Apple Podcasts (previously iTunes) is the main podcast directory that podcast listeners use to listen to their favourite shows.
As of January 2023, Apple Podcasts hosted over 2.5 million podcast shows and had an audience listenership of nearly 40% of all podcast listeners.
Basically, if you have a podcast, you need to have it listed on Apple Podcasts.
Why?
Because as we’ve just said, more people use Apple Podcasts to listen to podcasts than any other directory.
To give you a quick comparison, 29% of people listen to podcasts on Spotify, > 3% on Google Podcasts, and >1% listen to podcasts on Amazon Music.
Before we dive in, let’s recap on the differences between a podcast hosting platform and a podcast directory.
What is a podcast hosting platform?
A podcast hosting platform is where you upload your podcast episodes too. The platform literally ‘hosts’ your podcast.
Your host can then be connected to podcast directories via an RSS feed to publish new episodes and update your podcast any time you make changes.
There are a whole multitude of podcast hosting platforms out there. My one of choice is Buzzsprout as I find it easy to use and has a host of features and analytics to help you grow your show.
What is a podcast directory?
A podcast directory is a platform that your podcast is listed on and that people can listen to your podcast on.
Popular directories include Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and iHeartRadio – but there really are dozens out there.
I’m very much of the opinion that you should have your podcast listed on as many directories as possible, but as a minimum, as the biggest podcast directories, you need your podcast to be listed on Apple Podcasts and Spotify as an absolute minimum.
And whilst you might be wondering the point of listing your podcast anywhere else; you never know who and where your biggest fan who’ll buy anything you promote on your podcast will be listening.
How long does it take to get your podcast listed on Apple Podcasts?
Getting your podcast listed on Apple Podcasts isn’t a tricky process, as you’ll be able to set it up relatively quickly within your podcast hosting platform.
Once you’ve gone through the set-up process, you just need to sit back and wait for Apple Podcasts to approve and then list your podcast. This part can be a bit frustrating; whilst it took less than a day for Apple Podcasts to list The Confident CEO Podcast, I’ve heard of other podcasters waiting over a week for approval. There doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to how quickly you’ll get listed, but, as the numbers above show, it seems foolish not to list on Apple Podcasts, particularly when you’re starting out.
Is it free to have your podcast listed on Apple Podcasts?
Yes, it is 100% free to have your podcast listed on Apple Podcasts. You might need to pay for your hosting platform, but that is entirely separate from Apple Podcasts.
How to submit your podcast to Apple Podcasts
The exact process for submitting your podcast to Apple Podcasts will vary ever so slightly depending on your podcast hosting platform, but here are the steps that will apply to every podcaster, no matter where you’re hosting your podcast:
Step 1: Create your podcast
Before you can submit your podcast to Apple Podcasts, you need to have at least one episode published and available on a hosting platform.
Step 2: Create an Apple ID
If you don’t already have an Apple ID, you will need to create one to submit your podcast to Apple Podcasts.
Step 3: Create an RSS feed
Your podcast needs to have an RSS feed that Apple Podcasts can use to access your content. You can create an RSS feed through a hosting platform, such as Buzzsprout, Libsyn, or Podbean.
Step 4: Submit your podcast to Apple Podcasts
Once you have your RSS feed, you can submit your podcast to Apple Podcasts using the Apple Podcasts Connect platform. Log in with your Apple ID, and then click the “Add a Show” button. Follow the prompts to submit your podcast and provide all the necessary information, such as the title, author, description, and artwork.
Step 5: Wait for approval
After you submit your podcast, it may take up to 7-14 days for Apple Podcasts to review and approve your submission. Once approved, your podcast will be available on Apple Podcasts for listeners to find and subscribe to.
That’s it! Once your podcast is on Apple Podcasts, be sure to promote it on your website and social media channels to help your audience find and listen to your content.
Need help?
If you’re stuck and want some support getting listed on Apple Podcasts, get in touch to book a 1:1 Podcast Power Hour. During a 1:1 Podcast Power Hour, we strategise a way forward for either your fledgling idea or to take your existing podcast to the next level.
In this hour, we can go through a multitude of topics to do with your podcast, including:
- Getting listed in multiple podcast directories
- Planning your podcast strategy to align with your business goals
- How to increase your audience/listeners
- How to track your podcast’s analytics
- Improve your show notes, episode titles
- Plan an overview for your next season
- Action plan how to find and book expert guests
- Increase your authority by strategising appearing on other podcasts
