Table of Contents

How to Delete Your Shows from Spotify: A Podcaster’s Guide

So, you’ve decided to pull the plug on a podcast episode (or perhaps the entire show) from Spotify. Maybe the content is outdated, the audio quality cringeworthy, or you’re simply rebranding. Whatever the reason, removing your precious audio creations from the world’s leading streaming platform requires a few key steps. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring a clean and professional removal.

The process to delete your shows from Spotify isn’t directly done within the Spotify app or website itself. Instead, you need to remove the show at the source from your podcast hosting provider (like Libsyn, Buzzsprout, Anchor, etc.). Spotify pulls your show via its RSS feed. Once you’ve removed the episode (or show) from your hosting platform, it may take some time (usually up to 24 hours) for Spotify to reflect these changes. You might also want to contact Spotify to accelerate the process, especially if you are deleting the entire show.

Understanding Podcast Distribution and Spotify

Before diving into the “how,” let’s quickly recap how podcasts end up on Spotify in the first place. Unlike music uploaded directly to Spotify, podcasts are distributed via RSS feeds. Your podcast hosting provider generates this feed, which Spotify (and other podcast platforms) then “reads” to populate its library.

Therefore, the key to controlling your podcast content on Spotify lies in managing your RSS feed and the content it references via your hosting platform. Changes made at the hosting level ultimately cascade to Spotify.

Steps to Delete a Podcast Episode

Here’s the breakdown of how to remove a single episode from Spotify:

Log in to Your Podcast Hosting Platform: Access your account on whatever platform you use to host your podcast (e.g., Libsyn, Buzzsprout, Podbean, Anchor, Simplecast).
Locate the Episode: Navigate to your list of published episodes and find the one you want to remove.
Delete or Unpublish: Most hosting platforms offer options to either delete the episode entirely (removing it permanently) or unpublish it (making it unavailable to the public but still stored on the platform). Choose the option that best suits your needs. Deleting frees up storage space, while unpublishing allows you to potentially re-release the episode later.
Update Your RSS Feed: The hosting platform typically handles this automatically. Deleting or unpublishing an episode automatically updates your RSS feed, signaling to Spotify that the episode is no longer available.
Wait for Spotify to Update: It usually takes up to 24 hours for Spotify to reflect the change. Spotify regularly checks RSS feeds for updates, but the frequency can vary.
Verify the Removal: After 24 hours, search for the episode on Spotify to confirm it’s no longer available.

Steps to Delete an Entire Podcast Show

Removing an entire podcast show from Spotify is a bit more involved, but the core principle remains the same:

Log in to Your Podcast Hosting Platform: As with deleting an episode, start by logging into your hosting provider account.
Delete or Unpublish All Episodes: The most straightforward approach is to individually delete or unpublish all episodes within your show, following the steps outlined above. This effectively empties your RSS feed.
Delete the Podcast Show (If Available): Some hosting platforms allow you to delete the entire podcast show from their system. This will definitively remove it from your account and RSS feed. Check your hosting platform’s help documentation for instructions.
Redirect or Remove the RSS Feed (Optional): To prevent other platforms or aggregators from accessing the podcast, you can either redirect the RSS feed to a new location (if you are launching a new podcast) or completely remove it. This step is crucial if you want to prevent the show from reappearing anywhere else.
Contact Spotify Support: While Spotify eventually updates based on your RSS feed, contacting them directly can expedite the removal process. Provide them with the name of your podcast and a link to the Spotify page.
Wait for Confirmation and Verify: Allow up to a week for Spotify to process your request (even after contacting support). Regularly check Spotify to ensure the show is no longer listed.

Why Contacting Spotify Support Helps

Spotify uses automated systems to check for updates to your RSS feed. However, these systems are not perfect and can sometimes be delayed. Contacting Spotify support allows you to manually request the removal, which can speed up the process, especially when deleting the entire show.

Important Considerations Before Deleting

Backups: Before deleting anything, make sure you have backups of your audio files. Once they are gone from your hosting provider and potentially from your computer, they are gone. Cloud storage is a great way to ensure your valuable content is safe.
Analytics: Deleting your podcast will also likely delete the associated analytics from your hosting platform. Export any data you may want to keep for historical purposes.
Listeners: Consider informing your listeners before removing your podcast. This is especially important if you have a dedicated following. A simple message on your website or social media channels can help manage expectations.
RSS Feed Ownership: Ensure you control your RSS feed. If someone else manages your podcast hosting, you’ll need their cooperation to make these changes.

FAQs: Deleting Your Podcast from Spotify

Here are some frequently asked questions that might come up when dealing with the removal of your podcast content from Spotify:

1. How long does it take for a deleted episode to disappear from Spotify?

Generally, it takes up to 24 hours for Spotify to reflect changes made to your RSS feed. However, in some cases, it can take longer.

2. Can I delete an episode directly from the Spotify app?

No, you cannot delete episodes directly from the Spotify app. You must make changes through your podcast hosting platform.

3. Will deleting my podcast from Spotify also delete it from other platforms like Apple Podcasts?

Yes, if you delete the podcast (or the entire show) from your hosting provider, it will eventually be removed from all platforms that use your RSS feed, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and others. The timeframe may vary depending on how frequently each platform checks your feed.

4. What happens to my podcast’s subscriber count when I delete it from Spotify?

If you remove the show, the subscriber count will eventually be reset.

5. Is there a way to temporarily hide an episode on Spotify without deleting it?

Yes, most podcast hosting platforms offer an “unpublish” option, which hides the episode from the public without permanently deleting it. You can then republish it later if desired.

6. What happens to my podcast’s reviews and ratings on Spotify when I delete it?

When you delete the entire podcast show, the ratings and reviews will also be removed from Spotify.

7. Can I re-upload a deleted episode to Spotify in the future?

Yes, you can re-upload a deleted episode. Simply re-upload the audio file to your hosting platform, update your RSS feed, and wait for Spotify to fetch the updated information.

8. What if my podcast is still showing up on Spotify after a week?

If your podcast is still visible on Spotify after a week, despite having removed it from your hosting provider, contact Spotify support directly. There might be an issue with their caching system or your RSS feed.

9. How do I find my podcast’s Spotify URL to give to Spotify support?

Search for your podcast on Spotify and copy the URL from the address bar of your web browser. Alternatively, within the Spotify app, tap the three dots next to your podcast’s name and select “Share” then “Copy Link”.

10. Can I delete a podcast episode from Spotify if I no longer have access to the hosting platform?

No, if you’ve lost access to your hosting platform, you will be unable to delete the episode yourself. You would need to contact your former host or, as a last resort, attempt to claim ownership of the podcast on Spotify through their support channels, though this can be a difficult process.

11. What if I want to move my podcast to a new hosting platform? Should I delete it from Spotify first?

No, you shouldn’t delete it first. Instead, migrate your podcast to the new hosting platform and then redirect your old RSS feed to the new one. This ensures a seamless transition for your listeners without any interruption of service. Spotify will automatically update to use the new RSS feed.

12. Is there a cost associated with deleting my podcast or episodes from Spotify?

No, deleting your podcast or episodes from Spotify does not incur any direct fees from Spotify. However, you might have storage costs associated with your hosting platform, and deleting episodes can free up space, potentially reducing those costs.

Removing your podcast shows or specific episodes requires following these steps. You need to go directly to the source of the podcast and start from there. Always keep in mind that these actions are not reversible. By adhering to this guide, you can effectively manage your podcast’s presence on Spotify with precision and confidence.