Step #3: Submit & Syndicate Your Podcast
Once you've edited all the details for your podcast (Step #1) and added media to your podcast (Step #2), you're now ready to submit your podcast and syndicate your episodes to a podcast directory of your choosing! There are several podcast directories out there. The following are some of the more popular ones:
- Apple/iTunes (This article is written by a 3rd party. You can start at the second heading that reads, Submit your podcast to the Apple Podcasts directory, OR follow the steps provided below.)
- Google Play
- Spotify
- Stitcher
- Overcast
Linked with each one are instructions on how to submit your RSS feed to that specific podcast directory. Each submission process will be different, so be sure to read the instructions linked with the platform you wish to submit your RSS feed to.
You can syndicate your podcast to as many directories as you'd like, but you might want to start with the most popular one(s) your congregation uses and then branch out from there.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you replace an RSS feed from a previous hosting platform in a podcast directory with your new RSS feed, all of that previously published content will be replaced with the content from your new RSS feed. See Step #4 for details on this.
To get your started, we'll show the various steps that are specific to submitting your RSS feed to Apple/iTunes.
Create an Apple ID
Before you can do anything with Apple Podcasts, you'll need to first make sure you have an Apple ID. If you don't have one, you can create one quickly here. (And bonus points: you don't need to have an Apple product to do this! 🎉)
Login to iTunes Connect
With your Apple ID and password, you'll be able to login to your iTunes Connect account (an account that's already been created alongside your Apple ID). You can login here.
Validate Your RSS Feed
Once logged in, you can paste your RSS feed in the field provided. Then click the ' Validate' button.
Note: It may take several - and we mean several - minutes for Apple to validate your RSS feed. If you receive an error, follow the instructions laid out. One possible reason for an error is if you are using the non-secure version of your RSS feed. (If it starts with https:// it's the secure version. If it starts with http:// only, it's the non-secure version. Click here to learn how to obtain the secure version.) Another possible reason is that you aren't using a high enough resolution photo for your podcast. Click here to upload a new photo. Once the changes have been made, re-validate your RSS feed.
Review Your Podcast Details
Once your RSS feed has been validated, double check to make sure that everything looks right on the screen. If you notice something needs changing, you can always go back to Step #1 and make any necessary adjustments there. Once that's completed, you can refresh your iTunes Connect page and re-validate your RSS feed.
If everything looks good to you, hit that Submit button and do a little dance! 👯
Wait. Then Wait Some More
Now that you've submitted your podcast to Apple, all you can do now is wait. All podcasts are monitored by Apple, and the approval process can take up to 10 days, though it's usually much quicker.
In the meantime, you can continue uploading and adding audio media items to your podcast.
Check Your Email
Once your podcast has been approved by Apple, you'll be sent an email from Apple to the address you used to login to your iTunes Connect account with the subject line similar to, Apple Podcasts Store Podcast Approved Notification. That email will contain your unique URL to visit and subscribe to your podcast. (This is the URL you will use in Step #5.) (Update URL)
Next Steps
Now that you have your unique podcast URL within Apple, people can begin to subscribe to your podcast through the Apple Podcasts App and receive new content as you add audio media items to your podcast.
If you replaced an RSS feed from a previous hosting platform to your iTunes Connect account, all of that previously published content will be replaced with the content from your new RSS feed. If that's you, move onto Step #4.
Yep, That's Me! Take me to Step #4
If you submitting an RSS feed to iTunes Connect for the first time, you can skip Step #4 and start promoting your podcast on your Sermon Engine to help people easily find and subscribe to your podcast on Apple.