How to Create a Spotify Podcast and Grow Your Audience

The podcasting world is booming, and there’s no better time to start sharing your voice. With listenership at an all-time high globally and in countries like India, platforms like Spotify offer an incredible opportunity to reach millions.

If you’re ready to turn your idea into a successful podcast, this updated 2025 guide will walk you through every step, from your initial concept to hitting “publish” on Spotify.

What is a Podcast?

Think of a podcast as an on-demand radio show or an audio blog. Instead of writing articles, you create audio episodes on a specific topic. Listeners can subscribe to your show and listen to new episodes on their smartphones, computers, or smart speakers whenever it’s convenient for them. It’s a powerful and intimate medium for sharing stories, knowledge, and entertainment.

Step 1: Laying the Foundation for Your Podcast

Before you hit record, a little planning will set you up for long-term success.

  • Find Your Niche & Name: Don’t just pick a broad topic. Find a specific angle you’re passionate about. Instead of “health,” consider “mindful fitness for busy professionals.” Then, choose a catchy, memorable name that reflects your niche.
  • Define Your Format: Your format is how you deliver your content. Choose one that plays to your strengths. Popular formats in 2025 include:
    • Interview Podcast: Conversations with experts or interesting people.
    • Solo/Monologue Podcast: You sharing your knowledge or stories directly with the listener.
    • Scripted Non-Fiction: Well-researched, narrative-driven shows (e.g., true crime, history).
    • Co-hosted Conversation: A dynamic discussion between two or more hosts.
    • Fictional Storytelling: Scripted audio dramas.
  • Determine Episode Length: There’s no perfect length, but be intentional. Deep-dive interviews can be 60-90 minutes, while daily news recaps might be 10-15 minutes. Consistency is key.

Step 2: Gear Up & Record (2025 Essentials)

You don’t need a professional studio to start, but good audio quality is non-negotiable.

  • Essential Recording Gear:
    • Microphone: A quality USB microphone (like the Rode NT-USB+ or Blue Yeti) is perfect for beginners. For a upgrade, consider an XLR microphone with an audio interface.
    • Headphones: Any comfortable pair will work to monitor your audio.
    • Recording Software: You can use your smartphone’s voice memo app, but for more control, use free software like Audacity (desktop) or GarageBand (Mac). For remote interviews, Riverside.fm or SquadCast offer high-quality, separate audio tracks.

Step 3: Edit and Polish Your Episode

Editing makes your podcast professional. Remove mistakes, long pauses, and add music.

  • Editing Software: Audacity (free) and GarageBand (free for Mac) are great starting points. For more advanced features, consider Descript (which edits audio by editing text) or Adobe Audition.
  • Music and Art: Use royalty-free music from sites like Pixabay or Epidemic Sound. Your cover art is your first impression—make it professional and eye-catching on a small screen. Canva is an excellent tool for this.

Step 4: How to Host and Publish Your Podcast on Spotify

This is the most crucial step. You cannot upload a podcast directly to Spotify. Instead, you upload your episodes to a podcast hosting provider, which then distributes them to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and others via an RSS feed.

Choosing a Hosting Platform (2025 Landscape)

Select a host that simplifies distribution. Top choices include:

  • Spotify for Podcasters (formerly Anchor): Free, user-friendly, and integrates seamlessly with Spotify.
  • Buzzsprout: Very intuitive with great analytics.
  • Simplecast: Powerful tools for growing shows.
  • Acast: Ideal for monetization ambitions.

Method 1: Using Spotify for Podcasters (The Easiest Way)

This is the most straightforward method to create a Spotify podcast.

  1. Sign Up: Go to podcasters.spotify.com or download the Spotify for Podcasters app.
  2. Create Your Show: Click “Create podcast.” You can start a brand new show or import an existing one with an RSS feed.
  3. Upload Your First Episode: Follow the prompts to upload your audio file, add your episode title and description.
  4. Set Up Your Podcast Profile: Add your podcast name, description, and cover art. This is what listeners will see on Spotify.
  5. Submit to Spotify: Once you complete the setup, your podcast is automatically submitted to Spotify. It typically takes a few hours to a couple of days for approval and to go live. All future episodes you upload here will automatically appear on Spotify.

Method 2: Using an RSS Feed from Another Host

If you already use a different hosting platform, you can submit your show to Spotify manually.

  1. Get Your RSS Feed: Log in to your podcast host (e.g., Buzzsprout, Simplecast) and find your show’s unique RSS feed URL. Copy it.
  2. Go to Spotify: Visit podcasters.spotify.com and log in with your Spotify account.
  3. Submit Your Podcast: Click on “Add or claim your podcast” and paste your RSS feed link.
  4. Verify Ownership: Spotify will send a verification code to the email associated with your RSS feed. Enter the code to confirm you own the podcast.
  5. Review and Submit: Check your podcast details and submit. After approval, your entire catalog and future episodes will be available on Spotify.

Start your journey today and share your unique voice with the world. Happy podcasting

FAQ: Create Spotify Podcast

Can I upload my podcast directly to the Spotify app?

No. You cannot upload files directly to the Spotify app. You must use a podcast hosting platform like Spotify for Podcasters, Buzzsprout, or others, which then distributes your show to Spotify via an RSS feed.

Is it free to put my podcast on Spotify?

Yes, it is completely free to have your podcast listed on Spotify. The cost comes from your chosen hosting platform, though many, including Spotify for Podcasters, offer free plans.

How long does it take for my podcast to appear on Spotify after I submit it?

After submitting your podcast via a hosting platform, it usually takes between a few hours to 5 business days for Spotify to review and approve it. Once live, new episodes typically appear on the platform within hours of being published on your host.

What is an RSS feed and why is it important?

An RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed is a web link that contains all the information about your podcast (title, description, episode list, audio files). Platforms like Spotify use this link to automatically pull in your new episodes. It’s the backbone of podcast distribution.

I use Spotify for Podcasters. Will my podcast be on other platforms too, like Apple Podcasts?

Yes. When you use Spotify for Podcasters, you can opt to distribute your podcast to other major platforms like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Amazon Music at no extra cost, all from within the same dashboard.

Can I make money from my podcast on Spotify?

Absolutely. Through Spotify for Podcasters, you can enroll in monetization programs that include subscriptions (where listeners pay for bonus content), advertisements, and listener support features, once you meet the eligibility requirements.

What are the audio file requirements for a podcast on Spotify?

For 2025, Spotify recommends uploading your audio file in a high-quality format. Common specifications are:
Format: MP3 or WAV
Bit Rate: 128 kbps stereo (minimum), 192 kbps or higher is preferred.
Loudness: Normalized to -16 to -14 LUFS for optimal listening.



Rohit Mehta

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