An episode is not ready only because editing is finished. The exported file and the public page need a final check too. Keep a short checklist beside your weekly work so you do not depend on memory.

Check the file you will upload

Open the final export, not only the editing project. Listen to the opening, a section in the middle and the ending. Check that the first word is not cut off and the ending does not stop too early. Make sure you chose the intended version.

If two people speak, compare their levels. A voice should not disappear when the other person stops. Loudness and peak measurements can help, but they do not replace listening. Apple publishes recommended audio levels in its audio requirements; use the requirements for your actual destination.

Review what the listener will read

Give the episode a clear title. Describe its main question and useful points in a few natural sentences. Check names, links and any stated dates. Remove notes meant only for your editor.

Use artwork you are allowed to publish. Check it at a small size, where fine text can become hard to read. Keep the original artwork file so you can fix it later.

Check the feed after publishing

RSS is the list that podcast apps read to discover episodes. Apple's requirements call for a stable episode GUID and a media enclosure with the file URL, length and type. Your host should produce these correctly. A published episode also needs an audio file listeners can actually reach.

Open the public episode page and test playback from a device that is not signed in to your hosting account. If the page works only for you, the release is not yet ready for listeners. Avoid repeatedly deleting and recreating an episode just to fix its description.

Save a simple release record

Keep the episode name, final filename, publish date and public URL in one place. Add one note about anything you want to improve next time. Keep a backup of the original audio and final export.

For your next episode, use this list once and remove any steps that do not fit your real setup. To explore a listener product from the same team, visit Radyosen.

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