How To Upload A Podcast To Apple Podcasts [2026]

Apple Podcasts is one of the most prominent platforms for podcaster discovery services. Even today, in the year 2026, a number of podcaster discovery services have been launched.

Including Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, and podcaster apps created by private individuals, the importance of Apple Podcasts to podcaster discovery cannot be ruled out.

If you are learning how to start a podcast, whether it is your first time launching a podcast or improving your podcast marketing techniques, understanding Apple Podcast for creators will allow you to achieve success. 

In addition to learning how to create a podcast, this guide will allow you to understand why each part of this procedure is significant and offer tips and tricks for success.

What Is Apple Podcasts?

Apple Podcasts refers to a native podcast directory or a podcast player app by Apple. Apple Podcasts permits users to:

• Search podcasts by category and charts
• Watch and subscribe to programs.

Unlike how hosting solutions for podcasts work, “Apple Podcasts does not host files. Your files are hosted wherever you host”.

How it works on Apple Podcast for creators is that “Your shows are served by an RSS feed”, which is hosted by the hosting service you are using.

Apple Podcasts can be accessed through:

• iPhone & iPad
• macOS
• Apple Watch
• Apple TV
• Web browsers

For podcasters, Apple Podcasts is a distribution and discovery tool that is an extremely important podcast strategy component.

Why Apple Podcasts Is Still Relevant In 2026?

Even with the development of new podcasting hosting sites, Apple Podcasts remains extremely relevant because of the following reasons:

• Global podcast charts
• Third, podcast players get podcasts from the Apple listings
• Their listeners are extremely engaged and loyal.
• Brands and sponsors are still interested in Apple metrics
• It improves credibility and a sense of professionalism

If you are not on Apple Podcasts, you are missing a key market segment, especially in an English-speaking market.

What Is An RSS Feed?

An RSS feed is the backbone of the podcast delivery process.

Your RSS feed includes:

• Title of podcast
• Show description
• Podcast details
• Podcast artwork
• Episode Titles
• Episode summaries
• Audio Files URLs
• Dates of Publication
• Categories of podcasting

When you upload an episode of your show on your hosting service, the RSS is automatically updated. The Apple Podcast for creators service accesses the RSS for listing your show.

Key takeaway: You will upload files not to Apple Podcasts but to your hosting service.

Requirements For Apple Podcasts Submission (2026)

Before you can distribute your podcast, there are technical specifications and guidelines you have to follow as well as those of Apple

1. Podcast Hosting Platform (mandatory)

You need to have a hosting service that can generate an RSS feed. Some of the most common podcast resources are:

• Buzzsprout
• Spotify for Podcasters
• Podbean
• Libsyn The Transistor

The contribution of your hosting platform with respect of functions of podcast editing, podcast analytics, generation of an audiogram, and podcast promotion should not be underestimated.

2. Upload Podcast Artwork

It is important to create a unique podcast cover art before you upload your podcast series to Apple Podcasts.

The cover art that you create for Apple Podcast needs to go through some requirements.

• 3000 x 3000 pixels
• Resolution of 72 dpi
• JPG or PNG file type
• RGB colorspace

Now, once your artwork is ready, you can easily upload your podcast to the hosting service.

3. Pick Podcast Category

Apple Podcasts is usually split into directories and charts into various categories such as Fitness, History, and Earth Sciences.

Although the other podcast directories and apps usually use three categories, Apple Podcasts only uses your first podcast category.

4. Upload First Episode

Generally, Apple Podcast for creators requires you to have at least one episode when you list your episode on the platform.

The first episode you upload to Apple Podcasts can be a trailer, a bonus, or even a full episode.  Before you upload an episode to Apple Podcasts, it is important to add a title and description to your podcast episode.

How To Publish Your Podcast on Apple Podcasts (The Complete Guide)

Here is a step-by-step description of how to publish your podcast on Apple Podcasts.

Step 1: Create An Apple Podcasts Account

The initial process would involve creating an account on Apple Podcasts Connect.

1. Open Apple Podcast
2. Log in with Apple ID
3. If Needed, Create a Free Apple ID

Step 2: Choose The Podcast Hosting Service

If you have not previously:

• Signup account for hosting websites
• Upload the episode

Another one of your most valuable podcasting resources is your host.

Step 3: Check Your Audio Format And Feed Health

Before Submission:

• Playing Your Episode in Its Entirety
• Listen for silence or silence/glitch artifacts
• Validate your RSS feed using the tools provided by your hosts.
• Rejection due to errors in feeding is another.

Step 4: Uploading The Episode On The Podcast/Hosting Service

Within Your Host:

• Upload the audio file
• Show Notes
• Set publication status to “Public.”

A good podcast has effective metadata. 

Step 5:  Submitting Your Cover Art

The cover artwork needs to be 3000 x 3000 pixels in JPE or PNG format for your podcast.  

The podcast artwork needs to be unique and cannot be blurry, copyrighted, pixelated, or include placeholder images. Your cover art will be pulled from the RSS feed.

Step 6: Adding Your Show To Apple Podcasts Connect

Podcasts Connect is part of

1. Log in Podcasts Connect
2. Click on “+ Add Show”
3. Click on “Add a show with an RSS feed.”
4. Paste your RSS URL
5. Click to Add

Apple will give you a preview of your podcast.

Step 7: Reviewing The Fine Points of Your Show

Check:

• Podcast name
• Description
• Categories
• Artwork
• Episodes List

Make corrections before submission.

Step 8: Wait for Apple’s Review

• Review time: 1-5 business days
• You will receive an email confirmation
• Rejected – Reasons explained by Apple: Fix the issues and try again.

Podcast Format to Support Growth of Apple Podcasts

To incorporate Apple listeners’ value:

• Good intros
• Uniform format
• Engaging beginning hooks
• Predictable segments

Some common ideas for a podcast segment:

• Listener questions
• Expert Interviews
• Weekly insights
• Case studies

A strong structure results in higher retention and stronger positioning opportunities.

FAQ

Here are a few questions and queries on the topic of Apple Podcast for creators that others have asked that might be helpful for you at the same time.

Uploading Your First Podcast To Apple Podcast

Acquiring knowledge on how to upload a podcast to Apple Podcasts is a fundamental requirement if a podcast is to achieve success.

Even though it’s easy to upload a podcast on Apple Podcast for creators, it is not that easy if a podcast is to achieve success.

A podcast needs some serious podcast marketing if it is to achieve success. Apple Podcasts is much more than a directory; it is the entryway to credibility and success.