OK

Let's learn a little about podcasting...

The first thing you must understand is the concept of the RSS feed.

The RSS feed is like a map for your podcast.

Podcast hosting software (e.g. bCast) hosts your files and produces this map for you... and we then give this map to the podcast directories.

Remember: you get the RSS feed link for your podcast from your podcast hosting platform. When you have the RSS feed link, you submit it to every podcast directory (bCast does this for you!), and you do this only once. After this submission, every new episode gets updated on these directories automatically. 

OK, now you understand this, we can move on 👇

This post will detail the top twelve podcast directories and will share how you can get your podcast listed on these podcast directories.

But first, let’s get into what a podcast directory is and why you should want to get your podcast listed on said directories. 

What Is A Podcast Directory And Why Should You Get Listed?

A podcast directory is simply a list of podcasts.

That is it.

A listener will go to a directory to listen to or find podcasts.

So for you to grow your show... you need to be in as many of these directories as possible!

The reason podcasters need podcast directories is simple: to reach more people!

The great thing is that it's super easy to get listed, we will get into that later... ✅

In What Directories Should My Podcast Be Listed?

One of the frequent questions newbie podcasters ask is where to list their podcast. The reply I give them is: everywhere!

Since the goal is to get discovered by new people and grow your listener count, you should maximize every platform possible. 

If you limit your show to specific platforms, you lose out on potential listeners you could have gained from some other platforms. Your goal is to make your podcast easy to discover, and the way to do this is through the distribution of your show to various podcast directories that you can reach. 

Many will ask, what the top podcast directories are in 2021 and how do I get listed in them?

I have listed details of twelve of the top podcast directories in 2021 and have also shared how to get listed. 

1. Apple Podcasts

Formerly known as iTunes. This podcast directory launched in 2005 and it has been setting the pace since then. Becoming the topmost podcast directory worldwide. At the start, it was only a section under iTunes, but it got to stand alone as Apple Podcasts as it became more popular. 

It is one of the podcast directories you can have your podcast listed. For some people, it is what marks the height of podcast distribution. 

2. Google Podcasts 

Google Podcasts launched in 2019, and it became the only way listeners get to listen to podcast shows on the Google platform after Google Play Music went away. Google Podcasts makes podcasters' jobs more comfortable, as it moves through the web automatically to collect podcast content. 

Also, podcast episodes now appear on Google search results which means your show’s chance of being discovered has increased. 

3. Spotify 

Spotify is growing fast, and it is increasing in popularity by the day. It has over 270M active users monthly, and it is an excellent platform for all forms of audio content. Spotify recently expanded its reach as it acquired Anchor and Gimlet Media. You get a massive audience to your podcast if you get it on this platform. 

4. Stitcher 

Before Google arrived in the podcast world, Stitcher was the go-to platform for Android users as Apple users enjoyed Apple Podcasts. Stitcher has a good number of people that use it to date. A large number is from when it used to be the alternative to Apple Podcasts. 

Stitcher has a unique feature that helps you know how well your podcast performs. You will find the Stitcher app in over fifty car models. It also works in vehicles that have Android Auto or Apple’s CarPlay. If your show is the type people listen to while driving, you will want to get it on Stitcher. 

5. Podchaser 

Podchaser is enormous for the level of podcast database on it. As your show listeners rate your show episodes, new listeners will have a better chance of finding your content. You can create a profile for each podcast so that every user can see information about the podcast, from the episodes to the statistics, and reviews. There is also space for info about the podcast creator. 

6. TuneIn

TuneIn is increasing in popularity among ardent podcast listeners; this is partly a radio platform, but its listener base is about 75 million. 

7. iHeartRadio

iHeartRadio is a famous podcast and radio streaming service, and it is trendy among the older generation; they have a weekly chart for top podcasts, and they recommend podcast shows for listeners. 

8. Pandora 

Pandora is a popular online streaming platform, and it has a robust recommendation algorithm. Pandora launched a project in August 2019 called Podcast Genome Project – this has helped the platform provide unique podcast recommendations per user. They recommend shows and episodes for each user using insights gotten from what they like and dislike, and the user’s listening history.

9. Pocket Casts 

Pocket Casts is an app that is owned partly by NPR. Streaming on the app is free for both iOS and Android users. They have a hand-curated list for the top podcast shows in the directory. 

Pocket Casts is excellent for listeners as it comes with the top podcast apps' best features. Features like the automatic download of new episodes and easy discovery of the best podcast shows. 

10. Castro 

Castro gives users a great deal of control over how they want to listen to podcast shows. Users can set download limits for shows that publish frequently; users can also set the start time as they wish for podcast shows that have repetitive intros. 

11. Deezer 

Deezer has its base in Europe. Some call it Europe's version of Spotify; it has many audiences, with over 14 million users already.  If you get your podcast on this platform, you are sure to reach a larger audience. Deezer has recently added the podcast category to their streaming platform. 

12.Castbox  

Castbox is a podcast directory that has focused on optimizing SEO. Finding podcast shows on this platform is easy and stress-free due to AI assistance. Also, Castbox has loads of social media features that make it fun. Listeners can leave comments on episodes to help you get more people to notice your show. 

How To Get Listed On These Podcast Directories?

If you have a bCast account, getting listed in most of these directories is as simple as clicking a button... but if you don't here are the steps you need to take to get your RSS feed listed in them regardless of your podcast hosting platform.

Apple Podcasts

To get your podcast on Apple podcasts:

1. You have first to publish your podcast to a host, then find your podcast RSS feed. 
2. After this, you will need to create a new Apple ID, then log into Apple Podcasts connect. 
3. Finally, you will add a new podcast to podcasts connect. 

For a more detailed walkthrough, here is a support document: Submitting my podcast to Apple Podcasts (iTunes)

Google Podcasts

To get your podcast listed on the Google Podcast directory:

1. You have to log in to your show Google account. 
2. After this, you will submit your show’s RSS feed to Google. 
3. The next step is to claim your show on Google Podcast manager. On Google Manager, Google needs to sync your RSS feed to the one you submitted earlier, so you have to enter your RSS feed. 
4. The final two steps are to preview your podcast feed and verify if you are indeed the owner of your show. 

For a more detailed walkthrough, here is a support document: Submitting a podcast to Google Podcasts

Spotify

To get your podcast on Spotify:

1. You have first to make sure that your podcast matches Spotify’s requirements. 
2. After which you will create a Spotify account and then agree to the terms and conditions. 
3. You will have to enter your RSS feed as with other platforms and then verify ownership of the podcast. 
4. After verification of ownership, you will put in details about your podcast, followed by the final step where you review and submit your podcast. 

For a more detailed walkthrough, here is a support document: Submitting a podcast to Spotify

Stitcher

To get your podcast on Stitcher:

1. The first step is to ensure that your podcast matches Stitcher’s requirements. 
2. The next step is to join the Stitcher platform as a content provider, after which you will have to enter your podcast’s RSS feed link. 
3. You will then authorize adding your podcast to Stitcher. As with most platforms, you will have to accept the terms and conditions. 
4. The final steps are to modify your podcast details and add a Stitcher subscribe button to your podcast website. 

For a more detailed walkthrough, here is a support document: Submitting a podcast to Stitcher

Podchaser

To get your podcast on Podchaser: 

1. The first step is to have a creator’s profile on the platform. 
2. Fill out your profile and submit your RSS link. 

For a more detailed walkthrough, here is a support document: Submitting a podcast to Podchaser

TuneIn

To get your podcast on TuneIn, you have to:

1. Go to the submission page on TuneIn
2. Fill in your details including your podcast RSS feed link. 

For a more detailed walkthrough, here is a support document: Submitting a podcast to TuneIn

iHeartRadio

To get your podcast on iHeartRadio, all you have to do is:

1. Go to the submission page on iHeartRadio. 
2. Fill in your details including your podcast RSS feed link. 
3. Don’t forget to accept the terms and conditions. 

For a more detailed walkthrough, here is a support document: Submitting a podcast to iHeartRADIO

Pandora

To get your podcast on Pandora, you have to:

1. Open a Pandora account. 
2. Get your RSS feed link and submit it to Pandora Podcasts. 
3. After this, you will have to edit your podcast details and then verify that you own the podcast. 
4. After agreeing to the terms and conditions, you will have to wait for between four and six weeks. 

Pocket Casts

To get your podcast on Pocket Casts, you have to:

1. Visit their website and submit your podcast RSS feed link. 
2. Choose the public option for your podcast to appear in searches. It could take up to 12 hours for your podcast to appear on their search engine. 

For a more detailed walkthrough, here is a support document: Submitting a podcast to Pocket Casts

Castro

To get your podcast on Castro, you will need to:

1. List your show on Apple Podcasts and get your iTunes ID.

Deezer

To get your podcast on Deezer, firstly you will have to:

1. Submit your RSS feed link, then verify.
2. The next step is to fill the submission form.
3. Wait for one working day for your podcast to appear on Deezer. 

Castbox

To get your podcast on Castbox, you have to:

1. Sign up via the Creator Studio. 
2. Fill in the required information.
3. Submit your RSS feed link. 

Conclusion 

Podcast directories are confusing: I get it...

This is why at bCast, we do all this for you. so feel free to use another host and do all of this yourself... or jump into bCast and let us do the hard work for you :)

And of course... check out one of our recent posts on podcast rankings to learn how you can rank higher after listing your podcast in said directories.

And finally, if you have any questions about directories, RSS feeds, or bCast, hit us up on email: support@bcast.fm and we will get right back to you 🚀