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Do you want to get your podcast content distributed to millions of new listeners? You can submit a podcast to Amazon Music and Audible to expand your show’s reach. Both streaming services have dedicated audiences that use the platforms to listen to podcasts, music, and audiobooks. We’ll provide an overview of each streaming service, explore the benefits of getting your podcast listed on them, and explain Amazon Music and Audible podcast submission.
What is Amazon Music?
Amazon Music is a streaming service where consumers can access music and podcasts using desktop, mobile, and smart devices. Amazon Music is available as a free service but also has paid membership options available for listeners looking to enhance their experience on the platform. The platform has over 60 million subscribers across its three tiers of membership (Amazon Music Free, Amazon Music Prime, and Amazon Music Unlimited) as of the end of 2021.
The Amazon Music Free service is available to anyone and doesn't require an Amazon Prime membership, but content is limited. You can only access select playlists and offline playback isn’t offered under the free membership plan. Users are also limited to listening on only one device at a time.
Anyone with an Amazon Prime membership receives access to Amazon Music Prime at no additional cost. This membership level lets you stream 2 million songs and thousands of playlists. Users can create personalized stations and stream content ad-free without any limits.
The most expensive plan, Amazon Music Unlimited, includes 90 million songs with unlimited ad-free plays. Members with this plan are also given access to thousands of playlists and have the ability to create personalized stations based on their preferences. This option allows streaming in SD, HD, and Ultra HD from multiple devices.
What’s the Difference Between Amazon Music and Audible?
Amazon Music and Audible are two separate services provided by Amazon. Amazon Music is the company’s platform for streaming audio and video content. As its name suggests, the Amazon Music service is focused on music and music videos. Audible contains spoken-word content and doesn’t have any music. Users most commonly subscribe to this platform to listen to audiobooks.
Does Amazon Music Host Podcasts?
Because Amazon Music is a music and podcast directory and not a podcast hosting site, it does not host podcasts. The Amazon Music platform is a way to distribute your podcast content to listeners using an RSS feed, which you get from your podcast host. Though Amazon Music does not host content, they partner with ART19, a company that does offer podcast hosting.
ART19 is an Amazon service that provides hosting, distribution, and monetization features for podcasters and other creatives. Because it’s an Amazon company, hosting your podcast through the service makes it easier to access analytics and explore monetization options on the Amazon Music platform.
Benefits of Adding Your Podcast to Amazon Music and Audible
Amazon Music and Audible are platforms every podcaster should consider for distributing their content. The streaming services are well-established brands that many listeners use as their platform of choice for streaming audio content. We’ll highlight some of the benefits you’ll experience when you add a podcast to Amazon Music and Audible.
Expand Your Reach
Podcasts on Amazon Music have the potential to reach millions of listeners around the world. Listing your podcast on the platform gives you access to an expansive new audience and allows your current audience more options for listening to your content. Audible users have a keen interest in spoken-word content and are likely to explore podcast content alongside listening to audiobooks.
Get Sharing Tools
Amazon provides podcasters and other creators with marketing guidance and social media templates for getting the word out about their content. Content creators can use the Amazon marketing and messaging guide to drive new listeners to their content to increase their audience.
The Listen on Amazon Music button allows you to link your podcast from an external website. Once you go through the process to add a podcast to Amazon Music, you’re provided with a URL that links to your content on the platform. Simply download the Listen on Amazon Music button, place it on your website, and link it to your show’s unique URL.
Make Money With Your Podcast
Unlike many other streaming services, Amazon Music allows podcasters to make money from their content. The Amazon Music Influencer Program is a way to monetize the traffic of your podcast. Amazon provides you with a personalized URL to share with your followers and will pay you for each one who signs up for an Amazon Music account.
How to Submit a Podcast to Amazon Music & Audible
Submitting a podcast to Amazon Music and Audible is simple and since the two services are connected you only have to go through the submission process once to have your content listed on both platforms. Keep reading to learn how to submit a podcast to Audible and Amazon Music through the Amazon Music Podcasters site.
Step 1: Get your RSS feed from your podcast host
You need to get your RSS feed from your podcast hosting site before you start the Amazon podcast submission process. The process for obtaining your RSS feed will depend on your host, but most make it easy to get your feed for distribution. Check with your hosting provider for how to access your podcast’s feed.
Step 2: Open the Amazon Music Podcasters website
All requests to have a podcast added to Amazon Music and Audible get submitted through the Amazon Music Podcasters website. You can begin the submission process from this site by clicking the Add or Claim Your Podcast button on the left side of the screen. Once you’ve done this, you’ll receive a prompt to log in to your existing Amazon account or create a new account to manage your podcast. We recommend creating a new account to manage your podcast separately.
Step 3: Provide your RSS feed to Amazon
After you’ve logged in or created a new account, you’re redirected to a new screen where you can enter your RSS feed URL and choose the country your podcast is for. Paste the RSS feed you copied from your hosting platform in step 1 into the field on the page and select your country.
It’s important that you choose the correct country as podcast content isn’t available in all locations. If Amazon doesn’t currently offer podcasts where you are, they will automatically add your show to their platform once the service becomes available in your region. Click the Submit button once you’ve entered your information.
Step 4: Verify podcast ownership
Amazon will send an email to the address associated with your RSS feed as the final step of the submission process to verify ownership. Click the link in the email to verify that you own your podcast. After clicking the link you’ll be taken to the Amazon for Podcasters dashboard. From here, you can check the status of your request. Amazon advises that podcasts are usually verified and available for listening on Amazon Music and Audible within 24 hours of a submission request.
How Do I Submit an RSS Feed to Amazon Music?
Amazon Music accepts RSS feed submissions on its Amazon Music Podcasters website. After copying your RSS feed from your podcast host, you can paste it into the field on the Amazon Music submission page when prompted. See the above section for a complete guide to submitting your podcast RSS feed to Amazon Music.
Tips for Submitting Your Podcast to Amazon Music
Now that you know how to add a podcast to Amazon Music and Audible, you should also understand the requirements for having content listed on the platforms. We’ll provide tips for preparing your content before requesting your podcast be added to Amazon Music and Audible.
Before you submit your podcast to Amazon Music, make sure you meet these technical requirements:
- Your show must have a unique title and branding
- Show artwork must be square and sized between 1400px x 1400px and 3000px x 3000px.
- You must have at least one episode uploaded to your podcast host.
- Your RSS feed must include a title, show description, and image.
Your podcast also must meet Amazon’s content guidelines. Your show can’t include any content that:
- Belongs to another person or party
- Harasses or bullies individuals or groups
- Primarily advertises products or services
- Contains explicit or sexually graphic material
- Incites listeners to engage in illegal activities
- Promotes hate speech
- Is false, deceptive, or misleading in any way
How Do I Listen to a Podcast on Amazon Music and Audible?
To access podcasts on Amazon Music, you have to log in or sign up for an Amazon account. The podcast section of Amazon Music is on the home screen at the top of the screen on mobile and desktop devices. Podcasts are organized by category and the most popular podcasts are displayed at the top of the screen.
Podcasts are located on the Audible podcast page. Podcasts are organized by categories that include true crime, science and technology, history, and self development. Trending podcasts on the platform display at the top of the screen.
Finding podcasts on the Audible mobile apps isn’t intuitive. Locating the podcast section of the app is different for Android and iOS users and it can be easy to miss if you don’t know where to look.
Follow these steps to listen to podcasts on the Audible Android app:
- With the Audible app open, tap Discover.
- In the Discover something new section, scroll to the right and select Plus Catalog.
- Go to the bottom of the screen and tap Podcasts.
- Select the podcast you’d like to listen to.
Find podcasts on the Audible iOS app by following these steps:
- After opening the Audible app, select Profile.
- Select The Plus Catalog.
- Tap Explore the Plus Catalog.
- Go to the bottom of the page and select Discover podcasts.
- Select the podcast you’d like to listen to.
Conclusion
Amazon Music and Audible are two platforms with large subscriber bases you can list your podcast on to expand your audience. Because both services are owned by Amazon, you can have your content placed on both platforms by submitting it through Amazon Music. Amazon Music provides great social sharing tools and monetization opportunities any podcaster can benefit from.
FAQs on Amazon Music Podcast Submission
Do you still have questions about how to submit a podcast to Amazon Music and Audible? Read through our section of frequently asked questions to learn more about adding your content to Audible and Amazon Music.
Can I upload a podcast on Audible?
Yes, you can get your podcast listed on Audible by submitting it to Amazon Music. Podcasts on Amazon Music are also listed on Audible and you only have to complete the submission process once for your content to appear on both platforms. Check out the above article for a step-by-step explanation of how to submit a podcast to Audible through Amazon Music.
How do I distribute a podcast on Amazon?
All you need to get your podcast on Amazon Music is an Amazon account and your RSS feed. The above article explains the Amazon podcast submission process and contains helpful screenshots to help you get your content listed.