Troubleshooting Your Google Podcasts Submission
Get help troubleshooting your Google Podcasts submission and improve your chances of getting listed on their platform. Our guide shows you how to fix common issues and get your podcast heard by a wider audience.
Troubleshooting Google Podcasts Submission Common Issues When Submitting Your Podcast to Google Podcasts
As a podcaster, you know that distributing your show on different platforms is essential to reach a broader audience. Google Podcasts is one of the most popular podcast directories out there, and submitting your show to it is a must. However, things don't always go as smoothly as we want, and you might encounter issues during the submission process. In this article, we'll explore some common problems you might face and how to troubleshoot them.
Verify Your RSS Feed
Before submitting your podcast to Google Podcasts, you need to make sure that your RSS feed is working correctly. Your RSS feed is the source of your podcast content, and it's what Google Podcasts uses to fetch new episodes. A broken or malformed feed will prevent your show from being added to Google Podcasts.
To check your RSS feed, you can use a tool like FeedValidator.org or Cast Feed Validator. These tools will parse your feed and report any errors or warnings. Common issues include missing or invalid tags, incorrect formatting, or excessive HTML code. Once you've fixed any errors, make sure to test your feed again to confirm that it's working correctly.
Check Your Podcast Artwork
Podcast artwork is a crucial element of your show's branding, and it's also important for directory listings like Google Podcasts. If your artwork doesn't meet Google's guidelines, your submission will be rejected.
The recommended size for podcast artwork is 3000 x 3000 pixels, and the file should be in PNG or JPEG format. Make sure your artwork is visually appealing and relevant to your podcast's topic. Avoid using copyrighted images or text, as this can result in your submission being rejected.
Ensure Your Podcast Meets Google's Content Policies
Google has strict content policies that all podcasts must follow to be accepted into their directory. Some of the most common violations include hate speech, adult content, and copyright infringement. Before submitting your show, make sure that it complies with Google's policies.
You can review Google's content policies on their website. If your show contains any prohibited content, you'll need to remove it before submitting it to Google Podcasts.
Double-Check Your Submission Information
When submitting your podcast to Google Podcasts, you'll need to provide some basic information, such as your podcast's title, author, and description. Make sure that all the information you provide is accurate and up-to-date.
Common mistakes include misspelling the podcast's title or author name, using outdated descriptions, or leaving fields blank. These errors can prevent your submission from being accepted, so double-check all the information before submitting.
Contact Google Support
If you've tried all the above steps and still can't submit your podcast to Google Podcasts, it might be time to contact their support team. Google provides a dedicated support form for podcasters, where you can submit your issue and receive assistance.
When contacting Google support, make sure to provide as much detail as possible about your issue, including any error messages or screenshots. The more information you can provide, the faster their support team can assist you.
Conclusion
Submitting your podcast to Google Podcasts can be a bit tricky, but by following the above troubleshooting tips, you'll be able to identify and fix most issues. Remember to verify your RSS feed, check your podcast artwork, ensure your show meets Google's content policies, double-check your submission information, and contact Google support if all else fails. With these steps, you'll be on your way to reaching a broader audience through Google Podcasts.
