Podcast Distribution Platforms 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which podcast platform uses a 'Follow' model rather than a traditional 'Subscribe' button in its interface?
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify (Correct answer)
- Stitcher
- TuneIn
Correct answer: Spotify
Spotify replaced the subscribe concept with 'Follow' to align with its broader social and music platform terminology.
Question 2: What happens to a podcast's listings on directories if its hosting provider shuts down and the RSS feed goes offline?
- Directories automatically archive all episodes permanently
- The show remains listed but episodes become unavailable (Correct answer)
- Directories immediately remove the show from search results
- The feed is transferred to Apple automatically
Correct answer: The show remains listed but episodes become unavailable
Most directories keep the show listing but episodes can no longer be streamed or downloaded once the RSS feed stops resolving.
Question 3: iHeartRadio's podcast platform is particularly valuable for reaching which audience segment?
- Young, tech-savvy listeners who prefer on-demand content
- AM/FM radio listeners transitioning to digital audio (Correct answer)
- International audiences in non-English speaking markets
- Audiobook consumers who also listen to podcasts
Correct answer: AM/FM radio listeners transitioning to digital audio
iHeartRadio's roots in traditional broadcast radio give it strong reach with audiences already comfortable with radio-style listening.
Question 4: Which feature distinguishes Podchaser from other podcast directories?
- It hosts audio files directly on its servers
- It focuses on listener reviews and podcast credits/metadata (Correct answer)
- It offers live podcast recording tools
- It provides a built-in ad marketplace
Correct answer: It focuses on listener reviews and podcast credits/metadata
Podchaser is often called the 'IMDb for podcasts,' allowing detailed credits, reviews, and metadata aggregation for shows and episodes.
Question 5: When a podcast host provider migrates you to a new RSS feed URL, what critical step must you take with major directories?
- Delete the old show and resubmit from scratch
- Submit a 301 redirect from the old feed URL to the new one (Correct answer)
- Email each directory's support team individually
- Re-record your trailer episode with the new feed link
Correct answer: Submit a 301 redirect from the old feed URL to the new one
A 301 permanent redirect tells directories and podcast apps to update to your new RSS feed URL without losing subscribers or history.
Question 6: Google Podcasts shut down in 2024. Where did Google direct its podcast users?
- Apple Podcasts
- YouTube Music (Correct answer)
- Spotify
- Amazon Music
Correct answer: YouTube Music
Google discontinued Google Podcasts and migrated its users and content to YouTube Music as part of consolidating its audio strategy.
Question 7: Which of the following is NOT a valid reason to submit your podcast to multiple distribution platforms?
- Reaching listeners on their preferred app
- Increasing overall show discoverability
- Generating duplicate download counts from a single listen (Correct answer)
- Growing your audience across different user demographics
Correct answer: Generating duplicate download counts from a single listen
Submitting to multiple directories does not inflate download counts because each listen is only counted on the platform where it occurs.
Podcast Distribution Platforms 3
Which podcast platform uses a 'Follow' model rather than a traditional 'Subscribe' button in its interface?