Spotify has become one of the biggest platforms for podcast discovery. It’s a crucial platform for reaching listeners. So, how do you start a podcast on Spotify? Thanks to recent updates to the Spotify Creator program, it’s easier than ever. Spotify makes it simple whether you want to start something new or move your existing content.
Here’s everything you need to know.
How Do I Get My Podcast on Spotify?
If you have an existing podcast, it’s pretty easy to get it on Spotify. The platform doesn’t automatically add new podcasts that are accessible via traditional podcast apps, so you’ll have to do it yourself. It’s worth doing, though, since it gives you access to listeners who only find podcasts through the app. Here’s how to list your existing podcast on Spotify:
Step 1) Meet Spotify’s Audio Standards
This is step zero, but make sure you meet Spotify’s requirements to submit a podcast. For an audio podcast, Spotify requires that you have at least one published episode as an MP3, M4A, or WAV with a bitrate between 96 and 320 kbps.
If you’re curious about recording your podcast, we have a guide for that.
Step 2) Sign Up And Tell Spotify If They’ll Be Hosting Your Podcast Or Someone Else Is
If you don’t already have an account with Spotify for Creators, create one. The first time you sign up, podcasts will give you the option of uploading a new show or finding an existing one.
If you already have a podcast hosted somewhere else, you’ll need to tell Spotify where it is. Click “I have a podcast” option. Then select “somewhere else” when you’re asked where your podcast is hosted and want to keep your host.
On the next page, you’ll need to copy and paste your podcast’s RSS feed from your hosting service.
Spotify will ask you to verify ownership of your podcast. They do this by emailing the address associated with the RSS feed. Enter that code when you’re prompted.
Fill out your podcast details and hit submit. Keep in mind that it can take a day or two for Spotify to approve podcasts.
How Do I Move My Podcast To Spotify?
If you’d like to switch your host to Spotify later, that’s easy. Go to the Host With Us tab and select “Get Started.” Spotify will import your podcast from its current host and redirect your RSS feed. They’ll give you a link to copy and paste into your current host’s settings.
How to Use Spotify for Podcasters to Start Your Podcast
If you don’t already have hosting for your podcast, you can use Spotify for Podcasters to set it up. To do that, follow these steps:
First, go to the Spotify for Podcasters site and click “Go to podcast setup.”
Now fill in your podcast’s details, then hit continue
Next, upload your audio file by dragging and dropping or selecting a file. If you haven’t yet recorded an episode, you can use Spotify’s Riverside integration to do that.
Finally, publish your episode by filling out the details like title and description, review everything, then hit the publish button.
Again, you’ll have to meet Spotify’s audio file requirements as described above to host a podcast on the platform. Keep them in mind when you’re recording your content and make sure your settings are tuned correctly.
Is it Free to Start a Podcast on Spotify?
Yes, it’s free both to host your existing podcast on Spotify and to start one with the Spotify for Podcasters service. Spotify being free to use is a big part of its appeal, as traditional podcast hosts like Libsyn generally charge for hosting.
Of course, Spotify’s hosting may not stay free forever. Additionally, paid hosting may offer you more control over things like ads, as well as better support. That said, Spotify for Podcasters is a fine platform if you need the basics of hosting taken care of.
How Do Podcasters Make Money on Spotify?
In general, podcasters make money through ad revenue. Spotify offers a Partner Program which allows podcasters to earn money from the ads Spotify places on their podcasts. In order to be eligible for the Spotify Partner Program, your show has to be hosted on the platform. Additionally, you have to meet a number of requirements:
- Be located in the United States, Canada, the UK, or Australia
- Have 10,000 hours streamed on Spotify in the last 30 days
- Have been streamed by 2,000 unique Spotify users in the last 30 days
- Have at least 12 episodes published
If you hit those requirements, you’re eligible for the Partner Program. Once you’re signed up for it, Spotify will let you mark on your shows where you want ads to play. From there, Spotify will insert dynamic, targeted ads in your show and will pay you a portion of the ad revenue.
Spotify Subscriptions
Spotify also offers a subscription service similar to Patreon. The subscriptions feature lets your listeners support you in exchange for bonus content. Spotify also gives you a mailing list of your subscribers so you can connect with them via email.
If you already have a Patreon, Substack, or other partner account, Spotify can integrate with those services, too. That means that your existing fans can authenticate their subscriptions on those platforms to access your content on Spotify.
To be eligible for the subscription feature on Spotify, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Be located in the United States, Canada, the UK, or Australia
- Have at least two published episodes
- Have been streamed by at least 100 unique Spotify listeners in the last 60 days
Obviously, the requirements to use the subscriptions feature are much less onerous. So if you have a small but dedicated audience, it can be a useful way to monetize your podcast.
In general, you should keep in mind that it’s pretty hard to make money off of a podcast these days. And even though heavy hitters like Joe Rogan are making bank on Spotify, most podcasters are making little, if anything, from their shows.
There are easier ways to get rich quickly than starting a podcast. Even if you get to the point where you can earn ad revenue on Spotify, you should keep your expectations about potential income in check.
How Do I Get Listeners for my Podcast?
Once you’ve started a podcast and gotten it on Spotify, the next step is to get people to listen to it. Telling your family and friends is a good way to start, as is posting about it on social media.
You might consider trying to get guests on your podcast who are willing to appear and promote the show, too. For more information on getting your podcast off the ground, see our full guide to starting a podcast from scratch.
