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7 Steps: How to Start a Podcast on Spotify for Beginners
With more than 500 million monthly listeners, many podcasters are thinking about starting a podcast on Spotify. There are two schools of thought on how to start a podcast on Spotify, however. The first, is to upload your RSS feed to Spotify from your current podcast host (i.e. Podbean, Libsyn, RSS.com, and other podcast platforms). We covered that extensively in our recent blog post.
The other method is to actually host your podcast on Spotify for Podcasters, and share that podcast RSS feed to the podcast directories. That is what we will cover in this post. Read along as we walk you through the process of creating and launching your own podcast on Spotify, even if you're a complete beginner. Let's get started on using Spotify as your podcast hosting service!
The Basics - An Overview of How to Start a Podcast on Spotify
One of the biggest reasons people use Spotify to host their new podcast is that it's completely free to use. They have monetization options, video podcasts, and a lot of the in demand features podcasters are looking for to launch and grow their show.
Here are the basic steps to hosting a podcast on Spotify:
1. Head to https://podcasters.spotify.com/
2. Click “Start a Podcast” towards the bottom of the page (if you already have a podcast host and want to switch to Spotify, click here.)
3. Create a username and password to sign up for a Spotify account
4. Once you have created your account, login and click “I want to start a new podcast.”
5. Add your first episode, name it and add some cover art
6. You can optionally set up monetization or skip to step 7
7. Publish your podcast, and then begin distributing it to podcast directories like Apple Podcasts, Samsung, and YouTube for Podcasters
Believe it or not, that is everything you need to actually launch your show on Spotify. Now that you've got a Spotify account, let’s get into the nitty gritty of the other details you need to know to get your show ready to go live on Spotify.
Getting Started - The Steps Before You Start a Podcast on Spotify
Before you can actually upload your new podcast, you need to lay the proverbial groundwork. For example, you need a few things in place such as:
- A podcast theme and format
- A name
- Podcast cover art
- At least three episodes at the time of launch
- A plan for new episodes after launch
- A basic marketing plan, etc…
Deciding on your podcast theme and format
The first step in starting your podcast on Spotify is deciding on a theme and format that aligns with your interests and target audience.
Consider topics you're passionate about and have expertise in. This will help you create engaging content consistently.
Choose a format that suits your theme, such as solo monologues, interviews, panel discussions, or storytelling.
Choosing a name for your podcast
Once you've determined your podcast's theme and format, it's time to choose a name. It’s best to choose a name that reflects your content and appeals to your target audience.
Your podcast name should be memorable and easy to pronounce. For example, something simple like our podcast name “Uploading…” It’s just one word and easy to spell and remember.
It’s a good idea to consider using keywords related to your topic to improve discoverability as well.
Pro Tip: Make sure to research existing podcast names to avoid confusion or potential trademark issues.
Tips for selecting a great podcast name:
- Keep it concise and easy to remember
- Use descriptive keywords relevant to your theme
- Avoid using obscure references or inside jokes
- Make sure it's easy to spell and pronounce
- Check for potential trademark conflicts
- Get feedback from friends, family, or your target audience
A well-chosen podcast name can help you stand out in a crowded market and attract listeners who are interested in your content.
Choosing the right equipment for recording and editing
To produce high-quality podcast episodes, you'll need the right equipment. Invest in a good microphone, such as a USB condenser microphone, to ensure clear audio. You'll also need recording software like Audacity or GarageBand, and a pair of headphones for monitoring your recordings. For remote interviews, consider using tools like Skype, Google Meet or Zoom.
Related: Check out our post about the podcast tools you need to deliver quality audio.
Setting up your podcast recording environment
Create a dedicated space for recording your podcast episodes to minimize background noise and echoes. A quiet room with soft furnishings, such as curtains or rugs, can help absorb sound and improve audio quality. Position your microphone correctly and use a pop filter to reduce plosives and sibilance.
Producing Your Podcast - Recording and Editing
Now that you have a name, a theme, basic equipment, and a space to record, it’s time to start creating your actual podcast to get it ready to go live on Spotify.
Tips for recording your first podcast episode
Before recording your first episode, create an outline or script to help you stay on track.
Begin with an introduction that hooks your listeners and provides an overview of the episode's content.
Speak clearly and at a comfortable pace, and don't be afraid to show your personality.
Pro Tip: Record a few seconds of silence at the beginning and end of your recording
This simple step will actually help make editing just a little easier.
Essentials of podcast editing: Tools and techniques
After recording your episode, it's time to edit.
Use your chosen software to remove any mistakes, long pauses, or background noise.
At this point, you can also add things like:
- Intro and outro music
- Transitions, and
- Sound effects
Elements like this enhance the listening experience. It’s also a good idea to normalize your audio levels to ensure consistent volume throughout the episode. This post from Resound.fm is a great place to start if you need help learning how to normalize your audio.
Music and sound effects: a quick word of legal advice
Adding music and sound effects can help create a professional and engaging podcast. Choose royalty-free music that complements your theme and use it consistently for your intro, outro, and transitions. Sound effects can be used sparingly to emphasize key points or create a specific atmosphere. Ensure that any music or sound effects you use are legally licensed for your podcast.
These posts might help you with recording and editing your podcast:
- How To Record A Podcast: Expert Tips For Quality Production
- Recording Apps: Top Picks For Seamless Audio Capture
- Podcast Script: Tips For Writing Engaging And Effective Episodes
- The Ultimate Guide To Podcast Editing And Content Repurposing With AI-Powered Tools
By the way, Spotify also allows you to upload video podcasts. So, you might want to brush up on video podcast essentials as well if you're interested in going that route. We cover that in our comprehensive guide here. Video is a great way to get more from your podcasting efforts, and can help you repurpose your content into multiple marketing assets too.
Releasing Your Podcast - How to Post Podcasts on Spotify
Once you have at least three episodes, it’s time to get your podcast uploaded to Spotify! There are just a few more things you need before you can publish your show.
Creating attention-grabbing podcast artwork and descriptions
Your podcast artwork and description are crucial for attracting listeners on Spotify. Design eye-catching cover art that reflects your podcast's theme and personality. Write a compelling description that summarizes your podcast's content and unique value proposition, using relevant keywords to improve discoverability.
Castmagic is a fabulous tool to help you draft your podcast descriptions and write epic show notes. Just upload your audio to our tool, and within seconds, it will transcribe your episodes, create social media content, generate a description and so much more. Click here to learn about Castmagic for podcasters.
Setting up a Spotify account for your podcast
As we mentioned earlier, to post your podcast on Spotify, you'll need to create a Spotify account and set up your podcast profile. Follow the step-by-step instructions provided by Spotify to enter your podcast's details, such as its title, description, and category. Then, upload your first three episodes to get ready to launch your show!
Once you have your show started on Spotify, here's how to upload new episodes:
1. Access your Spotify for Podcasters account by logging in.
2. Initiate the upload process by selecting the "New episode" option.
3. Choose the audio or video file for your new episode by either dragging and dropping it or manually selecting it.
4. As the file uploads, input the episode's title, description, and desired publish time. Specify if the episode has explicit content.
5. To include additional information like season or episode number, select the "Additional details" option.
6. After the upload is complete, review the episode to confirm the audio and video quality meets your standards.
7. Engage your listeners by configuring Q&A and polls. You can opt for the default question, create your own custom question or poll, or disable these features.
8. If your market offers monetization options and you have access, you can restrict the episode to paid subscribers only or incorporate ad breaks for ambassadors and automated ads.
9. Before publishing, thoroughly review the episode to verify all information and settings are accurate.
10. Finalize the process by clicking the "Publish" button, which will make your episode accessible on Spotify.
Once published, your new episode will be available to listeners on Spotify and automatically distributed to all other platforms where you’ve shared your RSS feed.
Growing your Spotify Podcast - Promotion and Audience Engagement
Once you have launched your show, the real work begins. Now it’s time to start promoting and growing your podcast!
Utilizing Spotify's promotional tools for podcasters
Spotify offers various promotional tools to help you grow your podcast audience. Use Spotify's podcast charts and featured playlists to increase your visibility. Encourage your listeners to follow your podcast on Spotify and leave ratings and reviews. Share your podcast episodes on social media and embed Spotify player links on your website or blog.
Ways to engage listeners and build a loyal audience
Building a loyal audience is key to your podcast's success on Spotify. Engage with your listeners by responding to their comments and feedback on social media or within the Spotify app. Create a community around your podcast by hosting live events, Q&A sessions, or webinars. Collaborate with other podcasters in your niche to cross-promote your shows and reach new audiences.
Measuring success: Understanding Spotify's podcast analytics
Spotify provides comprehensive analytics to help you track your podcast's performance. Monitor your episode's streams, listener demographics, and engagement metrics to understand your audience better. Use this data to refine your content strategy, target your promotions, and improve your podcast's overall quality. Regularly review your analytics to make data-driven decisions and optimize your podcast's growth on Spotify.
It’s Time to Start Your Podcast on Spotify
Starting a podcast on Spotify is an easy way to share your message with a vast audience. With the steps outlined in this guide, you can create and launch your own podcast.
Remember to choose a theme and format that aligns with your interests, invest in quality equipment, and create engaging content for your listeners. As you grow your podcast, utilize Spotify's promotional tools and engage with your audience to build a loyal following.
And don't forget to use Castmagic to save time and effort crafting compelling podcast descriptions and show notes. Sign up for a free trial of Castmagic today, and experience the power of AI-generated content for your podcast!
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