iTunes - Podcasts - FAQs: For Podcast Fans (2024)

FAQs

How does iTunes podcasts work? ›

Apple does not directly provide podcast updates or episodes. When you subscribe to a podcast using the Podcasts app for iOS, or using iTunes on your Mac or PC, you are subscribing to the podcast updates by that particular podcast producer. With iCloud, you can synchronize your podcast subscriptions across all devices.

At a glance, you can see the number of followers, listeners, engaged listeners, and track plays by show, and see how data is changing during the time frame specified. By default, data is displayed for the last 60 days.

With Apple Podcasts Subscriptions, you receive 70% of the subscription price at each billing cycle, minus applicable taxes. After a subscriber accumulates one year of paid service, your net revenue increases to 85% of the subscription price, minus applicable taxes.

You can submit a show to Apple via an RSS feed that's hosted by a third-party hosting provider, or you can participate in the Apple Podcasters Program and create a show in Apple Podcasts Connect.

Apple Podcasts, previously known as iTunes podcasts, is Apple's dedicated listening platform for podcasts. It's free to use for both podcasters and listeners (although there are now premium options), and is available for download as a mobile and desktop app. Apple Podcasts is not a podcast host.

Apple's Podcasts app

In iTunes, you could right-click a podcast episode and choose Show in Finder to locate its file. In the Podcasts app, this is not possible. Podcast files are stored in a location you would not find easily. In your home folder, they are in /Library/Group Containers/XXXX.

Most podcasts are free; listeners just subscribe to new episodes on their favorite podcast-listening apps like Apple Podcasts or Spotify. But, some podcasters offer exclusive podcast content only paid subscribers can access.

Depending on the podcast creator, you can choose either a monthly or annual plan for Apple Podcasts Subscriptions. After you subscribe, you can listen to Apple Podcasts Subscriptions in the Apple Podcasts app on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and HomePod.

For podcast listeners, podcasts are a way to enjoy great content from around the world for free. For podcast publishers, podcasts are a great way to reach a wide audience. Apple does not directly provide podcast updates or episodes.

Unlike other assets you can protect with door locks, security cameras, and insurance, podcasts should be protected by trademarks, copyrights, and contracts. This ensures creators are protected from others stealing their ideas or infringing on their creative rights.

How do you avoid copyright on a podcast? ›

One of the most effective ways to avoid legal and copyright concerns is to secure the licenses for your podcast content. This includes music, sound effects, and excerpts from copyrighted works.

Promotion is solely at the discretion of Apple, but including a compelling description of your show and episodes, and accurate metadata will give your show a better chance of being featured.

In the iTunes app on your PC, choose Podcasts from the pop-up menu at the top left, then click Library. Select a podcast, then click the Settings button near the top right of the episodes list. Choose the settings you want: Play: Choose the order in which episodes are played.

What does it cost? Apple Podcasts offers millions of shows completely free.

You have two options: You can listen to a podcast through a website (this is called streaming). Or, you can download a podcast, which means you're saving it on your phone, or tablet, or computer, and you can listen to it anytime, even without an internet connection.