Starting a podcast and making it available on Amazon Podcasts & Music is an increasingly popular goal for creators. Amazon Music and Audible now reach millions of listeners worldwide, and podcasts have become a core part of their audio ecosystem.
However, many new podcasters misunderstand how Amazon Podcasts & Music works. Amazon does not host podcasts. You cannot upload audio files directly to Amazon Music. To appear on Amazon Podcasts & Music, you must first use a podcast hosting platform that stores your episodes, creates an RSS feed, and distributes your show.
This guide explains:
The exact equipment you need to start a podcast
How to record, host, and publish your episodes
How Podbean helps you distribute your podcast to Amazon Podcasts & Music and beyond
This article is written for all podcasters, from beginners launching their first show to experienced creators expanding their distribution.
Let’s dive in!
Amazon Podcasts & Music vs. Podcast Hosting
Before discussing equipment, it’s important to understand how podcast publishing works on Amazon.
Is Amazon Podcasts & Music a podcast host?
No. Amazon Podcasts & Music is not a podcast hosting platform.
Amazon Music and Audible are listening platforms. They display and play podcasts that are hosted elsewhere. When someone presses play on Amazon Music, the episode is streamed directly from the podcast’s hosting provider.
Amazon does not host your audio files; instead, it streams episodes directly from your podcast host.
Think of Amazon Music like a radio or a TV channel – it broadcasts your content to its users, but the content itself lives elsewhere (on your hosting platform).
What does this mean for you as a podcaster? In practical terms:
You need a podcast host: Before you can appear on Amazon Music, you must upload your episodes to a hosting service such as Podbean (Amazon won’t store your .mp3 files for you). Your host generates an RSS feed – essentially a URL containing all your show’s info and episode files.
Amazon Music uses your RSS feed: Through the Amazon Music for Podcasters portal, you submit your RSS feed (along with some details about your show) one time. Once approved, Amazon will list your podcast in its app and automatically fetch new episodes from your feed whenever you publish them. It’s a one-time setup; after that, updates are hands-free.
In short, Amazon Music is a distribution outlet, while Podbean is your content hub. Now that we know the roles, let’s look at the equipment you’ll need to create a high-quality podcast that sounds great on Amazon (or any platform).
Essential Podcast Equipment You’ll Need (The Basics)
No matter where you publish your podcast, the equipment needed is fundamentally the same. To produce clear, professional-sounding audio, plan to invest in a few key items. Here are the essentials:
A simple podcasting setup with headphones and an audio interface on a desk.
Microphone
This is the most important piece of gear for podcasting. While you could use a built-in laptop or phone mic, a dedicated microphone will dramatically improve sound quality.
USB microphones are beginner-friendly (plug-and-play into your computer) and often more affordable, while XLR microphones (the kind with a 3-pin connector) offer higher audio quality at the cost of a more complex setup.
If you’re just starting out, a USB mic is a great choice for simplicity. Popular models include the Blue Yeti or Samson Q2U, which are known for versatility and ease of use.
For those wanting a professional setup, XLR mics like the Shure SM7B (famous for its rich sound) or the RØDE PodMic are excellent – just remember you’ll need additional gear (an interface or mixer) to use them.
Whichever you choose, also budget for a few microphone accessories: a sturdy mic stand or boom arm to hold the mic steady, a pop filter to reduce plosive “P” and “B” sounds, and perhaps a shock mount to isolate the mic from vibrations.
Headphones
A good pair of headphones is essential for monitoring your recordings and editing your episodes. Using headphones while recording lets you catch issues like background noise, mic pops, or volume imbalances in real-time.
It’s best to use over-ear, closed-back headphones that seal around your ears and prevent audio leakage (so sound from the headphones doesn’t get picked up by your mic).
You don’t need the most expensive studio headset to start; reliable options like the Sony MDR-7506 are popular for their clarity and comfort, and models such as the Audio-Technica M20x or Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro also offer excellent sound isolation for a reasonable price.
Whatever you choose, wired headphones are typically recommended over Bluetooth for recording, to avoid any latency or connection issues.
Audio Interface (if using XLR mics)
An audio interface is a device that connects an XLR microphone to your computer, converting the analog mic signal into digital audio your computer can understand.
If you use a USB microphone, you don’t need a separate interface (the conversion is built into the mic). But for XLR setups, an interface is a must-have piece of hardware.
For example, if you opt for that Shure SM7B or another XLR mic, you might use a two-channel interface like the Focusrite Scarlett series. The interface amplifies your mic’s signal and often lets you adjust gain (volume) and monitor audio.
Quality interfaces usually range from about $100 to $300 depending on features. The takeaway: USB mic = simpler setup, XLR mic = interface needed for pro sound. Choose the path that fits your comfort level and budget.
Computer (or Mobile Device)
You’ll need a computer or laptop to record, edit, and upload your podcast episodes. This doesn’t have to be very expensive – any relatively modern computer (PC or Mac) with the ability to run audio editing software will do.
If you prefer mobile, you can even record on a smartphone or tablet by using Apps like Podbean. Ensure your device has sufficient storage and processing power for handling audio files (an external hard drive can help if you’re low on disk space).
Tip: Before recording, close unnecessary apps to avoid crashes and put devices in Do Not Disturb or airplane mode to prevent notifications from interrupting your session.
Recording Environment
It’s easy to overlook your environment as “equipment,” but it’s arguably just as important as any gadget.
Recording in a quiet, echo-free space will make a huge difference in your sound quality. Even the best mic can’t fully compensate for a noisy background or a room with lots of echo.
You don’t need a professional studio; a small carpeted room or closet can work. Soft furnishings like carpets, rugs, curtains, or even hanging blankets can help dampen echoes by absorbing sound.
For a more polished setup, you can invest in affordable foam panels or acoustic panels for the walls – these aren’t expensive and “make a world of a difference in recording”.
The goal is to minimize hard surfaces that bounce sound (causing reverb) and to block out external noise.
Before a real recording, do a test: record a minute of audio and listen for hums, echoes, or background sounds like air conditioning or traffic, then adjust your setup accordingly (turn off noisy AC during recording, close windows, etc.). Creating a controlled environment will ensure your voice comes through crisp and clear for Amazon listeners.
Optional Extras
As you grow, you might add more gear: microphone mixers (if you plan to record multiple mics and want fine control over each), a portable recorder (for mobile podcasting without a computer), or even a camera and lighting if you plan to do video podcasting.
These aren’t required to start a basic audio podcast, but it’s good to know how you can expand later. The good news is, you can start simple – many great podcasts began with just a USB mic, a laptop, and a quiet room. Focus on content and consistency; you can always upgrade equipment over time as needed.
Now that you have your equipment ready, let’s talk about how to actually record your podcast and get it hosted, so it can be distributed to Amazon Music and all other major platforms.
Recording and Hosting Setup (Podbean as Your Podcast Hub)
Once your gear is set up, it’s time to record your first episode and get it uploaded to a hosting platform.
Here’s a step-by-step overview of the process, with an emphasis on how Podbean can streamline things:
Step 1: Recording Your Podcast
Podbean offers an intuitive built-in recording feature in its app and web platform, allowing you to record directly from your phone. This is perfect if you want a quick and simple way to capture audio without needing external software.
You can even record with guests remotely, use Podbean’s Group Recording for co-hosts, or do a Live Stream that records your session.
After recording, you can make basic edits (trim clips, cut out errors) right in Podbean and immediately publish the episode to your feed.
If you prefer, you can record and edit using dedicated software or hardware. Free programs like Audacity (PC/Mac) or GarageBand (Mac) let you record and do multi-track editing. Other popular tools include Descript (which transcribes and lets you edit audio by editing text), Adobe Audition (professional-grade editing), or Zoom/Skype if recording interviews with remote guests.
It’s also common to use services like Riverside.fm or SquadCast for high-quality remote recordings with multiple participants. Use whatever fits your workflow and comfort level – the key is to end up with a polished audio file (typically .mp3 format) for your episode.
Tip:Always save backups of your raw recordings and edited files. And monitor with headphones while recording to catch any issues early, as we noted above.
Step 2: Editing Your Episode
Editing is where you clean up the audio and tighten the content. This might involve removing long pauses and “um/uh” filler words, reducing background noise, adding your intro/outro music, and balancing the sound levels.
Take the time to make your episode sound as clear and engaging as possible – remember, listeners on Amazon Music will judge your content partly by its audio quality and flow. Once editing is done, export the final episode file (usually as an MP3, which is the standard podcast format).
Step 3: Choosing a Podcast Hosting Platform
As discussed, you need a hosting platform to publish your podcast. This is where Podbean comes in.
When you create a Podbean account and podcast, Podbean will generate your podcast RSS feed automatically and host all your episode files. There are many hosts out there, but you’ll want one that’s reliable, easy to use, and offers distribution to all major platforms (plus other features like analytics and monetization).
Step 4: Uploading and Publishing Episodes
After signing up with your host of choice and creating your podcast (filling in show title, description, cover art, etc.), you’re ready to upload that first episode.
In Podbean, simply go to the Podcast Dashboard, and you’ll find options to upload your audio file, add episode title/notes, and publish. You can publish immediately or schedule the episode for a later date/time (scheduling is great for maintaining a consistent release cadence).
Once you hit publish, Podbean will add that episode to your RSS feed and host the file for streaming and downloading. Congratulations – your podcast is now “live” on your hosting platform!
Step 5: The RSS Feed – Your Podcast’s Key to Distribution
Your show’s RSS feed is like its “broadcast signal.” Podbean handles creating and updating this feed, so you typically don’t have to manually tinker with it. However, it’s good to know that the feed is basically an XML file listing your show info and episodes.
Whenever you publish a new episode, Podbean updates the feed automatically. This feed URL is what you will submit to podcast directories (like Amazon, Apple, etc.). You can usually find your Podbean RSS feed URL in your account settings (it often looks like https://yourpodcast.podbean.com/feed.xml or similar).
By using a reputable host, you don’t have to worry about the technical side of RSS; just know that this link is what makes your podcast discoverable on other apps.
Now your episode is on your host and you have your RSS feed ready. The next step: distribute your podcast to Amazon Music & Audible so listeners there can find it.
Distributing Your Podcast to Amazon Music & Audible
Getting your podcast onto Amazon’s platforms is straightforward, and you only need to do it once for your show. Here’s how it works:
Submit your RSS feed to Amazon
Amazon provides a portal called Amazon Music for Podcasters (and Audible is integrated with this). Using your Amazon account, you go to the submission page and enter your podcast’s RSS feed URL, along with some basic details (show title, the email associated with your feed, etc.).
You’ll also confirm you own the podcast (usually Amazon sends a verification code to the email in the RSS feed) and agree to their terms.
If you host with Podbean, you already have all this info handy in your dashboard, which makes the process easier.
Tip: You can alternatively use Podbean’s Distribution > Podcast Apps feature to submit to Amazon Music/Audible with a couple of clicks.
Meet Amazon’s requirements
Before hitting submit, ensure your podcast meets a few basic requirements that Amazon (and most platforms) have.
These include:
At least one published episode
MP3 file format for episodes
Cover artwork that’s a square image between 1400×1400 and 2048×2048 pixels in size
One-time approval
After submission, Amazon will review your podcast (mostly to check the feed is valid and content meets their guidelines). This usually is quick – many users report being listed within 24-48 hours, though it can take a couple of days.
Once approved, your podcast will appear in Amazon Music’s podcast listings and on Audible’s app under podcasts.
Automatic updates going forward
Once Amazon has your feed on file, you don’t need to manually submit new episodes. Whenever you publish a new episode on Podbean, Amazon Music will detect the update via your RSS feed and automatically make the new episode available to listeners.
It’s the same process with other directories like Apple Podcasts or Spotify; one submission brings your show to that platform’s audience continuously. So maintaining your Amazon presence is zero extra work after the initial setup.
Audible integration
By submitting to Amazon Music’s portal, your show is also made available on Audible (Amazon’s audiobook platform which also features podcasts). Audible listeners will be able to find your podcast in the Audible app. This is a two-for-one deal, as Amazon owns Audible. No separate submission is required for Audible if you’ve submitted through Amazon Music for Podcasters.
Conclusion
Starting a podcast that’s ready for Amazon Music & Audible isn’t much different from starting any podcast – you’ll need the core equipment (microphone, headphones, etc.), a quiet place to record, quality content to share, and a reliable hosting platform to get your voice out into the world.
The key distinction is knowing that Amazon is your distribution channel, not your production home.
If you haven’t chosen a host yet, consider giving Podbean a try – it offers a free trial and affordable plans to host your podcast. Amazon Music and Audible are growing rapidly as podcast destinations, and with Podbean powering your podcast, you’ll be there to tap into that audience.
Happy podcasting, and here’s to hearing your show on Amazon Music soon!
Starting a podcast and making it available on Amazon Podcasts & Music is an increasingly popular goal for creators. Amazon Music and Audible now reach millions of listeners worldwide, and podcasts have become a core part of their audio ecosystem.
However, many new podcasters misunderstand how Amazon Podcasts & Music works. Amazon does not host podcasts. You cannot upload audio files directly to Amazon Music. To appear on Amazon Podcasts & Music, you must first use a podcast hosting platform that stores your episodes, creates an RSS feed, and distributes your show.
This guide explains:
This article is written for all podcasters, from beginners launching their first show to experienced creators expanding their distribution.
Let’s dive in!
Amazon Podcasts & Music vs. Podcast Hosting
Before discussing equipment, it’s important to understand how podcast publishing works on Amazon.
Is Amazon Podcasts & Music a podcast host?
No. Amazon Podcasts & Music is not a podcast hosting platform.
Amazon Music and Audible are listening platforms. They display and play podcasts that are hosted elsewhere. When someone presses play on Amazon Music, the episode is streamed directly from the podcast’s hosting provider.
Amazon does not host your audio files; instead, it streams episodes directly from your podcast host.
Think of Amazon Music like a radio or a TV channel – it broadcasts your content to its users, but the content itself lives elsewhere (on your hosting platform).
What does this mean for you as a podcaster? In practical terms:
In short, Amazon Music is a distribution outlet, while Podbean is your content hub. Now that we know the roles, let’s look at the equipment you’ll need to create a high-quality podcast that sounds great on Amazon (or any platform).
Essential Podcast Equipment You’ll Need (The Basics)
No matter where you publish your podcast, the equipment needed is fundamentally the same. To produce clear, professional-sounding audio, plan to invest in a few key items. Here are the essentials:
A simple podcasting setup with headphones and an audio interface on a desk.
Microphone
This is the most important piece of gear for podcasting. While you could use a built-in laptop or phone mic, a dedicated microphone will dramatically improve sound quality.
USB microphones are beginner-friendly (plug-and-play into your computer) and often more affordable, while XLR microphones (the kind with a 3-pin connector) offer higher audio quality at the cost of a more complex setup.
If you’re just starting out, a USB mic is a great choice for simplicity. Popular models include the Blue Yeti or Samson Q2U, which are known for versatility and ease of use.
For those wanting a professional setup, XLR mics like the Shure SM7B (famous for its rich sound) or the RØDE PodMic are excellent – just remember you’ll need additional gear (an interface or mixer) to use them.
Whichever you choose, also budget for a few microphone accessories: a sturdy mic stand or boom arm to hold the mic steady, a pop filter to reduce plosive “P” and “B” sounds, and perhaps a shock mount to isolate the mic from vibrations.
Headphones
A good pair of headphones is essential for monitoring your recordings and editing your episodes. Using headphones while recording lets you catch issues like background noise, mic pops, or volume imbalances in real-time.
It’s best to use over-ear, closed-back headphones that seal around your ears and prevent audio leakage (so sound from the headphones doesn’t get picked up by your mic).
You don’t need the most expensive studio headset to start; reliable options like the Sony MDR-7506 are popular for their clarity and comfort, and models such as the Audio-Technica M20x or Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro also offer excellent sound isolation for a reasonable price.
Whatever you choose, wired headphones are typically recommended over Bluetooth for recording, to avoid any latency or connection issues.
Audio Interface (if using XLR mics)
An audio interface is a device that connects an XLR microphone to your computer, converting the analog mic signal into digital audio your computer can understand.
If you use a USB microphone, you don’t need a separate interface (the conversion is built into the mic). But for XLR setups, an interface is a must-have piece of hardware.
For example, if you opt for that Shure SM7B or another XLR mic, you might use a two-channel interface like the Focusrite Scarlett series. The interface amplifies your mic’s signal and often lets you adjust gain (volume) and monitor audio.
Quality interfaces usually range from about $100 to $300 depending on features. The takeaway: USB mic = simpler setup, XLR mic = interface needed for pro sound. Choose the path that fits your comfort level and budget.
Computer (or Mobile Device)
You’ll need a computer or laptop to record, edit, and upload your podcast episodes. This doesn’t have to be very expensive – any relatively modern computer (PC or Mac) with the ability to run audio editing software will do.
If you prefer mobile, you can even record on a smartphone or tablet by using Apps like Podbean. Ensure your device has sufficient storage and processing power for handling audio files (an external hard drive can help if you’re low on disk space).
Tip: Before recording, close unnecessary apps to avoid crashes and put devices in Do Not Disturb or airplane mode to prevent notifications from interrupting your session.
Recording Environment
It’s easy to overlook your environment as “equipment,” but it’s arguably just as important as any gadget.
Recording in a quiet, echo-free space will make a huge difference in your sound quality. Even the best mic can’t fully compensate for a noisy background or a room with lots of echo.
You don’t need a professional studio; a small carpeted room or closet can work. Soft furnishings like carpets, rugs, curtains, or even hanging blankets can help dampen echoes by absorbing sound.
For a more polished setup, you can invest in affordable foam panels or acoustic panels for the walls – these aren’t expensive and “make a world of a difference in recording”.
The goal is to minimize hard surfaces that bounce sound (causing reverb) and to block out external noise.
Before a real recording, do a test: record a minute of audio and listen for hums, echoes, or background sounds like air conditioning or traffic, then adjust your setup accordingly (turn off noisy AC during recording, close windows, etc.). Creating a controlled environment will ensure your voice comes through crisp and clear for Amazon listeners.
Optional Extras
As you grow, you might add more gear: microphone mixers (if you plan to record multiple mics and want fine control over each), a portable recorder (for mobile podcasting without a computer), or even a camera and lighting if you plan to do video podcasting.
These aren’t required to start a basic audio podcast, but it’s good to know how you can expand later. The good news is, you can start simple – many great podcasts began with just a USB mic, a laptop, and a quiet room. Focus on content and consistency; you can always upgrade equipment over time as needed.
Now that you have your equipment ready, let’s talk about how to actually record your podcast and get it hosted, so it can be distributed to Amazon Music and all other major platforms.
Recording and Hosting Setup (Podbean as Your Podcast Hub)
Once your gear is set up, it’s time to record your first episode and get it uploaded to a hosting platform.
Here’s a step-by-step overview of the process, with an emphasis on how Podbean can streamline things:
Step 1: Recording Your Podcast
Podbean offers an intuitive built-in recording feature in its app and web platform, allowing you to record directly from your phone. This is perfect if you want a quick and simple way to capture audio without needing external software.
You can even record with guests remotely, use Podbean’s Group Recording for co-hosts, or do a Live Stream that records your session.
After recording, you can make basic edits (trim clips, cut out errors) right in Podbean and immediately publish the episode to your feed.
If you prefer, you can record and edit using dedicated software or hardware. Free programs like Audacity (PC/Mac) or GarageBand (Mac) let you record and do multi-track editing. Other popular tools include Descript (which transcribes and lets you edit audio by editing text), Adobe Audition (professional-grade editing), or Zoom/Skype if recording interviews with remote guests.
It’s also common to use services like Riverside.fm or SquadCast for high-quality remote recordings with multiple participants. Use whatever fits your workflow and comfort level – the key is to end up with a polished audio file (typically .mp3 format) for your episode.
Tip:Always save backups of your raw recordings and edited files. And monitor with headphones while recording to catch any issues early, as we noted above.
Step 2: Editing Your Episode
Editing is where you clean up the audio and tighten the content. This might involve removing long pauses and “um/uh” filler words, reducing background noise, adding your intro/outro music, and balancing the sound levels.
Take the time to make your episode sound as clear and engaging as possible – remember, listeners on Amazon Music will judge your content partly by its audio quality and flow. Once editing is done, export the final episode file (usually as an MP3, which is the standard podcast format).
Step 3: Choosing a Podcast Hosting Platform
As discussed, you need a hosting platform to publish your podcast. This is where Podbean comes in.
When you create a Podbean account and podcast, Podbean will generate your podcast RSS feed automatically and host all your episode files. There are many hosts out there, but you’ll want one that’s reliable, easy to use, and offers distribution to all major platforms (plus other features like analytics and monetization).
Step 4: Uploading and Publishing Episodes
After signing up with your host of choice and creating your podcast (filling in show title, description, cover art, etc.), you’re ready to upload that first episode.
In Podbean, simply go to the Podcast Dashboard, and you’ll find options to upload your audio file, add episode title/notes, and publish. You can publish immediately or schedule the episode for a later date/time (scheduling is great for maintaining a consistent release cadence).
Once you hit publish, Podbean will add that episode to your RSS feed and host the file for streaming and downloading. Congratulations – your podcast is now “live” on your hosting platform!
Step 5: The RSS Feed – Your Podcast’s Key to Distribution
Your show’s RSS feed is like its “broadcast signal.” Podbean handles creating and updating this feed, so you typically don’t have to manually tinker with it. However, it’s good to know that the feed is basically an XML file listing your show info and episodes.
Whenever you publish a new episode, Podbean updates the feed automatically. This feed URL is what you will submit to podcast directories (like Amazon, Apple, etc.). You can usually find your Podbean RSS feed URL in your account settings (it often looks like https://yourpodcast.podbean.com/feed.xml or similar).
By using a reputable host, you don’t have to worry about the technical side of RSS; just know that this link is what makes your podcast discoverable on other apps.
Now your episode is on your host and you have your RSS feed ready. The next step: distribute your podcast to Amazon Music & Audible so listeners there can find it.
Distributing Your Podcast to Amazon Music & Audible
Getting your podcast onto Amazon’s platforms is straightforward, and you only need to do it once for your show. Here’s how it works:
Submit your RSS feed to Amazon
Amazon provides a portal called Amazon Music for Podcasters (and Audible is integrated with this). Using your Amazon account, you go to the submission page and enter your podcast’s RSS feed URL, along with some basic details (show title, the email associated with your feed, etc.).
You’ll also confirm you own the podcast (usually Amazon sends a verification code to the email in the RSS feed) and agree to their terms.
If you host with Podbean, you already have all this info handy in your dashboard, which makes the process easier.
Tip: You can alternatively use Podbean’s Distribution > Podcast Apps feature to submit to Amazon Music/Audible with a couple of clicks.
Meet Amazon’s requirements
Before hitting submit, ensure your podcast meets a few basic requirements that Amazon (and most platforms) have.
These include:
One-time approval
After submission, Amazon will review your podcast (mostly to check the feed is valid and content meets their guidelines). This usually is quick – many users report being listed within 24-48 hours, though it can take a couple of days.
Once approved, your podcast will appear in Amazon Music’s podcast listings and on Audible’s app under podcasts.
Automatic updates going forward
Once Amazon has your feed on file, you don’t need to manually submit new episodes. Whenever you publish a new episode on Podbean, Amazon Music will detect the update via your RSS feed and automatically make the new episode available to listeners.
It’s the same process with other directories like Apple Podcasts or Spotify; one submission brings your show to that platform’s audience continuously. So maintaining your Amazon presence is zero extra work after the initial setup.
Audible integration
By submitting to Amazon Music’s portal, your show is also made available on Audible (Amazon’s audiobook platform which also features podcasts). Audible listeners will be able to find your podcast in the Audible app. This is a two-for-one deal, as Amazon owns Audible. No separate submission is required for Audible if you’ve submitted through Amazon Music for Podcasters.
Conclusion
Starting a podcast that’s ready for Amazon Music & Audible isn’t much different from starting any podcast – you’ll need the core equipment (microphone, headphones, etc.), a quiet place to record, quality content to share, and a reliable hosting platform to get your voice out into the world.
The key distinction is knowing that Amazon is your distribution channel, not your production home.
If you haven’t chosen a host yet, consider giving Podbean a try – it offers a free trial and affordable plans to host your podcast. Amazon Music and Audible are growing rapidly as podcast destinations, and with Podbean powering your podcast, you’ll be there to tap into that audience.
Happy podcasting, and here’s to hearing your show on Amazon Music soon!
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