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The Apple Podcasts Update: Subscriptions & More…
The Apple Podcast App is Changing
According to sources, confirmed by PodNews, the release of iOS 14.5 will have big changes for the entire Apple Podcast ecosystem.
The first being changing the word “subscribe” on the app to “follow” because subscribe will be used for paid podcast subscriptions. More on paid subscriptions in a minute.
They are also adding a section called “channels” that will be a way to group shows. They are also updating the app with a smart play button that can tell the difference between a news or interview show and a series. This means if you click it on Digital Marketing Masters, you’ll get the latest episode, but a scripted show like CBC’s Go The Distance will start at episode 1.
Apple Podcasts for Creators has been launched. It is an informational website to help podcasters or other creators learn more about the requirements for paid subscriptions, how to sign up, ways to make a better show, and other tips from Apple.
Apple’s Podcast Connect dashboard has been improved and now contains more stats, geo-location restrictions for your shows, and they sent an email to your show’s registered email address with more information.
Show Me The Money
This is a huge step for podcast creators on the world’s leading podcast platform with the most shows and the most listeners, by a long shot. Apple is calling the paid service, the Apple Podcasters Program.
Paid podcast subscriptions will begin in May and you can set your own price for your show. We have not determined yet if there is a maximum price you can set.
Apple Podcasts takes 30% off the top of the subscription price for the first year of the subscriber, dropping to 15% for additional years. If you want to list your podcast as a freemium (free with paid upgrades) or a paid show, there is a $19.99 fee per year. (USD) You can also run a free trial with a choice of durations.
