Launch Your Podcast Using Squarespace
TL;DR:
- Create a podcast with Squarespace using a dedicated blog page for episodes
- Use the audio block feature to upload and manage your podcast episodes
- Automatically format and submit your RSS feed to services like Apple Podcasts
- Squarespace supports only audio podcasts with a 160 MB file limit per episode
- You can't submit podcasts during a trial period or from password-protected pages
Squarespace makes podcasting straightforward with built-in tools for hosting, organizing, and distributing your episodes. Here's how to get your podcast up and running.
Getting Started with Your Podcast on Squarespace
Set Up Your Podcast Blog Page
Create a specific blog page on your Squarespace site to host all your podcast episodes. This designated page will organize your content and help listeners easily access different episodes.
The blog format works well for podcasts because it automatically generates the RSS feed you'll need for distribution. Each blog post becomes an episode, and Squarespace handles the technical formatting behind the scenes.
Upload Your Podcast Episodes
For each episode, create a new blog post. Use the audio block functionality to upload your audio files directly to the site. This block is designed specifically for podcast content and integrates seamlessly with your RSS feed.
Write compelling episode descriptions in your blog posts. These descriptions appear in podcast apps and help listeners decide whether to play your episode. Include key topics, guest names, and any relevant links or resources.
Submit Your RSS Feed
Once your blog page is set up with a few episodes, you can submit your RSS feed to podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Squarespace automatically generates this feed from your blog content.
Your RSS feed URL follows this format: yoursite.com/blog-page-name?format=rss
This feed updates automatically when you publish new episodes, so listeners who subscribe will receive new content without any manual work from you.
Keep Adding New Content
Consistency matters in podcasting. Regular publishing builds audience expectations and helps with discoverability on podcast platforms. Use Squarespace's scheduling feature to plan releases in advance.
The blog's categorization features help organize episodes by topic, season, or series. This makes navigation easier for your audience and helps new listeners find relevant content.
Working Around Squarespace Limitations
Trial Period and Privacy Restrictions
You can't submit your podcast to platforms like Apple Podcasts if your site is still in its trial period or protected by passwords. The podcast platforms need to access your RSS feed to approve your submission.
Move to a paid plan and remove any site-wide passwords before submitting to podcast directories. Individual page passwords are fine, but avoid protecting your main podcast blog page.
File Size and Content Limitations
Squarespace limits audio files to 160 MB per episode. For most podcasts, this means roughly 2-3 hours of content at standard quality settings.
If your files are too large, compress them using audio editing software before uploading. Most podcast episodes benefit from compression anyway as it reduces download times for listeners.
Squarespace only supports audio podcasts, not video. If you're planning a video podcast, you'll need to host video files elsewhere and embed them in your blog posts.
External Hosting Considerations
If you host your audio files on external platforms like Libsyn or Anchor, Squarespace can't auto-update your feeds. You'll need to manually update your site with new episodes and ensure your RSS feed reflects the correct file locations.
For most users, Squarespace's built-in hosting is simpler and more reliable than external solutions.
Enhancing Your Podcast Website
Track Performance with Analytics
Use Squarespace's built-in analytics to track page views and engagement on your podcast episodes. While this won't show download numbers from podcast apps, it gives you insight into web-based listening and episode popularity.
For more detailed podcast analytics, consider third-party services that integrate with your RSS feed. These can provide download numbers, listener locations, and device information.
Design Your Podcast Presence
Create an About page explaining your podcast's focus and introducing hosts or regular contributors. Include professional headshots and brief biographies to help listeners connect with your content.
Write detailed show notes for each episode. These help with search engine optimization and give listeners a preview of what they'll hear. Include timestamps for longer episodes so listeners can jump to specific topics.
Use summary blocks to feature recent episodes prominently on your homepage. This helps new visitors discover your podcast content quickly.
Add social media links and enable comments on your episodes. Community engagement builds loyalty and can provide topic ideas for future episodes.
FAQs
Can I submit my podcast to Apple Podcasts while my Squarespace site is still in the trial period?
No, you need an active paid plan. Apple Podcasts and other platforms require access to your RSS feed for approval, which isn't available during the trial period.
How can I track my podcast's audience using Squarespace analytics?
Squarespace analytics show page views and engagement for your podcast blog posts, but won't track downloads from podcast apps. For detailed podcast metrics, use third-party analytics services that connect to your RSS feed.
Are there any limitations to podcasting with Squarespace?
Yes, several key limitations: 160 MB file size limit per episode, audio-only content (no video), and no submission capability during trial periods or from password-protected pages. You also can't host video podcasts natively.
Jargon Buster
RSS Feed: The technical format that distributes your podcast episodes. When listeners subscribe to your RSS feed, they automatically receive new episodes in their podcast app.
Podcast: A series of audio episodes focused on particular topics or themes, distributed through podcast platforms and apps.
Audio Block: Squarespace's tool for uploading and managing audio files in your blog posts, specifically designed for podcast content.
Wrap-up
Squarespace provides a solid foundation for podcast hosting with automatic RSS feed generation, built-in audio hosting, and integrated analytics. The platform works best for straightforward audio podcasts where you want everything managed in one place.
The main limitations are file size restrictions and the need for a paid plan before submitting to major podcast directories. For most podcasters, these constraints are manageable and the convenience of having hosting, website, and distribution handled together makes Squarespace a practical choice.
Ready to take your podcast to the next level? Join Pixelhaze Academy for advanced tutorials and expert guidance on building your online presence.