You do not need to worry that iTunes is no longer available on Mac. You can still publish your podcast on Apple Podcasts. The process has two main steps. First, record your podcast and upload it to a podcast hosting platform to create an RSS feed. Next, submit your RSS feed URL through Apple Podcasts Connect. And this guide explains each step clearly, so you can publish your podcast and help people find it.
First, a Quick Clarification: “iTunes” Is Now Apple Podcasts
Apple retired the iTunes brand in 2019. On Mac, it was split into separate apps for Music, TV, and Podcasts. The stand-alone Podcasts app on iPhone and iPad had already existed for years before that. When people say “putting a podcast on iTunes,” what they mean is getting listed on Apple Podcasts.
The portal where you submit and manage your show is called Apple Podcasts Connect, found at podcastsconnect.apple.com. This is where you will register your podcast, submit it for Apple’s review, and access listener analytics once you are approved.
But here’s a thing! Apple Podcasts Connect cannot record, edit, or save your public podcast episodes. You will not see any option to create recordings there. Your podcast stays on a separate hosting platform after uploading. That platform creates an RSS feed for your show. Apple reads that feed to list your podcast. Paid creators can upload subscriber-only or bonus audio inside Apple Podcasts Connect through the Apple Podcasters Program.
What You Need Before You Submit to Apple Podcasts
Before you log in to Apple Podcasts Connect, make sure you have all of the following in place. Missing even one item can halt your submission or trigger a rejection.
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At least one recorded and exported audio episode in MP3 or AAC format
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Cover art that meets Apple’s exact specifications
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An active podcast hosting account with your episode uploaded and an RSS feed URL ready to copy
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An Apple ID to sign in to Apple Podcasts Connect
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Episode metadata: A show title, description, category, language, and explicit content rating
Audio Recording Setup
Audio quality has a direct impact on listener retention, and Apple’s review team does consider production quality. This does not mean you need a professional studio, but it does mean a built-in laptop microphone or a phone held at arm’s length is going to hurt you.
For beginners recording on a smartphone or laptop, a dedicated wireless microphone removes most of the friction immediately. The Hollyland LARK A1 connects directly via USB-C or Lightning, includes 3-level intelligent noise cancellation, and requires zero technical setup. If you are planning an interview-format show or a co-hosted podcast, the Hollyland LARK MAX 2 delivers studio-grade 48 kHz / 32-bit Float audio with AI noise cancellation for a noticeably more professional result.
Beyond the microphone, a few basics will strengthen every recording:
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A quiet room with soft furnishings (rugs, curtains, bookshelves) to reduce echo and reverb
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A pop filter to soften plosive sounds on letters like “p” and “b”
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Closed-back headphones for monitoring your audio while you record
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Free editing software such as Audacity (Windows/Mac) or GarageBand (Mac/iOS)
Podcast Cover Art Requirements
Cover art is the most common reason first-time submissions are rejected. Apple enforces strict specifications, and there is no flexibility here.
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Dimensions: 3000 x 3000 pixels (minimum accepted is 1400 x 1400, but 3000 x 3000 is required for full-quality display)
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File format: JPEG or PNG only
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Color space: RGB (not CMYK)
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File size: Under 512 KB
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Content: Must display your podcast name clearly, legible even at small thumbnail sizes
Canva offers free podcast cover templates pre-sized to 3000 x 3000 px and is easy for non-designers to use. Adobe Express is another free option with similar functionality.
A Podcast Hosting Account
A podcast hosting platform stores your MP3 or AAC files on its servers and automatically generates the RSS feed URL that Apple Podcasts needs to index your show. You cannot submit to Apple Podcasts without one.
Here are four beginner-friendly options:
|
Host |
Free Plan |
Best For |
|---|---|---|
|
Buzzsprout |
Yes (episodes expire after 90 days) |
Beginners who want a clean, intuitive dashboard |
|
Spotify for Creators (Anchor) |
Yes (unlimited storage) |
Zero-budget starters; includes Spotify distribution |
|
Podbean |
Yes (limited monthly storage) |
Creators who want a built-in podcast website |
|
RSS.com |
No (plans from ~$8.25/month) |
Podcasters prioritizing ease of use and distribution right from the begining |
Sign up for your chosen host, create your show profile, upload at least one episode, and copy your RSS feed URL before moving on to the submission steps below.
Step-by-Step: How to Submit Your Podcast to Apple Podcasts
With your hosting account set up and your RSS feed URL in hand, follow these steps in order.
Step 1: Create or confirm your Apple ID
You need an Apple ID to access Apple Podcasts Connect. If you already use iCloud, the App Store, or Apple Music, you already have one. If not, create a free account at account.apple.com before continuing. Click on the Create Your Apple Account tab and follow the process.
Step 2: Go to Apple Podcasts Connect
Open any web browser and navigate to podcastsconnect.apple.com. Sign in with your Apple ID.
Once done, click the Get Started button when the Join Apple Podcast Connect window shows up.
On the Set Up Account screen, fill in all the required information and click Save.
Step 3: Add your podcast
On the main dashboard, click the “+” (plus) icon in the upper-left corner and select New Show.
Once done, a “Choose a Show Type” window will appear on your screen with two different options:
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Add a show with an RSS feed
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Add a show without an RSS feed
Check the “Add a show with an RSS feed” option and click Next.
A prompt will appear asking you to enter your RSS feed URL. So copy the RSS feed URL from your podcast hosting platform, such as Buzzsprout.
Paste in the URL you copied from your podcast hosting platform and click the Add button.
It will take a few minutes for Apple Podcast Connect to process the show’s details.
Step 4: Validate your feed
Apple will automatically scan your RSS feed and pull in your show information: title, description, cover art, and your episode list. Review everything on this screen carefully. If any detail looks wrong, the correct place to fix it is inside your hosting platform, not here. Errors left in the feed will cause your submission to be rejected.
Step 5: Complete your podcast metadata
Confirm the following fields, such as:
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Show title: Exactly as you want it to appear in Apple Podcasts search results
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Description: A clear, honest summary of your podcast’s topic and format (avoid keyword stuffing)
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Primary category: Select the most relevant category, such as “True Crime,” “Business,” or “Health and Fitness”
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Language: The primary language spoken in your episodes
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Explicit content rating: Mark “Explicit” if any episode contains mature language or content; mislabeling this field is one of the most common rejection triggers
Step 6: Submit for review
Click “Publish: to send the podcast for a review. Apple will send a confirmation email to the address linked to your Apple ID acknowledging that your submission has been received.
Step 7: Wait for the approval email
Apple reviews every new podcast submission. There is nothing further you need to do at this stage. Monitor your inbox for the approval notification.
How Long Does Apple Podcasts Approval Take?
Most submissions are reviewed and approved within 24 to 72 hours. During high-volume periods, such as the start of a new year when many new shows launch simultaneously, the process can stretch to five business days.
If your submission is rejected, Apple sends an email identifying the reason. The most common causes include:
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Cover art that does not meet size or file format requirements
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An RSS feed that is inaccessible, returns an error, or contains invalid tags
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Missing metadata fields, particularly the explicit content rating
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A show or episode description that consists primarily of promotional language or links
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Copyrighted music included in episodes without proper licensing
Correct the problem in your podcast hosting account first. Your RSS feed updates on its own after the change. Then open Apple Podcasts Connect and choose your podcast. Click Refresh Feed to update your podcast listing.
After Approval: Managing Your Podcast on Apple Podcasts
Once Apple approves your show, you do not need to resubmit anything for future episodes. Each time you upload a new episode to your hosting platform, the RSS feed updates automatically, and Apple Podcasts picks it up within a few hours.
To update your cover art, show title, or description, make the change inside your hosting platform, and it will propagate to Apple Podcasts within approximately 24 hours. To review listener data including play counts, follower numbers, and device breakdowns, log in to Apple Podcasts Connect and navigate to the Analytics tab.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it free to submit a podcast to Apple Podcasts?
Yes, submitting to Apple Podcasts is completely free. Apple charges no fee to list your show in its directory. Your only potential cost comes from your third-party podcast hosting plan. Several hosting platforms, including Spotify for Creators, offer free tiers that are sufficient for new shows just getting started.
Can I submit a podcast to Apple Podcasts from an Android phone?
Yes. Apple Podcasts Connect is fully browser-based, so you can access and complete your submission from any device with a web browser, including Android phones and tablets. You will need an Apple ID to sign in, which you can create for free from any device.
Do I need multiple episodes before submitting?
Apple requires at least one published episode in your RSS feed to approve a submission. So, having three to five episodes ready before you go live is a widely recommended approach. It gives new listeners more content to explore and improves the chances they will subscribe and return.
Why did my podcast submission get rejected?
Apple may decline your podcast submission for several reasons. Problems with cover artwork are one common reason. The image might not follow Apple’s size or file rules. Your RSS feed could also have connection problems or errors. Incorrect podcast details, including the explicit label, may cause issues. Use your podcast host’s built-in RSS validator to catch issues, correct them, and then resubmit through Apple Podcasts Connect.
Does Apple Podcasts host my audio files?
No, standard podcasts do not store audio inside Apple Podcasts. Apple only reads the RSS feed linked to your hosting service. The audio files stay on that third-party platform. If you offer paid content, you can upload subscriber episodes through Apple Podcasts Connect. This option helps when your hosting provider does not support paid audio.
Conclusion
Getting your podcast onto Apple Podcasts is not that much of a stress. Record your audio, upload it to a hosting platform that generates your RSS feed, then submit that feed to Apple Podcasts Connect. Once Apple approves your show, every new episode you upload publishes automatically. Pick a hosting platform from the comparison table above to get your RSS feed set up, and you can have your submission in Apple’s review queue right away.
