Apple Podcasts continues to be the most well-known ‘directory’ for podcasts, and so it’s essential that your podcast is properly submitted. This guide will walk you through each step of the process of submitting your podcast RSS feed to the Apple library.
We’ll be assuming that you’re using Acast for podcast hosting. This process should be similar for other hosts like Podbean or Libsyn.
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Requirements to submit a podcast to Apple:
Correctly formatted RSS feed with title, description, author copyright tags, etc. Acast—or your podcast hosting service—does this automatically for you.
Cover art for the show, in .jpg or .png format, must be square, from minimum 1400 x 1400 pixels to maximum 3000 x 3000 pixels. Acast automatically formats your artwork correctly for you.
At least one published podcast episode in your show. Many folks choose to create a "trailer" episode, which can be as short as you like and can also be removed later once your show goes live.
The iTunes ID you use needs to be authorized for purchases. To do this, open the iTunes desktop app (or download it first if you don't have it). Then log in to your account there or create a new Apple ID.
Submitting a new podcast to Apple
Copy your Acast RSS feed URL. Here is a guide on how to locate your RSS feed URL within your Acast dashboard.
Log in to Apple Podcast Connect with your Apple ID. If you don't already have an Apple ID, follow the instruction on the linked page above to create one.
Once logged in, hit the plus sign (+) next to Podcasts to add your RSS feed.
Select the option Add a show with an RSS feed and click Next
Enter/paste your RSS feed URL and click Add
Select the options given for visibility and access
Add show information like Content Rights and hit Save
Apple will process your feed within 5 business days and let you know if there's any problem. In the meantime, while your show is pending approval, your Connect dashboard will look like this, and your recently submitted show will have the status of "Draft":
When will Apple approve my podcast?
It can take 24 to 72 hours for Apple to process the submission, in our experience.
If a few days have passed and your podcast still is not active in Apple Podcasts Connect, then you should contact Apple.
Updating an existing podcast
If you have recently made changes to your podcast information, typically Apple Podcasts will automatically recognize those changes within 24 hours. These kinds of changes include:
Switching to Acast and redirecting your podcast.
Changes to your artwork (it's important to make sure your artwork is still following artwork requirements)
Submitting new episodes.
If changes were made to your RSS feed and is not reflecting in Apple Podcasts within 24-48 hours, refreshing your feed may help to push through those changes. You can find the refresh button within your Apple Podcast dashboard.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long until my show appears on Apple?
According to Apple, it takes 5 business days for them to process new submissions. If this time has passed and your podcast still is not active in Apple Podcasts Connect, then you should contact Apple.
I can't get past the login page for Apple.
The "login loop" on Apple Podcasts Connect has been a real problem for many podcasters trying to submit their shows. Apple have acknowledged the problem, but problems persist as of Sep 2018.
I'm having other problems
The iTunes ID you use needs to be authorized for purchases. To do this, open iTunes desktop app (download it first if you don't have it). And log in to your account there or create a new Apple ID.