You start a podcast on Spotify by creating a Spotify for Creators account, adding a new show, recording your first episode, and publishing it. If your show is hosted with Spotify for Creators, it goes live on Spotify automatically. If not, you can claim or submit it through your RSS feed.
What You Need Before You Start
A strong podcast starts with a clear topic, a format, and a name people can remember. Spotify’s own creator guide says a good topic should be something you can talk about for a long time, and your format should match how you want to record and present the show.
Keep this simple at the start:
- A topic you can cover for many episodes
- A format, such as solo, interview, or co-hosted
- A podcast name that is searchable and clear
- Basic recording gear
- A plan for your first 3 to 5 episodes
You do not need a studio on day one. Spotify says you can start with a smartphone or computer, wired headphones, and free recording tools. It also notes that creators can use Spotify for Creators with Riverside integration for professional recording in the browser.
How to Start a Podcast on Spotify
1) Create or log in to Spotify for Creators
Go to Spotify for Creators and log in with your Spotify account. Spotify says you can create and host audio and video podcasts there, or manage a podcast you already host elsewhere.
2) Add a new show
After logging in, choose Add a new show. If you already have a podcast elsewhere, Spotify also gives you a path to find and claim an existing show.
3) Claim an existing podcast if needed
If your show is hosted on another platform, Spotify says you can claim it with your RSS feed or Spotify show URL. During verification, Spotify sends an 8-digit code to the email address in your RSS feed.
This matters because ownership verification protects your show and ensures the right person manages it.
4) Record your first episode
Spotify’s guide recommends starting with a quiet space, minimal echo, and a simple recording workflow. It also suggests testing your equipment, checking audio levels, and following a basic outline while staying flexible.
A smart first-episode structure looks like this:
- Intro
- Main topic
- One useful takeaway
- Short closing
- Call to action, if needed
5) Edit the episode before publishing
Once recorded, clean up the audio. Spotify says editing is the next step after recording, and it offers podcast-specific tools and guidance through Spotify for Creators.
Good editing usually means:
- Removing long pauses
- Fixing background noise
- Tightening intros
- Keeping the pace clear
- Making the episode easy to follow
6) Upload and publish
On web, Spotify says to click New episode and upload your audio file. On mobile, tap Podcast, then +, then select a file.
If your podcast is hosted with Spotify for Creators, it is automatically published to Spotify after you hit publish. Spotify also says episodes hosted there become available to Spotify’s 100+ million podcast listeners.
7) Set up your RSS feed for wider distribution
Your RSS feed is the file that contains your podcast’s titles, descriptions, audio links, artwork, and more. If you host with Spotify for Creators, the feed is created when you publish your first episode. To share your podcast on other platforms like Apple Podcasts, you need to enable the feed manually.
Important note: Spotify says your email becomes public in the RSS feed, and some platforms may scrape your feed without you submitting it.
8) Submit to other platforms
Spotify says it does not automatically distribute your show everywhere else. To reach platforms beyond Spotify, you must submit your RSS feed to each service yourself. Spotify provides submission guidance for platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Pocket Casts, and others.
9) Customize your show page
Spotify for Creators includes customization tools that let you shape how your show appears on Spotify. You can feature a favorite episode, add video thumbnails, and use tools like transcripts and chapters to improve discoverability.
That helps your show look more professional and gives new listeners a better first impression.
10) Add chapters, transcripts, and video if it fits your format
Spotify supports automatic chapters and lets you edit chapter titles and timestamps. It also supports manual chapters through episode descriptions or RSS feed methods when you host elsewhere.
If you want a video podcast, Spotify supports video publishing. One important detail is that video episodes are only available on Spotify. If you distribute the show elsewhere, the audio carries over, but the video stays exclusive to Spotify.
Best Practices for a Better Launch
A podcast does better when the episode description is clear and keyword-focused. Spotify recommends keeping descriptions concise, using relevant keywords like guest names and topics, and avoiding filler text.
Use this launch checklist:
- Publish at least 3 episodes at launch
- Write clear episode titles
- Add relevant keywords naturally
- Keep your description short
- Promote on social platforms
- Ask listeners to follow or subscribe
Spotify’s guide also notes that social media is a major discovery channel, with 42% of people finding new shows through social media in its Fan Study.
Can You Make Money From a Spotify Podcast?
Yes. Spotify for Creators offers monetization tools, including the Spotify Partner Program and podcast subscriptions, but eligibility depends on country and show setup. Spotify says the Partner Program is available to eligible creators in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, while podcast subscriptions through Spotify for Creators are available in 34 markets.
Spotify also says creators can earn from ads, subscriptions, external memberships, sponsorships, merchandise, affiliate marketing, coaching, and other revenue streams.
That means you can start small and build revenue later. The main goal is to get published consistently first.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many new podcasters make the same mistakes:
- Choosing a topic they cannot sustain
- Using a weak or confusing show name
- Publishing without editing
- Writing long, messy descriptions
- Ignoring RSS setup
- Waiting too long to launch
The fix is simple. Keep the show focused, publish regularly, and make each episode easier to find and understand.
Final Answer
The fastest way to start a podcast on Spotify is to open Spotify for Creators, add a new show, record your first episode, and publish it. If you want to grow beyond Spotify, enable your RSS feed and submit the show to other platforms manually.
FAQs
Q1. Do I need a website to start a podcast on Spotify?
No. Spotify for Creators can host and publish your podcast. If you want distribution beyond Spotify, you will use your RSS feed.
Q2. Can I upload a podcast directly to Spotify?
Yes. Spotify says you can upload an episode from web or mobile inside Spotify for Creators.
Q3. Is Spotify good for video podcasts?
Yes. Spotify for Creators supports video podcasts, and Spotify says video episodes remain exclusive to Spotify when you distribute elsewhere.
Q4. How do I get my podcast on Apple Podcasts?
Enable your RSS feed in Spotify for Creators, then submit the show to Apple Podcasts yourself. Spotify does not distribute it there automatically.
Q5. How long does Spotify take to verify ownership?
Spotify says it sends a verification code to the email address in your RSS feed. For hosted shows, email changes can take up to 10 minutes for external platforms to read, and for external hosts Spotify says changes can take a couple of hours to reflect.
