How to upload your first podcast to iTunes from scratch? Step by step guide 2022

A podcast is an audio content that has a series of episodes broadcast online. What It is an on-demand format.it is useful to take advantage of the available time and increase daily productivity, since the user can listen to it whenever he wants.

So, they are more than 20 million people who choose to consume this type of content; which is a great market opportunity for those who create and produce podcasts. Well, it is also cheaper than other formats and allows you to easily differentiate yourself.

Indeed, many are interested in learning how to upload their first podcast on a recognized platform and one of them, without a doubt, is iTunes. For this reason, here we will explain the steps to follow to publish your audio program in iTunes.

Why choose iTunes?

While it is true, iTunes is a proprietary digital media player application developed by Applein which users can search, play, organize and sync Free music, movies, audiobooks, TV shows and podcasts.

With more than 79 million subscribers Worldwide, iTunes It has been considered as one of the best platforms to upload and/or consume audio programs on demand. Highlighting that, it is a cross-platform service because it also features compatibility with Windows computers. Now, based on this, podcast creators have been interested in knowing the main reasons for choosing iTunes when posting your content, rather than another platform.

That is why we highlight the most relevant reasons to display your podcasts in this Apple service:

• Raise your spread: Because it is a highly recognized platform with millions of users around the world, you will be able to create a podcast that is more accessible to everyone and has a remarkable reach.
• Availability for various operating systems: It is not a service that works exclusively on devices with the Apple operating system, but also has compatibility with Windows computers.
• Strengthen your brand or project: By nature, the podcast is a tool that manages to enhance your brand by capturing the attention of various Internet users and building their loyalty. Which increases if you use a platform with as much impact as iTunes.
• Does not present intrusive ads: Unlike other platforms, iTunes does not insert advertising in your podcasts and thanks to this, people choose to use this service to consume their audio programs on demand and have a high quality user experience.
• It’s completely free: Although many think or assume the opposite, the truth is that iTunes does not charge for uploading a podcast on its platform. As a result, it doesn’t cost any money to showcase your work to get the attention of your target audience.

Learn how to upload your first podcast to iTunes

Before learning how to upload a podcast to iTunes for the first time, it is essential to know how does this process work. Since, basically, it is not about uploading the files of your podcast episodes to iTunes directly, since what you really do is show where your files are as an RSS feed on this platform.

So, in a nutshell, iTunes works like a showcase for generating content and satisfying user demand. Thus, every time you publish a new chapter, the system proceeds to update your program list automatically with the new content.

Clarified the above, below, we explain each of the steps to follow to upload your first podcast to iTunes from scratch and avoid making any mistakes:

Open the iTunes app

First of all, you have to check that the iTunes application is installed on your computer. If you have a Mac or iOS device, you will simply have to search for said app and open it, because it is pre-installed by default. On the other hand, if you have Windows, you must download the app through its official website in order to open it. Keep in mind that it is easier to manage all this through a computer or laptop.

Sign in to iTunes Connect

Next, using your Apple ID user to enter the platform, you have to go to iTunes Connect and access using your iTunes username and password. It should be noted that, in order to enter normally, you will receive a verification of your account and, therefore, apart from entering your password, you will also have to enter the verification code correctly.

Generate the RSS link

One of the main requirements to be able to upload a podcast to iTunes is to put a URL of said programinstead of uploading a file. The most recommended is that the podcast format is in RSS (an XML format that simplifies the process of sharing content on the web to disseminate information to various users).

Therefore, at this point, you can use iVoox which is a good option to broadcast this link and create an RSS feed. When you have it ready, just enough add the URL in iTunes Connect through the corresponding field (once the section of all programs and new channel appears).

Validate your podcast URL

After entering the urls in section rss channel, you have to go to the upper right corner and click on the “Validate” button.

In case it shows you a validation error, you can check what it is, by means of one of the following alternatives:

• Check in detail yes the urls It’s in podcast category.
• Make sure that the cover has the appropriate measurements (must be 1400x1400px).

Once you check this and solve the error, wait some minutes to try again to upload your audio-on-demand program on iTunes.

Wait for the acceptance email of your program

Finally, you just have to wait for iTunes validate your new podcast correctly and send you a confirmation email accepting your program. As usual, the platform takes a few days to complete this action. It should be noted that if there is a problem with the validation of your podcast, you can easily solve it accessing Podcast Connect support to learn more about it and follow the instructions.

Alternatives to iTunes to upload your podcast

As well as iTunes is an excellent option to publish your audio programs on demand, there are also other platforms that reveal excellent advantages to capture your target audience and gain fame.

Therefore, here are 5 alternatives to iTunes to display your podcasts on the web:

iVoox

This is a free-to-use tool that is identified as one of the most used by auditory content creators both in Spain and worldwide. In it, you can upload episodes directly and in turn, publish them in other platforms automatically. Added to this, provides complete statistics in order to monitor each of the chapters of your program.

Strengths:

• Is free.
• Reveals ease of use.
• It has a powerful search engine in which the audios are highlighted according to the themes.
• It does not present limitations regarding the amount of uploaded audios.

soundcloud

Although it is not a service that is focused on podcast management, the truth is that it has become one of the main solutions in this market. Mainly because has more than 175 million users worldwide and thus, it guarantees a relatively high range. Apart from that it works as a social audio network.

Strengths:

• There are no restrictions on uploading audio files.
• It allows you to record the program directly on the web and upload it to the cloud.
• It has a mobile app compatible with Android and iOS.
• All of its features are free.

Spotify

The prestigious playlist app has a section called “Spotify For Podcasters” where you can easily upload audio files and create an on-demand show. Since this service has become the second most popular place to listen to podcasts, it is one of the best alternatives to iTunes.

Strengths:

• It provides the necessary utilities to analyze content statistics and reinforce promotion strategies.
• It guarantees remarkable recognition in the world because its global audience has doubled.
• Help monetize episodes by using the “Subscribers Only” option to choose from predefined monthly prices for the same service.

spreader

It refers to a digital service with which it is possible host, distribute and record podcast directly on the web, so you can share it instantly with the public. In addition to this, it allows you to send the programs to other services such as YouTube or Spotify directly and the feed is completely configurable to personalize the experience.

Strengths:

• It offers the option of activating a live chat to interact with listeners, clear their doubts and satisfy their requests about each episode.
• It allows you to monetize content via advertising (such as Adsense) to earn money doing what you like.
• The direct URL on social networks generates a good post, even to listen to the program from your own Twitter.

Anchor

Another of the most popular alternatives to share your podcast and even listen to audio programs from other creators. Thus, a service that guarantees optimal hosting of podcasts and without restrictions, for less than 10 cents a month. So, it reveals benefits compared to the hosting rates of other platforms.

Strengths:

• It allows to invite another user to the program from the platform directly.
• It is ideal for monetizing content in two ways: With sponsorships or with direct contributions from the public.
• Once you upload your episode, it will automatically appear on sites like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.
• It is flexible because it accepts recordings from a phone, a computer or by uploading the recording from another device.