Use this guide to submit your new podcast to Apple Podcasts for the first time.
Before You Start - Preparing
To submit to Apple you will need to have:
Created a show and published at least one episode to your podcast.
Access to your Zencastr account.
1. Create/Log Into Apple ID
Creating an Apple ID, a free account that is associated with an email, is the first step to get your show listed.
If you already have an Apple ID, log into that account.
If you don’t have an Apple ID, create one.
2. Submit RSS Feed to Apple Podcasts
Next, submit your RSS Feed to Apple Podcasts via your Zencastr account.
In Zencastr:
On your Dashboard, click the Episodes tab on the left sidebar menu.
Under ‘Destinations’, click +Connect next to Apple Podcasts.
Click Submit Your Podcast to Apple Podcasts.
Result: The Apple Podcasts Connect site will open. If it is your first time using it, you may need to complete some additional fields to create your account.
In Apple Podcasts Connect:
Your Zencastr RSS Feed is populated in the “Add An RSS Feed’ dialog.
Click Add.
Result: Your show name will be added to Apple Podcasts Connect and a message of “We’re still processing your show details. Check back later and then click Publish.” will appear.
3. Wait For Show Details To Populate
At this point, Apple Podcasts reads your RSS Feed. It usually takes 5-10 minutes for your feed to be processed and your show details to populate in Apple Podcasts Connect.
4. Complete Show Information
After your show details populate, complete the required information to publish your podcast.
On the show information page:
Under Show Details, select your podcast’s update frequency.
Under Content Rights select which content rights statement applies to your podcast.
Under Show Contact, add your name, phone number, and email address.
On the availability page:
Under Countries or Regions, leave the default of making it available everywhere or select specific countries and regions.
Under Distribution, ensure “make this show available for distribution” is checked.
Under Transcripts, select to display Apple-generated or your own transcripts.
Under Show Release, leave the default of making your podcast available asap or chose a date and time to make your podcast available.
5. Review and Publish
Review all the information and click Publish.
What happens next: Apple Podcasts reviews your podcast submission. It usually takes a few hours to a few days for them to review and approve your podcast. Once approved, your podcast will automatically be listed on their apps.
Add Your Apple Podcasts Show Link to Zencastr
Add your Apple Podcasts show link in Zencastr to keep track of where your show is distributed and to add a link to your show’s Apple Podcasts listing on your Zencastr show page.
In an Apple Podcast app:
On your show page, click the 3-dot icon.
Click Copy Link.
In Zencastr:
On your Dashboard, click the Episodes tab on the left sidebar menu.
Under ‘Destinations’, click +Connect next to Apple Podcasts.
Copy your Apple Podcasts show link in the ‘Already have your show on Apple Podcasts?’ field.
Click Link.
Related Questions
How long does it take for Apple Podcasts to list my podcast?
It typically takes a few hours to a few days for your podcast to be reviewed and listed on Apple Podcasts. They will send an email confirmation once it is listed and you can also check its status by logging into your Apple Podcasts Connect account.
If my podcast was already listed on Apple Podcasts when I had a different hosting provider, do I need to resubmit it to Apple Podcasts when moving hosting?
No, if your podcast was already listed on Apple Podcasts when you moved your hosting to Zencastr from another provider, you do not need to resubmit it. The 301 redirect from your previous host will ensure your audience follows you. Additionally, you should update your RSS feed in Apple Podcasts Connect to indicate that Zencastr is now your hosting provider.
To update your RSS feed in Apple Podcasts, log into your Apple Podcasts Connect account. Select your podcast and under ‘Show Information’ click Edit next to your RSS feed. Paste your Zencastr RSS feed in the ‘URL’ field and click Save.