How to Publish a Podcast (Step by Step Instructions)

You can also setup the RSS feed via SoundCloud and the process is very similar to BluBrry.

• Libsyn
• PodBean
• Podomatic
• Spreaker
• Buzzsprout 

Back to the basic guidelines:

1. It cannot have Password protection.
2. No Irrelevant content or spam.
3. Explicit language without setting the <explicit> tag to yes, explicit, or true ( this is easily accomplished in Blubrry)
4. Content that could be construed as racist, misogynist, or homophobic.
5. Explicit or self-censored explicit language in titles, subtitles, or descriptions.
6. References to illegal drugs, profanity, or violence in the title, description, artwork, or episodes.
7. Content depicting graphic sex, violence, gore, illegal drugs, or hate themes.
8. Third-party content or trademarks without legal authorization or usage rights.
9. The words Apple Music, iTunes Store, iTunes, Apple Podcasts, or Apple Inc.
10. iTunes Store logo, Apple Podcasts logo, Apple logo, or the term Exclusive without prior authorization from Apple.
11. Any visual representation of iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or any other Apple hardware.
12. Pixelation, artifacts, high-contrast background art, blurry or hard crops (unless stylistic), or other style issues.

Finally, if you have any copy written music or art in your podcast, it may be smart to skip iTunes altogether. Copyright owners can easily notify Apple and they are more than happy to investigate it. So, to avoid having your podcast removed, or worse, getting sued over a copyright violation, just be careful and only use material you have permission to use.

A good resource for getting this done and not breaking the bank is Fiverr. There are tons of designers that can make a podcast cover with the guidelines listed above for a very reasonable price.

One easy, but effective way to do this is adding some unique into and/or outro music. I have a library of copyright free music here at CosmicBrownMusic.com. You simply get to audition, choose and download instantly anything you’d like to use. It comes with a usage license, so you never have to worry about copyright issues down the line. Also, I offer custom music if you would like something that is very specific to your tastes or your audiences tastes.

I know it seems like this post skewed toward submitting to iTunes and if I’m being honest, it is. Most of my clients submit to iTunes and they’ve all said once you figure out iTunes, you have all the artwork and material you need to submit everywhere else. Apple just happens to be the 400lb gorilla in this market, so my thought is: If I can help you tackle Apple podcasts, the rest is fairly simple.

1. Download iTunes on your desktop.
2. Find something free to download from the store tab.
3. Once you try to download it, iTunes is going to ask for your Apple ID (which you still don’t have).
4. Click the “create New Apple ID” button on the bottom of the dialog box.
5. Click Continue.
6. Read and agree to the user agreement.
7. This page is where you’ll create your user ID and password (don’t lose it).
8. The next thing it’ll ask for is a payment method. If you don’t want to enter a credit card, don’t. Just select “none”.
9. That’s all to it! Once you verify your email, you’ll now you have your Apple ID you’ll use in Podcasts Connect!

Next, type in your Apple ID and Password you just created in the last step.

Once logged in, you’ll be asked to validate your RSS feed. This is how Apple gets your podcast episodes and once you update the episode where you host the episode files, Apple will automatically get that update and reflect it in the iTunes library.

2. Validate your podcast.
Click the “plus” box at the top left of your screen. Type your RSS feed URL in the box and click “validate”. If there are any validation errors, you’ll have to fix those before going forward. Once you get everything fixed, try to validate again. Once you pass validation, you’ll see the “Prepared for Submission” status in Podcasts Connect. You’ll also get an opportunity to see a preview of what listeners will see when they encounter your podcast in iTunes.

After you’ve successfully validated your podcast, you’ll see the option to “submit”. Click “OK” and that’s it! Apple will send you and email to confirm your podcast is under review. Once approved, Apple will send you another email indicating your podcast is live and it’ll also include the link where you can find you podcast.