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How to Submit Your Audio Drama to Spotify and Apple Podcasts in 2026

You've written the script, recorded the cast, mixed the audio, and produced something you're proud of. Now comes the part that trips up most new creators: actually getting it onto the platforms where people listen. This guide walks you through every step, from choosing a podcast host to submitting to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and beyond.

Step 1: Choose a Podcast Hosting Platform

Before you can submit to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, you need a podcast host. This is a service that stores your audio files and generates the RSS feed that platforms use to index your show. You do not upload directly to Spotify or Apple — they pull from your RSS feed automatically whenever you publish a new episode.

Step 2: Prepare Your Audio and Metadata

Before submitting anywhere, make sure these are ready:

• Audio format: MP3 is the universal standard. Aim for 128kbps stereo or 192kbps for higher quality productions. Keep file sizes reasonable — under 100MB per episode where possible.
• Show title: Clear, searchable, and specific. "The Blackwood Chronicles: An Audio Drama" is better than just "Blackwood."
• Episode titles: Use descriptive titles, not just "Episode 1." Give each episode its own searchable name.
• Description: Write a compelling 2–3 sentence show description. This appears in search results on both platforms.
• Category: Choose Fiction, Drama, or Arts — avoid generic "Society & Culture" which is overcrowded.

Step 3: Cover Art Requirements

Both Spotify and Apple Podcasts are strict about cover art. Get this wrong and your submission will be rejected.

• Square format (1:1 ratio)
• Minimum 1400 x 1400 pixels, maximum 3000 x 3000 pixels
• JPEG or PNG format
• No explicit content, no URLs, no contact info in the image
• Legible title text at thumbnail size — test it at 100px wide

Step 4: Submit to Apple Podcasts

Step 5: Submit to Spotify

If you're using Anchor/Spotify for Podcasters, distribution to Spotify is automatic — no separate submission needed. For other hosts:

Other Platforms Worth Submitting To

• Amazon Music / Audible: Submit via music.amazon.com/podcasters — growing fast, especially for dramatic fiction
• iHeart Radio: Requires a manual submission form via their podcaster portal
• Pocket Casts / Overcast / Podcast Addict: These pull from Apple's directory automatically — if you're on Apple, you're on these too
• YouTube Podcasts: Google now indexes podcasts on YouTube. Worth uploading episodes with static images as well

Tips for Getting Featured

Being listed is just the first step. Getting featured — especially on Apple's "New and Noteworthy" — can dramatically accelerate early growth.

• Launch with at least 3 episodes. Shows with multiple episodes available at launch perform better in algorithmic recommendations.
• Ask listeners to leave reviews on Apple Podcasts. Reviews are a direct ranking signal, especially in the first few weeks after launch.
• Publish consistently. Even if episodes are short, a regular publishing schedule signals an active show to platform algorithms.
• Write keyword-rich episode descriptions. Spotify and Apple both use episode descriptions in their search indexes.