What is Podcast Index?
Podcast Index is an open, community-driven podcast directory that champions the open podcast ecosystem. It provides free API access, supports Podcast 2.0 features, and powers many independent podcast apps.
Podcast Index Philosophy
| Principle | Implementation |
|---|---|
| Open ecosystem | Free API, no platform lock-in |
| Podcast 2.0 | Full support for modern RSS features |
| Decentralization | No single company controls the index |
| Podcaster-first | Features benefit creators, not platforms |
What Podcast Index Provides
For Podcasters
- Free, automatic indexing
- Podcast 2.0 feature support
- No approval process or gatekeeping
- Ownership and control of your feed
For Apps
- Free API access
- Real-time feed updates
- Full podcast catalog
- Podcast 2.0 metadata
Apps Powered by Podcast Index
| App | Platform | Special Features |
|---|---|---|
| Fountain | iOS, Android | Value4Value, social |
| Podverse | All | Open source, V4V |
| Castamatic | iOS | Full Podcast 2.0 |
| CurioCaster | Android | Podcast 2.0 features |
| Podfriend | Web | Browser-based, V4V |
Podcast 2.0 Features Indexed
| Feature | Tag | Support |
|---|---|---|
| Chapters | <podcast:chapters> |
Full |
| Transcripts | <podcast:transcript> |
Full |
| Value4Value | <podcast:value> |
Full |
| Funding | <podcast:funding> |
Full |
| Person | <podcast:person> |
Full |
| Location | <podcast:location> |
Full |
| Soundbite | <podcast:soundbite> |
Full |
Why It Matters
Podcast Index represents the open, decentralized future of podcasting—an alternative to platform-controlled distribution that preserves podcasting's original RSS-based independence.
Why Podcast Index matters:
-
Platform independence: Your podcast isn't subject to any single company's rules or algorithms.
-
Podcast 2.0 adoption: The primary index supporting modern podcasting features like chapters, transcripts, and Value4Value.
-
App ecosystem: Powers the innovative independent apps building podcasting's future.
-
No gatekeeping: Automatic indexing means no approval delays or content restrictions beyond the law.
The open podcast movement:
| Closed Ecosystem | Open Ecosystem |
|---|---|
| Platform decides features | Podcasters choose features |
| Algorithms control discovery | Feed-based subscription |
| Platform takes percentage | Direct listener support |
| Exclusive content | Universal availability |
Strategic value:
| Benefit | How Podcast Index Delivers |
|---|---|
| Future-proofing | Podcast 2.0 features available today |
| Audience reach | Growing ecosystem of innovative apps |
| Innovation access | Features before mainstream adoption |
| Values alignment | Support open podcasting |
The listeners using Podcast Index apps tend to be enthusiasts—highly engaged podcast consumers who may become your most dedicated fans.
How to Use This in Dispatch
Your podcast is automatically submitted to Podcast Index and updated with each publish:
Automatic features:
- Indexed within minutes of first publish
- Updates propagate in real-time
- Podcast 2.0 tags fully supported
- No manual submission required
Podcast 2.0 support: Enable modern features in your show settings and they're automatically included in your feed and indexed by Podcast Index:
Verification (optional): Claim your podcast on podcastindex.org to access their dashboard and verify ownership.