how to submit podcast to stitcher

Overview of Stitcher and the Importance of Submitting Your Podcast

Stitcher is a popular podcast platform that allows creators to reach a vast audience of avid podcast listeners. With its user-friendly interface and extensive catalogue of podcasts, Stitcher provides an excellent opportunity for podcasters to gain exposure and grow their audience. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of submitting your podcast to Stitcher, ensuring that your content reaches the ears of millions of potential listeners.

Podcasting has experienced exponential growth in recent years, with millions of people tuning in to their favorite shows on a regular basis. As a podcaster, it is crucial to make your content available on various platforms to maximize your reach and engage with a broader audience. Stitcher, with its dedicated user base and seamless listening experience, has become a go-to platform for podcast enthusiasts worldwide.

By submitting your podcast to Stitcher, you open the doors to numerous benefits. Firstly, Stitcher allows you to tap into a large and diverse community of podcast listeners who actively seek engaging and informative content. This exposure can significantly boost your podcast’s visibility and help you attract new subscribers and followers.

Secondly, Stitcher offers a range of features that enhance the discoverability of your podcast. With its personalized recommendations, curated playlists, and user-generated lists, Stitcher aids listeners in finding content aligned with their interests. By submitting your podcast to Stitcher, you increase the chances of your show being discovered by listeners who are specifically seeking out content similar to yours.

Moreover, Stitcher provides valuable analytics and insights that enable you to track the performance of your podcast. By analyzing metrics such as downloads, plays, and engagement, you can gain a deeper understanding of your audience’s preferences and tailor your content accordingly.

In this guide, we will take you through the step-by-step process of submitting your podcast to Stitcher. We will explore the technical requirements, optimizing podcast metadata, and creating compelling artwork and descriptions to make your podcast stand out. Additionally, we will cover troubleshooting common issues, promoting your podcast on Stitcher, and monitoring its performance.

By the end of this guide, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to submit your podcast to Stitcher and leverage this platform to expand your audience and achieve podcasting success. So, let’s dive in and unlock the potential of Stitcher for your podcast!

Getting Started with Stitcher

Stitcher offers a seamless experience for both podcast creators and listeners, making it an ideal platform to submit your podcast. In this section, we will guide you through the initial steps of getting started with Stitcher, including creating an account, understanding the submission process, and navigating the Stitcher website and app.

Creating a Stitcher Account

To begin the process of submitting your podcast to Stitcher, you first need to create a Stitcher account. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Visit the Stitcher website (www.stitcher.com) or download the Stitcher app from your device’s app store.
2. Click on the “Sign up” or “Create Account” button.
3. Fill in the required information, including your name, email address, and password.
4. Agree to the terms and conditions and click on the “Sign up” or “Create Account” button to complete the registration process.

Once you have created your account, you will have access to the Stitcher platform and can proceed with submitting your podcast.

Understanding the Submission Process

Before diving into the submission process, it is essential to understand how Stitcher handles podcast submissions. Stitcher relies on podcast hosting platforms to obtain podcast feeds, which they then index and make available for their listeners. Therefore, you must have your podcast hosted on a compatible platform before submitting it to Stitcher.

Stitcher supports numerous podcast hosting platforms, including popular options like Libsyn, Podbean, and Anchor. Make sure to check the Stitcher website for the most up-to-date list of compatible hosting platforms.

Navigating the Stitcher Website and App

Once you have created your Stitcher account, familiarize yourself with the Stitcher website and app. This will help you understand the platform’s features and make the submission process smoother.

On the Stitcher website, you will find various sections, including a homepage with featured podcasts, an extensive podcast directory, personalized recommendations, and user-generated playlists. Take some time to explore the different sections and get a feel for the overall layout and functionality.

If you prefer to use the Stitcher app, it offers a user-friendly interface that allows listeners to discover, subscribe to, and listen to podcasts. The app provides access to popular and trending podcasts, personalized recommendations, and the ability to create playlists and download episodes for offline listening.

By familiarizing yourself with both the Stitcher website and app, you will have a better understanding of how your podcast will be presented to listeners and how to optimize your content for maximum engagement.

In the next section, we will delve into the crucial steps to prepare your podcast for submission to Stitcher, ensuring that it meets all the necessary requirements and stands out among the vast array of podcasts available on the platform.

Preparing Your Podcast for Submission

Before submitting your podcast to Stitcher, it is crucial to ensure that your podcast meets all the technical requirements and is optimized for maximum visibility and engagement. In this section, we will guide you through the essential steps to prepare your podcast for submission, including meeting technical requirements, optimizing podcast metadata, creating compelling artwork, and crafting an engaging podcast description.

Ensuring Technical Requirements are Met

To ensure a smooth submission process and a quality listening experience for your audience, it is essential to meet Stitcher’s technical requirements. These requirements include:

1. Audio format: Stitcher accepts podcasts in the most common audio formats, such as MP3, M4A, and WAV. Make sure your podcast episodes are encoded in one of these formats before submission.

2. Bitrate and sample rate: Stitcher recommends using a bit rate between 64 and 128 kbps and a sample rate of 44.1 kHz. These settings strike a balance between audio quality and file size, ensuring a pleasant listening experience while minimizing bandwidth usage.

3. Episode length and file size: While Stitcher does not impose strict limits on episode length or file size, it is generally recommended to keep episodes under two hours and file sizes under 250 MB. This helps maintain optimal streaming and downloading speeds for listeners.

4. Episode numbering and order: Ensure that your podcast episodes are correctly numbered and ordered before submission. This allows listeners to navigate your podcast easily and follow the intended sequence of episodes.

By adhering to these technical requirements, you can avoid potential issues during the submission process and provide your audience with a seamless listening experience.

Optimizing Podcast Metadata

Metadata plays a crucial role in helping listeners discover and understand your podcast. Stitcher relies on metadata to categorize and recommend podcasts to its users. Therefore, it is essential to optimize your podcast metadata to improve its visibility and searchability. Consider the following tips:

1. Podcast title: Choose a clear, descriptive, and memorable title that accurately represents your podcast’s content. Avoid using vague or generic titles that may get lost among similar podcasts.

2. Episode titles: Similarly, craft informative and engaging titles for your podcast episodes. Use keywords and relevant phrases to entice potential listeners and give them an idea of the episode’s content.

3. Tags and categories: Assign appropriate tags and categories to your podcast to help Stitcher classify and recommend it to the right audience. Select relevant categories that accurately reflect the genre, niche, or topic of your podcast.

4. Keywords and descriptions: Utilize relevant keywords in your podcast description to improve its discoverability. Craft a compelling and concise description that accurately summarizes your podcast’s content, captivates potential listeners, and includes relevant keywords naturally.

By optimizing your podcast metadata, you increase the chances of your podcast being discovered by your target audience and featured in relevant Stitcher recommendations.

Creating Compelling Podcast Artwork

Eye-catching and professional podcast artwork is crucial for attracting potential listeners and making a memorable impression. Stitcher requires podcast artwork to meet specific guidelines, ensuring a consistent and visually appealing browsing experience for its users. Consider the following tips when creating your podcast artwork:

1. Resolution and size: Stitcher recommends artwork with a minimum resolution of 1400×1400 pixels and a maximum size of 3000×3000 pixels. This ensures that your artwork appears crisp and clear across various devices and screen sizes.

2. Format and file size: Save your podcast artwork as a JPEG or PNG file with a maximum file size of 2 MB. Optimize the file size without compromising the quality to ensure fast loading times.

3. Design and branding: Create artwork that accurately represents your podcast’s theme, style, and branding. Use captivating visuals, vibrant colors, and clear typography to grab attention and convey the essence of your podcast.

4. Title and text: Incorporate your podcast title or logo into the artwork, ensuring it is legible and stands out. Avoid overcrowding the artwork with excessive text, as it may become difficult to read when displayed in smaller sizes.

By investing time and effort into creating compelling podcast artwork, you enhance your podcast’s visual appeal and increase the likelihood of attracting potential listeners on Stitcher.

Crafting an Engaging Podcast Description

Your podcast description serves as a brief introduction to your show, enticing potential listeners to tune in. It should provide a clear overview of your podcast’s content, captivate the reader’s interest, and include relevant keywords for search optimization. Consider the following tips when crafting your podcast description:

1. Hook the audience: Start your description with a compelling hook that grabs the reader’s attention and entices them to explore further. Highlight the unique aspects of your podcast that make it worth listening to.

2. Describe the content: Clearly outline what your podcast is about, including the topics, themes, or stories you cover. Be concise, but provide enough information to give potential listeners a clear understanding of what they can expect.

3. Share your expertise or credentials: If you have relevant expertise, experience, or credentials in your podcast’s subject matter, mention them in your description. This helps establish credibility and may attract listeners seeking authoritative content.

4. Include calls to action: Encourage readers to subscribe, leave reviews, or visit your website or social media platforms. Engage with your audience and make it easy for them to connect with you.

Crafting an engaging and informative podcast description can entice potential listeners and give them a taste of what to expect from your show. It is an essential component in attracting and retaining a loyal audience.

In the next section, we will provide a detailed step-by-step guide on submitting your podcast to Stitcher, ensuring that you navigate the process smoothly and successfully make your podcast available to the vast Stitcher community.

Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting Your Podcast to Stitcher

Submitting your podcast to Stitcher is a straightforward process that involves a few key steps. In this section, we will provide a detailed step-by-step guide to help you successfully submit your podcast to Stitcher and make it available to a wide audience of listeners.

Uploading Your Podcast to a Hosting Platform

Before submitting your podcast to Stitcher, you need to host your podcast on a compatible podcast hosting platform. If you haven’t already done so, follow these steps to upload your podcast to a hosting platform:

1. Research and select a podcast hosting platform that is compatible with Stitcher. Popular options include Libsyn, Podbean, Anchor, and Blubrry.
2. Sign up for an account on your chosen hosting platform and follow their instructions to create your podcast feed. This feed will contain all your podcast episodes and metadata.
3. Upload your podcast episodes to the hosting platform, ensuring that they meet the technical requirements specified by the platform.
4. Configure your podcast settings, including episode order, tags, categories, and any additional information required by the hosting platform.

Once you have uploaded your podcast to a hosting platform, you are ready to move on to the next step of the submission process.

Verifying Ownership of Your Podcast

Before Stitcher can accept your podcast submission, you need to verify that you own the podcast and have the rights to distribute it. This verification process helps ensure that only authorized creators can submit podcasts to Stitcher. To verify ownership of your podcast, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Stitcher Partner Portal at partners.stitcher.com and sign in using your Stitcher account credentials. If you don’t have a Stitcher account, create one by following the instructions provided.
2. Navigate to the “Add Shows” section or a similar option in the Partner Portal.
3. Enter the necessary details about your podcast, including the podcast’s title, RSS feed URL (provided by your hosting platform), and any additional information requested.
4. Follow the instructions on the Partner Portal to complete the verification process. This may involve confirming your ownership through email, adding a verification code to your podcast’s website, or other methods specified by Stitcher.

Once your podcast ownership is verified, you can proceed with submitting your podcast to Stitcher.

Submitting Your Podcast to Stitcher

With your podcast hosted on a compatible platform and ownership verified, you are ready to submit your podcast to Stitcher. Follow these steps to submit your podcast:

1. Visit the Stitcher Partner Portal and sign in using your Stitcher account credentials.
2. Navigate to the “Add Shows” section or a similar option in the Partner Portal.
3. Enter the required information about your podcast, including the podcast’s title, description, artwork, and other metadata. Make sure to follow Stitcher’s guidelines and recommendations for each field.
4. Double-check the accuracy of the information you entered and ensure that it aligns with your podcast’s branding and content.
5. Submit your podcast for review by clicking the appropriate button or following the instructions provided in the Partner Portal.

Note that it may take some time for Stitcher to review and process your podcast submission. During this period, it is essential to monitor your email for any communication from Stitcher regarding your submission.

Reviewing and Editing Your Podcast Details on Stitcher

After submitting your podcast to Stitcher, you will receive an email notification once your submission is reviewed and approved. This email will contain instructions on how to access your podcast’s dashboard on Stitcher.

Once you have access to your podcast’s dashboard, take the time to review and edit your podcast details on Stitcher. This includes verifying that your podcast artwork, description, and other metadata are correctly displayed. Make any necessary adjustments or improvements to ensure that your podcast is presented accurately and attractively to potential listeners.

Submitting Additional Episodes or Updates

As your podcast continues to grow and evolve, you may want to submit additional episodes or make updates to your existing episodes on Stitcher. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Upload new episodes or make edits to existing episodes on your podcast hosting platform.
2. Ensure that the changes are reflected in your podcast’s RSS feed.
3. Stitcher will automatically detect and update your podcast with the new episodes or changes, typically within 24 to 48 hours.

By following these steps, you can keep your podcast up to date on Stitcher and provide your listeners with the latest content.

In the next section, we will explore troubleshooting common issues that may arise during the submission process and provide recommendations for a smooth experience.

Troubleshooting and Best Practices

Submitting your podcast to Stitcher may occasionally come with its own set of challenges. In this section, we will address common issues that podcasters may encounter during the submission process and provide recommendations to overcome them. Additionally, we will explore best practices to optimize your podcast’s performance on Stitcher and ensure a successful podcasting journey.

Common Issues and Solutions When Submitting a Podcast to Stitcher

1. Verification delays: The process of verifying podcast ownership may sometimes take longer than expected. If you experience delays, ensure that you have followed the verification steps accurately. If the issue persists, reach out to Stitcher’s support team for assistance.

2. Incorrect podcast details: Double-check all the information you enter during the submission process to avoid any errors. Mistakes in the podcast title, description, artwork, or other metadata can negatively impact your podcast’s discoverability and professional appearance.

3. Podcast feed issues: Stitcher relies on podcast feeds to index and update podcasts. If there are issues with your podcast feed, such as missing episodes or incorrect metadata, it can affect your podcast’s availability on Stitcher. Regularly monitor and update your podcast feed on your hosting platform to ensure a smooth syncing process with Stitcher.

4. Audio quality concerns: Stitcher values high-quality audio to provide listeners with the best possible experience. Ensure that your podcast episodes meet the recommended audio specifications to maintain the integrity of your content and enhance listener engagement.

If you encounter any technical difficulties or face issues specific to your podcast during the submission process, don’t hesitate to reach out to Stitcher’s support team for personalized assistance. They are there to help you navigate any challenges and ensure a smooth submission experience.

Promoting Your Podcast on Stitcher

Once your podcast is successfully submitted and available on Stitcher, it’s time to promote it to reach a wider audience. Here are some effective strategies to promote your podcast on Stitcher:

1. Leverage your existing audience: Notify your current subscribers and followers about your podcast’s availability on Stitcher. Encourage them to listen, subscribe, and leave reviews to boost your podcast’s visibility and credibility.

2. Utilize social media: Promote your podcast on various social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Share engaging snippets, episode highlights, and behind-the-scenes content to attract new listeners and drive traffic to your Stitcher page.

3. Collaborate with other podcasters: Seek opportunities to collaborate with other podcasters in your niche or industry. Guest appearances on popular podcasts can introduce your show to new audiences and increase your reach on Stitcher.

4. Optimize your website and blog: Embed Stitcher’s player or provide links to your Stitcher page on your website and blog. This allows visitors to easily access and listen to your podcast directly on Stitcher.

5. Engage with your audience: Interact with your listeners on Stitcher by responding to reviews, comments, and messages. Building a strong connection with your audience fosters loyalty and encourages them to recommend your podcast to others.

Remember, promoting your podcast is an ongoing effort. Consistently engage with your audience, explore new marketing strategies, and monitor your podcast’s performance to refine your promotion tactics.

Monitoring and Analyzing Podcast Performance on Stitcher

To gauge the success of your podcast on Stitcher, it is essential to monitor and analyze its performance. Stitcher provides valuable analytics and insights that can help you make data-driven decisions to optimize your podcast’s reach and engagement. Here are some key metrics to track:

1. Downloads and plays: Monitor the number of downloads and plays your podcast receives on Stitcher. This metric indicates the reach and popularity of your episodes.

2. Listener demographics: Gain insights into the demographics of your Stitcher audience, such as age, gender, and location. This information can help you tailor your content to better serve your target audience.

3. Engagement and retention: Analyze how long listeners are staying engaged with your episodes and whether they are subscribing or favoriting your podcast. This data provides valuable insights into your audience’s interest and loyalty.

4. Reviews and ratings: Pay attention to the reviews and ratings your podcast receives on Stitcher. Positive reviews and high ratings can attract new listeners and improve your podcast’s reputation.

By regularly reviewing these metrics and analyzing the trends, you can identify opportunities for improvement, understand your audience’s preferences, and make informed decisions to enhance your podcast’s performance on Stitcher.

Additional Tips and Recommendations for Podcast Success

To ensure the long-term success of your podcast on Stitcher, consider implementing the following tips:

1. Consistency in publishing: Stick to a regular publishing schedule to keep your audience engaged and maintain their interest. Consistency builds anticipation and helps establish a loyal listener base.

2. Engage with your audience: Actively engage with your listeners by responding to comments, messages, and reviews. Foster a sense of community and make your audience feel valued and connected to your podcast.

3. Cross-promotion: Collaborate with other podcasters or influencers in your niche to cross-promote each other’s shows. This mutually beneficial approach can expand your reach and attract new listeners.

4. Continual improvement: Seek feedback from your audience and implement constructive criticism to enhance your podcast’s quality. Regularly evaluate and improve your content, presentation, and production value.

Remember, building a successful podcast takes time and dedication. Stay committed, adapt to evolving trends, and consistently deliver high-quality content to engage your audience and maximize your podcast’s potential on Stitcher.