If you’re looking to get your podcasts on a streaming service, there are a few things you should consider. One of those is whether to opt for a paid subscription to Spotify, Apple Music, or any of the other streaming services available. However, you should keep in mind that not all subscriptions are the same. While the free versions of each service provide a good range of songs and audio content, paid versions may allow you to access additional features, including monetizing your content on Anchor.
Apple may reconsider its requirements for paid Spotify subscriptions
The music streaming service Spotify is facing a new set of challenges. A recent report from the Wall Street Journal indicated that Apple is considering tweaking its requirements for paid subscriptions.
While the company has yet to comment, the move could force major artists like Coldplay and Adele to rethink their Spotify strategy.
Previously, the music platform allowed only 3,000 songs to be downloaded for offline listening. Now it allows up to 10,000 songs per device. This could make the service less appealing to users.
Spotify also has a free version that has been an essential marketing tool for many acts. However, it does not allow you to upload your own music. Instead, it uses a third-party distributor. You can upload music via your computer or mobile device, but you cannot download it directly to an iPhone or iPad.
Spotify’s new Premium service, which can cost a bit more, comes with a slew of benefits. For one thing, it gets rid of ads on podcasts. It also offers a headphone tuner. And you’ll receive $2 TB of iCloud storage.
Spotify is also looking to expand its business as a ticketing vendor. Currently, you can buy tickets through the site’s Fans First program.
The company recently negotiated a deal with Coldplay. That deal could be worth $100 million. It would also be the first of its kind. The company had offered to restrict access to the new album to the premium version.
Interestingly, Apple has reportedly been receiving criticism from rival music services like Pandora and Spotify. Some believe that the company is pressuring the record labels to dismantle the free tier.
Three price tiers available
Spotify recently announced three price tiers for its new paid-podcast subscription platform. These tiers will allow creators to target specific audiences.
Spotify will offer a free trial period for subscribers. These free podcasts can be listened to in the app or in a web browser. Those who choose to pay for subscriptions will also receive bonus content. Currently, the most popular price tier is $4.99.
However, there are a few changes coming. The most notable is that subscribers will no longer be able to use the “play” button to listen to shows. Rather, the app will show a lock icon. This will direct users to an Anchor page where they can subscribe. The paywall will be in place for two weeks. Then, the subscription will be available to international users.
In addition, Spotify plans to expand its paid-podcast subscription platform to more markets. It will open the service to creators outside of the U.S. beginning in May.
Initially, the platform will be offered to a small group of creators. This will allow the company to test the new system. Once the test period is complete, more creators will be able to offer subscriptions.
Spotify is also testing a premium tier that does not contain ads. The Premium tier costs $10 a month for individuals and $16 for up to six people. These users will have access to ad-free streaming of 80 million tracks. The Premium tier also offers ad-free on-demand access to 4 million podcast titles. It is not yet clear whether these users will be required to purchase in-app purchases.
As of now, the paywall only applies to new releases. In the future, creators will be able to mark certain episodes as “subscriber-only” and turn on a paywall for all of their shows. They will also have the ability to share private RSS fees with their subscribers.
Get a direct link to your podcast episodes
If you are looking to start a podcast, you may want to consider Spotify. This platform provides high quality audio and is a great way to share your content with the masses. But before you can share, you will need to provide a link to your podcast.
First, you will need to set up a podcast RSS feed. This will give you a direct link to your podcast episodes on Spotify.
You can find the RSS feed in the dashboard of your podcast hosting service. Once you have it, copy it and paste it into the relevant fields of the Spotify for Podcasters portal.
Next, you will need to add a few details about your podcast. This includes an episode description, a cover image, and a rating. You will also need to make sure your podcast RSS feed is in a format that is compatible with Spotify.
You can do this using a desktop or mobile app. If you are a Spotify premium subscriber, you will have access to a number of features. You will also have the option to download your subscribers’ contact list.
It’s not always easy to track a podcast’s success. However, a QR code can be a great way to get new listeners. This will allow you to share your content with your followers instantly. You can generate universal links with QR Code Monkey.
Lastly, you can use Plink to create smart episode links. These can be shared via email, on social media, or in your show notes. If you don’t want to redirect users into apps, you can also try out Buzzsprout.
Monetize your content on Anchor
When it comes to monetizing your podcast, you can find a variety of services to choose from. Many of these websites offer a free service, while others require you to pay a fee.
Anchor is one such platform. This service is designed to provide users with all the necessary tools for creating, recording and editing their own podcasts. Its features are plentiful, including automatic distribution, unlimited storage, an analytics dashboard, and a mobile app.
Anchor allows users to import and distribute their own pre-recorded audio, as well as record video and gameplay commentary. It even includes a transcription feature for the nitty gritty details.
It is also worth noting that Anchor supports popular podcasting platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Google Play Music. As with any distribution method, the monetization options on Anchor vary.
You can make money by selling a downloadable resource with each episode. Or you can offer subscribers a monthly recurring donation. This can be a lucrative source of passive income. You may have to wait for a certain number of listeners before you can start offering this.
You can also sell tickets to live events. You will need to create an ecommerce shopping cart. You can then use Eventbrite to host these events.
Another option is to sell custom merchandise. This can be a very lucrative way to monetize your podcast. It is also very easy to do. You can create designs or upload your own artwork to sell. Then, when someone buys the item, the site will send you a payment.
Anchor also offers a premium sponsorship program, where you can sign up for a partnership with a brand. The company will help you create personalized advertisements for your podcast.
Launch a podcast
If you’ve recently launched a podcast, you probably know how important it is to get your show noticed by subscribers. But if you’re unfamiliar with the process, you might not be aware of all the options available to you.
The first step to launching a podcast on Spotify is to create a podcast RSS feed. This is a unique URL for your show. The link is located on your hosting service’s dashboard. Once you’ve created your link, you’ll want to add it to your profile on Spotify.
Once you have your RSS feed, you’ll need to get your show listed on Spotify. In order to do this, you’ll need to provide Spotify with a host name and a few basic details about your podcast.
You’ll need to include the name of your podcast, your tagline, and your podcast’s primary category. You’ll also need to include your country and primary language. This is information that will help Spotify identify your listeners.
When you’ve finished adding all your details, you’ll need to wait for approval from Spotify. This can take up to 24 hours.
If you’re not sure whether your podcast will be approved, you can contact Spotify for an approval status check. If your show isn’t accepted, you’ll be notified. If it is accepted, you’ll be sent instructions to verify your account. If you don’t receive any of these, you might be logged out of your Spotify account.
In the meantime, you can begin promoting your podcast. A great way to do this is by using email marketing. If you have a small audience, you can start to grow it by sending out an e-mail with a direct link to your show.
