episode of your podcast on your hosting platform, your subscribers will be notified and able to listen to it.
How Do You Distribute Podcasts?
The easiest solution is to provide the RSS link of your show to directories meant for podcasts.
The means of locating your RSS feed URL depends on the hosting platform you use for your podcast. It is essential to inquire with your podcast hosting service to obtain the special RSS feed link and keep it readily accessible before presenting your program to any directory.
Once you have submitted your RSS feed to a podcast directory, it will keep updating automatically every time you publish new episodes. Further instructions on how to submit your RSS feed to different podcast directories will be provided in the following section with specific details.
Why is it important for your podcast to be listed on various directories?
Several directories, including Overcast and Pocket Casts, gather podcast episodes from Apple Podcasts. As a result, some podcast creators opt to only submit their RSS feed to Apple Podcasts and leave it at that.
If you decide to exclusively publish your podcast on Apple Podcasts, you are disregarding other listening apps that obtain their content from different sources. This choice could result in a narrower audience for your show.
The initial eight podcast directories you should prioritize are:
Although it is advisable to have your program listed on numerous directories to ensure it gets widely seen, one cannot deny that there are limitations with regards to the amount of time and resources available.
It can be quite stressful to assign yourself the responsibility of finding and enlisting your podcast with every available directory, especially if you’re a beginner.
Instead, we have compiled a list of the most important 8 podcast directories that you should prioritize.
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- Google Podcasts
- Stitcher
- TuneIn
- Amazon Music and Audible
- iHeartRadio
- Podchaser
1. Apple Podcasts (iTunes)
Apple Podcasts potential audience. Hence, it is crucial to prioritize listing your podcast on Apple Podcasts, which is a leading directory with 28 million listeners worldwide. Additionally, several smaller directories source their content from Apple Podcasts, emphasizing the significance of having your podcast listed here.
Failure to do so would result in missing out on a considerable portion of your potential audience. Your credibility as a professional podcaster might be at stake if your show is not included on Apple’s listing. Additionally, your audience may also question your legitimacy.
Here are the steps you should follow to submit your podcast to Apple Podcasts:
. If you do not yet have an Apple ID, you should create one. Once you have created the ID, you need to verify it on the iTunes application.
Access Apple Podcasts Connect and complete the required steps to create your account.
3. After making your account, click on the ” “symbol located in the upper left of the display to include your podcast’s RSS feed.
Your show’s approval may take up to 2 days as Apple reviews each request carefully.
2. Spotify
Spotify outlet and is now considered as one of the most popular podcast directories. In the coming year, it is anticipated that it will surpass Apple in terms of monthly listeners with 28.2 million as compared to Apple’s 28.0 million. The app has been making significant investments in the podcasting industry lately. To show their commitment to becoming a key player, they acquired Anchor in 2018 and Gimlet Media in 2019, both within the past few years.
How to Submit a Podcast to Spotify:
- It is important to ensure that your program conforms with the standards set by Spotify.
- To sign up for Podcasters on Spotify, you need to create an account.
- Click Get Started on your Dashboard
4. Add your show’s RSS feed URL
Spotify will notify you through an email to verify that you are the rightful owner of the podcast and are submitting it. You will be required to enter the code provided in the email on your dashboard.
In conclusion, input the necessary details concerning your show such as its location, language, hosting provider, and category or multiple categories, then press the Submit button.
The process of uploading a video podcast to Spotify through Riverside can be explained as follows:
Only recently did Spotify introduce video podcasts, and to ensure a smooth integration into their platform they formed a partnership with Riverside. With this collaboration, creators can easily record high-quality video podcasts on Riverside and effortlessly share them with viewers on Spotify.
To upload a video podcast to Spotify through Riverside, adhere to these instructions.
- Establish a recording studio near a river bank and extend an invitation for seven individuals to partake in your podcast recording.
- To begin recording your podcast in the studio, press the Record button as you normally would. Once finished, click the stop button and wait for the upload process to complete.
- Begin editing and personalizing your podcast by accessing your video recording and choosing the option ‘Edit & create clips’.
- After finishing your podcast, select the ‘Export’ option and navigate through the available choices. Choose ‘Export’ again to ready your video podcast for sharing. Keep in mind that this process could take some time.
- Once your video is prepared for exporting, proceed to the preview section and select the Spotify option to move your video podcast over to Anchor platform for distribution.
- You’ll be directed to Anchor’s website, where you can either log in or create an account, select a podcast to export your video to, and finally provide the necessary information for your episode.
- Once you have finished, press the ‘Publish now’ button and your video podcast will be uploaded to Spotify.
3. Google Podcasts
Although Apple is a well-liked brand, there are numerous individuals who use Android and generally prefer to utilize Google’s platform for their media consumption requirements. To meet this demand, Google Podcasts was created.
ensure its visibility on the platform. Google Podcasts has replaced Google Play Music as the leading source for podcast material, and it acquires and combines podcast content from all over the internet for free. Although its software may locate your podcast automatically, it is recommended that you register your program officially in order to guarantee its presence on the site. How can you guarantee that it will show up in search outcomes?
In 2020, Google Podcasts had accumulated a total of 50 million downloads so far. While this number falls short of what Apple and Spotify have achieved, it is still a noteworthy achievement.
Instructions for Uploading a Podcast to Google Podcasts:
If you don’t have a Google account, create one first. Otherwise, simply log in to your account using your web browser.
Visit the Google PubSubHubbub Hub, insert your RSS feed URL, and select “Publish.”
Go to the Google Podcasts Manager and provide the URL of your RSS feed.
You will get an email to verify your account on Gmail. Once you receive it, submit the verification code in Google Podcasts Manager and click on Submit.
4. Stitcher
Stitcher is a frequently used app for listening to podcasts, particularly by those who use Android devices.
enjoy listening to podcasts while driving, Stitcher is a great choice. Its popularity can be attributed to its ease of use features such as personalized playlists and recommendations which have endeared it to numerous podcast fans. In addition,
Stitcher is compatible with Android Auto or Apple’s CarPlay, making it a suitable option for listeners who prefer to listen while driving. If you want to listen to your podcast while driving, make sure you link it with Stitcher.
How to Submit a Podcast to Stitcher
Navigate to the Stitcher for Podcasters website and click on the option to join today.
Reword the paragraph as follows: Insert the URL of your RSS feed into the pop-up box.
Confirm your email, agree to the terms and conditions, and your task is finished!
5. TuneIn
TuneIn TuneIn is a global audio content provider that attracts a substantial audience of 75 million active monthly listeners. Although the service’s primary function revolves around live internet radio streaming, it also features a diverse range of podcast options, making it a preferred choice for individuals seeking to stay up-to-date with sports news and other topics. You can find a variety of talk radio content consolidated in a single location.
The integration of Alexa with TuneIn presents an excellent opportunity for your audience to easily access and listen to your podcast through their intelligent speakers.
How to Submit Your Podcast to TuneIn
Go to TuneIn’s webpage where podcasts can be submitted.
Complete the form by providing details such as your email address, the name and category of the show, and the RSS feed link.
To proceed, agree to the Terms and Conditions and then choose the option to send an email.
After a couple of days, your petition will be examined and authorized. At that time, you will have the chance to upload the graphic design that will be used as a cover for your podcast.
6. Amazon Music and Audible
Although Audible is primarily known for its extensive collection of audiobooks, its parent company Amazon is exploring the realm of podcasting. Despite having a relatively small audience of 41.8 million listeners, it is anticipated that this number will significantly increase in the near future.
Submitting your RSS feed to Amazon Music and Audible is a wise move if you aim to reach out to listeners who prefer accessing podcasts on their Alexa-enabled devices (or wish to combine them with their audiobook listening experiences).
If you want to share your podcast on Amazon Music and Audible, there are a few steps you need to follow. First, make sure your podcast meets the necessary requirements and guidelines for submission. Next, create an Amazon account if you don’t already have one.
Then, go to the “Amazon Music for Artists” website and claim your profile by clicking “Get Started” and filling out the necessary information. Finally, submit your podcast using their online submission form and wait for confirmation of approval before it will be made available on their platforms.
Go to the page on Amazon Music that is specifically for podcasters.
Access your Amazon account by signing in or registering for a new account.
Fill in the blank with your RSS feed link and choose the target audience country, if desired. Then, click on the Submit button.
To verify that the podcast belongs to you, click on the Confirm Email button and wait until a confirmation email is sent to your email address.
7. iHeartRadio
This streaming platform for online radio is well-known for its music selection, but it also has a sizeable following among older listeners who enjoy its podcasts. As of 2019, the platform boasted over 128 million total users.
iHeartRadio You can access it on many different electronics, including smart speakers, smartphones, and wearable technology.
It provides an excellent opportunity to find new podcasts because the application features both suggested options based on personal preferences and charts displaying the top content in different categories.
How to Submit a Podcast to iHeartRadio
Go to the webpage where iHeartRadio accepts submissions for podcasts.
2. Log in or create a free account.
Type in the RSS feed of your podcast into the provided box.
Carefully check the information you entered, agree to the terms and conditions, and then select the option to submit your podcast.
Your request may take up to 24 hours to be processed. You can keep track of the progress of your submission on your dashboard on iHeartRadio.
8. Podchaser
Podchaser their interests. Podchaser has a considerable audience with 500000 active users every month. It is commonly known as the “IMDb of podcasts” due to its similar crowdsourced database model as IMDb (which is the Internet Movie Database).
Listeners on this platform rate, review, and assist each other in discovering podcasts based on their preferences. Different personal concerns.
The data present in Podchaser’s system comprises a dedicated page about each podcast, a collection of handpicked podcast lists, reviews and ratings, and interactive user activity feeds that encourage engagement among brands, podcast authors, and listeners.
Having your name on Podchaser can assist your present viewers in endorsing you to their network and individuals with equivalent interests.
How to Submit a Podcast to Podchaser
1. Create an account on Podchaser.
To add a podcast, go to your home dashboard and click on your profile picture in the top right corner. Then, select “Add a Podcast”.
instructs to insert the link to your RSS feed into the provided dialogue box.
There are 23 additional podcast directories that you should take into consideration.
After you have sent your performance to the most significant directories, try to expand your reach by submitting your RSS feed to numerous smaller directories.
shows they will list. Nonetheless, the basic process of adding your show to a directory remains much the same: locate the site, follow the instructions, and enter your show’s RSS feed link into the designated box. Some sites may additionally require account creation or adhere to stricter listing criteria. This indicates that they permit it – hence, make certain to adhere to the guidelines displayed for every directory.
- Acast
- AnyPodYour program could be included in the database. If you are unable to locate it, kindly send an email to their team.
- Blubrry
- Breaker
- Castbox
- Castro
- Deezer
- Digital Podcast
- iPodder
- Laughable
- Learn Out Loud
- Listen App
- Listen Notes
- Player FM
- Podbean
- Podcast Addict
- Podcast GangYou can select the “Suggest Podcast” option at the bottom of their webpage.
- The Podcast Index It’s possible that your program is already recorded in this tremendous database. But if it’s not, you have the option to add it by providing a code through your podcast host or by emailing your RSS feed to [email] and requesting that they include your show in their list.
- Pocket Casts
- RadioPublic
- Spreaker
- Pandora Podcasts
- Women in PodcastingThis folder is exclusively for female podcasters, meaning that at least one of the hosts on your program must be a woman.
Directories are not the only means of disseminating your podcast; there are other methods too.
Are you prepared to consider ideas that are unconventional or innovative?
Promoting your podcast effectively requires more than just submitting your RSS feed to appropriate platforms and expecting your audience to grow. To achieve maximum reach and engagement, you should explore unconventional options where your podcast can be discovered.
YouTube Podcasts
It is logical to upload your podcast content on YouTube despite it not being an official podcast directory as it is one of the largest platforms for audio content online.
Remember that distributing podcasts through YouTube is different than creating a YouTube channel.
YouTube to reach a wider audience. Keep in mind that YouTube has its own set of viewers and may not be the primary platform for podcast listeners. If you want your episodes to appear on popular podcast directories like Spotify or Apple Podcasts, it’s important to create a traditional podcast first.
While YouTube isn’t ideal as a podcast host, uploading each new episode on this platform can help you expand your reach. Just remember that YouTube has its own audience, which may not necessarily be listening to podcasts.
Adding YouTube to your approach to reach more viewers is a smart decision, particularly since YouTube now focuses more on podcasting. A prime example of this is their recent introduction of a page solely devoted to podcasts.
Take a look at our comprehensive tutorial on commencing a podcast on YouTube to gain more information about disseminating your content on the platform.
Podcast Directories FAQ
Is there a directory for podcasts?
episode. There are several directories available for podcasters to choose from, and they all serve the purpose of presenting your podcast content in a structured manner that makes it simple for audiences to discover your show.
Additionally, your listeners can utilize these directories to subscribe to your podcast easily, which means they’ll be notified whenever you release a new episode.
There are several directories where you can find podcast episodes such as Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts among others.
How do I find podcast directories?
There are many credible podcast archives available on the internet. If you’re unsure of where to begin, we suggest browsing through our list which can be found in the article above. In order to assist you in selecting a suitable podcast archive, they offer a thorough analysis of several options such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher.
Which podcast directory is the most widely used for listening to podcasts?
become even more pronounced in the future. In previous years, Apple Podcasts held the dominant position as the top choice for podcast listening.
However, as of 2021, Spotify has taken over as the leading platform for podcasts. In fact, Spotify has garnered an impressive 28.3 million monthly podcast listeners in the US while Apple only has 2.1 million listeners.
It is anticipated that Spotify’s competitive edge will continue to expand and become more prominent over time. It is evident that it is becoming more dominant as the most favored platform for podcasts.
Are podcast directories free?
Fortuitously, several directories for podcasts are available without any charge while some offer free plans or alternatives. Among the well-known free podcast directories included in our roster are Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartRadio.
What’s the best free podcast app?
The meaning of “best” varies for each person, as it does with anything.
- For iPhone, iPad, or iOS users who desire to direct their podcast listening experience with Siri or discover new shows, Apple Podcasts is an ideal option as it houses a substantial collection of podcasts.
- For individuals who utilize the Spotify application to listen to music and prefer to have everything in a single platform, it is an excellent option. Although it lacks extensive customization options, its advanced algorithm is efficient in suggesting new content that aligns with your preferences.
- People who highly value the ability to personalize their experience and have precise control may prefer using apps such as Stitcher or Overcast.
Which directories are the largest for podcasts?
Apple Podcasts and Spotify are unquestionably the directories with the largest audiences of listeners.
Is submitting to Apple Podcasts enough?
No, there are a number of directories that source their episode content from Apple Podcasts. Examples include:
- OvercastDowncastPodCruncheriCatcherCastaway 2Podcast RepublicBeyondPodAntennaPoddoubleTwist
If you only submit your show to Apple Podcasts, then it will only be visible on a few directories. However, if you don’t expand beyond Apple Podcasts, then you’ll be excluding other major podcast directories such as Spotify and Stitcher.
It is recommended to share your podcast with a diverse range of directories in order to increase its visibility and reach as many potential listeners as possible.
There are many podcast directories available for people to use. These include large companies such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts, as well as community-driven resources like Podchaser and The Podcast Index. With so many options available, there is likely a listening platform that caters to every kind of listener and their specific interests.
With this exhaustive roster, we aim to provide you with clarity on where to commence your podcasting journey. Although it might be slightly time-consuming and laborious, listing your podcast on various directories can facilitate superior engagement and enhanced visibility.