Podcast Directories FAQs

Submitting your podcast to directory platforms is an important step in launching your show, and we’re here to walk you through the process! Below are answers to some common questions we hear about submitting, getting approved, and managing your listings.

What do I need to do before I can submit to the directories?
On your Directories page in Buzzsprout, you’ll see a checklist of steps to complete before submitting to each platform. This includes verifying your email, filling out your podcast details, and publishing at least one episode! 

What if I don't want to publish my first episode yet?
Since the directories need you to have one published episode before you can submit, a podcast trailer is a great way to get listed on directories before you actually launch your show. Your trailer can act as a placeholder while you prepare for your launch.

We find that the best trailers are between two and five minutes, and give listeners a glimpse into your podcast. This video goes more in-depth on the elements that make a great trailer!

Do I need to create an account on Apple or Spotify first?
Nope! You don’t need to create accounts with Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or other directories to submit your podcast. After you complete the checklist on your Directories page, you’ll see a "Get Listed" button under each directory with the full process!

But, you can create accounts and claim your podcast within Apple Podcasts and Spotify for Creators if you'd like! We'll break those steps down here: Claim Your Apple Podcasts Listing and Claim Your Spotify Listing.

How soon before my podcast launch should I submit to the directories?
Because it can take a few days for the directories to review and accept your submission, it's a good idea to submit a week before you'd like your podcast to be available on all platforms! 

How long does it take for a directory to approve a podcast submission?
Every directory reviews podcasts on its own timeline. Some, like Spotify, approve your show within a day, while others can take up to a week. Most podcasts are approved within 48 hours of submission. 

Do I need to submit every time I publish a new episode?
Nope! Once your podcast is approved through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other major directory, you won't need to submit any new episodes. All new episodes published in your Buzzsprout account will automatically be added to your listings.

How often do my listings update?
Directories each refresh their podcast listings several times throughout the day. So, sometimes, they will see new episodes or changes to the feed quickly, and other times, they can take several hours. It will just depend on when they check your feed for changes. You can typically expect to see a new episode or a change reflected in your listing within two hours.

If you're not seeing your updates live after 24 hours, reach out to us, and we'd love to help troubleshoot!

Where do I make changes for my listings?
All directory listings pull their information directly from your RSS feed.  To make changes to your RSS feed, you'll just need to update your details in Buzzsprout. Most of the information you will want to change will be located either under Settings > Podcast Settings or in the individual episode's details.

Why is my podcast not in the search results yet?
Even after your podcast is approved, it can take a couple of days for it to appear in a directory’s search results. This is totally normal! We'd recommend searching for the full name of your podcast on each platform. And, if your podcast doesn’t show up after a week, shoot our team an email, and we'll look into it! 

My podcast was rejected by a directory. What can I do?
Email the Buzzsprout Podcaster Success team! We can review your rejection message and podcast to try to locate what might have gone wrong. If we cannot find the problem, then we will give you contact information to reach out to the platform directly.

Why did my Spotify listing disappear?
Spotify has specific requirements for the music that it allows on its platform. So it's common for Spotify to flag and remove an episode because of the music included in your podcast. Reach out to our team, and we can help you.

Why does it say that my RSS feed is missing an email?
Some podcast directories require you to add an email to your RSS feed to verify that you own the podcast. You can add the email by heading to Directories > Email Verification in your Buzzsprout account. We'll add the email to your RSS feed within a few minutes. Once it has been updated, give the directories about an hour to recognize the change before you submit again!

I see my podcast in a directory, but it's not showing as listed on Buzzsprout. Why?
Most of the time, as soon as you are approved on a new listing, we will automatically update your Directories page to show that you are listed.

But if you're seeing that your podcast is listed on a platform and we don't show it as "Listed," just email the URL to us. Our Podcaster Success team will make sure to get that updated for you. 

If you have any more questions or need anything else, please do reach out to us at support@buzzsprout.com.