How to Start a Podcast on Spotify: 10 Steps for Beginners

Podcasting today has millions of creators broadcasting to audiences around the world.

Among the many platforms revolutionizing podcasting, Spotify stands out as a leader with its extensive listener base and huge, eclectic range of podcasts. 

Whether you're an aspiring podcaster or an experienced one, launching a podcast on Spotify can significantly increase your audience reach.

By offering features like RSS feed integration, monetization tools, and analytics, Spotify has become a preferred choice for podcasters and might just be the right place to launch your own Spotify podcast!

We’ll help you choose a podcast hosting platform to engage with your listeners, whether Spotify itself or an external option, so you can optimize your Spotify podcast episodes for success. 

Why Start a Podcast on Spotify?

Massive Listener Base 

With millions of active listeners and global reach, Spotify can really be a game-changer for podcasters.

Spotify for Creators (formerly Spotify for Podcasters) provides plenty of tools for reaching new listeners plus unparalleled exposure, no matter what genre of podcast your audience prefers.  

Cross-Platform Compatibility

Spotify podcasts can also be listened to on platforms like Apple Podcasts, adding even more accessibility to your podcasts for your audience and keeping you competitive with other podcasts.

Creator Tools

Spotify for Podcasters offers features that simplify podcast management, from RSS feed integrations and podcast distribution to a detailed analytics dashboard so podcasters can fine-tune their content.

What You’ll Need for Your Podcast

You can get your Spotify podcast rolling in just a few steps (more on that in a moment), but first, you’ll need to get some gear and do a little setup. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Podcast Name: Naming your podcast will identify it on Spotify and help you start focusing on your podcasting brand. Choose a name that reflects your podcast content and is memorable for your audience so you’re easy to find. A unique, relevant, and colorful name will help your podcast stand out!
• Recording Gear: Investing in high-quality gear will help ensure an even playing field for your Spotify podcast from the start. Even on a low budget, ensure that you have a solid microphone, a good set of headphones, and a pop filter for professional-sounding audio.‍
• Spotify Account: Set up a dedicated Spotify account for your podcast; it’s best if you coordinate your Spotify account name with your podcast name.‍
• Podcast Hosting Platform: You can host your podcast directly on Spotify or via a platform like Buzzsprout or Podbean. The latter will generate your RSS feed and distribute episodes to Spotify and other podcasting directories.‍
• A Solid Plan: It’s to your benefit to put together a plan before you start podcasting on Spotify. With your topic and niche in mind, sit down and outline your episode structure, including topics, intros, and outros, to keep your content engaging and consistent. You might even want to plan out your first half-dozen episodes ahead so you can focus on the podcasts themselves.

10 Steps to Launch Your Podcast on Spotify

Step 1: Create a Spotify Account

If you don’t already have a Spotify account, create one specifically for your podcast.

This will give it a “base of operations” and will also assist you in managing your podcast and accessing valuable insights.

Use Spotify for Creators to access analytics and manage your show effectively. 

Step 2: Choose Your Podcast Hosting Platform

A podcast hosting platform is essential for building your audience.

When selecting a platform, consider features, pricing, and ease of use. 

Spotify for Creators offers podcasters an easy and streamlined way to host their content directly on the platform, making it a great choice for those who want to reach Spotify's massive audience.

On the other hand, platforms like Buzzsprout and Podbean offer a wide range of features, including easy integration with various directories, customizable player widgets, and robust analytics.

These platforms also provide various pricing plans, depending on your needs, and many include options for monetization, such as ad management and premium subscriptions.

Step 3: Set Up Your Podcast on the Hosting Platform

Once you’ve chosen your podcast hosting platform, input your podcast name, description, and cover art.

Upload your first episode's audio file and double-check that your metadata is optimized for visibility.

Step 4: Record Your Podcast!

It’s time for the main event!

Good audio quality is critical for retaining listeners, so get out those professional-grade microphones and record your podcast in a soundproof environment.

Test your equipment and settings before recording each episode to avoid technical issues.

Step 5: Edit Your Podcast

Editing is how you’ll transform your raw audio file into a polished podcast episode.

Tools like Audacity and Adobe Audition can help remove background noise, balance audio levels, and add crossfades and other transitions.

Proper editing ensures your podcast sounds professional and engaging and lets you edit out any bloopers before the broadcast.

Step 6: Optimize Your Metadata

Metadata, including titles and descriptions, plays a significant role in discoverability.

Make sure that your description includes a mix of generic keywords like Spotify podcast and RSS feed, plus more niche keywords suiting your specific podcast for good discoverability.

Include timestamps and relevant links to make the listening even better for your audience.

Step 7: Submit Your Podcast to Spotify

If you’re hosting your podcast with Spotify directly, it will automatically appear on Spotify’s platform.

If you’re hosting your podcast with one of Spotify’s partners, copy your RSS feed link from your hosting platform, log in to Spotify for Podcasters, and paste the link during submission.

Verify ownership, and once approved, your podcast will be live on Spotify. 

Step 8: Promote Your Podcast

Marketing is essential for growing your podcast audience!

Platforms like Canva or Adobe can help you create eye-catching visuals to promote your new episodes.

You can share those graphics, along with preview audio clips, on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter (X).

Try finding fellow podcasters in a similar niche to collaborate with for cross-promotion. 

Step 9: Monitor Podcast Performance

Spotify Analytics provides insights into audience demographics, engagement, and performance metrics.

Use this data to refine your content strategy by identifying your most popular episodes and replicating what works best!

Step 10: Engage With Your Listeners

Building your audience starts with interaction.

Respond to comments about your podcast, host Q&A sessions, do drop-in streams on your other social media, and involve your listeners in the content creation process.

For instance, you can run polls to see what topics they want you to cover next.

Engaging directly with your community fosters a sense of connection and builds loyal fans for your podcast!

Tools to Maximize Your Podcast

To create a polished, pro podcast on Spotify, having the right tools is crucial.

These tools not only improve your production quality but can also help you manage, distribute, and promote your podcast! 

Recording Tools

High-quality audio is key to retaining listeners. In the microphones department, choices like the Blue Yeti or Shure SM7B can provide clear and professional sound.

Pair your mic with accessories like pop filters and boom arms to eliminate unwanted noise and ensure stable recording. 

Portable options like the Zoom H6 recorder can also be excellent for on-the-go podcasters, and Elgato Stream Decks can assist with smooth transitions.

Editing Software

The editing process is how you’ll transform your base recordings into seamless episodes.

Free software like Audacity—perhaps the easiest-to-use option—offers tools for editing, noise reduction, and other audio enhancements, making it an excellent choice for beginners. 

Premium tools like Adobe Audition or Logic Pro can provide professional-grade results for advanced features like multi-track editing and a longer list of audio effects, enabling you to fine-tune your audio files to perfection. 

However, they do take longer to learn.

Hosting Platforms

Unless you’ve decided to host your podcast directly with Spotify (which is free and the simplest option), a reliable podcast hosting platform is essential for distributing your episodes to Spotify and other directories, like Apple Podcasts.

Popular options include Buzzsprout, Podbean, Spreaker, Transistor, and Libsyn.

Whichever option you choose, make sure it has RSS feed generation, ensuring that your podcast name and episodes are easily accessible to your audiences on multiple platforms.

Promotion Tools

To attract more new listeners, effective promotion is key.

You can use Hootsuite or Buffer to schedule your promotional content across all of your social media channels, keeping your audience informed about new episodes with audio clips and promotional graphics

Remember to announce upcoming episodes or special episodes well in advance to build anticipation and hype among your listeners.

Analytics Tools

Monitoring your podcast's performance lets you refine your podcasting strategy.

Spotify for Creators provides extra tools plus detailed insights into audience demographics, streaming trends, and engagement metrics.

Combine this with external tools like CoHost to track rankings and listener behavior across multiple platforms, including Apple Podcasts.

More Pro Tips for Your Spotify Podcast 

Be Consistent

Regularly releasing new episodes on Spotify is crucial for maintaining listener interest and trust.

Establish a predictable schedule, whether it’s weekly or monthly, so your audience knows when to expect fresh content.

This reliability not only helps retain existing listeners but also attracts new ones who value consistency in their favorite podcasts. 

Stay Creative

A successful podcast takes continued cultivating, so after your podcast gets established, start brainstorming ways to keep it fresh.

Having a niche and a format are important, but don’t hesitate to add in extra features, fine-tune your format (over time, to let your audience adjust), or bring in special guests or new topics. 

Avoid Common Pitfalls

To give your podcast the best chance of success, make sure to stay on top of common pitfalls.

Poor sound drives listeners away, so always double-check your audio quality before each recording.

Don’t fall into an inconsistent schedule, as irregular uploads can make it tough for your audience to find you.

And don’t ignore feedback as listener input is key to improving your podcast so it better meets what your audience likes best about your shows. 

Use the Power of Your Socials

Ramp up your social media engagement. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are powerful tools for promoting your podcast on Spotify.

Create engaging short clips, audiograms, and behind-the-scenes content to pique interest.

Leverage trending hashtags and collaborate with influencers to broaden your reach.

Sharing highlights or teasers of your episodes can intrigue potential listeners and encourage them to tune in.

Maximize Your SEO

Optimizing your podcast name, episode titles, and descriptions with relevant keywords, such as "Podcast on Spotify," "RSS feed," and "podcast hosting," can significantly improve your discoverability.

Ensure your metadata is rich with terms that potential listeners are likely to search for.

This boosts your visibility not only on Spotify but also on search engines like Google and directories like Apple Podcasts.

Collaborate

Partnering with other podcasters or content creators is an excellent way to expand your audience.

Joint episodes, guest appearances, or co-promotions expose your Spotify podcast to new demographics.

Collaborations can also provide fresh perspectives and content variety, keeping your listeners engaged and interested.

Involve Your Audience

Encourage listener involvement! Engaging with your audience fosters a sense of community and loyalty.

Use interactive features like polls, Q&A sessions, and feedback forms to involve your listeners in your content creation process.

Incorporate their questions or suggestions into your episodes to make them feel valued and connected to your podcast.

Engage Beyond Your Podcast

Maintain an active online presence to extend your presence beyond the audio platform.

Host live Q&A sessions on Instagram, share detailed show notes on a blog, post behind-the-scenes peeks on TikTok, or start a newsletter to keep your audience informed about new episodes and other updates.

Expanding the reach of your podcast on Spotify requires consistency, audience engagement, and smart marketing efforts.   

Maximize Your Podcasting Potential with Fourthwall

Fourthwall can give your Spotify podcast even more punch by bringing in additional monetization and engagement tools.

From branded storefronts and custom merchandise to exclusive content memberships, Fourthwall helps you build loyalty and generate revenue seamlessly, right alongside your podcast. 

By adding Fourthwall to your podcasting toolbox, you can both elevate your current listeners’ experience with your podcast, and create new audience growth opportunities on Spotify and beyond.

Get started with Fourthwall today!