MarketScale includes at least one branded channel at every subscription tier—getting yours is simple. Reach out to your lead or start a live chat (or email [email protected]) to learn how to set it up. Once it’s set up, all of the steps below apply.
Why bother?
Apple and Spotify are heavyweights—they drive more listener engagement, pound for pound, than any other content platforms. If you want real people tuning in, your podcast needs to live there.
The good news: publishing is simple, fast, and turnkey if you follow these steps. For the most up-to-date instructions, always check the official guides before you begin.
1. Publish on Apple Podcasts
Heads up: For the latest details or any interface changes, check Apple’s official guide → https://podcasters.apple.com/support/897-submit-a-show
Copy your RSS feed URL
• In your hosting dashboard (e.g., Wistia Channel settings → Podcast tab), copy the RSS feed link.
• Keep it general—don’t paste example URLs from these screenshots.(Optional) Create a new Apple ID
• We recommend a dedicated Apple ID for your brand, so multiple team members can manage your show without using personal accounts.
• If you already have one, skip ahead.Log in to Apple Podcasts Connect
• Go to Apple Podcasts Connect and sign in with your Apple ID.
• If this is your first podcast, you’ll see a blank dashboard with a “+” in the top-left corner.Submit your podcast RSS feed
• Click the “+” button, paste your RSS feed, and hit Validate.
• Validation lets you review your podcast’s metadata—title, categories, language, media links, copyright, website, explicit-content flag, and episode list.
• If anything looks off, go back to your hosting dashboard (Channel → Podcast Feed menu), fix it, and re-submit.
• Once it’s all correct, select Confirm and your show goes to Apple for approval.Wait for approval
• Apple can take up to 48 hours to review—but often you’ll get reviewed sooner.
• Keep an eye on the page in Podcasts Connect so you can grab your show’s URL when it’s live.Connect Apple Podcasts URL back to your hosting
• After Apple approves, copy your new show URL (e.g.,https://podcasts.apple.com/.../your-show).
• In your hosting dashboard, go to Channel → Podcast settings → Apple Podcasts URL field, paste it, and click Submit.
• Now listeners who click your Channel page can subscribe directly on Apple.
2. Publish on Spotify
Heads up: For the latest details or any interface changes, check Spotify’s official guide → https://support.spotify.com/us/creators/article/adding-a-new-show/
Copy your RSS feed URL
• Use the same RSS feed you copied earlier from your hosting dashboard.Log in to Spotify for Podcasters
• Visit Spotify for Podcasters and click Get Started.
• Sign up or log in with your Spotify account.Verify ownership of your feed
• Paste your RSS feed into the submission form.
• Spotify will send a confirmation code to the email address listed in your feed—enter that code to prove you own the show.Add podcast details & submit
• Spotify asks for a few extra fields: country/region, primary language, hosting provider (choose “Other” if you’re on Wistia), and primary category.
• Review everything carefully. When it looks good, click Submit—Spotify usually activates your feed within 24 hours.Connect Spotify URL back to your hosting
• Once your show is live, copy the Spotify link (e.g.,https://open.spotify.com/show/your-id).
• In your hosting dashboard, go to Channel → Podcast settings → Spotify URL field, paste it, and hit Submit.
• Now anyone landing on your Channel page can subscribe instantly on Spotify.
3. Troubleshooting & Tips
Delays in activation
Apple can take up to 48 hours; Spotify normally activates in about a day.
Feed validation errors
If your feed fails validation, go back to your hosting dashboard and fix any missing metadata (title, description, media URLs).
Missing episodes or broken links
Double-check each episode’s audio URL and publish date. If something’s blank or invalid, update it in your host and re-publish your feed.
Need a refresh?
After making any changes in your hosting dashboard, re-submit the RSS feed in Apple Podcasts Connect or Spotify for Podcasters to update your live show.
Once both Apple and Spotify URLs are connected to your branded channel, your podcast is truly everywhere—simple, self-serve, and turnkey. Now listeners can find you on the platforms they love.