How to Add Your Podcast to Podcast Index
Podcast Index is an open, community-driven podcast directory that powers hundreds of podcast apps and platforms. Unlike proprietary directories, Podcast Index aims to keep podcasting open and decentralized.
Why Podcast Index Matters
- Powers 100+ apps: Apps like Fountain, Podcast Guru, Podfriend
- Open ecosystem: Supports podcasting independence
- Podcasting 2.0 features: Value4Value, chapters, transcripts
- Fast indexing: Quicker updates than traditional directories
- Free and open: No gatekeeping or fees
Podcasting 2.0 Features Supported
Podcast Index supports modern podcasting features:
- Value4Value: Receive Bitcoin/Lightning payments
- Chapters: Enhanced episode navigation
- Transcripts: Searchable episode text
- Location tags: Geographic episode tagging
- Soundbites: Highlight clips from episodes
- Comments: Cross-app commenting
How to Add Your Podcast to Podcast Index
Step 1: Visit Podcast Index
- Go to podcastindex.org
- Click "Add a Podcast" in the navigation
Step 2: Submit Your RSS Feed
- Enter your Dispatch RSS feed URL:
https://feeds.dispatch.fm/your-podcast-slug - Click "Submit" or "Add Podcast"
Step 3: Verification
Your podcast may be added:
- Immediately: If feed is valid and complete
- After review: If manual verification needed
- Through partner apps: Some apps auto-submit
Apps Powered by Podcast Index
Your podcast appears on:
- Fountain: Listen-to-earn with Bitcoin
- Podcast Guru: Feature-rich podcast player
- Podfriend: Web-based podcast player
- Podverse: Open-source podcast player
- Castamatic: iOS podcast app
- And 100+ more apps
Enhancing Your Feed for Podcast Index
Add Podcasting 2.0 Tags
Consider adding these to your feed (Dispatch may support these):
<podcast:locked>no</podcast:locked>
<podcast:funding url="https://yoursite.com/support">Support the Show</podcast:funding>
<podcast:chapters url="https://example.com/episode1/chapters.json" type="application/json+chapters"/>
Value4Value Streaming
Enable Lightning payments:
- Set up a Lightning wallet
- Add value tags to your RSS feed
- Receive payments per minute of listening
Podcast Index vs Traditional Directories
| Feature | Podcast Index | Traditional |
|---|---|---|
| Indexing speed | Minutes | Hours/Days |
| Open API | Yes | Limited |
| Modern features | Podcasting 2.0 | Basic RSS |
| Ownership | Community | Corporate |
| Censorship | Minimal | Platform rules |
Monitoring Your Podcast
Use Podcast Index tools:
- Search API: Verify your podcast is indexed
- Stats API: Get platform statistics
- Value API: Track Value4Value metrics
Troubleshooting Podcast Index
Podcast Not Found
- Search by RSS feed URL
- Try searching by title
- Allow time for indexing (usually quick)
Feed Not Updating
- Podcast Index is usually very fast
- Verify Dispatch is updating correctly
- Check WebSub/PubSubHubbub for instant updates
Missing in Partner Apps
- Each app updates independently
- Check specific app's sync settings
- May take 24-48 hours to propagate