How to Publish Podcast Episodes on Squarespace
TL;DR:
- Use the Audio block in blog posts to embed podcast episodes
- Squarespace supports .mp3 and .m4a files up to 160 MB per upload
- Add metadata tags in the Audio block's Podcasting tab for Apple Podcasts compatibility
- Host larger files externally and link them using the External File option
- Only the first audio block in each post appears in your podcast feed
Publishing podcast episodes on Squarespace is straightforward once you know the process. The platform handles most of the technical setup through its Audio block feature, which creates the RSS feed that podcast platforms need.
Starting a New Podcast Post
Head to your podcast blog page and click the '+' icon to create a new blog post. This post will contain your podcast episode along with any show notes or additional content.
Adding Your Audio File
Click to add a new block and select 'Audio' from the options. You can either drag your audio file directly into the upload area or click 'Upload File' to browse for your file.
Squarespace accepts .mp3 and .m4a files up to 160 MB. Once uploaded, you'll see the file details where you can edit the episode title and host name.
For files larger than 160 MB, use the 'External File' option to link to audio hosted on services like Libsyn or Anchor.
Setting Up Metadata for Podcast Platforms
This is where most people get tripped up. Click on the 'Podcasting' tab in your audio block settings and fill out these fields:
Title: Your episode title as it appears on Apple Podcasts and other platforms.
Subtitle: A short teaser that hooks potential listeners.
Summary and Episode Notes: Write a clear summary of what the episode covers. Episode notes can include detailed descriptions, guest information, and links.
Type, Season, and Episode Numbers: Choose between 'Full', 'Trailer', or 'Bonus' for type. Add season and episode numbers if you organize your podcast in seasons.
Duration and Explicit Content: Set the duration and mark explicit content if needed.
Adding Analytics (Optional)
If you want to track listens and downloads, add your analytics tracking URL in the 'Podcast Analytics URL' field. Services like Chartable or Podtrac provide these tracking URLs.
Publishing Your Episode
Add any show notes, images, or additional content blocks around your audio block. Remember that Squarespace only includes the first audio block from each post in your podcast feed, so don't add multiple audio files to one post.
When you're ready, either publish immediately or schedule the post for later. Your RSS feed updates automatically when you publish.
FAQs
How do I add metadata for Apple Podcasts?
In your audio block, click the 'Podcasting' tab and complete all the metadata fields including title, subtitle, summary, and episode details.
What if my audio file is too large?
Use the 'External File' option in the audio block to link to files hosted elsewhere. This bypasses Squarespace's 160 MB limit.
When will my episode appear on podcast platforms?
Apple Podcasts typically updates within 24 hours. Other platforms have similar refresh schedules, though some may be faster.
Can I edit episode details after publishing?
Yes, you can edit metadata and content after publishing. The changes will appear in your RSS feed and update on podcast platforms during their next refresh cycle.
Jargon Buster
RSS Feed: The behind-the-scenes feed that delivers your podcast episodes to platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Metadata: Information about your episode including title, description, and episode number that helps platforms categorize and display your content.
Audio Block: Squarespace's tool for uploading and managing audio files with podcast-specific features.
External File: A way to link to audio files hosted on other services instead of uploading directly to Squarespace.
Wrap-up
Getting your podcast episodes live on Squarespace comes down to using the Audio block properly and filling out the metadata correctly. The platform handles the technical RSS feed creation, so you can focus on creating great content.
Take time to write compelling episode descriptions and titles. These details make the difference between someone clicking play or scrolling past your episode.
Ready to dive deeper into building your online presence? Join Pixelhaze Academy for comprehensive training on Squarespace and beyond.