Tulip Podcast Manager 🎙️ Bojana Lalic

Getting your podcast listed on Apple Podcasts can significantly boost your visibility and audience reach. However, the approval process can sometimes hit a snag, leaving many podcasters puzzled about what went wrong. Understanding the common reasons why Apple might not approve your show and knowing how to address these issues is crucial for a smooth submission process. Here’s a breakdown of typical pitfalls and actionable tips to ensure your podcast gets the green light.

Common Reasons for Rejection by Apple Podcasts

Inappropriate Content

Issue: Apple Podcasts has strict guidelines regarding explicit content, hate speech, and other offensive material.

Fix: Review Apple’s content guidelines thoroughly and edit your episodes to remove or properly tag explicit content. Always opt for honesty and transparency by marking episodes as explicit if they contain adult themes or language.

Metadata Issues

Issue: Incorrect or incomplete metadata, including your podcast title, description, or category, can lead to a rejection.

Fix: Ensure that your podcast’s metadata accurately reflects the content. Avoid overly promotional language in the title or description, and make sure the category truly represents the podcast’s subject matter.

Artwork Problems

Issue: Apple requires podcast cover art to meet specific technical standards (minimum size of 1400×1400 pixels and maximum of 3000×3000 pixels, in JPEG or PNG format, 72 dpi, in the RGB color space).

Fix: Design your artwork to meet Apple’s specifications. Use high-quality images that are visually appealing and representative of your podcast’s theme.

Audio Quality

Issue: Poor audio quality can prevent approval.

Fix: Invest in good recording equipment or hire a professional to enhance the sound quality of your episodes. Make sure your audio files are in a compatible format (MP3 or AAC) and bitrate (preferably 256 kbps).

RSS Feed Errors

Issue: Problems with your RSS feed, such as broken links or incorrect file formats, can block approval.

Fix: Validate your RSS feed with an online tool to ensure it’s fully functional and complies with Apple’s requirements. Make any necessary corrections to the feed structure or content.

Lack of Original Content

Issue: Apple Podcasts favors original content. Shows that are overly promotional or consist mainly of reused content (like public domain audiobooks) might face rejection.

Fix: Focus on creating unique and original content that provides value to your listeners.

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While it can be frustrating to face a rejection from Apple Podcasts, understanding the common reasons can help you navigate the approval process more effectively. By ensuring your content, audio quality, metadata, and artwork meet Apple’s standards, you can increase the likelihood of your podcast being approved. Remember, preparation and attention to detail are key to showcasing your podcast on one of the world’s largest platforms.

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Have you experienced challenges getting your podcast approved by Apple Podcasts? What tips or tricks did you find helpful in addressing these issues? Share your experiences in the comments below to help fellow podcasters navigate this process successfully.