How To Start A Podcast On Spotify For Free
In this article, will show you how to start a podcast on Spotify for free. Spotify has emerged as a juggernaut, extending its dominion beyond the beats and harmonies of music into the captivating realm of podcasting. It has over 32.5 million podcast listeners per month.
Comedian, actor, and UFC commentator, Joe Rogan, has taken his long-running podcast, “The Joe Rogan Experience,” to Spotify. Renowned for its in-depth discussions with a diverse array of guests, including scientists, authors, and fellow comedians, Rogan’s show has become a cornerstone of the podcasting world, drawing millions of listeners with each episode.
For aspiring podcasters, this streaming platform has proven to be a gateway to an expansive audience eager to lend their ears to stories, conversations, and ideas. So, whether you’re a storyteller, an expert in your field, or simply eager to dive into the exciting world of podcasting, we’ve got you covered.
How to upload a podcast to spotify for free
Step 1. Create an account with Spotify for Podcasters
Spotify for Podcasters is a free platform and set of tools offered by Spotify to help podcasters manage and promote their podcasts on the Spotify streaming platform.
This can be done by signing up on the platform and choosing either “I want to start a podcast” or “I have a podcast.”
If you select the first option, you can either log in with your existing Spotify account or create a new one.
If you choose the second option, identify your current podcast hosting platform from the list and claim your show by adding your RSS feed and entering a verification code sent to your email.
What is an RSS Feed? It’s a file that contains information about your podcast, like episode titles, descriptions, and links. Podcast directories like Spotify use this feed to update your content.
Most podcast hosting platforms generate an RSS feed for you. It’s usually as simple as uploading your episodes, and the feed is created automatically. They will also provide you with a URL that you can then use to add your podcast to Spotify.
Step 2. Provide information about your podcast
After creating your account and uploading your episode, it’s time to share essential details about your podcast, including its name, description, cover art, category, language, and content type (clean or explicit).
Step 3. Upload your Podcast episode file
Whether you have an existing podcast or are starting fresh, you can easily upload your audio or video episodes to Spotify for Podcasters.
To upload a ready-to-publish episode, simply click “Select a file” and submit your audio or video file. The intuitive drag-and-drop builder simplifies the episode creation process, allowing you to preview your work as many times as needed during editing.
You can also create and edit episodes directly on the platform. If you don’t have a single file to upload, you can upload, record and edit audio with multiple segments to create a new episode within the platform.
Step 4: Submit your podcast for approval
The time it takes for Spotify to review and publish your podcast can vary. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days for Spotify to review your podcast submission and make it live on their platform.
Spotify has specific content guidelines that your podcast must adhere to. These guidelines typically include restrictions on hate speech, explicit content, copyright violations, and other prohibited content. The Spotify team will assess whether your podcast complies with these guidelines.
The review process may take some time, as Spotify receives numerous podcast submissions daily. Be patient and wait for their response. You’ll receive an email notification from Spotify once your podcast is approved or if there are any issues that need to be addressed.
Spotify Podcast Requirements
If you’re looking to start a podcast on Spotify, it’s essential to meet their podcast requirements and guidelines. Here’s some helpful information on Spotify podcast requirements:
1. Content
Ensure your podcast content complies with Spotify’s content guidelines. Avoid hate speech, explicit content, or anything that violates their policies.
When submitting your podcast, it’s crucial to provide a clear and descriptive title along with relevant details such as the category and primary language of your content.
Craft descriptive and engaging episode titles and descriptions that accurately represent the content of each episode. This helps listeners discover and understand your podcast better.
2. Audio Quality
Use high-quality audio recording equipment and software to create clear and engaging content. Good audio quality is crucial for retaining listeners.
To achieve this, it’s recommended to use a high bitrate MP3 format, preferably 128 kbps or higher, or an MP4 format with AAC-LC encoding.
These formats preserve the clarity and depth of your audio, delivering a more enjoyable listening experience for your audience. Higher bitrates and advanced encoding techniques help minimize audio artifacts and maintain the fidelity of your content. When you prioritize audio quality in your podcast production, you not only capture your listeners’ attention but also enhance the overall professionalism and impact of your show.
3. Podcast Length
There’s no strict limit on podcast length, but it’s advisable to keep episodes between 15 minutes and 2 hours for the best listener experience. This ensures that episodes remain concise and engaging.
4. Podcast Cover Art
Create eye-catching and unique cover art for your podcast. It should be square, at least 1400×1400 pixels, and in JPEG or PNG format.
Podcast cover art is a visual representation of your podcast and plays a crucial role in attracting potential listeners. It’s the first impression your podcast makes in crowded directories and platforms like Spotify.
Effective podcast cover art is eye-catching, communicates the essence of your content, and conveys your podcast’s brand identity. In essence, your podcast cover art is the face of your podcast, and investing in its design is essential for making a strong and memorable impact on potential listeners.
6. Copyright and Licensing
Copyright and licensing are essential aspects for podcasters to consider when creating content.
Copyright refers to the legal protection of original creative works, such as music, literature, and audio recordings.
As a podcaster, it’s crucial to respect copyright laws by using original content or obtaining the necessary licenses and permissions for any copyrighted material you plan to include in your episodes. Licensing allows you to legally use copyrighted material, whether it’s background music, sound effects, or excerpts from other audio sources.
Properly navigating copyright and licensing ensures that you’re not infringing on the rights of creators and helps you avoid potential legal issues, making your podcast a legitimate and responsible part of the media landscape.
Frequently Answered Questions (FAQs)
Do I have to pay to have a podcast on Spotify?
No, you do not have to pay to have a podcast on Spotify. Spotify offers a free platform called Spotify for Podcasters where you can upload your podcast for free. This platform allows podcasters to submit and manage their podcasts on Spotify without any associated fees.
How do podcasters get paid on Spotify?
Podcasters can get paid on Spotify through various methods:
- Podcast Subscriptions: To qualify, you need at least two published episodes, be in a market where Podcast Subscriptions are available, and have a minimum of 100 listeners on Spotify in the last 60 days.
- Listener Support: This option is available for podcasters in the US who have at least two episodes and 100 listeners on Spotify within the last 60 days.
- Ambassador Ads: Eligibility requires at least 1,000 Spotify listeners in the last 60 days, one recent episode, and being located in the US.
- Automated Ads: Currently invite-only, this program operates in the US, UK, and Australia.
Apart from Spotify’s monetization programs, podcasters can also monetize their content through brand deals and sponsorships. Brands or companies may pay podcasters to promote their products or services within podcast episodes.
Why can’t you upload a podcast as a song on Spotify?
You cannot upload a podcast as a song because Spotify differentiates between music tracks and podcasts within its platform, and they serve distinct purposes. They desire to provide users with a clear and organized content experience.
When it also comes to getting paid, music tracks typically require licensing agreements with record labels or rights holders. These agreements ensure that artists and rights holders are compensated for the use of their music. Podcasts, on the other hand, often involve spoken content, discussions, interviews, or storytelling, which doesn’t fall under music licensing agreements.
Spotify has clear guidelines on uploading podcasts and songs. Mixing these two formats could lead to a confusing user experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, starting a podcast on Spotify for free is an accessible and rewarding endeavor for beginners. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can share your passion, expertise, or creativity with a global audience. Remember to choose your niche, plan your content, invest in good-quality equipment, and ensure your audio is of high quality. With dedication and persistence, you can build a successful podcasting journey on Spotify without breaking the bank. So, don’t hesitate to dive in and start your podcasting adventure today!
