A Complete Guide to Podcast Hosting and Distribution
Congratulations! You’ve recorded your podcast episode. Whether it’s your first or your fiftieth, getting that content out into the world is what really counts.
But here’s the thing: most podcasters spend all their energy recording and editing, then completely overlook hosting and distribution. You could have a flawless episode, but if it’s stuck on your computer or floating in the wrong place online, no one will ever hear it. Hosting and distribution may not be glamorous, but they are absolutely essential. They’re the processes that actually make your podcast accessible to listeners on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and beyond.
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to do to host, publish, and distribute your podcast, making sure it’s not just recorded – but truly live, discoverable, and ready to grow your audience. Think of this as your roadmap from “episode completed” to “episode live.”
Step 1: Choosing a Podcast Host
Before your podcast can appear on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google Podcasts, it needs a home. That home is a podcast host – a service that stores your audio files and generates the RSS feed that directories (streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music) use to pull in your episodes.
Why Hosting Matters
Many beginners try to just upload files to Dropbox or Google Drive, then share links – but that won’t work. Podcast directories require a stable RSS feed with your episode metadata, which a dedicated podcast host provides.
When selecting a host, consider:
Storage and bandwidth limits: Will your plan handle your episode size and expected downloads?
Analytics: Can you see downloads by episode, listener location, and platform?
Ease of use: Uploading episodes should be simple, not a nightmare.
Monetization options: Some hosts support ads or paid subscriptions.
Reliability: Your host should be stable—listeners won’t tolerate broken feeds.
Recommended Hosts
1. Buzzsprout
Buzzsprout is extremely user-friendly, making it ideal for beginners. It provides detailed analytics, automated episode optimization, and easy distribution to all major directories. Pros: Simple setup, great beginner support, detailed analytics. Cons: Storage limits depending on plan, advanced features like dynamic ad insertion are paid.
2. Libsyn
Libsyn is one of the oldest and most reliable podcast hosts, offering robust features for growing podcasters. Pros: Extensive analytics, strong monetization options, integrations with third-party apps. Cons: Interface feels dated, steeper learning curve for beginners.
3. Podbean
Podbean is an all-in-one solution with built-in monetization, live streaming, and easy distribution. Pros: Scales with your growth, simple interface, monetization options. Cons: Free plan is limited, advanced analytics not as detailed as Libsyn.
4. Anchor (Spotify for Creators)
Anchor is completely free and owned by Spotify, making Spotify distribution seamless. Pros: Free, easy to start, simple distribution. Cons: Less control over RSS feed, fewer monetization options.
5. Simplecast
Simplecast is a professional-grade host aimed at growing podcasts and networks. Pros: Clean interface, powerful analytics, multiple user management, and excellent reliability. Cons: Higher pricing tiers than beginner platforms, fewer integrated monetization tools.
6. Transistor
Transistor focuses on professional podcasters and offers advanced analytics and multiple shows under one account. Pros: Unlimited team members, in-depth analytics, private podcasts for subscribers. Cons: Pricier than entry-level hosts, may be overkill for casual or hobbyist podcasters.
Step 2: Uploading Your Episode
Once you’ve picked a host, it’s time to upload your episode. This might seem simple – drag and drop, right? But there are a few important steps to ensure your episode is properly packaged for distribution.
Uploading the Audio File
Most hosts accept MP3 files with a bitrate of 128–192 kbps for standard quality.
Give your episode a descriptive, compelling filename (e.g.,
PodcastName_Ep01_YourTopic.mp3) to keep things organized.
Adding Metadata
Metadata is everything that tells listeners and directories about your episode:
Title: Make it clear and engaging. Avoid cryptic titles – people should know what they’re getting.
Description: A short summary of the episode content. Include keywords for searchability.
Show Notes: Links, references, guest info – anything that adds value.
Tags/Categories: Helps directories classify your podcast.
Extras
Intro/outro music, sponsorship messages, or ads can be included during upload if your host supports it.
Keep branding consistent across episodes: same style of show notes, formatting, and tone.
Step 3: Distributing Your Podcast
Now your episode is uploaded, but if it’s only on your host, no one will actually find it. This is where distribution comes in. Distribution is essentially making your podcast available in all the places people listen to podcasts.
How RSS Feeds Work
Your host generates an RSS feed – a kind of “delivery route” for your episodes. Podcast directories subscribe to your feed and automatically update when you release a new episode. This means you only need to upload once, and it appears everywhere.
Submitting to Major Platforms
Here’s where to get your podcast listed:
Apple Podcasts: The biggest directory. Submission can take a few days for approval.
Spotify: Fast-growing platform, often approving within hours.
Google Podcasts: Important for Android users.
Stitcher, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Amazon Music, Patreon: Additional reach.
Smaller or niche directories can also boost discoverability, especially if your podcast targets a specific audience.
Tips for Submission
Double-check your RSS feed URL before submitting.
Ensure your artwork meets specifications (usually 1400x1400 to 3000x3000 px, JPG or PNG).
Fill out all metadata completely. Many directories won’t accept partial submissions.
Step 4: Optimizing for Discoverability
Simply uploading your podcast isn’t enough. To actually get listeners, you need to optimize your episodes for discoverability.
Titles and Descriptions
Use clear, descriptive titles that include relevant keywords.
Your description should highlight value for the listener and include keywords naturally.
Show Notes and SEO
Include detailed show notes with links, timestamps, and key topics.
Search engines index your notes, so they can bring new listeners organically.
Ratings and Reviews
Encourage listeners to leave reviews – they boost your ranking in directories.
Prompt for reviews at the end of your episodes in a natural way, e.g., “If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review on Apple Podcasts – it helps more than you know.”
Step 5: Promoting Your Podcast
Distribution gets your podcast in front of potential listeners, but promotion helps it actually get heard.
Social Media
Share episodes on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter/X, or TikTok with short teaser clips.
Use audiograms or short video snippets to make content more shareable.
Website and Newsletter
Embed your episodes on your website with a dedicated podcast page.
Include a signup for an email newsletter to notify subscribers of new episodes.
Collaboration
Cross-promote with guests or other podcasters.
Appear on other shows to drive traffic back to your podcast.
Track Analytics
Most hosts provide download stats, listener locations, and episode performance.
Analyze trends to understand what works and refine your content strategy.
Step 6: Staying Consistent
A podcast isn’t a one-and-done project. Consistency is key:
Stick to a publishing schedule (weekly, biweekly, monthly).
Keep episode lengths reasonably consistent.
Monitor performance and adjust based on listener feedback.
Consistency builds trust with your audience and keeps your podcast ranking well in directories.
Conclusion
Recording and editing your podcast is just the beginning. Hosting, distributing, and promoting it effectively is what transforms an episode from a private file into something that reaches and resonates with listeners worldwide.
Here’s your simple roadmap:
Host your episode on a reliable platform.
Upload with proper metadata and show notes.
Distribute via RSS feed to all major podcast directories.
Optimize for discoverability with titles, descriptions, and SEO-friendly show notes.
Promote on social media, your website, and via collaborations.
Stay consistent with publishing schedules and quality.
Follow these steps, and your podcast will go from “recorded” to “actively listened to” in no time. Ready to get your episodes live? Start by picking a host today, and let the world hear what you’ve been working on.
Need help recording your podcast? Bunker Hill Media is a Boston-based production shop that offers a full range of podcast recording services including both audio and video. Let’s connect!
