How to Upload a Podcast to Apple Podcasts [2026]
The Apple Podcasts directory is the most popular iOS podcast app. It accounts for 37.5% of podcast downloads and is the first place you should get listed.
With support for both audio and video podcasting, Apple Podcasts is a key platform for reaching a wide audience.
In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk through exactly how to submit your show to Apple Podcasts!
Requirements for Apple Podcasts
1. Fill out podcast info
A unique podcast show title, author, and description are required to submit your show to Apple Podcasts.
Apple uses the title and author fields for search in Apple Podcasts. If your target listeners might search “Best Podcast about AI” make sure you include AI in these fields. But do not stuff keywords into these sections, or your podcast might be rejected.
Your podcast hosting provider will have a page where you can save your podcast info.
On Buzzsprout, this is listed on the Podcast Info page.
2. Upload podcast artwork
Unique podcast cover art is required to get listed in Apple Podcasts.
Your cover art must meet Apple Podcasts' artwork requirements:
- 3000 x 3000 pixels
- Resolution of 72 dpi
- JPG or PNG file type
- RGB colorspace
Once your show artwork is ready, upload it to your podcast hosting service.
PRO TIP
Issues with podcast cover art are the most common reason podcasts aren’t accepted into Apple Podcasts. If you run into issues, double-check that your podcast artwork follows these exact specifications.
If you use Buzzsprout’s Canva integration, your artwork will follow these specifications automatically.
Once your show artwork is ready, upload it to your podcast host.
3. Pick podcast category
Apple Podcasts splits its directory and charts into different categories like History, Fitness, and Earth Sciences.
While other podcast directories and apps use three categories, Apple Podcasts only uses your first podcast category.
PRO TIP
If you're starting a new podcast, select a sub-category since these are less competitive. Your podcast will rank higher and gain new followers.
4. Upload first episode
Apple Podcasts requires every show to have at least one episode to get listed.
Your first episode can be a podcast trailer, bonus, or full episode.
Apple Podcasts does not host your podcast, so you'll need to upload your episode to a podcast host like Buzzsprout.
Give your episode a title and description, and click Publish Now.
Upload an Audio Podcast from Buzzsprout
On Buzzsprout, you can submit to Apple Podcasts with just one click! Once you’ve published your first episode and filled in your podcast details, just head to the Directories tab in your account. Under Apple Podcasts, click Get Listed, then hit Submit to Apple Podcasts. That’s it!
No need to create a separate Apple account or navigate Apple’s submission process on your own. Buzzsprout handles the submission behind the scenes, and your show will appear in Apple Podcasts within 24 hours!
Upload a Video Podcast from Buzzsprout
If you have a video podcast, you can use Buzzsprout to submit your video episodes to Apple Podcasts.
All video plans include transcripts, giving listeners the option to read, watch, or listen to your episode in Apple Podcasts.
To get started, log into your Buzzsprout account and sign up for a video plan by going to the Settings tab, selecting Subscription, and then clicking Plan.
Then, you can click on the Directories tab and select Apple Podcasts. From there, you can follow the instructions to claim your podcast on Apple Podcasts:
- Log in to your Apple Podcasts Connect account. If you don't have an Apple account, you can create one.
- Scroll to the bottom of the page and click Claim Existing Show.
- Copy your Apple Podcast URL
- Paste your Apple Podcasts Show URL into Apple Podcasts Connect
- Click on your podcast and click Next.
- Copy the claim token from Apple, paste it below, and click Add Claim Token.
Next, you'll need to can authorize Buzzsprout to publish video through Apple Podcasts. To do this, go to the Directories tab in your Buzzsprout account, click on Apple Podcasts, and select Video.
From there, you can follow the steps to authorize Buzzsprout:
- Log into Apple Podcasts Connect
- Verify Buzzcast is listed in your Apple Podcasts Connect account. If not, claim your podcast and wait 24 hours.
- Go to Account and click on Keys
- Click +
- Name the APl Key Buzzsprout
- Click Download. (Do NOT rename this file)
- Upload your API Key File in your Buzzsprout account
Upload to Apple Podcasts Manually
If you're not hosting with Buzzsprout or a podcast hosting service that has one-click submission, you can submit your show to Apple Podcasts manually. Just follow these steps to get listed:
1. Copy RSS feed
Your podcast's RSS feed includes all the metadata about your podcast, like your show details and links to your cover art and audio files.
Your podcast hosting platform will create your RSS feed URL.
Copy the RSS feed URL so we can submit your podcast to Apple.
Then click Launch Apple Podcasts Connect website.
2. Create Apple ID if you don't have one
You'll need an Apple ID to submit your show to Apple Podcasts Connect.
You can create a new Apple ID or use an existing Apple ID.
You'll use this Apple ID to log in to Apple Podcasts Connect and check your podcast analytics.
Even though getting listed in Apple Podcasts is free, your Apple ID must have a valid credit card on file, or you won't be able to log in.
3. Add podcast to Apple Podcasts Connect
Next, you will add your podcast to Apple Podcasts Connect:
- Log in to Apple Podcast Connect.
- Click the ⊕ next to Podcasts in the top left and click New Show.
- Select Add a show with an RSS feed and click Next.
- Paste your RSS Feed URL from step 5 and click Add.
- Paste your RSS Feed URL from step 5 and click Add.
Apple Podcasts Connect processes and validates your show details. The validation process should only take ~30 minutes, but can sometimes take a few hours.
If it takes more than 24 hours, reach out to Apple Podcast Support. You can find their contact information in our Directory Contact List!
APPLE PODCASTS IS FREE
If you add a show without an RSS feed, you will start creating an Apple Podcasts Subscription. You’ll need to pay $19.99 to join the Apple Podcasters Program. This is only for podcasters who want to sell premium content through an Apple Podcasts Subscription.
4. Complete the Content Rights and Show Contact
While Apple Podcasts Connect processes your podcast, you should complete the content rights and show contact sections.
If your podcast is all original content, then click that it doesn’t contain 3rd party material.
If you use copyrighted material, like music or clips, click that your show has obtained the rights to that material.
Next, complete your show contact form. This isn’t made public and allows Apple Podcasts to reach out if there’s an issue with your podcast.
Click Save.
5. Publish your podcast
Once Apple has pulled in your show information and verified that there aren’t any technical or content issues with your RSS feed.
You can click Publish to complete your podcast submission.
You'll receive an email letting you know that your podcast is available on Apple Podcasts.
Once approved, your podcast will be in the Apple Podcasts app and the Apple Podcasts website.
Megan Nelson
Megan Nelson is the Content Marketing Specialist for Buzzsprout and host of "Buzzsprout Weekly."
FAQs
Do I need to resubmit my podcast when I release a new podcast episode?
No. Once your podcast has been approved and listed in Apple Podcasts, Apple will automatically check your podcast feed for new episodes every 24 hours.
How long will it take Apple Podcasts to get my new episodes?
Apple Podcasts will check your podcast for new episodes every 24 hours. If your episode isn't in Apple Podcasts within 24 hours, check your Apple Podcasts Connect account and reach out to Apple Podcasts support.
How long does it take to get accepted into Apple Podcasts?
Apple Podcasts Connect processes and validates your show details. This should only take about 30 minutes, but it can sometimes take a few hours.
If it takes more than 24 hours, reach out to Apple Podcast Support.
Why can't I sign in to Apple Podcasts Connect?
If you can't log in to Apple Podcasts Connect, make sure your Apple ID has a valid credit card on file. Here's how to add a payment method to your Apple ID.
If you’re still having issues, please reach out to support@buzzsprout.com, we’d love to help!
Is it free to submit a podcast to Apple Podcasts?
Yes. It is completely free to get listed in the Apple Podcasts app.
However, if you want to create an Apple Podcasts Subscription, you’ll need to pay $19.99 to join the Apple Podcasters Program. This is only for podcasters who want to sell premium content through an Apple Podcasts Subscription.
What is the difference between iTunes and Apple Podcasts?
In 2017, Apple rebranded iTunes into Apple Podcasts. Because of this, you might hear podcasters reference getting a podcast listed in iTunes, the iTunes Store, or logging into iTunes Connect.
Do I need an Apple product to submit to Apple Podcasts?
No! You can submit your podcast on an iPhone or Mac, but you can also submit through an Android or Windows device.
Where else should I list my new podcast?
It's best to list your existing show in all the top podcast directories: Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Pocket Casts, Podcast Index, and Amazon Music.