Best Podcast Directories in 2026: Where to List Your Show

Getting your podcast into listeners' ears starts with being everywhere they look. Podcast directories are the apps and platforms where people discover and subscribe to shows. Listing on as many as possible is one of the easiest wins in podcasting.

What Is a Podcast Directory?

A podcast directory is an app or platform that indexes podcast RSS feeds and lets users search, browse, and subscribe. Many of these directories double as the podcast apps your listeners use every day, so a listing is also a placement inside the app itself. Some directories, like Apple Podcasts, have editorial teams that curate featured lists. Others, like Podcast Index, focus on open access and discoverability.

Your hosting platform generates the RSS feed. You submit that feed URL to each directory once, and new episodes automatically appear everywhere.

The Must-Have Directories

Apple Podcasts

Apple Podcasts remains the largest directory by listener count in most English-speaking markets. Getting featured on Apple's editorial picks can drive tens of thousands of downloads overnight. Submission requires an Apple ID and typically takes 1–5 business days for approval.

Spotify

Spotify is the fastest-growing podcast platform and dominates in many international markets. If you host on Spotify for Podcasters, your show is automatically listed. Otherwise, submit your RSS feed through the Spotify for Podcasters dashboard.

Amazon Music and Audible

Amazon rolled podcasts into both Amazon Music and Audible, giving you access to millions of Alexa and Echo device users. Submit through the Amazon Music for Podcasters portal.

YouTube Music

Google migrated Google Podcasts into YouTube Music in 2024. With over 2 billion monthly users on YouTube, this is a massive audience. Upload your RSS feed through YouTube Studio or use a hosting platform that auto-distributes.

High-Value Secondary Directories

iHeartRadio

One of the largest radio networks in the US, iHeartRadio features podcasts alongside live stations. Submission is free and gives you exposure to traditional radio listeners transitioning to on-demand content.

Podcast Index

An open-source, community-driven directory that powers many third-party podcast apps like Fountain, CurioCaster, and Podfriend. Listing here ensures you're available on the decentralized podcasting ecosystem.

Samsung Podcasts and Deezer

Samsung Podcasts comes pre-installed on Galaxy devices, and Deezer has a strong presence in Europe and Latin America. Both accept RSS feed submissions.

How to Submit Your Podcast

1. Publish at least one episode — Most directories require an existing episode before they'll accept your feed.
2. Copy your RSS feed URL from your hosting dashboard.
3. Create accounts on each platform's podcaster portal.
4. Paste your RSS feed and fill in any required metadata.
5. Wait for approval — Apple takes up to 5 days; most others approve within 24 hours.

Tips for Faster Approval

• Use a square cover image at 3000x3000 pixels.

• Write a clear, keyword-rich show description.

• Tag your show with accurate categories.

• Make sure your RSS feed validates without errors (use Cast Feed Validator).

Track Where Your Listeners Come From

Most hosting platforms show download stats broken down by app. Review this monthly to understand where your audience lives. If 60% of your listeners are on Spotify, prioritize Spotify-specific features like polls and Q&A. If Apple dominates, focus on getting ratings and reviews there.

Listing on every directory costs nothing and takes an afternoon. It's the highest-ROI task you can do for your podcast's growth.