What is Chapters?
Podcast chapters divide episodes into named sections with timestamps, optional artwork, and URLs. Listeners can skip to specific topics, see chapter titles as they listen, and navigate long episodes efficiently.
Chapter Data Structure
Each chapter can include:
| Property | Required | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
startTime |
Yes | When chapter begins (seconds) |
title |
Yes | Chapter name shown in player |
img |
No | Chapter-specific artwork |
url |
No | Link for more information |
toc |
No | Include in table of contents |
Chapter File Format (JSON Chapters)
{
"version": "1.2.0",
"chapters": [
{
"startTime": 0,
"title": "Introduction",
"img": "https://example.com/ch1.jpg"
},
{
"startTime": 180,
"title": "Main Topic",
"url": "https://example.com/topic"
},
{
"startTime": 900,
"title": "Guest Interview"
},
{
"startTime": 1800,
"title": "Closing Thoughts"
}
]
}
RSS Integration
Chapters are linked in your feed via the podcast:chapters tag:
<podcast:chapters
url="https://example.com/ep42-chapters.json"
type="application/json+chapters" />
App Support
| App | Chapter Support |
|---|---|
| Apple Podcasts | ✓ (via embedded ID3, now RSS) |
| Pocket Casts | ✓ |
| Overcast | ✓ |
| Fountain | ✓ |
| Podverse | ✓ |
| Spotify | Limited (shows markers) |
| Castro | ✓ |
Alternative: ID3 Chapters
Chapters can also be embedded directly in MP3 files via ID3 tags. The Podcast 2.0 JSON approach is more flexible and doesn't require re-encoding audio.
Why It Matters
Chapters transform the podcast listening experience—especially for longer episodes. They respect listener time by enabling navigation to relevant content.
Why chapters matter:
-
Episode navigation: Skip directly to topics of interest in a 90-minute episode.
-
Topic discovery: See all topics covered before committing to listen.
-
Search enhancement: Chapter titles improve discoverability for specific topics.
-
Sponsor integration: Chapters can highlight (or help listeners skip) sponsor segments.
-
Visual enhancement: Chapter artwork adds visual interest to audio content.
Listener behavior with chapters:
| Behavior | Impact |
|---|---|
| Jump to topics | Higher engagement with relevant content |
| Skip sponsor reads | Mixed (listener preference vs. sponsor value) |
| Preview before committing | Higher qualified listens |
| Return to specific sections | Increased episode value |
Chapter strategy:
| Episode Type | Chapter Approach |
|---|---|
| Interview | Topic shifts, key moments |
| News/recap | Each story as chapter |
| Educational | Lesson sections |
| Narrative | Story segments |
| Panel | Different speaker sections |
Production consideration: Creating chapters takes time, but that investment improves listener experience significantly for longer content. Tools like Hindenburg and Descript can automate some chapter creation.
How to Use This in Dispatch
Add chapters to your episodes in the episode editor:
Creating chapters:
- Open an episode in the editor
- Navigate to the Chapters section
- Add chapters with timestamps and titles
- Optionally add artwork and URLs for each chapter
- Chapters are automatically included in your RSS feed
Chapter features:
- Visual timeline for easy placement
- Preview chapters while editing
- Bulk import from timestamps
- Chapter artwork support
- URL linking for each chapter
Technical details:
- Chapters are served as JSON Chapters format
- Compatible with all major Podcast 2.0 apps
- Updates propagate immediately
- No re-encoding of audio required
Best practices:
- Include chapter for major topic shifts
- Keep titles concise but descriptive
- Consider chapter artwork for visual variety
- Mark sponsor segments clearly (listeners appreciate honesty)