Podcasting has become so popular in recent years that it has become a new form of communication between the creators and the audience. With its versatility to share audio, video, and written content effectively, podcasting has become the ultimate platform for entertainment and education. However, for newbies, creating and launching a podcast can seem a bit challenging and intimidating. In this article, we’ll take you through the process of setting up a podcast on iTunes, the most popular platform for distributing and consuming podcasts on the web.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Setting up an iTunes Podcast
While iTunes makes it easy to browse and subscribe to podcasts, actually setting up your own podcast can be a bit tricky. You need to be familiar with several technical specifications, such as understanding the RSS feed format and submitting your feed to iTunes, not to mention recording and producing high-quality audio. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to set up your podcast on iTunes successfully.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we dive into the methods of setting up your podcast on iTunes, here are some things that you should prepare for:
1. High-quality microphones and headsets for recording clear and crisp audio
2. A high-quality audio editing and mixing software, such as Audacity or Adobe Audition
3. A hosting platform for hosting your podcast, such as Soundcloud, Libsyn or Pinecast
4. A website or blog where your potential listeners can find your show notes, links, and other information
Method 1: Via iTunes Producer
Step 1: Download and Install iTunes Producer on your macOS
Step 2: After installing, launch iTunes Producer and sign in with your Apple ID. If you don’t have an Apple ID, create a new one
Step 3: Click on the Add (+) button and select ‘New Podcast Channel’
Step 4: Fill in your podcast information such as the show name, description, category, and artwork
Step 5: Create an RSS feed for your podcast. If you’re using a hosting platform, you can use their built-in RSS feed generator. But if you don’t have a hosting platform, you can create your RSS feed using services such as Feedburner, Buzzsprout, or Podomatic
Step 6: Enter your RSS feed into iTunes Producer and submit it to Apple for review.
Pros:
– iTunes Producer allows you to quickly and easily create a new podcast and submit it to iTunes for review.
– Good for people who only want to manage one podcast.
Cons:
– Only compatible with macOS
– Not very user-friendly for beginners
Method 2: Via Third-Party Hosting Platforms
Step 1: Choose a hosting platform such as Libsyn, Soundcloud, or Pinecast.
Step 2: Create an account and enter your podcast details such as the show name, description, category, and artwork
Step 3: Create and upload your podcast audio files to the hosting platform
Step 4: Your hosting platform should generate an RSS feed for your podcast. Copy the RSS feed URL.
Step 5: Go to iTunes Connect and sign in with your Apple ID.
Step 6: Open the Podcasts section and click on the ‘Add a Podcast’ button
Step 7: Enter your podcast details, and paste your RSS feed URL from your hosting platform
Step 8: Click on ‘Validate’ and submit your podcast to iTunes for review.
Pros:
– Hosting platforms usually have built-in RSS feed generators which make it easy to create and manage your podcast feed.
– Some hosting platforms provide detailed analytics for tracking your podcast numbers
Cons:
– Most hosting platforms require a subscription fee. Fees depend on the size of your files and the amount of storage provided.
– Some hosting platforms may restrict what types of content you can host and accept.
Method 3: Via WordPress & PowerPress
Step 1: Install and activate the PowerPress plugin from your WordPress dashboard
Step 2: Go to the PowerPress ‘Settings’ tab and fill in your podcast information, including show name, description, category, and artwork.
Step 3: Upload your podcast audio files to your WordPress media library
Step 4: Generate your podcast RSS feed using PowerPress’s built-in RSS feed generator.
Step 5: Go to iTunes Connect and sign in with your Apple ID.
Step 6: Open the Podcasts section and click on the ‘Add a Podcast’ button
Step 7: Enter your podcast details, and paste your RSS feed URL from PowerPress
Step 8: Click on ‘Validate’ and submit your podcast to iTunes for review.
Pros:
– PowerPress has a user-friendly interface, especially for those already familiar with WordPress
– If you already have a WordPress website, you don’t need to pay any additional hosting fees.
Cons:
– Powerpress introduces new styles to the website that may not be consistent with your theme and branding
– PowerPress plugin can slow down your website if you’re using a cheap hosting platform
Why Can’t I Set Up My Podcast on iTunes?
The following reasons may be why you’re unable to set up on iTunes, and we’ve provided a few easy fixes to each challenge.
Q1: Can’t Set Up Your Podcast on iTunes Because of Compatibility Issues?
A: iTunes Producer is only compatible with macOS; however, there are other ways you can submit your podcast to iTunes, such as third-party hosting platforms and WordPress’ PowerPress.
Q2: Can’t Generate Your Podcast’s RSS Feed?
A: If you’re using one of the three methods we’ve provided, you may need to check your hosting platform or PowerPress settings to ensure your RSS feed is being generated correctly. Some hosting platforms like Podbean include auto-generated feed options
Q3: RSS Feed Not Validating
A: Check to ensure you’ve entered the correct RSS feed link. Suppose you’ve entered the correct link and still can’t validate. In that case, you can use free RSS feed validators such as Feedburner, Podcast Feed Validator, or Cast Feed Validator to debug changes in your podcast feed.
Additional Tips
1. Before submitting your podcast, double-check that you have a few episodes ready for listeners to stream or download.
2. iTunes recommends that your artwork should have a resolution of at least 1400 x 1400 pixels and follow their image guidelines.
3. Make it easy for listeners to subscribe and leave reviews by providing iTunes links on your website or promotional materials.
4. Make sure to promote and market your podcast for reaching an audience by investing in advertising.
5 FAQs about Setting Up Your iTunes Podcast:
Q1: Can you have more than one podcast submitted through the same Apple ID?
A: Yes, you can submit more than one podcast through the same Apple ID.
Q2: Do I need to have a specific number of episodes before submitting my podcast?
A: No, but it’s recommended to have at least three episodes ready to stream or download to entice listeners to subscribe.
Q3: How long does it typically take iTunes to approve a podcast submission?
A: It can take anywhere between 24 hours to two weeks, depending on the volume of submissions.
Q4: Is it necessary to have a website or blog for my podcast?
A: No, it isn’t necessary, but having a website or blog allows you to share more information about yourself and your podcast and make it easier for listeners to follow you.
Q5: Can I make money from my podcasts on iTunes?
A: Yes, you can make money by enabling advertisements or sponsorships on your podcast or by releasing premium episodes for premium subscribers.
In conclusion
Setting up an iTunes podcast might seem challenging at first, but with the right guides, it becomes an exciting and easy venture. In this article, we’ve covered the three most popular methods for setting up an iTunes podcast, what to prepare for, the pros and cons, and FAQ that will guide you through the process. Now that you have all the information you need, you’re one step closer to sharing your ideas, creativity, and voice with the world.