Starting a Free Podcast on Spotify [+ Tips]

Exciting news for aspiring podcasters: Spotify stands out as the go-to platform for podcasts, capturing 35.8% of all listeners and boasting over 40 million monthly listeners in the U.S. alone. If you’ve been considering how to start a podcast on Spotify for free, you’re in the right place!

Even better, Spotify for Podcasters simplifies the entire process of launching a podcast. You can grow, engage, and monetize your podcast without fancy equipment or advanced technical skills. Read on to discover how to start a podcast on Spotify for free and explore tips from seasoned podcasters to maximize your reach.

What is Spotify for Podcasters?

Spotify for Podcasters is a user-friendly platform for hosting, creating, and distributing your podcasts. It’s perfect for both beginners and experienced podcasters, offering fantastic features to grow your audience and monetize your content.

Some key features include:

• Comprehensive show and episode analytics.
• Monetization tools.
• In-app recording and editing.
• Engagement tools like Q&A or polls.
• Option to create video episodes.

Whether you’re starting fresh or have an existing podcast, Spotify for Podcasters provides everything you need to succeed.

Understanding RSS Feeds on Spotify

Think of an RSS feed as the unique identifier for your podcast. It’s similar to a house address—there’s only one per podcast. Your podcast host provides an RSS feed that you can use across various platforms, such as Apple Podcasts.

Once uploaded, your RSS feed updates automatically, ensuring your podcast episodes are always current.

How to Meet Spotify’s Podcast Requirements

To successfully start a podcast on Spotify, you must meet certain requirements:

• A title with relevant details (category and primary language).
• Cover art in a 1:1 ratio and in PNG, JPEG, or TIFF format.
• High-bitrate MP3 format (128 kbps+) or MP4 with AAC-LC.
• Episodes that do not exceed 12 hours.

Once these conditions are met, you’re ready to upload your podcast to Spotify!

Steps to Start a Podcast on Spotify

1. Create a Spotify for Podcasters account.
2. Add information about your podcast.
3. Upload your files.
4. Add episode information.
5. Share your podcast on other directories.

1. Create a Spotify for Podcasters Account

Begin by creating a Spotify for Podcasters account. Use this form to sign up, and choose either “I want to start a podcast” or “I have a podcast.”

2. Add Information About Your Podcast

After setting up your account, add details about your podcast such as:

• Podcast name
• Description
• Cover art
• Category
• Language
• Content type (clean or explicit)

3. Upload Your Files

Existing podcasters can upload audio or video episodes, or even create and edit within the Spotify for Podcasters platform. Here are some best practices:

• Use MP3, M4A, or WAV file formats.
• Keep files small for faster uploads.
• Ensure episodes are under 12 hours.

Click Quick Upload to upload your file or Create an episode to start from scratch.

4. Add Episode Information

Before publishing, add an episode title, description, and schedule. Make sure to note the episode type and content rating (clean or explicit).

5. Share Your Podcast on Other Directories

Your podcast will be accessible to Spotify users worldwide. Use your RSS feed link to also share your podcast on other platforms by navigating to: Settings > Podcast Availability > RSS Distribution.

Switching to Spotify for Podcasters Hosting

Transitioning to Spotify for Podcasters from another host is straightforward:

Option 1: Adding via RSS Feed

1. Log in to your Spotify For Podcasters account and select “I already have a podcast.”

2. Enter your RSS feed.

Option 2: Using Spotify’s Switching Page

1. Visit the Spotify for Podcasters switching page and search for your podcast name.

2. Confirm your podcast ownership and sign up or import your podcast into an existing account.

Expert Insight on Spotify for Podcasters

Many seasoned podcasters have shared their positive experiences:

“An Equitable Pathway for Creatives”

Troy Sandidge, host of iDigress Podcast, praises Spotify for Podcasters for its commitment to inclusivity and its “Making Space” initiative which provides free recording spaces to podcasters.

“Huge Advantages for Podcasters”

According to Al and Leanne Elliot, hosts of Truth, Lies, and Workplace Culture, the platform offers significant advantages, such as effective analytics and a streamlined monetization process.

“A Turnkey Solution”

Sandidge highlights Spotify’s efforts to deliver a streamlined, turnkey solution, complete with training and growth opportunities for creatives.

What About Downsides?

Despite the benefits, there are some challenges, such as gaining visibility in search results and understanding new features.

Take Action Now

Podcasting is a powerful medium to connect with your audience, and Spotify for Podcasters makes it easy. By following these steps, you can put your podcast on Spotify and reach listeners worldwide. Remember to promote your episodes consistently to enhance your reach.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in August 2022 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

Click Here For More Marketing tips and strategies.