Libsyn Announces Integration With Apple Podcast Subscriptions

Liberated Syndication Inc. (“Libsyn”), the leading ‘Podcasting As A Service’ platform, announced that is is among the first podcast platforms to integrate with Apple Podcasts Subscriptions. The integration empowers Libsyn creators to launch and grow podcast subscriptions by streamlining the publishing process to Apple Podcasts.

Apple Podcast Subscriptions is designed for creators who want to offer their audiences premium experiences through monthly or annual paid subscriptions. Subscriptions can offer listeners early access to new content, access to exclusive or archival content, ad-free listening, and more premium benefits. All Libsyn customers can now publish Apple Podcasts Subscriptions from Libsyn without any additional fees.

“We’ve built our business on supporting creators and making it easier for them to share their work across more platforms and we’re thrilled to be collaborating with Apple, the pioneering platform of the podcast industry, with the availability of Apple Podcast Subscriptions,” said Libsyn President and Chief Product Officer, John W. Gibbons. “We look forward to building on our partnership with Apple to simplify podcast distribution for Libsyn’s 75,000+ podcasters and make it seamless for them to grow their shows and subscriptions on Apple Podcasts.”

For more information on Apple Podcasts Subscriptions, visit Apple Podcasts for Creators at https://podcasters.apple.com/4770-news-delegated-delivery-2023. Additional resources to help creators get started and take advantage of the features available and distribution opportunities with Apple Podcasts can be found on Libsyn’s blog.

Apple Podcasts Announced Delegated Delivery

Apple announced Apple Podcasts Delegated Delivery, a new feature that will allow creators to upload, manage, and distribute their premium audio through participating third-party hosting providers. Delegated Delivery reduces operational tasks for podcast subscriptions so that creators can focus on making and marketing their work.

Using Delegated Delivery

Publish premium episodes

When Delegated Delivery launches this fall, creators will be able to authorize a participating hosting provider to deliver free and premium episodes to Apple Podcasts on their behalf. Once authorized, creators can simply use the dashboard offered by their participating hosting provider to publish new free and premium episodes. This includes the ability to schedule the release of exclusive, early access, bonus, and ad-free content using WAV, FLAC, and MP3 files.

Submit premium and free shows

Delegated Delivery also allows creators to submit premium and free shows, making it even easier to add new shows to the Apple Podcasts directory through participating hosting providers. All shows and subscriptions will continue to be reviewed by Apple Podcasts before they are available to ensure they meet our content guidelines.

Initial hosting providers supporting Delegated Delivery:

The following hosting providers announced they will support Delegated Delivery:

  • Acast
  • ART19
  • Audioboom
  • Blubrry
  • Buzzsprout
  • Captivate
  • Castos
  • Fireside
  • Firstory
  • iVoox
  • Libsyn
  • Megaphone
  • Omny Studio
  • Pinecast
  • Podbean
  • Podcastics
  • Podigee
  • Podomatic
  • RedCircle
  • RSS.com
  • Simplecast
  • Sounder
  • SoundOn
  • Spreaker
  • Transistor
  • Whooshkaa
  • ZenCast

Stay updated on Delegated Delivery

Additional information about Delegated Delivery, including resources to help creators take advantage of this new feature, will be published by Apple Podcasts and participating hosting providers before launch. Creators can see which hosting provider support Delegated Delivery, and understand when it will be supported by their hosting provider, by visiting Hosting Providers page. Providers interested in supporting Delegated Delivery are encouraged to contact Apple.

With Delegated Delivery, Apple continues its legacy of building tools and technologies that advance the podcast industry’s open ecosystem to serve listeners and creators worldwide.

Here are some FAQs that Apple Podcasts Answered:

If I use Delegated Delivery, do I still need to upload premium audio directly through Apple Podcasts Connect?

With Delegated Delivery enabled, you are no longer required to upload subscriber audio through Apple Podcasts Connect, but you will be able to do so if you choose. You can use Apple Podcasts Connect to check that your premium content has been successfully published and you will continue to use Apple Podcasts Connect to create new channels, manage subscriptions, view listening analytics, export subscription reports, and more.

Can I use Delegated Delivery with multiple hosting providers?

Yes, you can enable multiple hosting providers to deliver episodes with Delegated Delivery.

Do I need to be a member of Apple Podcasters Program to use Delegated Delivery?

You can use Delegated Delivery without a membership to the Apple Podcasters Program to enable hosting providers to publish free shows. A membership is required to publish premium shows and episodes.

Is there an additional cost to use Delegated Delivery?

Delegated Delivery will be available to all creators through Apple Podcasts Connect at no additional cost.

If I change hosting providers, can I still use Delegated Delivery?

If your new hosting provider supports Delegated Delivery, you can still use this feature once authorizing them. Contact your hosting providers for more information about how to migrate your show and get started with Delegated Delivery.

If I give my hosting provider access via Delegated Delivery, can they see my analytics in Apple Podcasts Connect?

No. Your analytics are only available to you and anyone with the Analyst role in Apple Podcasts Connect. Delegated Delivery does not give your hosting provider permission to see your analytics.

Apple Podcast Subscriptions are Now Available

Apple announced on June 15, 2021, that Apple Podcast Subscriptions and channels are now available worldwide. This news comes after Apple unveiled Apple Podcast Subscriptions in April of 2021. Subscriptions include Luminary’s The Midnight Miracle, Pushkin Industries’ Revisionist History, QCODE’s Blackout, and CNN’s The Handoff.

Thousands of Apple Podcasts Subscriptions and channels from the world’s best audio creators, including the Los Angeles Times, Luminary, NPR, Pushkin Industries, and QCODE, are available today, with more launching every week.

Apple pointed out that listeners in 170 countries and regions can purchase subscriptions to individual shows and groups of shows through channels, making it easy to support their favorite creators, enjoy new content, and unlock additional benefits. Those benefits include ad-free listening and early access, directly on Apple Podcasts.

Listeners can now discover thousands of subscriptions and channels featuring brand new shows that span many genres and formats, including news, comedy, sports, and true crime, offering listeners premium experiences that help them stay informed, entertained, connected, and inspired.

These include subscriptions to shows from essential independent voices like Birthful with Adriana Lozada, Pantsuit Politics with Beth Silvers and Sarah Stewart Holland, Snap Judgement with Glynn Washington, and You Had Me At Black with Martina Abrams Ilunga.

Apple Podcast Subscriptions also include premier studios such as Lemonade Media, Luminary, Realm, and Wondery; and leading media and entertainment brands, including CNN, NPR The Washington Post, and Sony Music Entertainment.

When listeners purchase a subscription to a show, they automatically follow the show and the page is updated with a Subscriber Edition label so they know they have access to the premium experience.

Listeners can discover channels for their favorite podcasts from each show page and through Search, explore reconditions from the Listen Now and Browse tabs, and share channels using Messages, Mail and other apps. As listeners subscribe to channels, the Listen Now tab expands with new rows that provides easy access to all of the content included in the channel and with their subscription.

Pushkin Industries Announced PushNik Premium Subscription Service

Jacob Weisberg, co-founder and CEO of Pushkin Industries, announced PushNik, a premium audio subscription that will launch with Apple Podcast Subscriptions. Pushkin Industries is known for its thoughtful, chart-topping podcasts, including Revisionist History hosted by Pushkin co-founder and President Malcolm Gladwell, The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos, Against the Rules with Michael Lewis, The Last Archive with Jill Lepore, Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford, Broken Record, and the recent #1 Apple Podcasts hit Lost Hills.

“The advertising model has fueled a huge burst of creative output and will always be important to podcasting,” said Weisberg. “But Malcom and I have always believed that paid content — whether it be through membership programs or single purchase products like audiobooks — are what independent creators like us need to thrive over the long term.

At launch, the benefits of a PushNik membership include:

  • Ad-free listening across the catalogue of independently produced Pushkin podcasts, including Revisionist History, The Happiness Lab, and Against the Rules.
  • Extended “Producer’s Cut” episodes from the Broken Record archive, including iconic interviews with legendary host Rick Rubin.
  • The first in a series of “Where Are They Now?” Episodes from Against the Rules, in which Michael Lewis and his producers catch up with key figures from the show’s first two seasons.
  • Weekly news roundups from Deep Background host and Harvard Law professor Noah Feldman, including his analysis on important Supreme Court decisions.

Over time, PushNik subscribers – “PushNiks” — will also have access to:

  • Behind-the-scenes episodes and other bonus content from fan-favorite hosts, including Malcolm Gladwell, Dr. Laurie Santos, Michael Lewis, Jill Leopore, Tim Hartford, and Rick Rubin.
  • Exclusive previews of upcoming shows and audiobooks.
  • Early or “binge” access to select new series.

Much-anticipated next seasons of Revisionist History, The Happiness Lab and Against the Rules are scheduled to premiere later this year, and the Pushkin content calendar also includes:

  • The Bomber Mafia audiobook, inspired by several episodes from the fifth season of Revisionist History, The Bomber Mafia is Malcolm Gladwell’s next audiobook, which expands on these episodes and has been produced intentionally for the audiobook format.
  • The Last Archive. Harvard professor and New Yorker staff writer Jill Lepore’s podcast returns for a second season and explores the evolution of doubt over the course of the 20th century.
  • A Slight Change of Plans. A new interview show hosted by Dr. Maya Shankar about navigating change.
  • Be Antiracist with Ibram X. Kendi. The esteemed writer and scholar dissect the politics that contribute to racial inequality and social injustice in this co-production with iHeartMedia.

Monthly subscriptions to PushNik will cost $4.99 per month, and the introductory annual membership costs $39.99 per year. Annual memberships will increase to $49.99 per year in August. Pushkin shows will remain free with ads on Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms.

QCODE+ Subscription Service Launched on Apple Podcasts

QCODE+, a premium content studio and podcast network, announced that it has launched QCODE+ on Apple Podcasts Subscriptions. QCODE+ will allow fiction fans to dive deeper into the QCODE universe with a library of over 12 chart-topping shows and many more coming this year.

“With QCODE+, we are excited to have the opportunity to delight fans by giving them deeper access into the fictional worlds across all of our series, all in one place, along with incredible bonus content and additional perks,” said Rob Herting, CEO and founder QCODE.

“Apple has been in podcasts since the very beginning and Apple Podcasts reaches millions of listeners globally,” said Steve Wilson, Chief Strategy Officer at QCODE. “We’re thrilled to partner with Apple as subscriptions will further diversify monetization in the podcast industry.”

At launch, QCODE+ members will be able to listen to their favorite past series and enjoy new ones completely uninterrupted – without any advertising in the middle of the episodes – to allow for an immersive listening experience. In addition to these benefits across the QCODE+ catalog, over time subscribers will enjoy access to an increasing library of exclusive content including:

  • Bonus episodes
  • Conversations with creators
  • Alternate endings
  • Special “making of” episodes

QCODE’s “Making” series will provide fans with special insight into their favorite QCODE shows for the ultimate experience. Hear creators Rhys Wakefield and William Day Frank dive deeper into the themes of From Now while giving fans an in-depth view at the production process and what it takes to build a world within a podcast.

Left Right Game creator Jack Anderson takes the audience further into his process and shares how his series went from cult internet status to Ambie Award-nominated podcast to an upcoming television series.

Fans will also be the first to hear from talent and creators of upcoming QCODE series such as Golden-Globe winning Rosamund Pike’s satire Edith and Blackout Season 2 with Academy Award-winning Rami Malek and Aja Naomi King.

QCODE+ is available worldwide for $2.99 per month on Apple Podcasts. QCODE series – without the perks of QCODE+ – will remain available for free on Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms.

Lemonada Media Launched Lemonada Premium on Apple Podcast Subscriptions

Lemonada Media announced a new membership offering titled “Lemonada Premium,” the premier way to get your Lemonada, launching worldwide with Apple Podcast Subscriptions.

For one simple $4.99 per month, Lemonada Premium members will enjoy access to our full slate of original podcasts, including Last Day, Add to Cart, Good Sex, The Cost of Care, and more, plus:

  • Early access to listen to select new series
  • Exclusive and bonus content
  • Behind the scenes access to Lemonada talent
  • Discounts on tickets for special events and Lemonada merchandise

“Lemonada Premium is a golden opportunity for our diverse host community to develop a deeper relationship with their listeners,” said Stephanie Wittels Wachs, Lemonada’s Chief Content Officer and co-founder. “Listeners on Apple Podcasts will be able to get even more from their Lemonada experiences and support the work that we do to make life suck less.”

“We’re grateful to the innovative team at Apple for supporting high-end, world-shaping content and forging a new path for monetization, said Lemonada CEO and co-founder Jessica Cordova Kramer. “We’re excited to be part of Apple Podcasts Subscriptions from day one.”

Lemonada Premium will be accessible as a new channel on Apple Podcasts – making it easy for listeners to find all of Lemonada’s series and offerings in one place. Lemonada’s podcasts will continue to be offered on other platforms.

Luminary Announced New Subscription Channel on Apple Podcasts

Luminary, a subscription podcast network, announced the launch of a new subscription channel on Apple Podcasts when the new subscription platform debuted worldwide in May, making Luminary Original Podcasts available globally to Apple Podcasts listeners.

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Apple, the house that built podcasting, to bring our original content to millions of listeners across the world,” said Simon Sutton, Luminary CEO.

“When we founded Luminary, we believed that supporting premium subscription podcast content was important to listeners and creators alike. Distributing our content on Apple Podcasts is a critical step in fulfilling our vision,” said Matt Sacks, Luminary Co-founder and Executive Chairman.

The Luminary channel will include all 35 Luminary Original podcasts, including Under the Skin with Russell Brand, Snap Judgement Presents: Spooked, The C-Word with Lena Dunham and Leon Neyfakh in the coming months, among others.

Luminary also announced The Midnight Miracle, a new show from creators Talib Kweli, Yaslin Bey, and Dave Chappelle. The Midnight Miracle will begin releasing episodes in May. Luminary will also debut new shows and seasons from Russell Brand, Kamaro Brown, Lena Dunham and Leon Neyfakh in the coming months, among others.

All Luminary Original Podcasts will continue to be available for subscribers on Luminary’s app in the 12 countries it is currently available, as well as in Apple Podcasts’ Luminary channel when it debuts.

Listeners will be able to access all Luminary Original Podcasts after a seven-day free trial for $34.99 per year, equivalent to $2.99 per month, or for $5.99 per month through the Luminary app, available in 12 countries. With Apple Podcasts Subscriptions, listeners in more than 170 countries and regions can access the Luminary channel on Apple Podcasts for $5.99 per month after a seven-day free trial.

Apple Unveiled Apple Podcast Subscriptions

Apple unveiled Apple Podcast Subscriptions, a global marketplace for listeners to discover premium subscriptions offered by their favorite creators alongside millions of free shows on Apple Podcasts.

Starting in May, listeners in more than 170 countries and regions can sign up for premium subscriptions that include a variety of benefits curated by creators, such as ad-free listening, access to additional content, and early or exclusive access to new series. Listeners will be able to enjoy premium subscriptions from independent voices and premier studios, including Tenderfoot TV, Pushkin Industries, Radiotopia from PRX, and QCODE, to leading media and entertainment brands, including NPR, the Los Angeles Times, The Athletic, Sony Music Entertainment, and many more.

Also next month, listeners will be able to discover channels, which are groups of shows curated by creators with unique titles, descriptions, and artwork. Just as they can with shows, listeners will be able to browse free channels, which make it easy to find more shows from their favorite creators, as well as paid channels and channels that provide additional benefits for subscribers.

With iOS 14.5, listeners can access a redesigned Apple Podcasts app featuring an enhanced Search tab that provides quick access to Top Charts and categories. Apple Podcasts also features beautiful new pages for every show and episode to make it easier to follow, listen, and share. The new Smart Play button helps listeners automatically start episodic shows from the latest episode and serialized shows from the beginning of each series. Listeners can also now save individual episodes, which are downloaded for offline playback, making it easy to bookmark podcasts to listen to later from Library.

The new Apple Podcasts for Creators website helps creators learn more about podcasting, stay informed about the latest news and features, and explore in-depth guides with best practices. Starting today, all creators can access an updated Apple Podcasts Connect dashboard, which has new features that make it easier to manage shows on Apple Podcasts, including the ability to edit metadata, schedule and manage show availability, organizing shows into channels, manage multiple users and roles, and learn how listeners are engaging with their shows through new performance and metrics and visualization tools.

From Apple Podcasts Connect, creators can enroll in the new Apple Podcasters Program, which provides access to all the tools needed to build and distribute premium subscriptions on Apple Podcasts.

Apple Launched Apple Podcasts Spotlight, Considers a Subscription Service

Apple Podcasts has launched Apple Podcasts Spotlight. The first podcast to be featured is Celebrity Book Club Podcast which is hosted by Chelsea Devantez.

Mac Rumors posted this quote:

Apple Podcasts Spotlight helps listeners find some of the world’s best shows by shining a light on creators with singular voices,” said Ben Cave, Global Head of Business for Apple Podcasts. “Chelsea Devantez has created a fun, vibrant space with Celebrity Book Club for listeners to gain new perspectives on the celebrities we thought we knew. We are delighted to recognize Chelsea and Celebrity Book Club as our first Spotlight selection and look forward to introducing creators like Chelsea to listeners each month.

Mac Rumors reported that Apple will announce new Spotlight creators on a monthly basis. The feature will represent a wide range of podcast genres, formats, and locations, with a focus on independent voices.

The announcement of Apple Podcasts Spotlight comes after The Information reported that Apple is discussing a new subscription service that would charge people to listen to podcasts (according to people familiar with the matter).

The Information noted that Apple’s subscription service “could pose a threat to Spotify, SiriusXM, Amazon, and other big companies that have in the past couple of years swallowed up podcasting production firms in an effort to gain more control of the podcast ad market.” The Information states that Apple charging for individual podcast could potentially give podcast creators a way to make money.

Bloomberg also reported that Apple is working on adding a subscription service with its partners (again, according to people familiar with the matter). Apple reportedly talked about stepping up funding for new shows and marketing.

It is unclear to me whether Apple Podcasts Spotlight would have anything to do with Apple’s subscription service. My concern is that people who listen to podcasts on Apple Podcasts will lose access to the podcasts they love – unless they buy a subscription. Will Apple Podcasts become yet another “walled garden”?

Apple Seeks a US and Canada Editor for Apple Podcasts

Apple is Seeking a US and Canada Editor for Apple Podcasts. This is a marketing position that is located in Los Angeles, California.

Apple Podcasts offers stories that entertain, inform, and inspire, and delivers over one million shows to listeners in 175 countries. In addition to iOS, Apple TV, Apple Watch, and Mac, Apple Podcasts also has a skill on Amazon Alexa. But we’re just getting started.

To help listeners discover their next favorite podcast our editorial team curates the service across all platforms. We are looking for a passionate Editor for our Apple Podcasts service in the US and Canada to help drive this effort. Do you have a passion for introducing the incredible creativity at the heart of podcasting to listeners? Then we want to hear from you!

You will be located in Los Angeles and report into the Worldwide Head of Podcast Editorial.

Key Qualifications include:

  • You love podcast and audio storytelling more than anything and have an extensive knowledge about the field, even beyond your personal tastes.
  • Experience (5+ years) in curation and programming in the media or entertainment industries.
  • Passion for and understanding of Apple brand and products.
  • Comfortable delivering against tight and sometimes shifting deadlines.
  • Extraordinary social and relationship-building interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and the ability to balance priorities at all times.
  • Ability to analyze and communicate results, analysis and insights clearly and effectively to leaders with proficiency in Excel/Numbers and Keynote.
  • Integrity, a sense of humor, and excellent interpersonal skills.

Education and Experience:

  • BA/BSc in a related field is a plus.
  • An MBA or equivalent with media marketing or marketing focus is valued but not required.
  • French language skills are a plus.

Those who are interested can submit their resume through the Apple website where the position is listed.