How to submit your podcast to Apple Podcasts
To get your podcast on Apple Podcasts (historically iTunes), you need a hosted podcast file and an RSS feed that follows Apple’s guidelines. This process is largely automated: you submit your show through an approved hosting provider, which distributes to Apple and other platforms. The steps below focus on requirements that are durable and unlikely to change, helping you avoid common rejections and improve long-term discoverability.
Why Apple Podcasts distribution is different
Apple Podcasts does not accept direct uploads from most submitters. Instead, it validates feeds from hosting providers and checks compliance with content, technical, and metadata rules. Because Apple’s review relies on heuristics and automated checks, a clean, consistent feed reduces friction and prevents rejections. If your feed violates policies or lacks required fields, Apple may block or delist your show until issues are fixed.
Prerequisites before you submit
Make sure these items are ready so your submission proceeds smoothly. Completing this checklist first reduces rework and keeps your metadata stable across updates.
Content and rights
- Original audio or properly licensed content.
- Clear artwork and episode titles that do not infringe trademarks.
- Compliance with local laws and, where required, age ratings.
Technical requirements
- MP3 or M4A files encoded at standard podcast bitrates (commonly 96–192 kbps).
- An RSS 2.0 feed with valid XML and proper enclosure tags.
- A stable hosting URL that returns consistent HTTP status codes.
Step-by-step distribution workflow
Follow this workflow to submit and maintain a healthy presence on Apple Podcasts.
- Choose a podcast hosting provider that submits to Apple Podcasts (most major services do).
- Create or import your RSS feed into the host and verify it validates.
- Enter show metadata in your host dashboard: title, description, author, language, and category.
- Upload or confirm artwork (recommended sizes: 3000×3000 px, 300 dpi, JPG or PNG).
- Enter episode details, including titles, descriptions, and optional explicit tags.
- Submit the feed to Apple for review through your host’s distribution interface.
- Monitor the review status and address any issues promptly.
After approval, new episodes typically appear in Apple Podcasts within minutes to a few hours. Future episodes should auto-appear if your feed remains compliant.
Apple Podcasts requirements at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| RSS feed standard | RSS 2.0 with enclosure | Apple documentation |
| Audio formats | MP3 or M4A | Apple documentation |
| Artwork min. size | 1400×1400 px recommended | Apple documentation |
| Review timeframe | 1–7 business days typical | Provider reports |
| Explicit marking | Required for explicit content | Apple documentation |
| Metadata stability | Avoid frequent title/description changes | Best practice guidance |
Common rejection reasons and fixes
Understanding why Apple declines or delists a show helps you maintain a durable presence.
Metadata issues
Missing or malformed titles, descriptions, or language fields can trigger rejections. Validate your RSS feed before submission and keep show-level metadata consistent.
Artwork and branding
Artwork that is too small, improperly formatted, or confusing may be rejected. Use high-resolution images with legible text and avoid misleading branding.
Content policy violations
Spam, illegal activity, or unsafe content are not permitted. Ensure episodes comply with local laws and avoid misleading episode titles or descriptions.
Post-submission maintenance
Distribution does not end at approval. Ongoing maintenance protects your visibility and credibility with Apple and listeners.
Keep your feed stable
Avoid changing show titles or moving episodes between seasons without reason. Frequent or drastic metadata changes can delay re-approval or obscure your show.
Monitor errors and updates
Check your hosting dashboard for validation warnings and Apple status notifications. Resolve broken links, invalid URLs, or mismatched encodings promptly.
Handle explicit content carefully
If your show contains explicit language, ensure the explicit flag is set correctly. Mislabeling can cause compliance warnings or removal from curated lists.
Optimizing for Apple’s discovery systems
While Apple does not guarantee top placement, certain practices support long-term visibility without violating policies.
- Use clear, keyword-relevant titles and descriptions that reflect your show’s core topic.
- Choose a primary category that aligns with your content to improve algorithmic matching.
- Publish episodes on a predictable schedule; consistency supports audience retention and engagement signals.
- Encourage listeners to subscribe and leave reviews where allowed; organic engagement can support long-term performance.
Cross-platform considerations
Submitting through a host usually distributes to multiple directories, including Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Confirm each platform’s specific requirements, as artwork sizes, metadata fields, and content rules can differ. Maintain a single source of truth for your show’s metadata to reduce discrepancies across directories.
When to expect results
Many shows appear in Apple Podcasts within hours of a successful review. If your submission stalls, check for email updates from your host or Apple. Resubmit only after correcting the cited issues; repeated incomplete resubmissions can prolong the process.
Summary checklist for getting on Apple Podcasts
- Use a reputable hosting provider with Apple distribution support.
- Validate your RSS feed and metadata before submitting.
- Provide correct artwork, titles, descriptions, and language.
- Set the explicit flag appropriately for your content.
- Monitor reviews and resolve issues quickly.
- Keep show-level metadata stable after approval.
By following these durable practices, you can reliably place your podcast in front of listeners on Apple Podcasts while minimizing future disruptions.