How to Upload a Podcast to Spotify in 2025: Step-by-Step Guide for New Creators

How to upload a podcast to spotify

Let’s start with the obvious.

You’ve recorded a podcast episode. Maybe two. You’ve put your voice, your story, and your thoughts into the world. Now the big question hits:

How to upload a podcast to Spotify—the platform where millions discover new shows daily?

Because great content is invisible without smart distribution.
And in 2025, Spotify is still the podcast heavyweight you can’t afford to ignore.

Let’s break this down.
No jargon. No fluff. Just a clear path from the audio file to the Spotify feed.

First, What Spotify Actually Needs From You

How to Upload a Podcast to Spotify
Spotify for Creators

Spotify doesn’t host your podcast directly.

It pulls it from wherever your podcast lives—called a hosting platform.
Think of Spotify like a display window, not the stockroom.

So, before you even touch Spotify, you need two things:

  1. A podcast host (like Buzzsprout, Anchor, Podbean, etc.)
  2. An RSS feed from that host (automatically generated)

That RSS feed?
It’s the golden link Spotify reads to fetch your podcast, show details, artwork, and episodes.

Step 1: Choose the Right Hosting Platform to Upload a Podcast to Spotify

spotify podcast hosting platform
Buzzsprout

This is your backstage.

Some options offer built-in tools. Others just give you a clean feed and let you build your brand.

Three strong picks for uploading a podcast in 2025:

  • Spotify for Creators (formerly Anchor): Free, native to Spotify, and integrates seamlessly. Great for beginners.
  • Buzzsprout: User-friendly, good analytics, premium feel.
  • Riverside.fm + Podbean: For creators who want high-quality remote recording and a host.

Insight:
If Spotify is your main stage, using Spotify for Creators can cut out the middle steps. But if you’re planning to distribute widely (Apple, Amazon, YouTube Podcasts), a neutral host gives you flexibility.

Step 2: Set Up Your Profile and RSS Feed for Spotify Podcast Uploading

Paste your RSS feed URL
Spotify for Creators

Once you’ve uploaded at least one episode to your host and your RSS feed is live, you’re ready for Spotify.

Here’s how to get listed:

  1. Go to Spotify for Creators
  2. Sign in with your Spotify account (or create one)
  3. Click “Get Started” and paste your RSS feed URL
  4. Spotify will email the address tied to your RSS for verification
  5. Confirm your ownership
  6. Customise your profile—cover art, categories, bio, language

That’s it. Spotify now pulls your episodes whenever you publish from your host.

Pro tip:
Make your podcast cover a 1:1 ratio (3000×3000 px) and under 500KB. Spotify will reject weird dimensions or blurry artwork.

What If You’re Using Spotify for Creators (Anchor)?

Then your job’s even easier.

You don’t need to submit an RSS manually—it’s native to the platform. Your podcast is automatically distributed to Spotify once published.

But—double-check your distribution settings. Make sure you’ve toggled “Distribute to Spotify” ON.

What File Format Does Spotify Accept?

upload audio
Spotify for Creators

Most podcast hosts handle this for you.

But in case you’re exporting your own audio, Spotify expects:

  • MP3 format
  • Bitrate of 96 to 320 kbps
  • Mono or Stereo
  • No larger than 200MB per episode
  • Episode title, number, and clean metadata

This means: clean file naming. No “final_mix_v2_NEWEST_fixed.mp3”

Common Pitfalls New Podcasters Make

episode details
Spotify for Creators

Let’s save you from wasted effort.

  1. Missing episode titles or descriptions – Spotify skips incomplete metadata
  2. Explicit content not marked as “explicit” – That’s a quick way to get delisted
  3. Publishing only on Spotify – A trap. Your audience lives on multiple platforms
  4. Inconsistent publishing – Momentum matters. Even for algorithms.

Build a rhythm. Even once a week, consistently, is better than a flurry and silence.

How Long Until It Shows Up on Spotify?

Usually? Under an hour.

But officially, Spotify says 24 hours to index a new feed. Be patient—but keep checking.

Can You Monetise on Spotify in 2025?

Yes. And it’s getting better.

Spotify for Podcasters now supports Ad Insertion, Listener Support, and even video podcasts with monetisation.

But the catch?

You need downloads.
You need listeners.
You need credibility.

That’s where social proof becomes your podcast’s silent promoter.

Social Proof Is the New Discoverability

A good podcast with zero traction is like a bestseller sitting in a locked room.

Listeners don’t just find you.
They follow the noise.

Spotify’s algorithm is influenced by:

  • Plays
  • Follows
  • Shares
  • Completion rate
  • External buzz (yes, even your social media growth)

This is why serious podcasters now think beyond just uploading. They think about amplification.

Smart Podcasters Don’t Just Upload—They Grow

That’s where platforms like BuyRealFollows (BRF) step in.

We don’t hand you overnight fame.
We hand you smart, platform-safe momentum.

So when someone stumbles across your podcast, they see listeners.
They see traction.
They stay.

And Spotify’s engine starts working for you.

Because the algorithm doesn’t care if your podcast is good.
It cares if people are interacting with it.

So, What’s the Full System in 2025?

Here’s the high-level checklist:

  1. Record your episode
  2. Choose a reliable host
  3. Upload and generate an RSS feed
  4. Submit RSS to Spotify (unless you’re using Spotify’s built-in platform)
  5. Optimise title, artwork, and description
  6. Promote it smartly (with social proof, external sharing, and reviews)
  7. Repeat weekly with consistency

Final Takeaway

Uploading a podcast in 2025 isn’t hard.
But being heard is.

Visibility isn’t luck. It’s a system.

And systems work when every piece is aligned—from hosting to metadata to algorithm-friendly engagement.

So don’t just hit “upload.”

Build traction from Day One. Let Spotify showcase your voice.
Let BRF amplify it.

FAQs Related to How to Upload a Podcast to Spotify

Is it free to upload a podcast to Spotify?

Yes, uploading a podcast to Spotify is totally free. Whether you’re using Spotify for Creators or another hosting service that gives you an RSS feed, there’s no cost to get your podcast listed on Spotify.

How do I upload my own podcast on Spotify?

To upload your podcast to Spotify, start by publishing your episodes on a podcast host (like Buzzsprout, Podbean, or Spotify for Creators). Once you’ve got an RSS feed, go to Spotify for Podcasters, log in with your Spotify account, and paste your RSS feed. After a quick email verification, your show will be live on Spotify.

Can you upload a private podcast to Spotify?

Not exactly. Spotify doesn’t let you upload private podcasts directly. But you can host a private show elsewhere (like Patreon or Supercast) and share access only with specific listeners. These shows won’t be public on Spotify but can still reach your audience through other apps that support private RSS feeds.

Can I upload a video podcast to Spotify?

Yes, you can! Spotify now supports video podcasts—but only if you upload through Spotify for Podcasters. Just upload your video file (MP4 format), and Spotify will show it with video playback for your listeners. It’s one of the best ways to make your podcast more engaging.

How to upload a podcast to Spotify on iPhone?

It’s easy to upload a podcast to Spotify using your iPhone. Record and edit your episode with an app like Spotify for Podcasters or Riverside, then publish it straight from your phone. If you’re using Spotify for Podcasters, your show will be distributed automatically. If not, grab your RSS feed and submit it manually through the Spotify website.

Mark A . Johnson
Verified Author
Written by

Mark A . Johnson

Mark A. Johnson is a social media growth strategist and content lead at BuyRealFollows.com. With over a decade of experience in platform research and digital marketing, he helps brands and creators build real audiences on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and Spotify. His work focuses on algorithm analysis, engagement mechanics, and social proof strategy. Mark writes practical, research-backed guides to help readers grow their presence with confidence.

Instagram Growth YouTube Monetization TikTok Strategy SEO Content Creator Economy
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