The analytics prefix setting lets you route episode media URLs through an external podcast analytics service.
Find it in Selfhost Podcasting > Manage Podcasts > open a podcast > Connect Services > Third Party Analytics.
What an Analytics Prefix Does
Podcast analytics providers often give you a URL prefix. The plugin prepends that prefix to each episode enclosure URL in the RSS feed.
Example original media URL:
https://media.example.com/show/episode-1.mp3Example with prefix:
https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/media.example.com/show/episode-1.mp3Podcast apps request the prefixed URL, allowing the analytics provider to measure downloads before redirecting to the media file.
Supported Use Cases
The plugin can be used with providers such as:
- Podtrac.
- Blubrry.
- OP3.
- Other services that provide a compatible prefix URL.
Setup
- Get the prefix URL from your analytics provider.
- Open the podcast in Selfhost Podcasting.
- Go to Connect Services > Third Party Analytics.
- Paste the prefix URL into Prefix URL for Analytics.
- Save the integration.
- Open the feed URL and confirm episode enclosure URLs are prefixed.
Double-Prefix Protection
The plugin checks for already-prefixed URLs and avoids applying the same prefix twice. It also checks common Podtrac and OP3 prefixes.
Privacy Note
When you enable an analytics prefix, listener media requests pass through the selected analytics provider. That provider may receive request metadata such as IP address, user agent, referrer, requested file, time of request, and range headers.
Update your privacy policy to explain which analytics service you use.
Troubleshooting
Episodes Stop Playing After Adding a Prefix
Remove the prefix and test the original media URL.
If the original URL works, check that the prefix format matches your analytics provider instructions.
Analytics Service Shows No Data
Confirm that:
- The feed enclosure URLs are prefixed.
- Podcast apps have refreshed the feed.
- The provider supports your URL format.
- The media URL is publicly reachable.