How to build a profitable podcast.
This post will give your EXACT roadmap to getting your podcast EVERYWHERE.
So, you’ve done all the work, you've recorded and edited your show and it’s now looking and sounding GREAT.
The next question on your mind is; where does this thing go and how do we get it to your target audience?
Step one for growing your show is making sure you're in 100% of the top directories.
All the hard stuff comes later...
In this guide, we will show you EXACTLY how to do this...
Podcast distribution is defined by simply sharing your podcasts on listening platforms like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify to reach a larger audience. Simply put, podcast distribution helps listeners find your show 🕵️
So… how are podcasts distributed?
There are tons of platforms that provide this service.
And almost all podcast hosting platforms will help you distribute your podcasts to the top distribution platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts by simply providing you with an RSS feed.
What is an RSS feed and how does it help in podcast distribution?
RSS stands for “Really Simple Syndication”. When you host your podcast on a platform, your podcast host will give you an RSS feed link which you then submit to the distributors to get your podcast listed.
Listeners also automatically receive your podcast via the RSS feed when you upload new episodes. This makes it easier for your audience to find a connection with you.
Below are some statistics to show you how widespread podcasts have become within the last five years:
OK, now we understand what a podcast distribution platform is and how it can help you... we will now kick off by sharing more about bCast, our podcast hosting platform, and then will list all the other podcast distribution applications so you can get your podcast listed!
bCast is a podcast hosting, distribution, and analytics platform designed to transform listeners into leads. It is one of the biggest podcast hosting, distribution, and analytics platforms out there. With bCast hosting, you can create an RSS feed that can be added to any podcast directory.
To get your podcast listed on bCast;
Formerly known as iTunes. This podcast directory launched in 2005 and it has been setting the pace since then. Becoming the topmost podcast directory worldwide. At the start, it was only a section under iTunes, but it got to stand alone as Apple Podcasts as it became more popular.
It is one of the podcast directories you can have your podcast listed on. For some people, it is what marks the height of podcast distribution.
To get your podcast on Apple podcasts:
For a more detailed walkthrough, here is a support document: Submitting my podcast to Apple Podcasts (iTunes)
Spotify is growing fast, and it is increasing in popularity by the day. It has over 270M active users monthly, and it is an excellent platform for all forms of audio content. Spotify recently expanded its reach as it acquired Anchor and Gimlet Media. You get a massive audience to your podcast if you get it on this platform.
To get your podcast on Spotify:
For a more detailed walkthrough, here is a support document: Submitting a podcast to Spotify
Before Google arrived in the podcast world, Stitcher was the go-to platform for Android users as Apple users enjoyed Apple Podcasts. Stitcher has a good number of people that use it to date. A large number is from when it used to be the alternative to Apple Podcasts.
Stitcher has a unique feature that helps you know how well your podcast performs. You will find the Stitcher app in over fifty car models. It also works in vehicles that have Android Auto or Apple’s CarPlay. If your show is the type people listen to while driving, you will want to get it on Stitcher.
To get your podcast on Stitcher:
For a more detailed walkthrough, here is a support document: Submitting a podcast to Stitcher
Podchaser is enormous for the level of the podcast database on it. As your show listeners rate your show episodes, new listeners will have a better chance of finding your content. You can create a profile for each podcast so that every user can see information about the podcast, from the episodes to the statistics, and reviews. There is also space for info about the podcast creator.
To get your podcast on Podchaser:
For a more detailed walkthrough, here is a support document: Submitting a podcast to Podchaser
TuneIn is increasing in popularity among ardent podcast listeners; this is partly a radio platform, but its listener base is about 75 million.
To get your podcast on TuneIn, you have to:
For a more detailed walkthrough, here is a support document: Submitting a podcast to TuneIn
iHeartRadio is a famous podcast and radio streaming service, and it is trendy among the older generation; they have a weekly chart for top podcasts, and they recommend podcast shows for listeners.
To get your podcast on iHeartRadio, all you have to do is:
For a more detailed walkthrough, here is a support document: Submitting a podcast to iHeartRadio
Pandora is a popular online streaming platform, and it has a robust recommendation algorithm. Pandora launched a project in August 2019 called Podcast Genome Project – this has helped the platform provide unique podcast recommendations per user. They recommend shows and episodes for each user using insights gotten from what they like and dislike, and the user’s listening history.
To get your podcast on Pandora, you have to:
Pocket Casts is an app that is owned partly by NPR. Streaming on the app is free for both iOS and Android users. They have a hand-curated list for the top podcast shows in the directory.
Pocket Casts is excellent for listeners as it comes with the top podcast apps' best features. Features like the automatic download of new episodes and easy discovery of the best podcast shows.
To get your podcast on Pocket Casts, you have to:
For a more detailed walkthrough, here is a support document: Submitting a podcast to Pocket Casts
Castro gives users a great deal of control over how they want to listen to podcast shows. Users can set download limits for shows that publish frequently; users can also set the start time as they wish for podcast shows that have repetitive intros.
Please note that there’s currently no way to manually submit a Castropodcast. This is because Castro reads off of the Apple Podcasts directories, so as long as your podcast is in Apple Podcasts, it will appear on Castro too!
To get your podcast on Castro, you will need to:
Deezer has its base in Europe. Some call it Europe's version of Spotify; it has many audiences, with over 14 million users already. If you get your podcast on this platform, you are sure to reach a larger audience. Deezer has recently added the podcast category to their streaming platform.
To get your podcast on Deezer, firstly you will have to:
Castbox is a podcast directory that has focused on optimizing SEO. Finding podcast shows on this platform is easy and stress-free due to AI assistance. Also, Castbox has loads of social media features that make it fun. Listeners can leave comments on episodes to help you get more people to notice your show.
To get your podcast on Castbox, you have to:
Amazon Music is now one of the largest on-demand streaming music services. It boasts of about 5 million customers and it’s continually evolving. Getting your podcast on Amazon Music makes it readily available on Audible and Alexa-enabled devices.
Amazon is not a podcast host, so keep in mind that you cannot store your podcasts on their servers.
To get your podcast on Amazon Music, you have to;
Blubrry is expanding. It helps podcasters who choose the platform to have the longest-living shows in podcasting. Blubrry is as well the only podcast directory that displays all their available subscription options, giving you the chance to weigh your options before you opt-in.
Blubrry is managed by podcasters and includes an RSS feed link to your website.
To get your podcast available on Blubrry, you need to;
YouTube is one of the biggest and most popular search engines in the world, and if your work cuts across content creation, it makes a whole lot of sense to publish stuff there. Putting your podcast on YouTube can help you expand your reach and in turn, grow your audience.
To get your podcast available on YouTube, you need to;
Check out how bCast can get you on YouTube in a couple of clicks: Publish To YouTube.
About 70% of the most popular podcasts in the world belong to a podcast–distribution network.
But what exactly is a podcast network?
A podcast distribution service is a collection of podcasts that are produced, distributed, or made available to advertising companies through a single network. Simply put, Podcast networks host a group of shows or podcasts that are connected either by their genre or theme to help market, balance, and monetize their podcasts. By joining a network, makes it easier to connect with sponsors and helps boost your podcast’s availability.
How do podcast networks work?
Once you join one, you automatically gain access to the advertising and marketing machine of the network. They will promote your podcasts together with all of their other podcasts to help you reach out to more listeners. The network uses their ad connections to include ads in your podcasts which they get some percentage of the revenue at the end of the day.
However, some other networks are ad-free. They are not based on ads. They just cross-promote podcasts to help each other grow. These kinds of podcast networks link your RSS feed to their website.
Benefits of joining a podcast network
There are lots of benefits attached to joining a podcast network. You just have to find the right network. Advantages of joining a podcast network include;
The more exposure your podcasts get, the better, and with a podcast network to support you, it allows your podcast to travel farther.
With a podcast network, you might be able to get sponsorship deals that you wouldn’t get yourself. Many advertisers prefer dealing with podcast networks rather than approaching individual podcasters.
Being part of a podcast network that already has lots of listeners increases your credibility. It makes them trust your podcasts as worthy of their time as they’ve enjoyed other podcasts in the past.
By joining a podcast network, you’ve automatically become an exclusive member of an exclusive club. This provides the perfect opportunity to meet successful and experienced people in the industry.
One potential con of joining a podcast network is the fact that you might have to give up certain amounts of creative control; nonetheless, this greatly depends on the network. So it is very important to read through your contracts carefully before signing.
Here are the top five podcast networks...
Earwolf is a podcast distribution network in Los Angeles founded by Scott Aukerman and Jeff Ullrich. This network focus on comedy podcasts and other varieties of topics
Looking for a podcast network that focuses on entertainment and digital audio journalism? Gimlet Media is your best bet. It’s a division of Spotify and was founded by Alex Blumberg.
Wondery is also one of the top podcast networks out there. It was launched back in 2016 by Hernan Lopez and now manages to showcase more than 70 different shows across multiple topics. This network is backed by 20th century Fox.
Founded by Norm Pattiz, PodcastOne is an advertiser-supported podcast network that has over 200 podcasts ranging from news and politics to comedy and entertainment.
Midroll Media is a digital media company saddled with the responsibility of providing production, distribution, and networking services. There exist over 300 shows on their network.
At this point, you should know everything about podcast distribution, how podcasts are distributed, and the best platforms for podcast distribution, podcast distribution networks, and services.
Getting your podcast in the top directories can be a valuable tool to build and scale your business and in turn, grow your business.
And of course, if you have any questions about how to distribute your podcast, hit us up on grow@fame.so and we will be happy to help 💥
