One that has a series of episodes broadcast online. What it is an on demand formatis useful to take advantage of the time available and increase daily productivity, since the user can listen to it whenever they want.
so, they are more than 20 million people who choose to consume this type of content; which is a great market opportunity for those who create and produce podcasts. Well, it is also cheaper than other formats and allows you to easily differentiate yourself.
Indeed, many are interested in learning how to upload their first podcast on a recognized platform and one of them, without a doubt, is itunes. For this reason, here we will explain the steps to follow to publish your audio program in iTunes.
Why choose iTunes?
While it is true, iTunes is a proprietary digital media player application developed by in which users can search, play, organize and sync music, movies, audiobooks, TV shows and podcasts for free.
With more than 79 million subscribers Worldwide, itunes It has been considered as one of the best platforms to upload and/or consume audio programs on demand. Emphasizing that, it is a cross-platform service because it also has compatibility with Windows computers. Now, based on this, podcast creators have been interested in knowing the main reasons for choosing itunes when you publish your content, instead of another platform.
That is why we highlight the most relevant reasons for displaying your podcasts in this Apple service:
- Elevate your diffusion: Because it is a highly recognized platform and with millions of users around the world, you will be able to create a podcast that is more accessible to everyone and has a remarkable reach.
- Availability for various operating systems: It is not a service that works exclusively on devices with the Apple operating system, but also has compatibility with Windows computers.
- Strengthen your brand or project: By nature, the podcast is a tool that manages to enhance your brand by capturing the attention of various Internet users and retaining them. Which increases if you use a platform with as much impact as iTunes.
- No intrusive ads: Unlike other platforms, iTunes does not insert advertising in your podcasts and thanks to this, people choose to use this service to consume their audio programs on demand and have a high-quality user experience.
- It’s completely free: Although many think or assume the opposite, the truth is that iTunes does not charge for uploading podcasts on its platform. As a result, it doesn’t cost any money to display your work to get the attention of your target audience.
Learn how to upload your first podcast to iTunes
Before learning how to upload a podcast to iTunes for the first time, it is essential to know how does this process work. Since, basically, it is not about uploading the files of your podcast episodes to iTunes directly, since what you really do is show where your files are located as an RSS feed on this platform.
So, in short, iTunes works as a showcase to generate content and satisfy user demand. Thus, each time you publish a new chapter, the system proceeds to update your program list automatically with the new content.
Clarified the above, below, we explain each of the steps to follow to upload your first podcast to iTunes from scratch and avoid making any mistakes:
Open the iTunes app
First of all, you have to check that the iTunes app is installed on your computer. If you have a Mac or iOS device, you will simply have to search for said app and open it, because it is pre-installed by default. On the other hand, if you have Windows, you must download the app through its official website to open it. Keep in mind that it is easier to manage all this through a computer or laptop.
Sign in to iTunes Connect
Next, using your Apple ID user to enter the platform, you have to head to iTunes Connect and access using your iTunes username and password. It should be noted that, in order to enter normally, you will receive verification of your account and, therefore, apart from entering your access code, you will also have to enter the verification code correctly.
Generate the RSS link
One of the main requirements to be able to upload a podcast to iTunes consists of put a URL of said program, instead of uploading a file. It is most recommended that the podcast format be in RSS (an XML format that simplifies the process of sharing content on the web to disseminate information to various users).
Therefore, at this point, which is a good option to issue this link and create an RSS feed. When you have it ready, just enough add the URL in iTunes Connect using the corresponding field (once the section of all programs and new channel appears).
Validate your podcast URL
After entering the url in section RSS feed, you have to go to the upper right corner and click on the “Validate” button.
In the event that it shows you a validation error, you can check what it is, through one of the following alternatives:
- Review in detail if the url It’s in podcast category.
- Make sure that the cover has the appropriate measurements (must be 1400x1400px).
Once you verify this and solve the error, wait some minutes to retry uploading your audio-on-demand program to itunes.
Wait for the acceptance email of your program
Finally, you just have to wait for itunes validate your new podcast correctly and send you a confirmation email accepting your program. As usual, the platform takes a few days to complete this action. It is necessary to clarify that, if there is a problem with the validation of your podcast, you can easily solve it accessing Podcast Connect support for more information about it and follow the instructions.
Alternatives to iTunes to upload your podcasts
As well as itunes is an excellent option to publish your audio programs on demand, there are also other platforms that reveal excellent advantages to capture your target audience and gain fame.
Therefore, here are 5 alternatives to iTunes to display your podcasts on the web:
iVoox
This is a free-to-use tool that is identified as one of the most used by audio content creators both in Spain and worldwide. In it, you can upload the episodes directly and, in turn, publish them on other platforms automatically. Added to this, provides complete statistics in order to monitor each of the chapters of your program.
Strengths:
- Is free.
- Reveals ease of use.
- It has a powerful search engine in which the audios are highlighted according to the themes.
- It does not present limitations regarding the amount of audio uploaded.
SoundCloud
Although it is not a service that is focused on podcast management, the truth is that it has become one of the main solutions in this market. Mainly because It has more than 175 million users worldwide and thus, guarantees a relatively high range. Apart from that it works as a social audio network.
Strengths:
- There are no restrictions on uploading audio files.
- It allows you to record the program directly on the web and upload it to the cloud.
- It has a mobile app compatible with Android and iOS.
- All of its features are free.
Spotify
The prestigious playlist app has a section called “Spotify For Podcasters” in which it allows you to upload audio files and create a program on demand with ease. Since this service has become the second most popular place to listen to podcasts, it is one of the best alternatives to itunes.
Strengths:
- It provides the necessary utilities to analyze content statistics and reinforce promotional strategies.
- It guarantees remarkable recognition in the world because its global audience has doubled.
- Help monetize the episodes by using the “Subscribers Only” option to choose one of the predefined monthly prices for the same service.
spreader
It refers to a digital service with which it is possible host, distribute and record podcasts directly on the web, so you can share it instantly with the public. Added to this, it allows you to send the programs to other services like YouTube or Spotify directly and the feed is fully configurable to customize the experience.
Strengths:
- It offers the option of activating a live chat to interact with listeners, clear up their doubts and satisfy their requests about each episode.
- It allows you to monetize content via advertising (such as Adsense) to earn money doing what you like.
- The direct social media URL makes for a good post, even listening to the show from your own Twitter.
anchor
Another of the most popular alternatives to share your podcast and even listen to the audio programs of other creators. Thus, a service that guarantees optimal hosting of podcasts and without restrictions, for less than 10 cents a month. So, it reveals benefits compared to the hosting fees of other platforms.
Strengths:
- Allows you to invite another user to the program directly from the platform.
- It is ideal for monetizing content in two ways: With sponsorships or with direct contributions from the public.
- Once you upload your episode, it will automatically appear on sites like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.
- It is flexible because it accepts recordings from a phone, a computer or by uploading the recording from another device.
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