Troubleshooting And FAQ

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Use this guide when a feed, episode, import, preview, storage integration, or private podcast does not work as expected.

Feed URL returns 404

Try:

  1. Go to Settings > Permalinks.
  2. Click Save Changes.
  3. Reopen the feed URL.

Also check:

  • The podcast still exists.
  • The podcast slug is not empty.
  • Another plugin is not taking over the same feed slug.
  • A migrated source-compatible URL is not being confused with the native Selfhost URL.

Feed loads but has no episodes

Check:

  • Episodes are published, not scheduled or draft.
  • Episodes are attached to the correct podcast.
  • Maximum number of episodes in the feed is not set incorrectly.
  • Episode media URLs are valid.
  • Migrated episodes were not detached from the podcast.

Feed XML shows warnings or broken markup

Podcast feeds must be clean XML. PHP warnings, notices, or HTML before the XML can break directory validation.

Check:

  • WordPress debug display settings.
  • Theme or plugin output on feed requests.
  • Custom feed hooks.
  • Invalid characters in descriptions.
  • Caching or optimization plugins that alter XML responses.

Artwork is rejected by directories

Use artwork that is:

  • Square.
  • JPG or PNG.
  • At least 1400 x 1400 pixels.
  • No larger than the directory's maximum.
  • Publicly accessible over HTTPS.

Avoid transparent PNGs if a directory rejects them.

Episode audio does not play

Check:

  • The URL points directly to an audio file.
  • The server returns the correct MIME type.
  • The file is publicly accessible unless it is a private podcast proxy URL.
  • The URL does not expire quickly.
  • The URL supports range requests for better podcast app playback.
  • Analytics prefixes or redirects are correctly formatted.

Duration is missing

The plugin attempts to detect duration from media metadata and can queue a background repair task. Duration may remain missing if:

  • The remote host blocks metadata requests.
  • The file does not expose readable duration data.
  • The background queue is blocked.
  • The source URL is not a direct audio file.

Check the podcast Error Log for duration backfill errors.

Import feed cannot be fetched

Check:

  • The source URL returns valid RSS XML.
  • The feed is public.
  • The host is not blocking your WordPress server.
  • The feed contains <item> entries with audio enclosures.
  • Server outbound HTTP requests are allowed.

S3 upload fails

Check:

  • Provider selection.
  • Access key and secret key.
  • Bucket name.
  • Region.
  • Endpoint.
  • Public resource domain.
  • Bucket permissions.
  • Whether the source media URL can be downloaded by the server.

If repeated failures suspended uploads, fix the storage issue and resume jobs.

Podcast Player does not appear

Check:

  • Podcast Player is installed and active.
  • The podcast is public.
  • Automatic insertion is enabled before creating new episode posts.
  • The selected insertion method is supported by the installed Podcast Player version.
  • Existing posts may need manual player insertion.

Analytics are not counted

Check:

  • The analytics prefix is saved.
  • The feed enclosure URLs start with the prefix.
  • A podcast app has requested the episode after the prefix was added.
  • The provider's reporting delay has passed.
  • The provider prefix redirects correctly to the original media URL.

Private feed unauthorized (Pro)

Check:

  • The podcast is private.
  • The URL includes the correct token.
  • The token is active.
  • The token has not expired.
  • Usage limits have not been exceeded.
  • The token belongs to the requested podcast.

Private audio does not play (Pro)

Check:

  • The private audio proxy URL includes a valid signature.
  • The token is valid for episode access.
  • The episode belongs to the requested podcast.
  • The source media URL exists.
  • Local files are readable by PHP.
  • Remote files can be redirected to safely.

Frequently asked questions

Can I create more than one podcast?

Yes. Each podcast has its own feed URL, settings, integrations, and episode list.

Can I use WordPress Media Library audio?

Yes. You can select or paste a Media Library audio URL.

Can I use external audio hosting?

Yes, as long as the URL points directly to a playable audio file.

Can I move audio to Cloudflare R2 or S3 later?

Yes. Configure S3-compatible storage and upload or re-upload episode media through the plugin workflow.

Can I import from another RSS feed?

Yes. Use Import Episodes from the podcast episode management screen.

Can I migrate from PowerPress or Seriously Simple Podcasting?

Yes, when those source plugins or their data are detected.

Will changing post content update the feed description?

No. After the first episode creation, post content and feed description are independent.

Should private feeds be submitted to Apple or Spotify?

Usually no. Private feeds are intended for authorized subscribers. Public directories generally expect public feeds.