What is Submission?
Podcast submission is the one-time process of registering your RSS feed URL with a directory. After approval, the directory automatically indexes your show and new episodes appear without further action.
The Submission Process
1. Create account on directory (if required)
↓
2. Enter your RSS feed URL
↓
3. Directory validates your feed
↓
4. Review period (human or automated)
↓
5. Show approved and indexed
↓
6. New episodes appear automatically
Directory Submission Requirements
| Directory | Account Required | Review Type | Typical Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | Apple ID | Human review | 24-48 hours |
| Spotify | Spotify account | Automated + human | 1-3 days |
| YouTube Music | Google account | Automated | 1-2 days |
| Amazon | Amazon account | Automated | 2-5 days |
| Podcast Index | None | Automated | Minutes |
Common Submission Problems
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Feed not valid | XML errors | Fix validation issues |
| Artwork rejected | Wrong size/format | Use 3000×3000 JPG |
| Already submitted | Feed URL registered | Check for existing claim |
| Content rejected | Policy violation | Review content guidelines |
| Ownership unverified | Can't prove you own the feed | Use email verification |
Pre-Submission Checklist
Before submitting to directories:
- Feed validates without errors
- Artwork meets minimum requirements (1400×1400+)
- At least one published episode
- Channel has complete metadata
- Email address is accessible for verification
- Content follows directory guidelines
- iTunes tags properly configured
Why It Matters
Proper submission is the gateway to audience reach. A rejected or incomplete submission means listeners can't find your show on that platform—invisible to potentially millions of users.
Why submission matters:
-
One-time investment: A few hours of submission work yields permanent distribution.
-
Rejection prevention: Understanding requirements prevents frustrating rejections.
-
Faster availability: Correct submissions approve quickly; errors cause delays.
-
No ongoing maintenance: After approval, new episodes appear automatically.
Submission strategy:
| Phase | Action |
|---|---|
| Pre-launch | Prepare feed, artwork, metadata |
| Launch | Submit to Apple and Spotify first |
| Week 1 | Submit to secondary directories |
| Ongoing | Monitor for issues, respond to reviews |
Directory priority:
| Priority | Directories | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Apple, Spotify | Majority of audience |
| Week 1 | YouTube Music, Amazon, Podcast Index | Major platforms + open ecosystem |
| Week 2 | iHeart, Stitcher, TuneIn | Additional reach |
| As relevant | Regional directories | Market-specific audiences |
The submission-once principle: You submit your feed URL, not individual episodes. Once approved, directories automatically check your feed for new episodes—publish once, distribute everywhere.
How to Use This in Dispatch
One-click submission to major directories is available in Settings → Distribution:
Simplified submission:
- We provide your RSS feed URL ready to copy
- Direct links to each directory's submission page
- Pre-filled information where supported
- Status tracking for pending submissions
Automated submissions:
- Podcast Index: Automatic upon publish
- Directories using Apple's API: Automatic after Apple approval
For each directory, you'll see:
- Current status (Submitted, Approved, Not submitted)
- Direct link to your show on that platform
- Any issues requiring attention
- Submission/resubmission options
Post-submission tracking: After submitting, your dashboard shows approval status and notifies you of any rejections with specific reasons and resolution steps.