How to Submit Your Podcast to Apple Podcasts

Apple Podcasts remains the largest podcast directory in the world, reaching millions of listeners across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and CarPlay. Getting your podcast listed on Apple Podcasts is essential for podcast distribution and discoverability.

Why Apple Podcasts Matters

• Largest podcast platform with over 2 million shows
• Default podcast app on all Apple devices
• Powers other directories - many platforms pull from Apple's catalog
• Trusted by listeners as the original podcast destination

Requirements for Apple Podcasts Submission

Before you submit, ensure you have:

• At least one published episode
• Valid RSS feed with all required tags
• Square cover art (1400×1400 to 3000×3000 pixels)
• An Apple ID

RSS Feed Requirements

Your Dispatch RSS feed automatically includes all required Apple Podcasts tags:

• <itunes:author> - Your podcast author name
• <itunes:summary> - Podcast description
• <itunes:image> - Cover artwork URL
• <itunes:category> - Primary category
• <itunes:explicit> - Content rating

Step-by-Step Submission Process

Step 1: Access Apple Podcasts Connect

1. Go to podcasters.apple.com
2. Sign in with your Apple ID
3. Accept the terms and conditions if prompted

Step 2: Add Your Podcast

1. Click the "+" button or "Add Show"
2. Select "Add a show with an RSS feed"
3. Paste your Dispatch RSS feed URL:

   https://feeds.dispatch.fm/your-podcast-slug
   

4. Click "Add"

Step 3: Validate Your Feed

Apple will validate your feed and display:

• Podcast title and artwork
• Episode list
• Any warnings or errors

Fix any issues before proceeding.

Step 4: Confirm and Submit

1. Review all podcast details
2. Verify artwork displays correctly
3. Click "Submit"

Apple Podcasts Review Process

• Review time: 1-5 business days (typically 24-48 hours)
• Notification: Email when approved or if changes needed
• Appearance: May take additional hours to appear in search

Common Rejection Reasons

Avoid these issues:

1. Missing or invalid artwork - Must be square, 1400×1400 minimum
2. Incomplete metadata - Fill in all required fields in Dispatch
3. No episodes - Publish at least one episode first
4. Broken RSS feed - Dispatch handles this automatically
5. Inappropriate content - Mark explicit content properly

After Approval

Once approved:

• Episodes update automatically via your RSS feed
• New episodes appear within 24 hours
• Monitor analytics in Apple Podcasts Connect
• Respond to listener reviews

Updating Your Podcast

Changes in Dispatch automatically sync to Apple Podcasts:

• New episodes
• Updated descriptions
• New artwork (may take 24-48 hours)

Tips for Apple Podcasts Success

1. Optimize your title - Include relevant keywords
2. Write compelling descriptions - Help listeners find your show
3. Choose the right category - Improve discoverability
4. Release consistently - Algorithm rewards regular publishing
5. Encourage reviews - Social proof helps rankings