Publishing your first episode is a big step. But if your show only lives on one website, most listeners will never know it exists.
To grow your audience in 2026, you need to make your podcast available on the platforms people already use, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Podbean, and other podcast apps.
Quick Answer: Which Podcast Platforms Should You Submit to First?
If you only need the short version: submit your podcast to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and the Podbean directory first. These platforms cover major listening habits across podcast apps, streaming, search, and video/audio discovery.
With Podbean, you can submit to supported podcast apps from your dashboard under Distribution > Podcast Apps. For platforms that require manual submission, you can copy your Podbean RSS feed and submit it through that app’s own podcast submission page.
What You Need Before Submitting Your Podcast
Before you send your podcast to directories, make sure your show information is complete. Most platforms review your RSS feed and use that information to decide whether your show is ready to list.
Use this checklist before submitting:
· A clear podcast title · A short, accurate podcast description · A podcast category · A square podcast logo · At least one published episode · Your podcaster or owner name · A RSS feed
How Podcast Submission Works With Podbean
Podbean creates an RSS feed for your podcast. That feed contains your podcast title, description, artwork, episodes, audio files, and other details that podcast apps use to display your show.
Once your show is accepted by a podcast platform, future episodes usually update through your feed. In practice, that means you publish in Podbean and your new episodes are picked up by the platforms where your show is already listed.
You can find distribution options in your Podbean dashboard by going to:
Distribution > Podcast Apps
You can find your RSS feed by going to:
Settings > Feed
Some platforms can be submitted directly through Podbean. Others require you to paste your RSS feed into the platform’s own submission form.
Why Submit Your Podcast to Apple Podcasts?
Apple Podcasts should be one of the first places you submit your podcast in 2026 because it remains a core podcast directory and a familiar listening destination for Apple users.
It also supports broader discovery beyond Apple Podcasts itself. Once your show is listed on Apple Podcasts, it can also be picked up by other listening apps, including Overcast, Pocket Casts, Castro, Castbox, Podfriend, and Goodpods.
Podbean is an official Apple Podcasts partner, which means eligible Podbean users can submit through the Podbean dashboard.
How to Submit Your Podcast to Apple Podcasts
Before submitting to Apple Podcasts, check that your show has:
– Podcast Title & Description: Provide a unique podcast title and a clear description. – Podcast Logo: Upload an original logo with dimensions between 1400 x 1400 and 3000 x 3000 pixels, in JPG or PNG format. – Category: Select at least one relevant podcast category. – Episodes: Published at least one episode in Apple Podcasts’ supported file format. – Language: Set the language for your podcast. – Country: Ensure the country selected in Settings is included in Apple Podcasts’ allowed countries list. – Directory Visibility: Make sure “Remove from Apple Directory” is turned off under Advanced Feed Settings.
After review, your Apple Podcasts URL will appear in your Podbean dashboard. Podbean will also email you the URL when it is available.
This is why Apple Podcasts is more than just one listing. It can help your podcast become easier to find across several listening experiences that rely on Apple’s podcast ecosystem.
Why Submit Your Podcast to Spotify?
Spotify should also be near the top of your list because many listeners already use it as their daily audio app. If your podcast is available there, people can find your episodes in the same place they already stream music and follow other shows.
For new podcasters, Spotify is especially useful because it gives your show a recognizable destination to share in social posts, newsletters, websites, and launch announcements.
Podbean is an official Spotify “passthrough” partner. This means that, once your show is submitted and approved, Spotify can fetch your podcast content from your RSS feed.
How to Submit Your Podcast to Spotify
Before submitting to Spotify, check that your show has:
– Podcast Title & Description: Provide a unique podcast title and a clear description. – Podcast Logo: Upload an original logo with dimensions between 1400 x 1400 and 2048 x 2048 pixels, in JPG or PNG format. – Category: Select at least one relevant podcast category. – Episodes: Publish at least one episode. The published episode should be in MP3 format, as Spotify only supports MP3 files.
Once Spotify approves and lists your podcast, your Spotify podcast URL will appear in your Podbean dashboard.
Why Submit Your Podcast to YouTube?
YouTube is important in 2026 because podcast discovery is no longer limited to traditional podcast apps. Many people search for topics, creators, interviews, tutorials, and conversations directly on YouTube.
Submitting your audio podcast to YouTube can help your audio episodes become discoverable in a search-driven environment. It is also useful for listeners who use YouTube as part of their daily media routine.
If there are video episodes in your podcast and want to share the podcast to YouTube, it is recommended that you use the YouTube social share function on Podbean.
How to Submit Your Audio Podcast to YouTube
Before submitting to YouTube, check two important requirements:
– Add your ownership email to your Podbean RSS feed temporarily so YouTube can verify ownership. – Remove inserted ads from the podcast feed to comply with YouTube’s RSS submission requirements. * Host-read ads, sponsorships, and endorsements may still be allowed, but you need to disclose paid promotions when YouTube asks.
Keep in mind that YouTube makes copies of the selected episodes, therefore your YouTube podcast stats will appear in YouTube Studio, not in Podbean statistics.
YouTube also does not automatically update show details from your RSS feed after submission. If you change your podcast title, description, or artwork later, check whether you need to update those details in YouTube.
How to Submit Your Podcast to the Podbean Directory
Podbean has its own podcast directory and listener apps. This helps people discover your show through Podbean, in addition to major third-party directories.
If your podcast is hosted on Podbean with a paid plan, your podcast can be included in the Podbean directory automatically. Free accounts may need to verify the account first.
If your podcast is hosted somewhere else, you can still submit your RSS feed to the Podbean directory.
Basic steps:
1. Go to Podbean’s podcast submission page. 2. Log in or create a free Podbean account. 3. Enter your podcast RSS feed. 4. Submit the feed and keep your Podbean listing URL for future reference.
This is a useful first step because it gives your podcast another discovery path and a listing that can update from your feed.
Other Podcast Platforms Podbean Supports
After Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Podbean, you can expand your reach through the other podcast apps and directories Podbean supports.
These platforms matter because listeners do not all use the same podcast app. Some prefer radio-style platforms, some use Android-first apps, and some discover shows through search-based podcast directories.
Podbean’s support center highlights several popular platforms podcasters commonly submit to or appear on, including:
Some apps can use your Apple Podcasts listing to index your show automatically. Our support guide notes that once your podcast is listed on Apple Podcasts, it may become available on Overcast, Pocket Casts, Castro, Castbox, Podfriend, and Goodpods.
Because directory options can change, use your Podbean dashboard as the source of truth for the current app list available to your account.
Review times vary by platform. Some apps may list your show quickly, while others may require manual approval.
Should You Submit to Every Podcast Directory?
You do not need to submit your podcast everywhere on day one. Start with the platforms that give you the broadest reach and easiest ongoing updates.
Once your core platforms are live, add more directories based on your audience. For example, a show with a large Android audience may prioritize Podcast Addict. A show with strong music, radio, or smart-speaker discovery goals may prioritize iHeartRadio.
What Happens After Your Podcast Is Approved?
After a platform approves your show, you usually do not need to resubmit every episode.
Publish new episodes in Podbean as usual. Your RSS feed updates, and connected podcast apps can fetch the new episode from that feed.
However, different platforms refresh on different schedules. If a new episode does not appear immediately, wait and check the platform’s refresh behavior before making repeated changes.
For Spotify, make sure your episode file is MP3. Podbean’s Spotify troubleshooting guide notes that non-MP3 files may be skipped by Spotify’s RSS distribution.
For YouTube, remember that YouTube creates copies of your episodes, therefore it may take time for episodes to upload and become ready to publish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need an RSS feed to submit my podcast?
Yes. Your RSS feed is the main connection between your podcast host and most podcast apps. Podbean automatically creates an RSS feed for your show.
Where do I find my Podbean RSS feed?
Go to your Podbean dashboard and open Settings > Feed. At the top, you can view and copy your RSS feed URL.
Can I submit my podcast to Spotify through Podbean?
Yes. Podbean supports Spotify submission from Distribution > Podcast Apps > Spotify for eligible users. Spotify RSS distribution through Podbean requires MP3 audio.
Can I submit my podcast to Apple Podcasts through Podbean?
Yes. Podbean is an official Apple Podcasts partner, and eligible shows can be submitted through Distribution > Podcast Apps > Apple Podcasts.
Can I submit an audio podcast to YouTube ?
Yes. YouTube supports audio podcast submission through RSS. You can submit your Podbean RSS feed in YouTube Studio and verify ownership by email.
Will YouTube stats show in Podbean?
No. Since YouTube creates copies of the episodes you publish there, YouTube podcast stats appear in YouTube.
Do I need to submit every new episode manually?
Usually, no. Once your podcast is approved by a directory, future episodes are picked up from your RSS feed.
Publishing your first episode is a big step. But if your show only lives on one website, most listeners will never know it exists.
To grow your audience in 2026, you need to make your podcast available on the platforms people already use, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Podbean, and other podcast apps.
Table of Contents
Quick Answer: Which Podcast Platforms Should You Submit to First?
What You Need Before Submitting Your Podcast
How Podcast Submission Works With Podbean
Why Submit Your Podcast to Apple Podcasts?
Why Submit Your Podcast to Spotify?
Why Submit Your Podcast to YouTube?
How to Submit Your Podcast to the Podbean Directory
Other Podcast Platforms Podbean Supports
Should You Submit to Every Podcast Directory?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Quick Answer: Which Podcast Platforms Should You Submit to First?
If you only need the short version: submit your podcast to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and the Podbean directory first. These platforms cover major listening habits across podcast apps, streaming, search, and video/audio discovery.
With Podbean, you can submit to supported podcast apps from your dashboard under Distribution > Podcast Apps. For platforms that require manual submission, you can copy your Podbean RSS feed and submit it through that app’s own podcast submission page.
What You Need Before Submitting Your Podcast
Before you send your podcast to directories, make sure your show information is complete. Most platforms review your RSS feed and use that information to decide whether your show is ready to list.
Use this checklist before submitting:
· A clear podcast title
· A short, accurate podcast description
· A podcast category
· A square podcast logo
· At least one published episode
· Your podcaster or owner name
· A RSS feed
How Podcast Submission Works With Podbean
Podbean creates an RSS feed for your podcast. That feed contains your podcast title, description, artwork, episodes, audio files, and other details that podcast apps use to display your show.
Once your show is accepted by a podcast platform, future episodes usually update through your feed. In practice, that means you publish in Podbean and your new episodes are picked up by the platforms where your show is already listed.
You can find distribution options in your Podbean dashboard by going to:
Distribution > Podcast Apps
You can find your RSS feed by going to:
Settings > Feed
Some platforms can be submitted directly through Podbean. Others require you to paste your RSS feed into the platform’s own submission form.
Why Submit Your Podcast to Apple Podcasts?
Apple Podcasts should be one of the first places you submit your podcast in 2026 because it remains a core podcast directory and a familiar listening destination for Apple users.
It also supports broader discovery beyond Apple Podcasts itself. Once your show is listed on Apple Podcasts, it can also be picked up by other listening apps, including Overcast, Pocket Casts, Castro, Castbox, Podfriend, and Goodpods.
Podbean is an official Apple Podcasts partner, which means eligible Podbean users can submit through the Podbean dashboard.
How to Submit Your Podcast to Apple Podcasts
Before submitting to Apple Podcasts, check that your show has:
– Podcast Title & Description: Provide a unique podcast title and a clear description.
– Podcast Logo: Upload an original logo with dimensions between 1400 x 1400 and 3000 x 3000 pixels, in JPG or PNG format.
– Category: Select at least one relevant podcast category.
– Episodes: Published at least one episode in Apple Podcasts’ supported file format.
– Language: Set the language for your podcast.
– Country: Ensure the country selected in Settings is included in Apple Podcasts’ allowed countries list.
– Directory Visibility: Make sure “Remove from Apple Directory” is turned off under Advanced Feed Settings.
For more information on submitting your podcast to Apple Podcasts, please visit our FAQ.
After review, your Apple Podcasts URL will appear in your Podbean dashboard. Podbean will also email you the URL when it is available.
This is why Apple Podcasts is more than just one listing. It can help your podcast become easier to find across several listening experiences that rely on Apple’s podcast ecosystem.
Why Submit Your Podcast to Spotify?
Spotify should also be near the top of your list because many listeners already use it as their daily audio app. If your podcast is available there, people can find your episodes in the same place they already stream music and follow other shows.
For new podcasters, Spotify is especially useful because it gives your show a recognizable destination to share in social posts, newsletters, websites, and launch announcements.
Podbean is an official Spotify “passthrough” partner. This means that, once your show is submitted and approved, Spotify can fetch your podcast content from your RSS feed.
How to Submit Your Podcast to Spotify
Before submitting to Spotify, check that your show has:
– Podcast Title & Description: Provide a unique podcast title and a clear description.
– Podcast Logo: Upload an original logo with dimensions between 1400 x 1400 and 2048 x 2048 pixels, in JPG or PNG format.
– Category: Select at least one relevant podcast category.
– Episodes: Publish at least one episode. The published episode should be in MP3 format, as Spotify only supports MP3 files.
You can find detailed instructions for submitting your podcast to Spotify in our FAQ.
Once Spotify approves and lists your podcast, your Spotify podcast URL will appear in your Podbean dashboard.
Why Submit Your Podcast to YouTube?
YouTube is important in 2026 because podcast discovery is no longer limited to traditional podcast apps. Many people search for topics, creators, interviews, tutorials, and conversations directly on YouTube.
Submitting your audio podcast to YouTube can help your audio episodes become discoverable in a search-driven environment. It is also useful for listeners who use YouTube as part of their daily media routine.
If there are video episodes in your podcast and want to share the podcast to YouTube, it is recommended that you use the YouTube social share function on Podbean.
How to Submit Your Audio Podcast to YouTube
Before submitting to YouTube, check two important requirements:
– Add your ownership email to your Podbean RSS feed temporarily so YouTube can verify ownership.
– Remove inserted ads from the podcast feed to comply with YouTube’s RSS submission requirements.
* Host-read ads, sponsorships, and endorsements may still be allowed, but you need to disclose paid promotions when YouTube asks.
Check out our FAQ for step-by-step instructions on how to submit your podcast to YouTube.
Keep in mind that YouTube makes copies of the selected episodes, therefore your YouTube podcast stats will appear in YouTube Studio, not in Podbean statistics.
YouTube also does not automatically update show details from your RSS feed after submission. If you change your podcast title, description, or artwork later, check whether you need to update those details in YouTube.
How to Submit Your Podcast to the Podbean Directory
Podbean has its own podcast directory and listener apps. This helps people discover your show through Podbean, in addition to major third-party directories.
If your podcast is hosted on Podbean with a paid plan, your podcast can be included in the Podbean directory automatically. Free accounts may need to verify the account first.
If your podcast is hosted somewhere else, you can still submit your RSS feed to the Podbean directory.
Basic steps:
1. Go to Podbean’s podcast submission page.
2. Log in or create a free Podbean account.
3. Enter your podcast RSS feed.
4. Submit the feed and keep your Podbean listing URL for future reference.
This is a useful first step because it gives your podcast another discovery path and a listing that can update from your feed.
Other Podcast Platforms Podbean Supports
After Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Podbean, you can expand your reach through the other podcast apps and directories Podbean supports.
These platforms matter because listeners do not all use the same podcast app. Some prefer radio-style platforms, some use Android-first apps, and some discover shows through search-based podcast directories.
Podbean’s support center highlights several popular platforms podcasters commonly submit to or appear on, including:
· TuneIn (Not currently accepting new feeds)
· iHeartRadio
· Player FM
· Listen Notes
· Podcast Addict
· Deezer
· Pandora
· Audacy (Not currently accepting new feeds)
Some apps can use your Apple Podcasts listing to index your show automatically. Our support guide notes that once your podcast is listed on Apple Podcasts, it may become available on Overcast, Pocket Casts, Castro, Castbox, Podfriend, and Goodpods.
Because directory options can change, use your Podbean dashboard as the source of truth for the current app list available to your account.
Review times vary by platform. Some apps may list your show quickly, while others may require manual approval.
Should You Submit to Every Podcast Directory?
You do not need to submit your podcast everywhere on day one. Start with the platforms that give you the broadest reach and easiest ongoing updates.
Once your core platforms are live, add more directories based on your audience. For example, a show with a large Android audience may prioritize Podcast Addict. A show with strong music, radio, or smart-speaker discovery goals may prioritize iHeartRadio.
What Happens After Your Podcast Is Approved?
After a platform approves your show, you usually do not need to resubmit every episode.
Publish new episodes in Podbean as usual. Your RSS feed updates, and connected podcast apps can fetch the new episode from that feed.
However, different platforms refresh on different schedules. If a new episode does not appear immediately, wait and check the platform’s refresh behavior before making repeated changes.
For Spotify, make sure your episode file is MP3. Podbean’s Spotify troubleshooting guide notes that non-MP3 files may be skipped by Spotify’s RSS distribution.
For YouTube, remember that YouTube creates copies of your episodes, therefore it may take time for episodes to upload and become ready to publish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need an RSS feed to submit my podcast?
Yes. Your RSS feed is the main connection between your podcast host and most podcast apps. Podbean automatically creates an RSS feed for your show.
Where do I find my Podbean RSS feed?
Go to your Podbean dashboard and open Settings > Feed. At the top, you can view and copy your RSS feed URL.
Can I submit my podcast to Spotify through Podbean?
Yes. Podbean supports Spotify submission from Distribution > Podcast Apps > Spotify for eligible users. Spotify RSS distribution through Podbean requires MP3 audio.
Can I submit my podcast to Apple Podcasts through Podbean?
Yes. Podbean is an official Apple Podcasts partner, and eligible shows can be submitted through Distribution > Podcast Apps > Apple Podcasts.
Can I submit an audio podcast to YouTube ?
Yes. YouTube supports audio podcast submission through RSS. You can submit your Podbean RSS feed in YouTube Studio and verify ownership by email.
Will YouTube stats show in Podbean?
No. Since YouTube creates copies of the episodes you publish there, YouTube podcast stats appear in YouTube.
Do I need to submit every new episode manually?
Usually, no. Once your podcast is approved by a directory, future episodes are picked up from your RSS feed.
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