How do I get paid for a podcast on Spotify?

You can monetize via Spotify's built-in tools like podcast subscriptions and the Ambassador Ads program, or independently through sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and merchandise.

How to Start a Podcast on Spotify in 2026 (Complete Guide)

Spotify is undeniably the powerhouse of modern podcasting. With a massive, engaged audience and powerful tools built directly into their platform, getting your show listed on Spotify isn't just an option—it's essential for your growth.

Whether you are recording in a dedicated studio or generating your entire show using text-to-speech tools, this guide will walk you through exactly how to start a podcast on Spotify.

The 10-Step Process to Launch on Spotify

Choose your podcast concept & name

Before you hit record or generate any audio, you need a clear niche. Who is this for? What value does it provide? Once you know that, brainstorm a catchy, searchable name. If you're stuck, try our Podcast Name Generator to find the perfect title instantly.

Plan your first 3 episodes

Spotify favors podcasts that launch with a splash. Releasing a trailer and 2-3 full episodes on day one helps hook listeners. Scripting is key here. Check out our guide on how to write a podcast script, or use the Podcast Script Generator.

Create your audio (Record vs AI)

You have two main paths: buy a microphone and record yourself, or use an AI tool like ZenMic to turn text into highly realistic, multi-speaker podcast audio. (More on this comparison below!)

Edit and master your audio

If you recorded manually, you'll need to remove "ums", pauses, and background noise using software like Audacity or Descript. If you used an AI generator like ZenMic, your audio is already studio-mastered and ready for upload.

Create your podcast artwork

Spotify requires cover art that pops on dark backgrounds. Ensure your artwork is a minimum of 1400x1400 pixels (ideally 3000x3000px), in JPEG or PNG format, and contains large, legible text.

Write your show description & notes

Your show description acts as your SEO on Spotify. Use relevant keywords naturally. For individual episodes, create engaging summaries using our Show Notes Generator to save time.

Choose a podcast host

You don't upload MP3s directly to Spotify (unless you use Spotify for Podcasters' built-in hosting). Usually, you upload to a host (like Buzzsprout, Podbean, or Transistor), which generates an RSS feed URL.

Submit your RSS feed to Spotify

Log in to Spotify for Podcasters, click "Claim your podcast," and paste your RSS feed link. Verify ownership via the email attached to your RSS feed, and submit!

Wait for approval

Spotify's automated system typically reviews and approves podcasts within 24 to 72 hours. You'll see your show live on the Spotify app once it's approved.

Promote and grow your show

Spotify provides fantastic promo cards. Share these on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. Engage with your audience using Spotify's Q&A and Polls features to boost the algorithm.

Creating Audio: Traditional Recording vs. ZenMic AI

One of the biggest hurdles to starting a podcast is recording the audio. Buying equipment, soundproofing a room, and editing out mistakes can be exhausting. Let's compare the traditional route with the modern AI route.

🎙️

Traditional Recording

✗ Requires buying a $100+ microphone
✗ Needs a quiet, soundproofed room
✗ Hours spent editing and mastering
✓ 100% authentic human presence

RECOMMENDED

🤖

ZenMic AI Podcast

✓ No mic or equipment needed
✓ Create from anywhere (even a coffee shop)
✓ Multi-speaker conversational formats
✓ Instant studio-quality mastering

Start Creating with ZenMic

Platform Comparison: Spotify vs Apple vs Amazon

Why prioritize Spotify? It offers unique interactive features that other platforms haven't fully matched yet.

Feature	Spotify (Recommended)	Apple Podcasts	Amazon Music
Video Podcasts	Supported natively	Requires separate feed	Limited support
Interactive Polls & Q&A	Yes (built-in)	No	No
Free Built-in Hosting	Yes (via Spotify for Podcasters)	No	No
Detailed Analytics	Excellent (Drop-off rates, Demographics)	Good, but ecosystem-locked	Basic

How RSS Distribution Works

📡

Your RSS Feed

Hosted on ZenMic

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

Amazon Music

Walkthrough: Submitting Your RSS Feed to Spotify

If you aren't using Spotify's built-in hosting, you need to submit your RSS feed. An RSS feed is simply a URL generated by your podcast host (or ZenMic) that updates automatically every time you publish a new episode.

Go to podcasters.spotify.com and sign in with your standard Spotify account.
Navigate to the dashboard and look for the option to "Claim your podcast" or "Add a podcast."
When prompted, paste your RSS Feed URL into the text box and click Next.
Spotify will send a verification code to the email address associated with your RSS feed. Enter that code to prove you own the show.
Add your podcast details: Country, Language, Primary Category, and Sub-categories.
Review all the information and hit Submit!

5 Common Mistakes When Launching on Spotify

1. Bad Cover Art Formatting

Spotify will reject feeds if the artwork isn't perfectly square (1:1 ratio) or if the file size is too large. Stick to 3000x3000px under 1MB.

2. Missing Email in RSS Feed

You cannot verify ownership if your host hides your email in the RSS feed. Ensure your email is visible before submitting.

3. Submitting an Empty Feed

Spotify requires at least one published audio file (even a 1-minute trailer) before they will accept your RSS feed.

4. Keyword Stuffing Titles

Naming your show "Marketing Podcast | SEO | Business | Money" can get your show banned. Use a natural, branded name.

5. Inconsistent Audio Quality

Spotify listeners have high standards. Echoes and background noise kill retention. If you can't record high-quality audio, use ZenMic AI to guarantee perfect studio sound.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, starting a podcast on Spotify is completely free. You submit your RSS feed at no cost using Spotify for Podcasters. However, you may need to pay for a podcast hosting service if you exceed free tier limits on platforms outside of Spotify.

Spotify does offer direct hosting through their Spotify for Podcasters platform (formerly Anchor). Alternatively, you can host your podcast elsewhere (like Buzzsprout or Podbean) and just submit your RSS feed to Spotify.

It typically takes anywhere from a few hours to 72 hours (3 days) for Spotify to approve and list a new podcast once you submit the RSS feed. Be patient, and check your dashboard for updates.

Absolutely. You can use platforms like ZenMic to generate realistic, multi-speaker AI podcast episodes from text and upload them to Spotify just like standard audio. Listeners often can't tell the difference!

You can monetize via Spotify's built-in tools like podcast subscriptions and the Ambassador Ads program. Independently, you can run sponsorships, do affiliate marketing in your show notes, and sell merchandise.

Spotify for Podcasters is the centralized dashboard where creators can submit their shows, view detailed listener analytics, manage video podcasts, and handle monetization directly on the Spotify platform.

Ready to launch on Spotify?

Don't let the lack of equipment stop you. Use ZenMic to convert your ideas into studio-quality AI podcasts in minutes.

Create Your First Episode Free