Step-by-Step: How to Create an RSS Feed for Spotify & Apple Podcasts (2026)
Do you need two separate feeds? No. But you do need one universal feed that speaks the language of both giants.
In this guide, we will use the newly updated PodTools RSS Generator to build a single XML file that passes validation on both Spotify and Apple instantly.
If you are searching for a spotify rss feed generator, you might be confused. Does Spotify have its own code? Does Apple have its own?
The short answer is: Spotify reads Apple’s code.
To get your show on Spotify, you actually need to build an Apple-compliant feed. This guide will walk you through the specific tags you need to create rss feed for spotify and Apple simultaneously.
The “Universal Feed”: One File to Rule Them All
You do not create a feed “on” Spotify. You create a feed on your own server (or host), and then you submit that URL to Spotify.
However, Spotify is picky. Even though it’s not Apple, it requires the iTunes Namespace tags to display your cover art and categories correctly.
| Requirement | Spotify Needs It? | Apple Needs It? |
|---|---|---|
| RSS 2.0 Standard | Yes | Yes |
| <itunes:image> | Yes (For Cover Art) | Yes (Critical) |
| <itunes:explicit> | Yes (For “E” Badge) | Yes (Critical) |
| Email in Feed | Yes (For Verification) | No (Optional now) |
The 3 Tags You Must Have (Or Be Rejected)
Most generic RSS generators fail because they miss these three specific tags. Our RSS Generator was updated in 2026 to auto-fill these for you.
👉 Tool Feature: Our generator has a simple “Clean/Explicit” dropdown to handle this.
👉 Tool Feature: Our generator includes the official 2026 Apple Category List.
Tutorial: Generate Your Spotify-Ready Feed
Stop coding by hand. Use our tool to build a compliant XML file in seconds.
Go to the Podcast RSS Generator. Enter your Title, Description, and link your Cover Art (Make sure it is 3000x3000px).
Select your Category (e.g., Business) and Explicit rating. Enter your owner email (Crucial for Spotify verification!).
Paste the direct link to your MP3 file. The tool will generate the <enclosure> tag automatically.
Download the rss.xml file and upload it to your website or GitHub Pages. You now have a Feed URL (e.g., mysite.com/rss.xml).
How to Submit to Directories
Now that you have your valid URL, here is where to paste it.
Spotify for Podcasters
- Log in to Spotify for Podcasters.
- Click “Add your podcast”.
- Paste your RSS URL.
- Check your email for the verification code.
Apple Podcasts Connect
- Log in to Apple Podcasts Connect.
- Click “+” and “New Show”.
- Select “Add a show with an RSS feed”.
- Paste your URL.
Before You Submit: The Safety Check
Apple and Spotify hate broken feeds. If your XML has a syntax error, they will reject it, and you might have to wait days to retry.
ALWAYS run your URL through our Podcast RSS Validator first.
It checks specifically for:
✅ Image Size (Must be square)
✅ HTTPS Support
✅ Byte-Range Support (for streaming)
Frequency Asked Questions
Do I need to pay to put my podcast on Spotify?
No. Spotify is free for podcasters. You just need to create rss feed for spotify (which you can do for free with our tool) and submit it. You do not need to pay a hosting platform.
Can I use Google Drive for my audio files?
No. Spotify and Apple require “Direct Download Links” that support byte-range requests. Google Drive links are “viewer” links. Use GitHub Releases, Archive.org, or AWS S3 for hosting your MP3s.
Why is my cover art blurry on Apple Podcasts?
Apple requires 3000x3000px images. If you uploaded a 500x500px image, it will look terrible or be rejected. Use our Cover Art Checker to fix this.
