FAQs

We don't limit the number of episodes you can upload or the amount of total storage on Transistor. Individual audio files can be up to 1000MB, which in mp3 format is many hours of audio. Our pricing plans are based on the number of monthly downloads you get. You can also start as many separate podcasts as you'd like!

There are three great low-cost microphones you can use when starting a podcast. We recommend the Samson Q2U: it's a great-sounding podcast microphone. It has a USB output for easy connection to a computer, and it also has an XLR output for use with an audio interface. The Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB is another good option (and has both USB and XLR outputs). If you have a bit more money, we recommend the Shure MV7. It's a pro-level dynamic mic with both USB and XLR outputs.

You should base your podcast on a topic you're interested in and curious about! It could be a hobby you're passionate about (long-distance running, reviewing romance novels) or a business topic related to your career (marketing a main street business, public speaking at tech conferences). You can also think of terms people might be searching for, like 'best podcast for anxiety' or 'best podcast for camping'.

Every podcast should be submitted to Apple Podcasts' directory. Unlike other platforms (like Spotify, and Google Podcasts) Apple still requires you to submit your podcast feed manually. If you use a hosting platform like Transistor, they'll generate the RSS feed you'll need to submit to Apple Podcast Connect.

Podcasts can make money through advertising, but typically advertisers are looking for shows with more than 2,000 downloads/listens per episode. A better approach we've seen is to get listeners to support you on Patreon. You can also get them to contribute through PayPal or Buy Me a Coffee. The most effective supporter perk we've seen is a 'listener shout out,' where you mention your supports at the end of your episode, and in your show notes.

The most important step is to make sure you have a trailer episode published in your podcast feed, and to make sure you've submitted your podcast to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Player FM, and Podcast Index.

A podcast hosting provider like Transistor will help you submit to all the listening apps.

To grow your podcast to thousands of downloads you'll need to understand what your audience wants and create content that engages them better than your competition. Also make sure you use distribution channels like Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and email newsletters.

You won't lose listeners as long as you set up a 301 redirect from your old RSS feed to your new RSS feed. Most modern podcast hosting services will help you with that. Once you're done migrating your podcast to the new host, go back to your old hosting provider and find the location for redirecting your feed. Paste in your new RSS feed URL from your new hosting provider.

If you don't have access to your old RSS feed on your previous host, you can log into Apple Podcast Connect and update your profile with your new RSS feed URL there.

As long as you establish a 301 redirect from your previous RSS feed to your new one, your existing Spotify listeners will continue to get new episodes.

To redirect your old RSS feed after you've imported your podcast to its new home, revisit your former host and locate the section for feed redirection. Then, input your updated RSS feed URL from your current host.

If you don't have access to your old RSS feed with the previous host, just log in to Spotify's Podcast Dashboard and paste in your new RSS feed URL.

There are several reasons you might want to switch your podcast to a different hosting provider.

1. Better features: Different podcast hosting companies offer different features. You might find that another company has features that better suit your needs, such as the ability to host multiple podcasts, dynamic ad insertion, or better analytics.

2. Cost savings: It's possible that another hosting company could offer lower prices or better pricing plans that save you money in the long run.

3. Improved customer support: If you've had issues with your current hosting company's customer support, switching to a different company could provide better assistance and response times.

4. Modern interface: Some older podcast hosts have an interface that’s outdated and less intuitive than new options. Many people switch to get a more modern and user-friendly experience.

Here's how to switch your host without losing subscribers on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube:

• Step 1: Import your podcast to your new podcast hosting provider.

• Step 2: Forward your podcast's old RSS feed to your new RSS feed.

• Step 3: Update your RSS feed URL on Apple Podcast Connect (optional).

• Step 4: Update your RSS feed on Spotify (optional).

• Step 5: Wait 1-2 weeks and cancel your old hosting plan.

Unfortunately, podcast hosting providers can't migrate your analytics from your old host.

Most folks who switch to a new provider will take a screenshot of their old stats, or export them as Excel or CSV files.

However, moving forward, your new hosting provider will track every download. Some hosting companies offer advanced analytics that makes the switch worthwhile.

When switching podcast hosting providers, there should be no downtime for your listeners.

By implementing a 301 redirect from your old RSS feed to the new one, your subscribers on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts won't notice the change. They'll continue to receive new episodes seamlessly. Once the redirect is active, it will automatically forward your existing subscribers to your new host.

From the listener's perspective, the transition should be seamless.

Transcripts make your podcast content more discoverable by search engines, expanding your audience reach. Additionally, they provide accessibility to a broader audience, including those with hearing impairments, boosting inclusivity and engagement.

AI transcription leverages machine learning algorithms and natural language processing technologies to convert spoken language (audio) into written text.

You may have used speech-to-text that leverages a similar technology when you've uploaded a video to YouTube or Facebook, and it's automatically generated captions. Google Docs also has a similar speech-to-text feature.

AI transcription is significantly cheaper than getting human to manually transcribe text, however it's not 100% accurate. You will need to go over the text that's generated, and manually fix errors in the editor.

Transcripts are no longer just a nice-to-have feature; they're a must-have for any serious podcaster. With Transistor's support and new AI transcription feature, adding transcripts to your podcast episodes has never been easier.

iOS podcast apps that allow you to add private feeds:

Apple Podcasts (video demo), Overcast (video demo), Pocket Casts (instructions here), Downcast, and Castro.

Android apps that allow you to add private feeds:

Castbox (instructions here), Pocket Casts (instructions here), Podcast Addict, Podcast Republic (instructions here), Player FM (register for an account first), Dog Catcher, Beyond Pod, Podcasty, and PodKicker.

Apps that don't support private podcasts:

Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, Acast, Podcast App, PodcastOne, DoublePod, PodcastHD, and Podcast Guru.

A private podcast is a show distributed directly to subscribers via a unique RSS feed, allowing them to listen in their preferred player but bypassing public directories like Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

To access a private podcast, listeners typically need a unique link or login credentials to access the podcast feed. Private podcasts are not listed in public directories like Apple Podcasts or Spotify and are not searchable through standard podcasting apps or websites. However, they can be distributed through various methods, such as email, invite links, or a unique RSS feed.

You can use a podcast hosting provider to create episodes and send them to your private podcast subscribers. Transistor is a platform that supports private podcasting, and its plans start at $19/month.

If you already have a PC or tablet, the only equipment you'll need is a USB microphone. The Samson Q2U is a good choice, costing $60-$100. Recording and editing software can be free (GarageBand or Audacity).

Yes! Apple Podcasts allows you to add a private podcast RSS feed to your library manually. Some podcast hosting providers (like Transistor) make this even simpler by sending private podcast subscribers an invite email that allows them to subscribe to Apple Podcasts with one click.

Unfortunately, Spotify does not allow you to manually subscribe to a private podcast RSS feed.

However, they do support premium (paid) podcasts.

On iOS, these apps support private podcast feeds: Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Downcast, and Castro. On Android, these apps allow you to add private feeds: Castbox, Pocket Casts, Podcast Addict, Podcast Republic, Player FM (register for an account first), Dog Catcher, Beyond Pod, Podcasty, and PodKicker.

Generally, only the listening apps themselves can track whether a listener is consuming an entire episode (and where the drop offs occur). Apple Podcasts and Spotify both track listener consumption data. It's available in their respective dashboards.

Unfortunately, neither Apple nor Spotify share consumption data with podcast hosting companies.

You can see your listeners' countries, states, and cities inside of Transistor's analytics.

Currently, only Spotify tracks podcast listeners' ages and genders. You can get that information in their dashboard.

No, you only need to upload your audio to your hosting provider. Platforms like Apple and Spotify will read your RSS feed and update their directories.

Yes, most hosts allow you to easily migrate your podcast while maintaining your subscribers.

Most hosting platforms provide analytics. Additionally, Apple Podcasts and Spotify offer their own analytics dashboards for publishers.

Founded in 2018 by Jon Buda and Justin Jackson, Transistor has grown to be a highly-rated podcast hosting platform.

We serve over 27,000 podcasts, including shows from Acquired, Ali Abdaal, and NHL hockey teams.

Most people switch to Transistor for these reasons:

• Unlimited podcasts for one price (we don't charge you for creating additional shows on your account)

• More detailed analytics

• Better customer support (24/7 live chat)

• Private podcasts

• Dynamic audio insertion

• AI transcription

Yes! You retain ownership over all your content on Transistor.

In our terms, you are simply giving us permission to host and distribute your content. Aside from this permission, Transistor doesn't acquire any right, title, or interest in or to your content.

Furthermore, you can do whatever you'd like with your show: run your own ads, create a Patreon membership, and distribute it any way you'd like.

1. Get a USB microphone (the ATR2100 or the Samson Q2U are both good).

2. Connect your microphone to your computer, iPhone, Android, or tablet.

3. Record your audio. You can use free software like Garage Band (Mac) or Audacity (PC).

4. Export your recorded audio to MP3. For audio quality, choose 44100 Hz and 128 kb/s in your export settings.

5. Log in to your Transistor hosting account.

6. Upload the MP3 file you recorded, and then publish your episode.

7. Now, your hosting provider will generate an RSS feed for your podcast.

8. Submit your podcast's RSS feed to Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

9. Every time you publish a new episode, listeners will automatically get it in their podcast player!

For more information, please read our guide: How to start a podcast.

With Transistor, you have the flexibility to host an unlimited number of podcasts using a single account. Regardless of your subscription plan, you can create and manage multiple podcasts.

There are no restrictions on the number of episodes you can have within each podcast, and you won't encounter any storage limits. Each podcast you create on Transistor gets its own RSS feed, podcast website, and analytics page. Enjoy the freedom to explore and produce as many podcasts as you desire!

If you already have a PC or tablet, the only equipment you'll need is a USB microphone. The Samson Q2U is a good choice, and only costs $60. Recording and editing software can be free (GarageBand or Audacity). And podcast hosting, like Transistor, is affordable on a monthly basis. It's possible to start a podcast for under $100.

The Build your SaaS podcast, which has a tech audience, earns roughly:

• $300/month on Patreon

• $600/month from podcast sponsors

• Total monthly revenue: $900 / month

Keep in mind, it can take years to build an audience big enough for monetization.

At Transistor, many of our users earn revenue for their podcasts by:

• Getting listeners to support them on Patreon – Patreon is a 3rd-party platform that allows your listeners to support you monthly. Their website describes it best: "Fans pay you a subscription amount of their choice in exchange for exclusive content." (Example)

• Creating a membership site – using tools like Podia, Memberful, or PodFan, you can create a private membership site for your listeners, and charge them a subscription.

• Getting advertisers – some of our users also allow companies to sponsor their podcast.

Transistor gives you everything you need to get your podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google:

• A podcast-ready RSS feed

• Start as many podcasts as you'd like

• Easily distribute to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc

• Unlimited storage and bandwidth for your audio files

• Global CDN for your audio files

• Customizable podcast website

• In-depth analytics

• Embeddable audio player

• Support for multiple users

• Integrates with MailChimp, ConvertKit, and Drip.

At a minimum, all you need to start podcasting is:

1. A USB microphone (we recommend the ATR2100 or the Samson Q2U).

2. A pop filter.

3. A computer, phone, or tablet (so you can plug in your microphone and record your audio).

Let's say you're on the 50,000 downloads per month plan. If we notice that you’re consistently going over your download limit we’ll reach out to you and get you to upgrade to the next level. There's no "automatic shut off;" we'll continue to serve audio for your listeners.

Every podcast needs:

• A web server to host MP3 files,

• A way to create new episodes, and add show notes,

• A way to publish new episodes, and update the podcast's RSS feed,

• And a way to generate a valid RSS feed.

Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts are podcast players but they're not hosting platforms. When you click "download" or "subscribe" in these apps, the request gets sent to whichever host your favorite podcast is using (like Transistor.fm). The podcast player will then download the MP3 file from that server.