What is Apple Podcasts?
Apple Podcasts is Apple's podcast directory and the default podcast app on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. As the largest podcast platform globally, Apple Podcasts serves as the gateway to hundreds of millions of potential listeners.
Apple Podcasts by the Numbers
| Metric | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Global reach | 175+ countries |
| Market share | ~35-40% of podcast listening |
| Indexed podcasts | 2.5+ million shows |
| Default on | 1.5+ billion Apple devices |
Apple Podcasts Requirements
RSS Feed Requirements
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Enclosure format | MP3 or M4A |
| Artwork | 1400×1400 minimum, 3000×3000 recommended |
| iTunes tags | Required for proper display |
| Episode limit | None (but pagination recommended for 500+) |
| Feed accessibility | Must be publicly accessible |
Content Requirements
- Must be audio content (video podcasts deprecated)
- Cannot be music-only or audiobook content
- Must have meaningful episode content
- No placeholder or test episodes
Apple Podcasts Connect
Apple Podcasts Connect is Apple's dashboard for podcast management:
Features:
- Submit new podcasts
- View listener analytics
- Access consumption rate data
- Manage multiple shows
- Respond to reviews
- Update show details
Unique metrics available:
- Listeners (followers)
- Total plays
- Average consumption
- Listener retention graphs
- Device breakdown
Submission Process
- Create Apple ID (if needed)
- Sign into Apple Podcasts Connect
- Submit your RSS feed URL
- Apple reviews (24-48 hours typically)
- Show appears in Apple Podcasts search
Why It Matters
Apple Podcasts isn't just another directory—it's the platform that defined modern podcasting. Being listed here is essentially mandatory for any podcast seeking real reach.
Why Apple Podcasts matters:
-
Default app advantage: Every iPhone user has Apple Podcasts installed. Zero friction to listen.
-
Discovery engine: Apple Podcasts categories and charts drive significant organic discovery.
-
Industry standard: Many other directories mirror Apple's catalog, so listing here lists you elsewhere.
-
Analytics depth: Apple provides consumption data unavailable from standard RSS analytics.
-
Credibility signal: "Available on Apple Podcasts" is the baseline expectation for legitimate podcasts.
Strategic considerations:
| Factor | Apple's Impact |
|---|---|
| iTunes tags | Apple created the standard everyone uses |
| Categories | Apple's taxonomy is the industry standard |
| Reviews | Apple reviews matter for social proof |
| Charts | Apple charts drive discovery |
| Search | Many listeners search Apple first |
The ecosystem effect: Many podcast apps (Overcast, Pocket Casts, Castro) use Apple's directory as their search backend. Getting listed on Apple effectively lists you on these apps too.
How to Use This in Dispatch
Submit to Apple Podcasts directly from your dashboard:
One-click submission:
- Go to Settings → Distribution
- Click "Submit to Apple Podcasts"
- Authenticate with your Apple ID
- Your podcast is submitted automatically
What's handled for you:
- RSS feed formatted for Apple's requirements
- iTunes tags automatically included
- Artwork sized correctly
- Enclosure URLs in accepted format
After submission:
- Apple typically reviews within 24-48 hours
- You'll receive email confirmation when approved
- Your show appears in Apple Podcasts search
- Analytics become available in Apple Podcasts Connect
Troubleshooting: If submission is rejected, specific errors will appear in your dashboard with guidance on resolution.