Apple Podcasts vs Spotify: where should you publish your show?
For aspiring podcasters, it’s often difficult to work out where to publish a show, with a lot of competing information about which is better - Apple or Spotify. Apple Podcasts for Creators (formerly Apple Podcasts Connect) and Spotify for Creators are two of the most popular distribution platforms for podcasts, and the short answer is ‘both of them’.
Despite what you may have heard, you don’t have to choose; you can launch your podcast on both platforms simultaneously. In fact, working cross-platform is the most effective way to maximise your show’s audience, letting you reach more listeners through each platform’s algorithm.
How to submit your show to Apple Podcasts and Spotify
To publish to Apple and Spotify, you need to have published at least one episode (or a short trailer) through your podcast hosting platform to generate a unique RSS feed URL. You can copy and paste this from your podcast’s ‘Distribution’ or ‘Settings’ tab. However, both platforms have slightly different procedures for submitting a show.
Apple Podcasts
Apple Podcasts for Creators is a directory rather than a direct hosting service. Following these steps will ensure that your show gets listed and is discoverable on the platform.
Many podcast hosting providers will automatically handle your podcast submission, although it is worth making sure of this before you start.
Fill out your podcast info
For Apple Podcasts, you need a show title, description and author, as these fields are used for searching the podcast directory. Your podcast hosting provider will have a section where you can fill out your info - simply fill it in on your show’s website.
Just remember not to stuff keywords into the title or description section, as your podcast might be flagged or rejected.
1. Upload podcast artwork
You need to upload podcast artwork for your show to be listed on Apple. Good podcast artwork also helps attract listeners to your show; it should be eye-catching, engaging and clearly show off your vibe and what the show is about.
Your cover art must meet Apple’s requirements:
3000 x 3000 pixels*
Resolution of 72 dpi
JPG or PNG file type
RGB colorspace
*If submitting a show cover via RSS feed, Apple accepts artwork ranging from 1400 x 1400 to 3000 x 3000 - the largest size is preferred.
If you are using anyone else’s artwork, we strongly advise you get permission from the creator before doing so, or credit them in the description.
Once it’s ready, upload it to your podcast hosting service; Apple’s algorithm will automatically pick it up.
2. Pick a podcast category
To help users find shows easily, Apple splits its directory and charts up into different sections. Unlike other directories, which often use three, Apple only uses your first podcast category. We suggest using a subcategory for your first podcast category; this is generally less competitive and will help your show get more listeners.
3. Upload your first episode (or trailer)
To get listed on Apple, you need to upload an episode; this does not have to be a full episode, but can be a bonus or a trailer. Apple Podcasts does not host podcasts itself, so you’ll need to upload your content onto your hosting provider.
Give your episode a title and description, and then hit ‘Publish Now’ or schedule it as you wish (note that your podcast will not be listed until your episode is available for listeners).
Spotify
Getting your show listed on Spotify is similar to the process for Apple Podcasts; if you wish to submit your show manually, the procedure is similar for both. Spotify is also a hosting platform rather than just a directory, so the option exists to upload episodes and artwork directly to the platform, as well as using their editing tools.
However, if you wish to submit your show manually to Spotify and are using a different hosting provider, follow these steps:
1. Copy your RSS feed
Get your unique RSS link from your current hosting platform. Like Apple, you need at least one published episode for your show to be listed.
2. Go to Spotify
Log into your account, or create a free one on Spotify for Podcasters. We suggest using the email address associated with your existing podcasting provider.
3. Submit your show
Select ‘I have a podcast’, then select where your podcast is hosted. If it is not hosted on Spotify itself, select the ‘Somewhere Else’ option. Then paste your unique RSS link and submit.
4. Verify ownership
Spotify will send an 8-digit code to the email associated with your RSS feed. Paste this code to claim your show; typically, it will be listed within less than a day.
Advantages of submitting your show to Apple Podcasts
Both Apple Podcasts and Spotify offer unique opportunities for creators, and let you reach different audiences. Both platforms use different tools and algorithms; in order to make your show a success, it’s helpful to become familiar with both.
Apple Podcasts offers the following:
Listening app and directory
Apple Podcasts’ main function is as a listening app and podcast directory, where people find and play shows. You can use it to listen, subscribe and review.
Creator portal
You can use Apple’s creator portal, Apple Podcasts for Creators, to track your listener data. However, as it is not a hosting platform, its functionality is slightly limited in comparison to hosting platforms, including Spotify.
Large audience
Apple Podcasts captures one of the largest share of podcast listeners of any listening app in the world. Additionally, some less well-known podcast apps such as Podcast Republic detect new shows directly from Apple, so you’ll pick up listeners indirectly, too.
Offline downloads
Apple Podcasts allows free offline downloads for all users, while Spotify typically requires a premium subscription for offline listening.
Human-curated lists
Rather than simply relying on algorithms, Apple Podcasts categories are hand curated by the editorial team, who love podcasts too and want to give listeners the best experience. The team will listen to a selection of podcasts in each category and recommend the ones they love.
Advantages of submitting your podcast to Spotify
Like Apple Podcasts, Spotify offers creators a wide array of features designed to help you grow your audience, although it’s worth stating that many of them are only available if you choose Spotify as your podcast hosting provider, rather than just submitting the show via another platform. Here are just some of the benefits of choosing Spotify:
Audience reach
As with Apple Podcasts, Spotify gives you access to a huge global audience. Its recommendation algorithms can let more listeners discover your show.
Detailed analytics
If you upload your show using Spotify for Creators (formerly Spotify for Podcasters), you will get detailed breakdowns of listener demographics, completion rates and drop-off points. These stats will help your show get even better.
Video support
Spotify is one of a few platforms which offers support for video podcasters and allows you to upload and display full video episodes of your show.
Monetisation options
As an all-in-one platform Spotify offers a range of monetisation options for you to start earning money from your show. These include podcast subscriptions and ad programmes such as the Spotify Partner Program.
Engage with your audience
Spotify offers a range of tools for you to boost engagement and create a community around your show. This includes polls, Q&As, comments and emoji reactions. Ask open-ended questions like ‘What did you think of this episode?’ to get feedback and listener suggestions, then pin the best responses.
Which platform is better - Apple or Spotify?
If you want to reach a wider audience and gain more listeners, the answer is both. Apple Podcasts is the largest podcasting platform in the world, and Spotify is the second largest, so it makes sense to make your show discoverable on both platforms. At Ancoats Podcast Studio, our staff will be able to provide technical support and professional advice through this process. Contact us today to get started.
Frequently asked questions
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Yes! It is completely free to submit a podcast and you will not have to pay any charges to Apple. However some podcast hosting services may only let you distribute your podcast if you are paying a subscription; we recommend checking with them.
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Yes, it is completely free to publish a podcast on Spotify, whether you’re doing this via a third party host or using Spotify for Creators. However, Spotify for Creators does have a premium version with several additional features.
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No - you can use another third-party platform. However, if you do so you will usually not get access to all of the features that Spotify for Creators has to offer, such as polls and Q and As.
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Yes! In fact, we encourage you to do so - it will get you access to a much wider audience from around the world.
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Yes. You can use Spotify for Creators to host, publish, and distribute your audio or video podcasts without spending anything. It can also be used for editing, recording, and monetisation, and allows unlimited hosting if you’re thinking of how to make a podcast for free. However, features and terms may change, so check Spotify for Creators for the latest.
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There are different ways to earn from them. If you’re planning to create a podcast, you can make it profitable through affiliate marketing and sponsorships, or by selling your own products on each episode. You can also earn by interacting with your audience or granting early access to content, such as what’s done in Patreon.
Need a hand with your podcast?
If you need help with audio and video, editing or promotion, Ancoats Podcast Studio has got you covered. Prices start from £100 per hourly session. You’ll get access to 3 Sony A7III cameras which provide crystal-clear visuals, and 4 RØDE PodMics, designed specifically for podcasters. These mics have a built-in pop filter to minimise sound disturbances, and the entire studio is acoustically treated to eliminate background noise.
You’ll get technical support and editing advice from our expert studio manager, and at the end of your session we’ll make sure we get your files to you with a Google Drive link.
If you’d like to make a booking or just want further information, contact us today at hello@ancoatspodcaststudio.co.uk.
