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How do I start a podcast?

  • bigmanmike
  • Sep 18
  • 5 min read



You have your idea, maybe you have even recorded your first few episodes. The show is sitting on your computer and you want the world to hear it but you don't know how to get it out there. Fear not! Borough House Creative has created a comprehensive step-by-step guide to taking your show and publishing it across the web. What is an RSS and how do I get it on Apple?? We got you...


(scroll to the very bottom to just see all the links if you just need that resource)


Step-by-step: set up & release your podcast


1) Pick a podcast host (this creates your RSS feed)

Any reputable host will generate an RSS feed URL for your show (that’s the web “feed” apps read to list and update your podcast). Spotify describes an RSS feed nicely as “a file that contains everything about your podcast,” including episode audio links, titles, descriptions, and artwork. Spotify

Popular hosting options (all solid; compare pricing/features). We typically recommend Libsyn as we find its platform very user friendly and straight forward, but we have listed a bunch of options so you have options to decide for yourself:

Tip: If you host with Spotify for Podcasters (aka Spotify for Creators), your RSS feed is created after you publish your first episode; you can enable it to distribute elsewhere. Spotify

2) Prepare show details & artwork

Have this ready in your host dashboard before you publish your first episode:

  • Show title, author/creator name, show description.

  • Category & language.

  • Explicit/clean flag.

  • Cover art (required):

    • Apple Podcasts: square 3000×3000 px recommended (RSS submissions can be 1400–3000 px). JPG/PNG, RGB, no transparency. Apple Podcasts

    • Spotify follows your feed specs and has its own delivery spec for audio/metadata. Spotify+1

    • YouTube (podcast playlists): square 1280×1280 px thumbnail, ≤10 MB. Google Help+1

3) Publish your first episode in the host

Upload your mastered audio (MP3/AAC are standard), write episode title & description, set episode type (full, trailer, bonus), and publish. Apple’s feed requirements highlight key technical points your feed/episodes must meet (e.g., each episode needs a unique <enclosure> with URL, length, and type; server must support HTTP HEAD and byte-range requests; each item must have a GUID). Apple Podcasts

4) Grab & validate your RSS feed

After your show and at least one episode are live in your host, copy your RSS feed URL.

Validate it here (use more than one):

  • Apple Podcasts RSS validator (official). Google Sites

  • Podbase (checks Apple/iTunes tags & common pitfalls). Podnews

  • Cast Feed Validator. Libsyn

If you’re curious about what an RSS feed is under the hood, see the original RSS 2.0 specification. Berkman Klein Center

5) Submit your show to listening platforms (directories)

A) Apple Podcasts (essential)

  • Sign in at Apple Podcasts Connect with your Apple ID. Click Add (+) → New Show → Add a show with an RSS feed, paste your feed, and follow prompts. Your show must have artwork and at least one episode. Apple Podcasts+1

  • Apple’s Connect site and “Claim your show” docs cover both host-direct and Connect submissions. Apple Podcasts+1

  • Artwork requirements are strict (see Step 2). Apple also supports optional episode art at 3000×3000 if you want custom art per episode. Apple Podcasts+1

Note: Many third-party apps auto-index from Apple. For example, Overcast lists most shows added to Apple within 1–2 days; if it doesn’t, you can add the feed manually. overcast.fm+1

B) Spotify (essential)

Two common paths:

  • You host elsewhere → Submit your RSS to Spotify via Spotify for Podcasters (you’ll verify ownership via the email present in your feed). Spotify

  • You host with Spotify for Creators → It publishes to Spotify automatically; enable your RSS to distribute to other platforms. Spotify

Tech details (file formats/metadata) are in Spotify’s Podcast Delivery Specification. Spotify Provider Support


C) YouTube / YouTube Music (highly recommended for discovery)

Two ways:

  • Create a podcast in YouTube Studio (each episode is a video; MP3s alone won’t work). Add a square podcast thumbnail (YouTube recommends 1280×1280). Google Help+1

  • Deliver via RSS to YouTube Music (available in many regions)—follow YouTube’s “Deliver podcasts using an RSS feed” guide. Google Help


D) Amazon Music / Audible

Submit your RSS feed in Amazon Music for Podcasters (“Add or Claim Your Podcast”), then verify ownership (email in feed). podcasters.amazon.com+2podcasters.amazon.com+2


E) Pandora (via Simplecast Creator Connect)

Pandora’s submission now runs through Simplecast Creator Connect (free; works regardless of where you host). Submit your RSS and verify ownership. Simplecast+2AMP Playbook+2


F) TuneIn

Use TuneIn’s broadcaster portal to add your podcast (RSS feed required). broadcasters.tunein.com+1


G) Others & good-to-know

  • Overcast: usually automatic from Apple; manual add if needed. overcast.fm

  • Many smaller apps (Pocket Casts, Podcast Addict, etc.) let listeners add RSS URLs directly even if you never “submit.” (Your host or app help pages provide per-app steps.)


6) Platform-specific needs & gotchas (quick checklist)

  • Have a public contact email in your feed (used for ownership verification—esp. Spotify/Amazon). Spotify+1

  • Artwork:

    • Apple: 3000×3000 (RSS accepted 1400–3000), JPG/PNG, RGB, no transparency. Apple Podcasts

    • Spotify: adhere to Spotify’s delivery spec; use square artwork (1:1) in your feed. Spotify Provider Support

    • YouTube podcast playlists: 1280×1280 recommended; ≤10 MB. Google Help+1

  • Feed tech (for Apple especially): unique <enclosure> per episode (URL, length, type), GUID per item, and hosting that supports HTTP HEAD & byte-range requests. Apple Podcasts


7) After approval: share smart links & keep everything in sync

  • Add the new platform links to your website, social bios, and host’s “directory links” field (so your embed players & site show “Listen on Apple/Spotify/YouTube/Amazon” buttons). Apple’s docs note that many third-party services reference the Apple catalog, so getting on Apple often propagates elsewhere. Apple Podcasts


Appendix: quick links (hosts & directories)

Hosts (choose one)

Libsyn Libsyn · Buzzsprout Transistor · Transistor Apple Podcasts · Captivate Apple Podcasts · Podbean Podbean · Simplecast Simplecast · RSS.com RSS.com · Acast acast.com · RedCircle RedCircle

Submit / manage on major platforms

  • Apple Podcasts Connect → submit/claim your show. Apple Podcasts+1

  • Spotify for Podcasters → submit RSS / manage show; enable RSS if you host with Spotify. Spotify+1

  • YouTube Studio (Podcasts) → create a podcast & upload video episodes; YouTube Music RSS delivery. Google Help+1

  • Amazon Music for Podcasters → Add/Claim Podcast. podcasters.amazon.com

  • Pandora via Simplecast Creator Connect → submit RSS to Pandora/SiriusXM. Simplecast

  • TuneIn Broadcaster Portal → add your podcast. broadcasters.tunein.com

  • Overcast → usually auto-listed after Apple; manual add if needed. overcast.fm


Validators

Apple Podcasts RSS Validator Google Sites · Podbase Podnews · Cast Feed Validator Libsyn

 
 
 

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