Submitting your podcast to directory platforms is an important step in launching your show, and we’re here to walk you through the process! Below are answers to some common questions we hear about submitting, getting approved, and managing your listings.
Before You Submit
What do I need to do before I can submit to the directories?
On your
Directories page
in Buzzsprout, you’ll see a checklist of steps to complete before submitting to each platform. This includes verifying your email, filling out your podcast details, and publishing at least one episode!
What if I don't want to publish my first episode yet?Since the directories need you to have one published episode before you can submit, a podcast trailer is a great way to get listed on directories before you actually launch your show. Your trailer can act as a placeholder while you prepare for your launch.
We find that the best trailers are between two and five minutes and give listeners a glimpse into your podcast. This video goes more in-depth on the
elements that make a great trailer!
Do I need to create an account on Apple or Spotify first?
Nope! You don’t need to create accounts with Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or other directories to submit your podcast. After you complete the checklist on your
Directories page, just click the "Get Listed" button under each directory that you'd like to submit to!
But, you can create accounts and claim your podcast within Apple Podcasts and Spotify for Creators if you'd like! We'll break those steps down here:
Claim Your Apple Podcasts Listing and
Claim Your Spotify Listing.
How soon before my podcast launch should I submit to the directories?
Because it can take a few days for the directories to review and accept your submission, it's a good idea to submit a week before you'd like your podcast to be available on all platforms.
Submission & Approval
How long does it take for a directory to approve a podcast submission?
Every directory reviews podcasts on its own timeline. Some, like Spotify, approve your show within a day, while others can take up to a week. Most podcasts are approved within 48 hours of submission.
Do I need to submit every time I publish a new episode?
Nope! Once your podcast is approved through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other major directory, you won't need to submit any new episodes. All new episodes published in your Buzzsprout account will automatically be added to your listings!
After You’re Listed
How often do my listings update?
Directories each refresh their podcast listings several times throughout the day. So, sometimes, they will see new episodes or changes to the feed quickly, and other times, they can take several hours. It will just depend on when they check your feed for changes. You can typically expect to see a new episode or a change reflected in your listing within two hours!
If you're not seeing your updates live after 24 hours, please reach out to us, and we'd love to help troubleshoot!
Where do I make changes for my listings?
All directory listings pull their information directly from your RSS feed. To make changes to your RSS feed, you'll just need to update your details in Buzzsprout. Most of the information you will want to change will be located either under Settings > Podcast Settings or in the individual episode's details!
What Next?
Any Questions?