How to Create Your Own Subscription Podcast on Spotify: A Comprehensive Guide

Spotify has revolutionized the way people consume and discover podcasts. With its vast user base and engaging platform, it's no surprise that more and more podcasters are turning to Spotify to distribute their content. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating your own subscription podcast on Spotify, ensuring that your show reaches the right audience and stands out in the competitive podcasting space.

Understanding Spotify's Subscription Model

Before diving into the technical steps, it's essential to understand Spotify's subscription model. Unlike other podcast platforms, Spotify makes it possible for podcasters to sign up and manage their own shows and related content. By creating a subscription podcast on Spotify, you can offer exclusive content, episodes, and interact directly with your listeners. This article will walk you through the steps to set up your subscription podcast on Spotify, helping you to build a loyal audience and monetize your content effectively.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Subscription Podcast on Spotify

Step 1: Prepare Your Podcast Content

Before jumping into the technicalities of setting up your podcast on Spotify, ensure that you have compelling content. Quality content is the foundation of any successful podcast. Consider the following:

Episode Content: Prepare a quality podcast episode with engaging content, interesting topics, and a clear structure. Episode Description and Keywords: Optimize your podcast episode descriptions with relevant keywords and a compelling summary that entices listeners to tune in. Podcast Cover Art: Design an appealing and professional podcast cover art that represents your brand and makes your podcast stand out. Transcription: Consider including transcriptions for accessibility and SEO purposes.

Step 2: Create an RSS Feed for Your Podcast

An RSS feed is a crucial component for podcast distribution and discovery. Here’s how to set it up:

Choose a Podcast Hosting Platform: Select a reliable podcast hosting platform that supports RSS feeds, such as Anchor, Buzzsprout, or LibSyn. Configure Your RSS Feed: Follow the instructions provided by your hosting platform to create and configure your podcast’s RSS feed. Publish Your Podcast: Publish your first episode and ensure it appears in your RSS feed. Test Your RSS Feed: Use an RSS feed testing tool like to verify that your feed is working correctly.

Step 3: Verify Your Podcast on Spotify

Now that you have an RSS feed, it's time to verify your podcast on Spotify:

Login to Your Spotify Creator Dashboard: Sign in to your Spotify account and access the Creator Dashboard. Click 'Get Started': On the dashboard, click the 'Get Started' button to begin the verification process. Paste Your Podcast's RSS Feed URL: Copy the URL of your podcast’s RSS feed and paste it into the designated field in the dashboard. Submit for Verification: After pasting your RSS feed URL, click the 'Submit' button.

Step 4: Receive Verification via Email

Spotify will send a verification email to the email address associated with your RSS feed. The email will contain an 8-digit code that you will need to enter to complete the verification process.

Check Your Email: Log in to your email account and locate the verification email from Spotify. Copy the 8-digit Code: Copy the 8-digit code provided in the email. Enter the 8-digit Code on Spotify: Go back to the Creator Dashboard and paste the 8-digit code into the provided box. Submit to Complete Verification: Once you’ve entered the correct code, click the 'Submit' button to complete the verification process.

Step 5: Publish and Promote Your Podcast

After verifying your podcast, the next step is to publish and promote it to reach your audience:

Publish Your Podcast: Once the verification process is complete, your podcast will be listed on Spotify. Keep adding new episodes regularly to keep your audience engaged. Promote Your Podcast: Utilize social media, email newsletters, and other marketing channels to promote your podcast and attract more listeners. Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments and feedback, and encourage your listeners to leave reviews on Spotify and other platforms. Monitor Analytics: Track your podcast’s performance using Spotify’s analytics tools to optimize and improve your content over time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is Spotify's standard for a good podcast RSS feed?

A: Spotify requires a well-formatted and correctly structured RSS feed. Ensure your feed includes essential elements such as title, description, author, and episode details. Use a reliable podcast hosting platform to create and manage your RSS feed effectively.

Q: How long does it take to verify a podcast on Spotify?

A: The verification process can take several days to a week. Ensure you follow the steps carefully and check for any errors in your RSS feed. If you encounter any issues, contact Spotify’s support team for assistance.

Q: Can I manage multiple podcasts through Spotify's Creator Dashboard?

A: Yes, you can manage multiple podcasts through Spotify's Creator Dashboard. Log in to your account and use the dashboard to verify and publish each of your podcasts.

Conclusion

Creating a subscription podcast on Spotify can be a rewarding venture, offering you the opportunity to connect with a global audience and build a loyal listener base. By following these steps and understanding the platform's requirements, you can create a successful podcast and leverage Spotify’s powerful tools to grow your brand and audience.

Keywords

subscription podcast: A podcast that offers exclusive content, special features, and new episodes to subscribers for a fee. This model allows podcasters to monetize their content more effectively and provide their audience with added value.

Spotify: The leading music streaming platform with a growing podcast section, offering a vast audience and a suite of tools for podcasters to publish, distribute, and grow their content.

RSS feed: A web feed that allows users to subscribe to and receive updates from podcasts, blogs, and other online content in a standardized format. Podcasters use RSS feeds to distribute their episodes to podcast directories and platforms like Spotify.