How to Start a Podcast on Spotify (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)

🗓️ December 3, 2025, By ✍️ Karly Wood

Starting a podcast on Spotify is easier than ever. Whether you’re using an iPhone, iPad, or computer, you can launch your show in a few simple steps using Spotify’s official podcast platform. Here’s everything you need to know from planning, recording, editing, and publishing — even if you’re a total beginner.

Step 1: Plan Your Podcast

Before you record anything, you need a clear direction.

Answer these questions:

  • What is your podcast about?
  • Who is your target audience?
  • Is it educational, storytelling, interview-based, news, or entertainment?
  • Will episodes be 10 minutes or 1 hour?
  • Will you publish weekly or monthly?

Creating a simple outline keeps your podcast consistent and professional.

Step 2: Set Up Your Recording Equipment

You can start with a simple gear — even your iPhone.

Basic setup (beginner-friendly):

  • iPhone/Android microphone
  • Quiet room
  • Voice Memos app
  • Earbuds (optional)

Better-quality setup:

  • USB microphone (Blue Yeti, Shure MV7)
  • Laptop
  • Recording software (Audacity, GarageBand, Adobe Audition)

Step 3: Record Your Podcast Episode

You can record using:

  • Voice Memos (iPhone)
  • GarageBand (Mac/iPad)
  • Audacity (Windows/Mac)
  • Any podcast recording app

Recording Tips:

  • Sit close to the microphone
  • Turn off fans and AC
  • Speak at a consistent volume
  • Record in a carpeted room to reduce echo

Step 4: Edit Your Podcast

Editing makes your audio sound clean and professional.

You can edit:

  • Remove mistakes
  • Add intro/outro music
  • Reduce background noise
  • Adjust volume levels

Free editing tools:

  • Audacity (Windows/Mac)
  • GarageBand (Mac/iPad)
  • Adobe Podcast AI tools

Step 5: Upload Your Podcast to Spotify (Using Spotify for Podcasters)

Spotify DOES NOT allow direct uploads inside the Spotify app.
Instead, you publish via Spotify for Podcasters, and Spotify distributes your show.

Steps:

  1. Go to podcasters.spotify.com
  2. Sign in using your Spotify account
  3. Click Get Started
  4. Upload your episode audio file (MP3, WAV)
  5. Add podcast details:
    • Podcast title
    • Episode title
    • Description
    • Category
    • Language
    • Cover art
  6. Click Publish

Your show will be live on Spotify within minutes or hours.

Step 6: Create Podcast Cover Art

Your artwork helps attract listeners.

Recommended size: 3000×3000 pixels
Formats: PNG or JPG

Use tools like:

  • Canva
  • Photoshop
  • Figma

Include:

  • Podcast name
  • Host name
  • Clean design

Step 7: Distribute Your Podcast Everywhere

Spotify for Podcasters automatically helps with distribution.

You can also share to:

  • Apple Podcasts
  • Google Podcasts
  • Amazon Music
  • iHeartRadio
  • Overcast

More places = more listeners.

Step 8: Promote Your Podcast

Share your podcast on:

  • Instagram Reels
  • TikTok
  • YouTube Shorts
  • Twitter/X
  • Facebook groups

Ask friends and followers to:

  • Subscribe
  • Leave reviews
  • Share episodes

Podcast Launch Checklist (Chart)

Task                           | Status
--------------------------------------------
Choose podcast topic           | ✔
Write episode outline          | ✔
Record first episode           | ✔
Edit audio                     | ✔
Create cover art               | ✔
Sign up on Spotify Podcasters  | ✔
Upload episode                 | ✔
Promote on social media        | ✔

Why Spotify Is Great for New Podcasters

  • Huge listening audience
  • Easy publishing tools
  • Free hosting
  • Real-time analytics
  • Supports video podcasts
  • Monetization options

Spotify is one of the best platforms for beginners.

Tips for a Successful Podcast

  • Stay consistent
  • Keep episodes between 10–45 minutes
  • Use keywords in titles and descriptions
  • Add chapters for long episodes
  • Collaborate with guests
  • Optimize audio quality over time

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does it cost money to publish on Spotify?

No — Spotify for Podcasters is 100% free.

2. Can I upload video podcasts?

Yes — Spotify supports full video episodes.

3. How long until my podcast appears on Spotify?

Usually within minutes, sometimes up to a few hours.

4. Do I need expensive equipment?

No — many successful podcasts start with just an iPhone.

5. Can I make money from my podcast?

Yes — through ads, sponsors, and listener support (depending on your region).

Final Thoughts

Starting a podcast on Spotify is simple and accessible for everyone. With just a smartphone, free editing tools, and a Spotify for Podcasters account, you can launch your show in a matter of hours. Focus on consistent content, clean audio, and unique storytelling — and your audience will grow.

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Karly Wood
Karly Wood

Karly Wood is a journalist based in Ohio who specializes in covering Apple and technology trends. With a varied experience in reporting on public safety, government, and education, her insights bridge multiple disciplines, providing readers with a well-rounded perspective on today's technological advancements. If you need to contact me, you can reach me at karlywood.ohio@gmail.com or through (Facebook)

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