Best Practices

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Keep the Feed URL Stable

After submitting your podcast to directories, avoid changing:

  • Podcast slug.
  • Domain name.
  • Permalink structure.
  • Feed route.

If you must move the feed, use proper feed migration steps and the new feed URL field.

Use Reliable Media URLs

Podcast apps need direct access to episode media.

Good media URLs:

  • Use HTTPS.
  • Do not require login.
  • Support range requests.
  • Return correct MIME type.
  • Stay stable after publishing.

Use Correct Artwork

Use square podcast cover art between 1400 x 1400 and 3000 x 3000 pixels.

Keep text large enough to read on a phone screen.

Fill Required Metadata Before Submitting

Before directory submission, complete:

  • Podcast name.
  • Description.
  • Website.
  • Language.
  • Author.
  • Cover art.
  • Apple Podcasts category.
  • At least one published episode.

Use Episode Dates Carefully

Future dates schedule episodes. Scheduled episodes do not appear in the feed until WordPress publishes them.

If a new episode is missing from the feed, check the publish date and status first.

Be Careful With Usage Limits on Private Feeds

Podcast apps may fetch feeds and media multiple times across devices.

For private podcasting, start with unlimited usage:

Feed Use Limit: 0
Episode Use Limit: 0

Add limits only if your access policy requires them.

Test Private Feed URLs

For each private setup:

  1. Generate a token.
  2. Open the private preview URL in a private browser window.
  3. Confirm the feed loads.
  4. Confirm episode playback works.
  5. Revoke the token.
  6. Confirm the same URL no longer works.

Keep Bucket Storage Simple

For cloud storage:

  • Start with one provider per podcast.
  • Confirm uploaded media URLs play before enabling local deletion.
  • Keep original media backups.
  • Check Error Log after first uploads.

Use SMTP for Private Podcasting Emails

Private feed emails contain important access URLs. Configure SMTP or a transactional email service so subscribers reliably receive them.

Validate Before Announcing

Before announcing a new public episode:

  • Open the Preview URL.
  • Play the episode audio.
  • Open the raw Feed URL.
  • Confirm the episode appears in the feed.
  • If using analytics prefix, confirm the enclosure URL is prefixed correctly.
  • If using S3, confirm the feed uses the bucket URL after upload completes.