What is Funding Tag?
The podcast:funding tag provides a standardized way to link to listener support platforms directly in your RSS feed. Supporting podcast apps display these links, making it easy for listeners to find and support your show.
Funding Tag Structure
<podcast:funding url="https://patreon.com/yourshow">
Support us on Patreon
</podcast:funding>
<podcast:funding url="https://ko-fi.com/yourshow">
Buy us a coffee
</podcast:funding>
Multiple funding tags can be included for different platforms.
Supported Platforms
| Platform | Typical Use |
|---|---|
| Patreon | Membership tiers |
| Ko-fi | One-time donations |
| Buy Me a Coffee | Simple support |
| PayPal.me | Direct donations |
| Glow.fm | Podcast subscriptions |
| Custom URL | Your own support page |
App Display Examples
How apps show funding links:
| App | Funding Display |
|---|---|
| Fountain | Prominent "Support" button |
| Podverse | Funding section on show page |
| Podfriend | Support links in show details |
| Castamatic | Funding links visible |
Best Practices
Effective funding text:
- "Support us on Patreon"
- "Help keep the show running"
- "Buy us a coffee"
- "Become a member"
Multiple platforms: Provide options—some listeners prefer Patreon memberships, others prefer one-time donations:
<podcast:funding url="https://patreon.com/show">Monthly membership</podcast:funding>
<podcast:funding url="https://ko-fi.com/show">One-time donation</podcast:funding>
<podcast:funding url="https://show.com/support">Other ways to support</podcast:funding>
Why It Matters
The funding tag puts your support options directly in podcast apps—listeners don't need to search your website or remember URLs they heard in an episode.
Why funding tags matter:
-
Discoverability: Support options visible where listeners spend time—in their podcast app.
-
Reduced friction: One tap from the app to your support page.
-
Standardization: Consistent display across supporting apps.
-
Multiple options: Offer various support methods (Patreon, Ko-fi, etc.) simultaneously.
The visibility problem solved:
| Old Way | With Funding Tag |
|---|---|
| "Visit our website" | Link in the app |
| Hope they remember | Always visible |
| Depends on hearing the CTA | Persistent presence |
| Hidden on website | Prominent placement |
Funding tag strategy:
| Approach | Funding Tags |
|---|---|
| Single platform | One funding tag to primary |
| Multiple options | Different tags for each platform |
| Tiered support | Separate links for different levels |
Conversion impact: Making support options one tap away in the listening app significantly reduces friction compared to asking listeners to visit external sites.
How to Use This in Dispatch
Add funding links in Settings → Monetization to include them in your RSS feed:
Adding funding links:
- Go to Settings → Monetization
- Find the "Listener Support" section
- Add your support platform URLs
- Customize the display text for each
- Links automatically appear as
podcast:fundingtags in your feed
Supported platforms:
- Patreon
- Ko-fi
- Buy Me a Coffee
- PayPal
- Custom URLs (any platform)
Display text: Use action-oriented text that tells listeners what happens when they click:
- "Support on Patreon"
- "Buy us a coffee"
- "Become a member"
Visibility: Your funding links appear:
- In supporting podcast apps
- On your podcast website
- In your RSS feed for any custom integration