If you already have an RSS.com account with at least one episode published, you will still need to join the Apple Podcasters Program<\/b>. Click here to jump to that step<\/a>, or simply scroll down to Step 2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How to set up an RSS.com account:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1<\/b>. Go to https:\/\/dashboard.rss.com\/auth\/sign-up\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 2<\/b>. Enter an email address that you would like to use for your show. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 3<\/b>. Choose a password, and click \u201cGet started for free.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4<\/b>. Enter the verification code sent to the email address used to set up your account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6<\/b>. Next, fill out your author details and choose the category that best describes your new podcast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7<\/b>. Next, add your show’s cover art. If you need help, ideas or inspiration, check out this post on how to make an engaging podcast cover using Canva.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that your RSS.com account is set up, you will next need to upload a trailer or your first episode in your RSS.com dashboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udea8 You\u2019ll need at least one public episode or trailer to submit your show to Apple Podcasts Connect. If you don’t complete this required step, you will not be able to set up Apple Podcasts Subscriptions through Apple Podcasts Connect.<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n After publishing your first episode, you next need to enable Apple Podcasts from the Distribution tab in your RSS.com dashboard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once your show has been successfully distributed to Apple Podcasts, you\u2019ll see a green \u201cActive\u201d button in the top right. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll then be able to copy your Apple Podcasts show URL, which you\u2019ll need to claim your show in Apple Podcasts Connect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Apple Podcasts Connect is where you submit and manage your podcast and subscriptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To offer paid subscriptions, you need an Apple Podcasts Connect account. To get started, you must have an Apple ID. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s important to note that almost every iPhone, iPad, or Apple Music user has an Apple ID.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you have an Apple ID, go to podcastsconnect.apple.com<\/a>, log in, and follow the prompts to set up your Apple Podcasts Connect account. For teams or business use, you may want a dedicated Apple ID to keep access organized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once logged into Apple Podcasts Connect, you’ll be promoted to set up your account. <\/p>\n\n\n\n After you\u2019ve set up your Apple Podcasts Connect account, you\u2019ll need to join the Apple Podcasters Program<\/a>, and complete your agreement.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that your show has been successfully distributed to Apple Podcasts through RSS.com and you have an Apple Podcasts URL in your Distribution tab, it\u2019s time to claim your show in Apple Podcasts Connect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Under \u201cMore Actions,\u201d click \u201cClaim Existing Show\u201d and copy and paste your show\u2019s Apple Podcasts URL. Click “Next” once your podcast appears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next, copy the token using the “Copy” button.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paste your token into the Apple Podcasts section of the Distribution tab in your RSS.com dashboard and select “Claim.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1Once you\u2019ve added your token, RSS.com will include it in your podcast\u2019s RSS feed. Apple Podcasts will then review the feed to confirm the token matches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Apple notes that verification typically occurs within 24 hours, though the full process may take several days. Once verified, Apple will assign the show to your Apple Podcasts Connect account, officially claiming the podcast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s important to note, Apple will not contact you with a status<\/em> update<\/em> – once your podcast has been approved, your show will simply appear underneath “Podcasts” in your Apple Podcasts Connect account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once your show is reviewed and approved, you\u2019ll need to join the Apple Podcasters Program. This $19.99\/year membership allows you to offer premium episodes and paid subscriptions through Apple Podcasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In your account, select Subscriptions, then click the “Go to Account Details” button and choose Sign Up to join the program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The approval of a new subscription can take up to a few days to be reviewed and approved. Unlike adding a new podcast, the subscription you created on Apple Podcasts Connect was submitted for review and successfully approved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike with adding a new podcast to your account, when a subscription is approved, Apple Podcasts Connect will send you a confirmation email<\/strong> titled ‘Your Apple Podcasts subscription has been approved’. In your RSS.com dashboard, go to the Monetization tab and find Apple Podcasts Subscriptions, then click the “Set Up Apple Subscription” button.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before uploading your Apple API Key from Apple Podcasts Connect, select the \u201cMy Apple subscription has been approved\u201d button and check the box confirming you received Apple\u2019s confirmation email.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next, upload your API key in your RSS.com dashboard, and your status will change to Active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can now select how early you\u2019d like to release episodes to your subscribers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Options include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have RSS.com’s PAID (Programmatic Ads Inserted Dynamically) feature enabled, ads previously passed through to your Apple Podcasts subscribers along with your regular episodes. You can now choose to offer your Apple Podcasts subscribers an ad-free experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you enable the ad-free option in your RSS.com Monetization dashboard, PAID ads will be removed from the episodes delivered to your Apple Podcasts subscribers. Your free listeners will continue to hear ads as normal, but your paying subscribers on Apple Podcasts will receive the ad-free version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This gives subscribers a tangible benefit for supporting your show, and gives you another reason to promote your Apple Podcasts subscription.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2728 Learn more about the difference between Early Access, Exclusive, and Ad-Free episodes in our Help Center<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Next, in your RSS.com dashboard, you will be prompted to sync your show to Apple Podcasts Connect and confirm you own the rights to the content you are uploading on RSS.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that you\u2019ve synced your show to Apple Podcasts Connect through your RSS.com dashboard, you can decide how much to charge listeners for Early Access and\/or Exclusive episodes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To set up your subscription prices for your Early Access and Exclusive episodes, head back over to Apple Podcasts Connect and click \u201cSubscription\u201d in the left menu. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A pop up will appear to offer a new subscription. Click \u201cContinue\u201d to set up your pricing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You will now have a draft subscription where you can add your show’s details and set up your pricing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2728 For more information on setting up subscription benefits (features of your subscription) in Apple Podcasts Connect, click here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n You can charge as little as $0.49 up to $1,000.00\/month for Early Access or Exclusive episodes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When determining your fee, you\u2019ll want to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you gain more experience and grow your follower base, you can raise or lower your subscription prices to align with demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2728 To gain deeper insights into developing your subscription strategy, click here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In the example below, we selected \u201cSet Up Monthly Price\u201d and chose the $0.99\/month pricing tier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve chosen your subscription price, click \u201cNext” and you\u2019ll be shown a currency conversion chart listing your monthly price across all available countries and regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have a global listener base, you have the option to change the monthly pricing subscribers pay based on their location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s important to note that you\u2019ll need to set up monthly pricing before you can add a free trial option for your listeners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next, click \u201cSave.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that your pricing has been established, you can add your show’s promotional materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Promotion<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n This promotion is what will pop up when a non-subscriber attempts to access your early access audio in Apple Podcasts. Think of your promotion as an advertisement to purchase a new subscription.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To set this up, click \u201cPromote Your Subscription\u201d under the “Promotion” box in your subscription dashboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once your promotion has been set up, you can add a promotional banner and an icon within your subscription dashboard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The banner is what listeners will see on your channel and show pages, and the icon is what listeners will see when they confirm their payment information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Adding a promotional banner and icon are a great way to brand your show<\/a> and enhance the look and feel of your podcast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, head back to your RSS.com dashboard, and upload your first Early Access or Exclusive episode (see screenshot above).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first Early Access or Exclusive episode you upload on RSS.com will be different than your public trailers or episodes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udea8 The step is REQUIRED in order to submit your subscription to Apple for review.<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n Without uploading your first episode, you’ll receive a “Subscriber Audio Required” error message from Apple when you attempt to submit your show in Apple Podcasts Connect (see screenshot below).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that you’ve added the required details for your show in Apple Podcasts Connect, and have added your first Early Access and or Exclusive episode in your RSS.com dashboard, you’ll need to submit your subscription for review in Apple Podcasts Connect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n See purple “Submit For Review” box in top right-hand corner of screenshot below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your subscription will be manually reviewed by a real person, and once accepted, your premium content will be accessible on Apple Podcasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While you\u2019re waiting for your subscription to be accepted, the status in your “Subscription” tab will change from “Draft” to \u201cSubscription in Review.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Apple Podcasts Subscriptions is a program developed by Apple Podcasts that provides a way for creators to offer early access and or exclusive episodes to fans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2728 Click here to learn more about the Apple Podcasters Program.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Utilizing early access and\/or exclusive episodes, gives your faithful followers and fans another opportunity to support your show and get exclusive or early access to episodes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Choosing your subscription rules at the episode level means you\u2019ll have full creative control over which episodes are accessible to your subscribers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2728 If you need additional help or support with Apple Podcasts for Creators (Apple’s support hub), click here. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n When you create a new podcast with RSS.com, or if you are already an RSS.com subscriber, you’ll have the option to sign up for “Early Access” or “Exclusive” episodes in the \u201cMonetization\u201d tab of your dashboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Offering paid access through Apple Podcasts Subscriptions can be another great way to make money podcasting.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Apple, \u201cYou receive 70% of the subscription price at each billing cycle, minus applicable taxes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n For subscribers that pay for a full year, \u201cyour net revenue increases to 85% of the subscription price, minus applicable taxes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n You also have the potential to earn even more through paid subscriptions by joining Apple\u2019s Affiliate Program, which pays a commission for each person who becomes a paying subscriber through your affiliate link.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2728 Click here to learn more about Apple’s Affiliate Program.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you already have a show available on Apple Podcasts Subscriptions, you qualify to join the Apple Podcasts Affiliate Program. This program is also referred to as the Performance Partner Program. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2728 Click here to start your application to join the program.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Apple, when someone purchases a subscription through your affiliate link, \u201cyou can earn a one-time payment of 50% on the first paid month of every subscription membership you drive on a 30-day cookie window.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the subscription you’re promoting is $2\/month, you’ll receive $1 \u201cin equivalent commissions.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n YES! Apple has created an Apple Podcasts Promotion Form that allows creators to submit their shows to be featured on the Apple Podcasts Subscriptions homepage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Being featured on the Apple Podcasts Subscriptions homepage will greatly increase your show’s visibility and may lead to new subscribers who were previously not aware of your show. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You must have an Apple Podcasts Connect account, a membership to the Apple Podcasters Program and a published subscription prior to submitting your show be featured<\/p>\n\n\n\n To submit your show to be featured, click here.<\/a> You will need to sign in with your Apple ID to view the form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Previously Apple Podcasts Subscriptions were available only to Apple users. However, Apple Podcasts is now accessible to anyone with a web browser<\/a> on any device (including Android). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now your listeners can subscribe to your show regardless of the device they are listening on!<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Screenshot-2022-12-13-11.36.26-AM.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Screenshot-2022-12-13-1.45.06-PM-1024x263.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
![\"setting](\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/setting-up-a-new-podcast-with-RSS-is-easy.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"1-Click](\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1-Click-Automatic-Distribution-to-Podcast-Directories-1024x683.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/copy-your-shows-apple-podcasts-url-in-your-rss.com-dashboard-1024x569.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Step 2. Create an Apple Podcasts Connect Account <\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"apple](\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2025-12-24-9.51.37-AM-1024x621.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
![\"set](\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Screenshot-2022-12-15-9.31.55-AM-1024x773.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Step 3. Claim Your Show in Apple Podcasts Connect<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/claim-existing-show-in-apple-podcasts-connect-1024x669.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/claim-your-podcast-in-apple-podcsats-connect-1024x707.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/copy-your-code-in-apple-podcasts-connect-1024x627.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/copy-your-token-and-paste-it-into-your-rss.com-dashboard-1024x506.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Screenshot-2025-12-26-2.05.39-PM-1024x657.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nJoin the Apple Podcasters Program<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"join](\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/start-a-subscription-in-apple-podcasts-1024x617.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
You can now, generate and download your API key in Apple Podcasts Connect under Account > Keys at which point, you’ll head back to your RSS.com Monetization dashboard and upload the key to finish setting up Apple Podcasts Subscriptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"generate](\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Screenshot-2022-12-15-10.20.49-AM-1024x424.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Step 4. Set up Apple Podcasts Subscriptions in Your RSS.com Dashboard<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"set](\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/set-up-apple-podcasts-subscriptions-in-your-rss-dashboard-1024x628.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/confirm-your-apple-subscription-in-your-rss-com-dashboard-1024x612.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/apple-podcasts-subscriptions-in-rss.com-dashboard-1024x581.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
![\"Early-access-](\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Early-access-time-weeks-1024x301.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAd-Free Episodes for Apple Podcasts Subscribers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/send-your-podcast-to-apple-podcasts-connect.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Step 5. Set Up Subscription Prices with Apple Podcasts Subscriptions<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Screenshot-2022-12-15-10.46.57-AM.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Next, click “Get Started.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Screenshot-2022-12-15-10.55.37-AM.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Screenshot-2022-12-15-11.02.02-AM.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Screenshot-2022-12-15-11.08.51-AM-1024x705.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPricing and Free Trial: How much should you charge your listeners?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-14.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Screenshot-2022-12-15-11.22.23-AM-1024x731.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Screenshot-2022-12-15-11.18.00-AM-1024x731.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/promote-your-subscription-1024x790.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Screenshot-2022-12-16-9.44.50-AM-1024x772.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStep 5. Getting Your Show’s Subscription Ready for Review<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"early](\"https:\/\/wp-assets.rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/16195353\/early-access-screenshot-e1673898867985-1024x576.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Screenshot-2022-12-16-9.53.30-AM.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStep 6. Submitting Your Subscription for Review<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Screenshot-2022-12-16-10.03.16-AM.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Apple Podcasts Subscriptions: Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What is Apple Podcasts Subscriptions?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Why Monetize Your Podcast via Early Access or Exclusive Episodes?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
How Do Apple Podcasts Subscriptions Work with RSS.com?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"pullout](\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/pullout-apple-podcast-subscriptions-e1673899389275-1024x503.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow Much Money Can I Make with Apple Podcasts Subscriptions?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
How Does The Affiliate Program Work for Apple Podcasts Subscriptions?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
How Much Can I Make as an Affiliate for Apple Podcasts Subscriptions?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Are There Any Other Ways to Promote Your Show with Apple Podcasts Subscriptions to Make More Money?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Is My Paid Subscription Available to Everyone?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"listen](\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Screenshot-2024-08-23-3.03.01-PM.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n