Submitting your podcast to YouTube using your RSS feed
YouTube allows podcasters to distribute their shows to YouTube by connecting an existing RSS feed. This lets YouTube automatically ingest your episodes, metadata, and artwork without uploading videos manually.
Below is a step‑by‑step guide that mirrors the workflow and expectations used by YouTube today.
Before you begin
Make sure you have the following ready:
An active podcast RSS feed (from PodcastAI or another host)
Ownership or admin access to a Google account / YouTube Studio
A podcast that complies with YouTube content policies
A feed that is publicly accessible (no login or IP restrictions)
Important: YouTube reads your RSS feed continuously. Changes to titles, descriptions, artwork, or episodes should always be made at the host level, not inside YouTube Studio.
Step 1: Sign in to YouTube Studio
Go to YouTube Studio
Log in using the Google account that will own the podcast
If you do not already have a YouTube channel, one will be created automatically.
Step 2: Create a new podcast in YouTube Studio
In the left‑hand menu, click Content
Select Podcasts
Click Create podcast
Choose Submit RSS feed (or Add via RSS, depending on region)
Step 3: Paste your RSS feed URL
Paste your podcast RSS feed URL
Click Next
YouTube will now validate the feed and check:
Feed structure
Episode enclosure URLs
Artwork requirements
Required podcast tags and metadata
If validation fails, YouTube will show an error explaining what needs to be fixed.
Step 4: Verify ownership of the podcast
YouTube requires proof that you control the RSS feed.
You will be prompted to verify ownership using one of two methods:
Option A: Email verification (recommended)
YouTube sends a verification email to the address listed in your RSS feed (
itunes:emailor equivalent)Click the verification link in the email
Option B: Verification token in RSS feed
YouTube provides a unique verification token
Add this token to your RSS feed as instructed
Wait for YouTube to re‑scan the feed
Once verified, you can proceed.
Step 5: Review podcast details
YouTube will import the following directly from your RSS feed:
Podcast title
Show description
Episode titles and descriptions
Artwork
Episode audio files
Review the details and confirm they are correct.
Tip: If something looks wrong, fix it in your podcast host and wait for YouTube to refresh the feed.
Step 6: Publish your podcast
Click Publish
YouTube will begin ingesting your episodes
Episodes are converted into static video players using your podcast artwork and audio.
Initial ingestion can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on feed size.
After publishing: how updates work
New episodes are automatically published to YouTube when they appear in your RSS feed
Episode updates (titles, descriptions, artwork) sync from your RSS feed
Episode deletions or changes may take time to reflect due to caching
You should continue managing your podcast only through your hosting platform.
Common issues and troubleshooting
RSS feed rejected
Ensure your feed is valid and publicly accessible
Confirm all episodes include a valid audio enclosure
Make sure required podcast tags are present
Verification email not received
Check the email address listed in your RSS feed
Check spam or junk folders
Try the verification‑token method instead
Episodes missing or delayed
YouTube caches RSS feeds aggressively
Allow up to 24 hours for updates to appear