Why Podcast Distribution Matters for Authors
You've recorded your first author interview podcast episode. It sounds great. Your co-host laughed at your jokes. But here's the problem: right now, it's just an MP3 file on your computer.
Most readers don't hunt down podcasts on obscure websites. They listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music—the platforms they already use for everything else. If your book podcast isn't on those apps, you're invisible to 90% of potential listeners.
The good news? Getting your author podcast distributed to major platforms is simpler than it sounds. You don't need a tech degree or a podcast production company. This guide walks you through the exact steps.
Understanding Podcast Distribution vs. Hosting
Before we dive in, let's clear up a common confusion: hosting and distribution are different things.
Hosting is where your audio files live and where your RSS feed is generated. Think of it as your podcast's home server.
Distribution is the process of submitting that RSS feed to platforms like Spotify and Apple so listeners can find you there.
If you're using AuthorOnAir.com, the platform handles both: it hosts your episodes and auto-generates your RSS feed. You then take that feed and submit it to the major platforms—which is what we'll cover in this post.
Step 1: Get Your RSS Feed Ready
Every podcast needs an RSS feed. This is a special XML file that tells platforms like Spotify and Apple: "Here's my show. Here are my episodes. Here's the artwork. Here's the description."
If you're using AuthorOnAir, your RSS feed is automatically generated and lives at a URL like yourpodcast.authoronair.com/feed.xml. You'll find the exact link in your dashboard under "Distribute."
Before you submit anywhere, test your feed using a free feed validator like Podbase or Podchecker. Paste your feed URL and check for errors. A clean feed prevents rejection from platforms.
What Your RSS Feed Needs
- Show title and description — Clear, keyword-rich, and honest.
- Cover art — 3000×3000 pixels, JPG or PNG, under 5MB.
- Author/creator name — Your name or your pen name.
- Category tags — Pick "Books" or "Author Interviews" (most platforms offer these).
- Explicit content flag — Mark "clean" unless you have strong language.
- Episode titles, descriptions, and audio URLs — All auto-generated if you're on AuthorOnAir.
Step 2: Submit to Spotify for Podcasters
Spotify is the #1 platform for podcast discovery in the US and Europe. Getting listed there is non-negotiable.
The process:
- Go to podcasters.spotify.com.
- Sign in with your Spotify account (create one if you don't have one).
- Click "Create a Podcast."
- Paste your RSS feed URL.
- Spotify will pull in your show title, description, artwork, and episodes automatically.
- Review the info. Make sure everything looks right.
- Click "Submit for Review."
Spotify usually approves podcasts within 24–48 hours. They're looking for basic quality (no dead links, proper artwork, working audio). Once approved, your show goes live and listeners can subscribe.
Pro tip: Spotify's dashboard also shows you listener stats—how many people subscribed, which episodes got the most plays, and which geographic regions your audience is in. Use this data to improve future episodes.
Step 3: Submit to Apple Podcasts
Apple Podcasts is the second-largest platform. Many readers—especially in the US—prefer it over Spotify.
The process:
- Go to podcasters.apple.com.
- Sign in with your Apple ID (or create one).
- Click "My Podcasts."
- Click the "+" button to add a new podcast.
- Paste your RSS feed URL.
- Apple will validate your feed and pull in your show details.
- Complete your podcast profile (category, language, explicit content flag).
- Click "Submit for Review."
Apple's review process is stricter than Spotify's and can take 3–7 days. They check for:
- Accurate show artwork (3000×3000, JPG/PNG).
- No explicit content without the proper flag.
- Working RSS feed with at least one episode.
- Show description under 4,000 characters.
- No spam, copyright violations, or misleading content.
Once approved, your podcast appears in the Apple Podcasts app and on the web at podcasts.apple.com.
Step 4: Submit to Amazon Music and Other Platforms
Don't stop at Spotify and Apple. Other platforms expand your reach:
Amazon Music for Podcasts
Go to podcasters.amazon.com, sign in with your Amazon account, paste your RSS feed, and submit. Amazon usually approves within 24 hours. Bonus: Amazon Music listeners often skip ads and have higher engagement than casual listeners.
Google Podcasts
Google Podcasts is being merged into Google Play Music, but your feed still needs to be submitted to Google's podcast index. Go to podcastsmanager.google.com, add your RSS feed, and verify ownership. Once live, your show appears in Google Search results when people search for your book or podcast name.
Other platforms worth considering:
- Stitcher — Popular in the US; submit at stitcher.com/podcasters.
- iHeartRadio — Large audience; submit at iheart.com/podcast-submit.
- Podbean — Free podcast host and distributor; good backup option.
- Castbox — Growing platform; automatic distribution available.
Step 5: Optimize Your Show Title and Description for Discovery
Once your podcast is live, the algorithm matters. Spotify and Apple use your show title, description, and episode titles to surface your podcast to listeners searching for keywords.
Write for search, not just clicks:
- Include your book title and author name in the show description if relevant.
- Use words like "author interview," "book podcast," or your genre (mystery, memoir, sci-fi).
- Keep your show title under 60 characters; make it descriptive and memorable.
- Episode titles should include the guest's name and book title.
Example: Instead of "Episode 47," use "The Midnight Library with Matt Haig: Finding Magic in Everyday Life." The second title tells listeners exactly what they'll hear.
Step 6: Monitor and Update Your Feed
Distribution isn't a one-time task. Platforms check your RSS feed regularly for new episodes. If your feed breaks or you stop uploading for months, platforms may deprioritize your show.
Best practices:
- Publish consistently. Whether it's weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, stick to a schedule.
- Keep your feed valid. Test it every few months with a feed validator.
- Update your show description. If you've won an award or hit a milestone, mention it.
- Fix broken links or artwork immediately. Platforms penalize feeds with errors.
- Monitor your analytics. Each platform gives you listener data. Use it to improve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting too early. Don't submit your feed until you have at least 2–3 published episodes. Platforms want to see consistency.
Using low-quality artwork. Blurry or small cover art gets rejected. Invest 30 minutes in Canva to create a 3000×3000 image.
Forgetting to update your RSS feed URL. If you change hosting platforms, update the URL in every distribution platform. A broken feed kills your show.
Ignoring analytics. Spotify and Apple tell you which episodes people finish, which they skip, and where your listeners are. Use this to shape future content.
Going silent. If you don't publish an episode for 6+ months, platforms may delist your show. If you need a break, publish a "hiatus" episode explaining when you'll return.
The Fastest Path: Use a Distribution Service
If you want to skip the manual submission process, services like Transistor, Podpage, or Anchor auto-submit your RSS feed to all major platforms in one click. They charge $12–50/month, but they save time and handle updates automatically.
AuthorOnAir also provides distribution guidance in your dashboard—check the "Distribute" section for direct links and step-by-step instructions tailored to your show.
After Distribution: Promotion Matters
Getting on Spotify and Apple is half the battle. The other half is telling people your podcast exists.
Quick wins:
- Share your Spotify/Apple links on your author website and social media.
- Add a podcast link to your book's Amazon description.
- Mention the podcast in your email newsletter and author bio.
- Create short 15–30 second clips from your episodes and post them on TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts.
- Reach out to book bloggers and ask them to feature your podcast.
Conclusion: Your Author Podcast Deserves to Be Heard
Distributing your author interview podcast to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major platforms is straightforward once you know the steps. Get your RSS feed ready, submit to each platform, optimize your titles and descriptions, and keep publishing consistently.
The authors winning with podcasts aren't the ones with the biggest budgets—they're the ones who show up week after week with real, authentic conversations about their books. Distribution just makes sure those conversations reach the readers who are looking for them.
Start with Spotify and Apple. Once you see listeners coming in, expand to Amazon Music and Google Podcasts. In a few weeks, your book podcast will be discoverable everywhere readers listen—which is exactly where you need to be.
