Start Your Podcast on Squarespace
TL;DR:
- Use a dedicated blog page to host your podcast episodes
- Add an audio block to your first post for Apple Podcasts compatibility
- Configure RSS feed settings in the Podcasting tab
- Upload square artwork between 1400px-3000px at 72 DPI
- Submit your RSS feed URL to Apple Podcasts for distribution
- New episodes appear on platforms within 24 hours
Setting Up Your Podcast Blog Page
First, you'll need a dedicated blog page for your podcast. This keeps everything organized and creates the RSS feed that podcast platforms need.
Create Your Blog Page
In the Squarespace editor, go to the Pages panel and click the '+' icon. Select 'Blog' and choose a URL you'll stick with long-term. Changing this later breaks your feed and loses subscribers.
If you already have a blog, you can repurpose it for podcasting instead.
Configure Podcast Settings
Once your blog page is ready, click on the blog title, then the settings icon. Navigate to the 'Feeds' tab and select 'Podcasting'.
Here's where you'll enter your podcast details:
- Title and description
- Author information
- Up to three categories for Apple Podcasts
- Language settings
Choose Your Feed Type
You have two options:
- Standard: Shows full post content, supports up to 100 episodes
- Optimized for Podcasting: Shows only excerpts, supports up to 300 episodes
For most podcasts, the optimized version works better since it loads faster and handles more episodes.
Episode Organization
Decide whether your podcast is:
- Episodic: Newest episodes first (works for most shows)
- Serial: Chronological order (better for storytelling podcasts)
Mark explicit content if your podcast includes mature themes.
Uploading Your Podcast Artwork
Your cover art needs to meet specific requirements:
- Square JPG or PNG file
- Between 1400px × 1400px and 3000px × 3000px
- Under 512 KB file size
- RGB color format at 72 DPI
Drag and drop your image into the uploader in your podcast settings. This artwork appears in podcast directories and players.
Publishing Your First Episode
Create a new blog post with your first episode. Add an audio block and upload your audio file. This post becomes your first podcast episode automatically.
Write a compelling episode description with relevant keywords. This helps people find your podcast in search results.
Getting Your RSS Feed URL
Your RSS feed URL follows this format: https://yoursitename.squarespace.com/blogname?format=rss
This URL is what you'll submit to podcast directories. You can find the exact URL in your podcast settings.
Submitting to Apple Podcasts
Go to Apple's Podcasts Connect and create an account. Submit your RSS feed URL and wait for approval. This usually takes a few days.
Once approved, your podcast appears in Apple Podcasts and episodes update automatically within 24 hours.
Managing Multiple Podcasts
If you want to run multiple podcast series, create separate blog pages for each one. Each gets its own RSS feed and can be submitted to directories independently.
This approach keeps your content organized and gives you better control over each show's branding and categorization.
Regular Episode Updates
New episodes appear automatically when you publish blog posts with audio blocks. The RSS feed updates immediately, but podcast platforms typically sync every 24 hours.
Keep your episode descriptions detailed and keyword-rich. This improves discoverability across all podcast platforms.
FAQs
Can I change my podcast details after setup?
Yes, you can update details anytime in the Podcasting tab under blog settings. Changes sync to podcast platforms within 24 hours.
How quickly do new episodes appear on Apple Podcasts?
New episodes usually appear within 24 hours due to Apple Podcasts' update frequency.
Can I run multiple podcasts from my Squarespace site?
Yes, create separate blog pages for each podcast and manage them individually with their own RSS feeds.
What happens if I change my blog URL?
Your RSS feed URL changes, breaking the connection to podcast directories. You'll need to resubmit everywhere and may lose existing subscribers.
Jargon Buster
RSS Feed: A web feed that automatically updates podcast platforms when you publish new episodes
Audio Block: Squarespace's feature for embedding audio files directly into blog posts
Apple Podcasts: Apple's podcast platform where users discover and subscribe to shows
Podcasts Connect: Apple's dashboard for podcast creators to submit and manage their shows
Wrap-up
Squarespace makes podcast hosting straightforward once you understand the setup process. The key is configuring your blog page correctly from the start and maintaining consistent publishing habits.
Your podcast's success depends more on great content than technical complexity. Focus on creating valuable episodes for your audience while Squarespace handles the technical distribution.
Ready to take your podcast to the next level? Join Pixelhaze Academy for advanced Squarespace tutorials and expert guidance.