Submitting a podcast to Spotify is the single most effective move you can make to reach a massive, global audience. With hundreds of millions of active users, the platform functions as the primary destination for audio discovery, making it a non-negotiable step for any creator looking to grow their show. The process itself is straightforward, but understanding the nuances can mean the difference between your show getting lost in the directory or being found by the exact listeners you want to reach.
Preparing Your Podcast for Submission
Before you even think about clicking a button, you need to ensure your show is submission-ready. Spotify requires specific technical and metadata elements to properly index your feed. This includes a correctly formatted RSS feed that is clean and free of errors, as any broken links or invalid tags can cause rejection. Your feed must also contain all the artwork and descriptions needed to present your show professionally within the Spotify app.
Essential Artwork and Metadata
Visual identity is crucial for standing out in a crowded browse page. You need to create artwork that meets Spotify’s strict specifications, including a 1400x1400 pixel square image that clearly communicates your brand. Additionally, your show name, description, and category tags should be optimized with relevant keywords. This helps Spotify’s algorithm understand what your show is about and surface it to the right audience during searches or recommendations.
The Submission Process via Spotify for Creators
The most direct way to submit your podcast to Spotify is through the Spotify for Creators dashboard. This platform gives you full control and visibility into your show’s performance on the platform. You will link your existing RSS feed, verify your ownership, and then submit the show for approval. It is important to note that you do not upload audio files directly to Spotify; you simply provide the link to your host’s feed, and Spotify pulls the content from there.
Log in to Spotify for Creators using your Spotify account.
Navigate to the "Your Shows" section and select "Add a show."
Enter your show’s RSS URL and follow the prompts to verify ownership.
Review all the details and submit your show for moderation.
Alternative Distribution Methods
If you are distributing your podcast through a hosting provider like Anchor, Buzzsprout, or Podbean, the submission process is often handled for you. These platforms have direct partnerships with Spotify and will automatically submit your show to the directory once it is uploaded to their service. While this is the easiest route, it is still vital to log into Spotify for Creators periodically to check the status and ensure the metadata is displaying correctly on the platform.
Timing and the Review Queue After you hit submit, your show enters a moderation queue where Spotify reviews it for compliance with their submission guidelines. This process is usually quick, often taking only a few hours, but it can occasionally take up to 72 hours. During this time, ensure your content adheres to their policies regarding hate speech, explicit content, and illegal activity. Shows that violate these rules will be rejected and must be edited before resubmitting. Optimizing for Discovery After Submission
After you hit submit, your show enters a moderation queue where Spotify reviews it for compliance with their submission guidelines. This process is usually quick, often taking only a few hours, but it can occasionally take up to 72 hours. During this time, ensure your content adheres to their policies regarding hate speech, explicit content, and illegal activity. Shows that violate these rules will be rejected and must be edited before resubmitting.
Getting listed is only half the battle; getting found is the real challenge. Once your show is live, you should optimize your Spotify for Creators profile by adding a compelling cover audio track and a concise, keyword-rich bio. You should also submit your show to Spotify’s editorial teams for inclusion in official playlists and categories. Being featured on the Spotify homepage or in a dedicated genre playlist can provide an immediate and significant surge in listeners.
