Selfhost Podcasting creates the RSS feed. Podcast directories still require you to submit that feed URL through their own publisher portals.
Before submitting
Complete this checklist first:
- The site uses HTTPS.
- The feed URL opens publicly.
- The show has title, description, artwork, website, language, category, and author.
- Artwork is square and at least 1400 x 1400 pixels.
- At least one episode is published.
- Each episode has a direct audio enclosure URL.
- The media URL does not require a logged-in browser session unless using a private podcast workflow.
- The feed has no visible PHP warnings or HTML before the XML.
- The browser preview looks correct.
Where to submit
Common directories include:
- Apple Podcasts Connect.
- Spotify for Podcasters.
- YouTube Music / YouTube Studio podcast tools.
- Amazon Music for Podcasters.
- Podcast Index.
- Pocket Casts.
- Overcast and other apps that read open RSS feeds.
Each service has its own account, verification, review, and approval process.
Keep the feed URL stable
After a directory accepts the feed, avoid changing the podcast slug unless you know how to redirect or migrate the feed.
If you must move the show to a new feed URL, use the iTunes New Feed URL field and keep the old feed available long enough for subscribers and directories to pick up the change.
Directory approval delays
Some directories show changes quickly. Others can take hours or days to refresh metadata, artwork, or episode lists.
If Selfhost Podcasting shows the correct feed but a directory does not, check:
- Whether the directory has refreshed the feed.
- Whether the directory cached old artwork.
- Whether the new episode publish date is in the future.
- Whether the directory rejected an audio URL, image size, or required field.
Public feeds and private feeds
Public directories generally expect public feeds. A Pro private feed with a tokenized URL should be shared only with authorized subscribers and is not normally submitted to open public directories.