Podcast launch checklist | How to Podcast

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Podcast launch checklist

Everything to do before, during and after launch day, as a printable checklist that remembers your progress in this browser.

Launching a podcast is a few dozen small jobs, and the ones people forget (cover art sizes, directory review times, a backlog of episodes) are the ones that delay launch day. Here’s the full podcast launch checklist, in order. Tick items off as you go: your progress is saved in this browser only, and nothing is sent anywhere.

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Six or more weeks before launch: plan the show

Write the show’s one-sentence promise: who it’s for and what they get How
Choose a format (solo, co-host, interview, narrative) and a target episode length How
Pick a name and check it isn’t already taken in podcast apps How
Decide your schedule (weekly, fortnightly, seasons) and keep it realistic
List 10–20 episode ideas and book your first guests How
Set up a quiet recording space How
Get your microphone and headphones, and test them How

Four weeks before: produce the first episodes

Write an intro and outro script How
Find or make theme music under a licence that allows podcast use How
Record a 1–2 minute trailer How
Record and edit at least three episodes How
Export to MP3 at a consistent loudness and add ID3 tags How
Ask a friend to listen to episode one on a phone, and fix what they notice

Two to three weeks before: set up publishing

Choose a podcast host that lets you redirect your feed if you leave How
Make square cover art, 3000 × 3000 pixels, readable at thumbnail size
Write the show description and pick categories How
Upload the trailer and check the RSS feed How
Submit the feed to Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other directories (Apple’s review can take several days) How
Set up a simple website or show page, and an email address for listeners
Reserve social handles and set up a newsletter sign-up

Launch day

Publish the first episodes together (two or three is common), with full show notes How
Check every episode plays in at least two podcast apps
Tell people personally: message 20 friends, colleagues and guests with the link
Post on your social channels with a short clip or audiogram
Send guests a ready-made post and clip they can share
Ask early listeners to follow the show and leave a rating

The first month

Publish on schedule, every time
Reply to every listener message and review
Guest on one other podcast in your niche How
Check your downloads after 7 and 30 days, and note which episodes do best
Keep three finished episodes in reserve so a busy week doesn’t break your schedule
Review what worked and adjust the format, length or segments

Why launch with more than one episode?

New listeners who like your first episode want a second one immediately. Launching with two or three episodes lets them binge, which helps them decide to follow. It also gives you a buffer: if you’ve recorded ahead, a busy week or a cancelled guest doesn’t break your schedule.

How far ahead should I start?

Six to eight weeks is comfortable for a first show. The fixed delays are directory review (Apple can take several days; others are faster) and guest scheduling. Everything else depends on how much time you can give it each week.

Cover art requirements in brief

Square, between 1400 × 1400 and 3000 × 3000 pixels; make it 3000 × 3000.
JPEG or PNG, in the RGB colour space.
Readable when it’s the size of a fingernail: a few large words at most.
No other platforms’ logos, and nothing misleading. See Apple’s podcast requirements.

Launched? Keep going with how to grow your podcast audience.