Where Should You LIST Your Podcast?
You’ve navigated the murky waters of podcasting equipment, traversed the shark-infested waters of podcast planning and content mapping, and you’ve even withstood the storms that weaken your resolve in the early days.
You now have a podcast live and you’re raring to create more content.
What next? Podcast distribution, that’s what!
It’s time to grow those listeners, and for that, we’re looking at the best podcast directories out there!
There is a growing number of podcast directories that people use to listen to podcasts on. So sometimes it's hard to know where do you need to submit your show to. The more places you submit your show, the more exposure you're going to have and the more opportunity you're going to have to get listeners and subscribers.
What IS Podcast Distribution?
Just in case this isn’t quite clear yet, let’s make sure we understand how it all ties together. Because there are two stages to podcast distribution, and here’s how it works:
- YOU upload your audio file to a podcast hosting platform. That’s where it’s stored on the web. For all podcast directories, you’ll need your podcast’s RSS feed. If you don’t have one, you can quickly create a podcast RSS feed here.
- YOU, with the help of your hosting platform, register your podcast with the top directories.
- The directories (outlined below) handle distribution while your host handles delivery.
In short, when people talk about distribution, they’re usually talking about a combination of podcast search and podcast delivery. The directories allow people to find your podcast, and the hosting delivers the audio to their device.
The Quick-Start Option
If you’re short on time and just looking to get started as quickly as possible, then Apple is your thing. Just by submitting your show to Apple/iTunes means you’ll also automatically appear in most of the other places podcasts are consumed. So that’s most of the work done already.
Then, take another 5 seconds to submit your podcast to Spotify. Spotify is widely considered to be the number 2 place for podcast distribution (some hosting providers even see it as the number 1 for shows on their platform).
Finally, Google Podcasts will just find you in a sort of “don’t call us, we’ll call you” way. Google is pretty good at finding stuff, so that makes perfect sense.
Do a soft launch of your podcast by publishing a trailer or Episode Zero. This gives you the “one published episode” podcast directories require before you can submit to them. Then, tell Apple and Spotify about it.
Best Podcast Directory List
- Apple Podcasts - It’s not going away. Apple Podcasts (formerly iTunes) is, and always has been, the top platform for Podcasting.
- Spotify - Spotify was already a giant in the music streaming space, so it's no surprise that once they opened up their directory to podcasters, they stormed into second place behind iTunes / Apple Podcasts.\
- Google Podcasts - Google has had a bit of an on-off relationship with podcast distribution over the years. But there’s been high hopes of that changing recently with the launch of Google Podcasts. This shouldn’t be confused with Google Play Music, incidentally.
- Amazon / Audible - Amazon has their finger in every pie and podcasts are no exception. They, along with their audiobook wing Audible, are an increasingly popular place to find and listen to podcasts.
- Stitcher - Stitcher is one of the most popular podcast directories and podcast listening apps currently available. The app works on iPhone, iPad, Android, PC, and Smart speakers. Stitcher is still a rapidly growing platform with more than 8 million registered users already. And, joining Stitcher will give you access to millions of listeners and a chance to download your statistics (such as listens, listening time, and monthly active users). Stitcher is integrated into over 50 car models and also supports any vehicle with Apple’s CarPlay or Google’s Android Auto so you can control Stitcher right from the dash of your car – perfect for reaching more of those listeners out there!
- TuneIn - TuneIn has become very popular due to it being available on most platforms and devices. It is a very simple and easy way to listen to your podcasts without all of the extra, unnecessary features. It is perfect for listeners on the move, who like to take their favorite podcasts with them. TuneIn empowers people to hear exactly what they love the moment they want it, and discover a universe of audio, all in one place.
- Spreaker - (Wendistry FAVE!) This is the one stop shop for podcasters! Spreaker has everything you might need, including a podcast app, a directory, podcast hosting, and desktop software. Spreaker makes it easy for listeners to follow podcasters, mark their favorite episodes, and share episodes and shows with others. Listeners can download the apps on their iPad, iPhone, Android tablet or smartphone. The app also enables them to download episodes to listen offline, and much more. Spreaker also has partnerships with iHeart Radio, Apple Podcasts, Sonos, Radioline, and Epidemic Sound to helping you grow your audience by making your podcast available on all their partners’ platforms.
Distributing your podcast to the right podcast directories is a critical step to a successful podcast. Maximize the potential of your podcast by sharing it on every channel that you’re able to, but also focus on who your audience is and where they spend the most amount of time.
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Coming Next Week...
A deeper dive on SHOW ME THE MONEY.... How to garner SPONSORSHIPS for your podcast.
- Pricing models - pre-roll / mid-roll / post-roll
- What numbers should the sponsor expect from your podcast
- What kind of returns should you promise
... in a way that makes for a mutually beneficial relationship. 'Til next week!
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Cassandra Capital, LLC
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