In the podcast market, there are lots of directories where you can publish your show. We make it easy to submit your show by providing Automatic and Guided distribution options for the biggest directories.
Before you can submit your podcast to any directories, you will need to set up your podcast and upload an episode. Follow these walkthroughs to get started:
1. How to create an RSS.com account
2. How do I set up my first podcast?
3. How do I upload my first episode?
When you publish a podcast, your show can appear in many different apps and platforms. However, not all distribution works the same way.
At RSS.com, we support three distinct distribution models. Understanding the difference will help you know:
- where your podcast is submitted directly,
- where you may need to take action, and
- where your show appears automatically as a result of being listed elsewhere.
Automatic distribution
Automatic distribution is the easiest way to publish your podcast. With one click, RSS.com submits your show directly to major podcast directories that maintain their own databases and listings. Once approved, these platforms become the primary sources other apps often rely on.
As of today, the podcast directories supported by this feature are:
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- Amazon Music
- Podcast Index
- Listen Notes
In addition, your show will also be automatically published in the RSS.com community.
To learn how to enable automatic distribution, click here.
Guided distribution
Some platforms do not support automatic submissions from RSS.com. These directories maintain independent catalogs and require you to submit your podcast yourself. We call this guided distribution.
RSS.com does not submit your podcast on your behalf, but we provide step-by-step instructions so you can complete the process quickly and correctly.
Important: Some directories require an email address to be included in your RSS feed URL to be accepted. For security purposes, RSS.com normally does not include your email address in your feed. We do have a tool to temporarily include your email address when submitting to directories. Follow the instructions in How to enable the email address in the RSS feed to enable your email address.
Apps that automatically pick up your podcast
Many podcast apps do not accept direct submissions at all. Instead, they automatically build listings by syncing with major podcast databases such as Apple Podcasts and Podcast Index. If your show is live on one of those platforms, it may appear in these apps automatically, without you submitting anything.
This is expected and normal. Examples of apps that auto-discover podcasts:
- Podcast Addict
- Overcast
- Pocket Casts
- Castro
- Player FM
- Podcast Guru
- Podverse
- and many others
You do not need to submit your podcast to these apps individually. If you see your podcast listed on an app you never submitted to, it’s usually because that app is sourcing its data from Apple Podcasts or Podcast Index.
Distribution for imported shows
If your podcast was imported into RSS.com, you might notice that the “Claim” or “Submit to Apple Podcasts” options aren't visible in your Dashboard. That’s totally normal, and here’s why.
When you import a podcast, we assume it’s already live on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc. Instead of walking you through submission again, we give you fields where you can paste your existing links (like your Apple Podcasts URL) so your public podcast page can showcase them properly.
You’re not missing out on any functionality, just skipping a step that you’ve likely already completed elsewhere.
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