In this article, we will explain how to get started with Springcast. We will cover how to create a podcast show and episodes, how to use certain features but also how to submit a podcast show to Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

1. Create an account

If you don't have an account yet, you can create one at https://app.springcast.fm. You will automatically enter the "flow" to create a podcast show and you will start with a 30-day trial period.

2. Creating a podcast show

Do you want to start a podcast show? Click on 'Create new podcast show'. In principle, you only need to enter a title and then select the desired subscription.

Do you currently host a podcast show with another host, but want to move it to us? That's very easy! Click on 'Import podcast show' and follow the steps in this article about moving to Springcast.

3. Manage show settings

Now you can further fine-tune the settings of the podcast show. These include, for example, adding a description, uploading the artwork and choosing categories.
A number of fields are required before you can distribute the podcast to other platforms (e.g. Spotify, Apple Podcasts). Our system will warn you when those mandatory fields have not yet been completed.

You can read a detailed explanation of the show settings in: Creating a podcast.

4. Private or hidden podcast show

With an Advanced or Growth subscription, you can choose to make your podcast show private or hidden. An extensive article about the hidden podcast & private (private) podcast can be found in our knowledge base.

5. Add episodes

In the left-hand column in the dashboard, click 'Episodes' and then 'Add episode'.

Briefly, this is where you enter a title, add the description, upload an image and add the audio file. You'll find detailed descriptions of the fields in our 'Add podcast episode' article. Read these 2 notes first:

1. If you don't upload an image, we will use the image you set at show level. So if you want to use the same image everywhere, you really only need to set it at show level.
   
   
2. The publish date determines when your episode will be available. You can set a publication date (and time) in the past. When the episode then publishes, it will be available immediately. If you set the publication date/time to the future, e.g. 1 December 07:00, you can schedule the episode. When 1 December is 07:00, the system will automatically publish the episode. So you can set up episodes in advance, without having to do anything yourself. Have you submitted the podcast show to Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more apps? Then - after the episode has been published - it often takes 20 to 60 minutes before it is also available there.

6. Features of Springcast

After an episode is published, you can of course view statistics. And numerous other options are available, such as:

• Add campaigns to your show's episodes
• Creating chapters
• Adding calls to actions
• Setting up and designing your podcast website
• Set custom branding of your podcast
• Adding users (editors) to your show
• Generating transcriptions of your podcast
• Have your audio polished

Do you come across other features and have questions about them? Take a look at the corresponding article in the 'Using Springcast' knowledge base category.

7. Submit your podcast to different platforms/apps

Do you want your podcast show to be available on apps such as Spotify and Apple? In the 'Distribute your podcast' category, you'll find all the articles you need, such as:

• Submit your podcast to Spotify
• Submit your Podcast to Apple Podcasts

The RSS feed of your podcast show, which you need to submit your podcast show, can be found in the dashboard under the 'distribution' tab.

Important: to submit your podcast show to an external platform, it is important that at least 1 episode has been published. This can also be a (short) trailer of e.g. 20 to 30 seconds.

8. Create more podcast shows in Springcast

The nice thing about Springcast is that you can host several podcast shows under one account. This keeps everything clear in your dashboard. Do you want to start an additional podcast show or move a podcast show? Then click 'Add podcast show' in your dashboard and make your choice.

Please note: at Springcast, you subscribe per podcast show. An additional show will therefore also incur an additional subscription fee.

9. About the trial period and subscriptions

Trial period validity

When you start a podcast show, the trial period is activated. The trial period is valid for 30 days. If you are satisfied during these 30 days, you can add your payment details (SEPA direct debit or credit card). After these 30 days, your subscription then automatically continues in a paid subscription.

You can view your subscription and payment details by clicking on your name and then selecting 'Subscription'.

Adjust subscription in trial period

In the trial period, you can adjust the subscription yourself from Essential to Advanced or to Growth. Or from Growth to Advanced. You have complete freedom in this. It is important to select the right subscription at the end of the trial period - assuming you stay with us :-)

Change subscription outside trial period

Our Essential, Advanced and Growth subscriptions can always be changed (up- and downgraded). You can also cancel them monthly.

Pay per year invoice

With the Advanced and Growth subscription, you can also opt for billing per year. Your subscription will then be converted to an annual subscription and you will receive an invoice from us for the coming year. If you want to cancel it, it is at the end of the period.

10. Support

You can always reach support by submitting a request (ticket) via our support page. That button can be found at the top right.

Furthermore, the following is good to know:

• Support is available from Monday to Friday. If you send an e-mail or create a ticket, you will often receive a (substantive) response within 12 hours.
• If you run into problems, we are happy to help you!
• We always try to communicate as openly and transparently as possible.

11. Final comments

1. When you have created the podcast, please take your time to go through everything. For example, also check the podcast website (you can find the link in the dashboard) to make sure everything is as you want it. The podcast website is one of the places where people can listen to your podcast. If you make a change to, for example, the description, this will be immediately visible on the podcast website but not directly to, for example, Spotify and Apple Podcasts (or whichever other platform you have registered the podcast on).
   
   
2. In practice, we see that changes to your podcast (e.g. the description, but also the publication of a new episode) are also visible on the external platforms (Spotify and Apple) within 20 to 60 minutes. In some cases, this unfortunately takes longer. We have no influence on this either. The external platform must retrieve the so-called RSS feed. The RSS feed contains all the information about your podcast show. The external platform may be too busy to do this in the normal time. If your change is still not visible after 24 hours, we advise you to contact the external platform. You can read how to do that on this page: Contact support Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

Do you have questions about using Springcast? Contact our support.

Happy podcasting!