Starting a podcast on Apple is simpler than most people think. You create a free Apple Podcasts Connect account, record your first episode, and submit your show either through a hosting provider or directly on the platform.
The entire process takes about 30–60 minutes if your audio is ready. Apple then reviews your show before it goes live — usually within 24–48 hours.
Below is a complete walkthrough so you don’t miss a single step.
What You Need Before You Start
Before you log into anything, make sure you have these ready:
| What You Need | Details |
| Apple Account | Must have two-factor authentication enabled |
| Payment Method | Required for account activation (no charge unless you subscribe) |
| A Recorded Episode | At least a 1–2 min trailer works fine |
| Podcast Artwork | 3000 x 3000px JPG or PNG |
| Show Description | Up to 4000 characters |
Don’t let this list overwhelm you. Most of it takes just a few minutes to pull together. If you already have an Apple ID, you’re halfway there.
The one thing most beginners skip is the artwork. Get that ready before you start — you’ll need it during setup.
Step 1: Create Your Apple Podcasts Connect Account
Head over to podcasters.apple.com and sign in with your existing Apple ID. If you don’t have one, creating an account takes less than 5 minutes.
Once you’re in, make sure your Apple Account has two-factor authentication turned on. This is a hard requirement — you won’t get past this step without it.
Next, add a valid payment method to activate your account. You won’t be charged anything unless you opt into the paid Apple Podcasters Program later.
Finally, choose your account type — Individual if it’s just you, or Company if you’re running a podcast network or organization. Agree to the Terms of Service and you’re in.
Step 2: Set Up and Submit Your Show
Once inside Apple Podcasts Connect, click the Add (+) button and select “New Show.” You’ll then choose between two paths:
| Submission Method | Best For |
| Via RSS Feed | Most podcasters using a hosting provider (Buzzsprout, Spotify for Podcasters, etc.) |
| Direct in Apple Podcasts Connect | Apple Podcasters Program members only |
For most beginners, the RSS feed route is the easiest. Your hosting provider generates the feed automatically — you just paste the URL into Apple Podcasts Connect.
Fill in your show details carefully. Your show name, description, category, and language all help Apple and listeners discover your podcast. Don’t rush this part — it directly affects how your show ranks inside Apple Podcasts search.
Step 3: Create and Upload Your First Episode
You must have at least one episode published before your show goes live on Apple Podcasts. A short trailer works perfectly if your full episodes aren’t ready yet.
Apple supports three episode types:
| Episode Type | What It Is |
| Full | Your complete, regular podcast episode |
| Bonus | Extra content like behind-the-scenes or interviews |
| Trailer | A short 1–2 min preview to build early buzz |
For file formats, Apple accepts MP3, WAV, and FLAC if you’re uploading directly through Connect. If you’re using an RSS feed, you can also use M4A, MOV, MP4, and M4V.
When filling in your episode details, pay attention to the title (150 character limit) and description (10,000 character limit). Add your episode number, season number, and release date too.
A quick pro tip — record a 1–2 minute trailer first and publish that before your full launch. It builds anticipation and gives Apple something to review while you finalize your real episodes.
Step 4: Get Your Artwork Ready
Your podcast artwork is the first thing potential listeners see. Don’t treat it as an afterthought.
Apple requires artwork to be exactly 3000 x 3000 pixels in JPG or PNG format. It needs to look sharp on both small phone screens and large desktop displays.
Use Canva if you’re starting from scratch — Apple actually recommends it. Canva has ready-made Apple Podcasts templates that keep your design within the safe zones, so nothing important gets cropped by the Apple Podcasts UI.
Keep your branding consistent across your show artwork and episode artwork. A recognizable visual identity helps listeners find you faster and builds trust over time.
Step 5: Launch and Promote Your Show
With your account, show, episode, and artwork all set — it’s time to go live. Head to the Availability section in Apple Podcasts Connect and set your release date and target countries.
Apple recommends publishing a trailer 1–2 weeks before your actual launch date. This gives early listeners something to find and follow before your full show drops.
Use Apple Podcasts Marketing Tools to create custom links, QR codes, and badges you can share on social media. These are free and take minutes to set up.
Don’t overlook the featuring request option inside Apple Podcasts Connect. You can submit your show directly to Apple’s editorial team for a chance to get featured on the platform.
Step 6: Growing Your Audience After Launch
Launch day is just the beginning. Consistency is the single biggest factor in podcast growth — listeners return to shows that show up regularly.
Use Apple Podcasts Analytics to track how many people are listening, where they drop off, and which episodes perform best. This data is free and available directly inside Apple Podcasts Connect.
When you’re ready to monetize, explore Apple Podcasts Subscriptions, which lets you offer premium bonus content, ad-free episodes, or early access to paying subscribers, according to TechCrunch. It’s one of the most direct ways to earn from your show without relying on third-party sponsors.
It’s also worth noting just how large the opportunity is — data from Statista shows that nearly half of all U.S. adults listened to a podcast within the last month in 2024, a figure that has more than tripled over the past decade.
Conclusion
Starting a podcast on Apple in 2026 is genuinely straightforward once you know the steps. Set up your Apple Podcasts Connect account, prepare your artwork, upload at least one episode, and submit your show.
The biggest mistake new podcasters make is waiting until everything is perfect. It never will be. Launch with a trailer, learn as you go, and use Apple’s built-in analytics to improve over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apple Podcasts free to use?
Yes, submitting and hosting your podcast on Apple Podcasts is completely free. The only paid option is the Apple Podcasters Program, which unlocks subscription features for monetization.
How long does Apple take to approve a podcast?
Apple typically reviews and approves new podcasts within 24–48 hours. Make sure your RSS feed and metadata are error-free to avoid delays.
Do I need a hosting provider to start a podcast on Apple?
You don’t strictly need one, but it’s strongly recommended. Hosting providers like Buzzsprout or Spotify for Podcasters generate your RSS feed automatically, making submission much easier.
Can I start a podcast on Apple from my phone?
You can access Apple Podcasts Connect from a mobile browser, but the full setup experience is much smoother on a desktop. Recording and editing your audio on mobile is possible but limiting for most creators.