Publishing to Podcast Directories

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Selfhost Podcasting generates the RSS feed. You submit that feed URL to podcast directories.

Before Submitting

Check these items:

  • Podcast Information required fields are complete.
  • Cover art is square and between 1400 x 1400 and 3000 x 3000 pixels.
  • At least one episode is published.
  • Episode media URL works in a private or incognito browser window.
  • Feed URL opens without errors.
  • Preview URL looks correct.
  • Explicit settings are accurate.
  • Language and category are correct.
  • Website URL works.

Which URL to Submit

Submit the Feed URL, not the Preview URL.

Public feed example:

https://example.com/feed/podcast-slug

Do not submit:

https://example.com/feed/podcast-slug?shp_preview=1

Apple Podcasts

Apple Podcasts commonly checks:

  • Valid RSS XML.
  • Show title and description.
  • Author.
  • Owner email.
  • Category.
  • Language.
  • Square cover art.
  • Valid episode enclosure URLs.
  • Explicit labels.

If Apple asks for an ownership verification token, enter it in Podcast Information > Verify Apple Podcast Ownership.

Spotify

Spotify reads the same feed URL. After Spotify accepts the feed, you can add the Spotify show URL in Feed Settings so it appears on the browser preview page.

After Directory Approval

Keep the feed URL stable.

Avoid changing:

  • Podcast slug.
  • Site domain.
  • Permalink structure.
  • Feed URL path.

If you must move to a new feed URL, use the iTunes new feed URL field and follow the directory migration process.

Updating Episodes

When you publish a new episode, the feed updates automatically.

Directories and podcast apps refresh on their own schedule. A new episode may not appear instantly everywhere.

Validating the Feed

Use a podcast RSS validator if a directory rejects the feed.

Common causes:

  • Missing required podcast fields.
  • Invalid artwork dimensions.
  • Media URL blocked or not publicly reachable.
  • Unsupported media MIME type.
  • Site caching serving stale XML.
  • Feed URL returning an HTML page instead of XML.