Working with iTunes

For Podcast Makers: Frequently Asked Questions

How do I create a podcast?

Mac users can use GarageBand for audio production and QuickTime, iMovie or Final Cut Pro for video production.

PC users can choose from a number of audio and video production programs and tools.

iTunes cannot be used to create podcasts but some audio and video files can be converted with iTunes to a file format that can be played across all Apple devices.

Can I host my podcast on the iTunes Store?

No, the iTunes Store does not host podcasts.

You must host media files and RSS feeds on your own web servers or use a third-party web hosting provider. You can then submit your podcast feed for inclusion in the iTunes Store podcast directory.

What is a podcast feed?

A podcast feed is a URL to an RSS (rich site summary) in XML format. RSS is a technology for announcing updates to a website, and XML is a format for creating content on the Internet.

To publish a podcast in iTunes, you must first set up a website that generates an RSS feed. When you update the site that hosts your podcast, the RSS feed notifies iTunes that a new episode is available.

How do I submit my podcast feed?

To submit your podcast feed, click Submit a Podcast in the Podcast Quick Links of the Podcasts section in the iTunes Store. An Apple ID is required.

Can I submit a test podcast feed?

The iTunes Store does not accept test podcast feeds.

To diagnose problems with your feed, manually subscribe to your podcast in iTunes by choosing File > Subscribe to Podcast, then use a third-party feed validation service, such as Feed Validator.

Why do I need cover art?

High quality cover art attracts new subscribers to your podcast. We recommend including a title, brand or source name as part of your cover art.

Cover art must be a JPEG or PNG file in the RGB colour space with a minimum size of 600 x 600 pixels. For best results, and to be considered for promotion in the iTunes Store or the Podcasts app for iOS, cover art must be at least 1400 x 1400 pixels.

For examples of cover art, see Top Podcasts section in the Podcasts app or the iTunes Store.

Why was my podcast rejected or removed?

Podcasts, and all elements of podcasts, cannot contain any of the following:

  • - Password protection
  • - Use of explicit language in the podcast when the <explicit> tag is not set to “yes”
  • - Explicit or self-censored explicit language in podcast titles, subtitles or descriptions
  • - References to illegal drugs, profanity or violence in the podcast title, description or cover art
  • - Images or language that could be construed as racist, misogynist or homophobic
  • - Images depicting sex, violence, gore, illegal drugs or hate themes
  • - Third-party trademarks without authorization or usage rights
  • - The words “iTunes Store,” “iTunes” or “Apple Inc.”
  • - iTunes Store logo, Apple logo or the term “Exclusive” without prior authorization from Apple

Podcasts with technical problems or without any episodes will be removed. If you do not update your podcast with new episodes, your podcast may disappear from some areas of the iTunes Store but will continue to be available via search on the iTunes Store and in the Podcasts app for iOS.

Can I have a review removed?

Apple does not remove reviews for editorial purposes. You may request removal of reviews that contain profanity, hate speech, explicit or pornographic content, or content that is entirely off-topic.

To request removal of a review, click Report a Concern for that review.

Does the iTunes Store allow podcasts containing advertising or sponsoring?

Yes, advertising and sponsoring in podcasts is allowed.

Can I sell my podcast in the iTunes Store?

No, podcasts can only be offered for free in the iTunes Store. Podcasts requiring an external user name and password are not allowed.

Can I password-protect my podcast?

iTunes supports Basic and Digest Authorization, but the iTunes Store does not list password-protected podcasts.

Do I need an Apple ID to submit a podcast feed?

Yes, you must sign in with a valid Apple ID to submit a podcast. Submitting a podcast feed is free.

How do I find out how many subscribers my podcast has?

You may obtain subscription or download information from the server that hosts your podcast episodes.

Contact your server administrator or web host for details on configuring podcast analytics.

Can I earn money by linking to the iTunes Store?

Yes. When you join the Affiliate Program and link to any content (paid or free) on the iTunes Store, App Store, Mac App Store and iBooks Store, you earn commissions on sales that users make for up to 24 hours after clicking your link.

Affiliate links can be shared on social media or included in your podcast or episode descriptions or subtitles to recommend or promote any content on the iTunes Store, App Store, Mac App Store and iBooks Store.

To learn more, see the iTunes Affiliate Program.

How can I create a page that aggregates my podcasts?

If you have multiple podcasts listed in the iTunes Store, Apple can create a single page, called a “provider page,” to list all of your podcasts in one place.

To request a provider page, contact us. Include the following:

  • - Podcast provider name (without extra information such as “Inc.,” “LLC” and so on)
  • - iTunes Store links to your podcasts (to obtain the URL, control-click the podcast title in the iTunes Store)
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