If you're looking to create and publish a podcast on Substack, you're in the right place. Substack allows you to host podcast episodes that can be submitted to popular apps like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, and Pocket Casts.

Starting a New Podcast on Substack

1. Access Your Podcast Tab: Log into your Substack account and click on the Podcast tab.

2. Get Started: Click "Get started," choose your audience list, and decide whether to nest the podcast in your publication or create a new section. Click "Continue."

3. Create or Import a Podcast: Decide to start a new podcast or import an existing one from another platform.

4. Add Podcast Details:

   • Title: Make it clear and descriptive for easy searchability.
   • Description: Explain what your podcast is about.
   • Categories: Help platforms like Apple Podcasts categorize and recommend your show.
   • Podcast Artwork: Upload a square image at least 1400px wide.
   • Podcast Tab: Check this option to add a podcast tab to your publication.

5. Create the Podcast: Click "Create podcast" to set up your show.

Note: To create multiple podcasts, go to the Podcasts section on your publication's Settings page, click "Add podcast," and choose or create a new section.

Creating and Sharing a New Episode

1. Select Audio or New Episode: On your Posts page, choose "Audio" or "New episode" under the Podcast tab.

2. Upload or Record Audio:

   • Use "Select file" to upload an audio file.
   • Use "Record" to capture audio directly on your device.
   • Replace/upload new audio files or add guests by their Substack profile.

3. Add a Free Preview: For paid episodes, consider adding a free preview for free listeners.

4. Transcripts: An AI-generated transcript will be created automatically. You can also upload your own or edit existing ones.

5. Draft Body and Background Image: Enter text for the post body and add a background image to the podcast player.

6. Publish: Click "Continue," select your audience, and add a description in the "Social Preview" section. Choose to send it as an email or publish it as a web post only.

Note: If you have payments enabled, try creating a free preview for free listeners.

Subscriber Experience

• Subscribers receiving emails can click the audio player to view your post in a new tab.
• Substack app users will get notifications and can listen directly in the app.
• Non-paid posts allow listeners to click play and listen on the web version.

If you include a free preview, free listeners can hear a snippet and upgrade their subscription.

Customizing Your Podcast Homepage

Choose from three header options:

• Default: Showcases your podcast logo and description.
• Podcast: Includes logo, description, and external podcast player links.
• Feature Media: Highlights your latest episodes.

Select a list or grid layout for episode display.

Additional Tips and Resources

• Substack podcasts cannot be embedded into external sites, but you can distribute them to platforms like Spotify and embed episodes into sites like WordPress.
• For importing existing podcasts, follow these instructions.
• To submit your podcast to an app, refer to this guide.