Learn about Private Podcasts: Engage Exclusive Audiences and Monetize Your Content

With Apple Podcasts and Spotify already on board, it’s clear that private podcasts are a growing trend. Just from the name alone, you can probably guess that private podcasts aren’t available to just anyone. So why would a podcaster who’s looking to build an audience (and earn those sweet sponsorship deals) consider going private? Well, there are plenty of great reasons why private podcasting can be a beneficial choice for many podcast creators.

Private podcasts are what they sound like they’re made for a limited, private audience, and they’re not accessible to the general public. They are on a feed that isn’t listed online or on podcast directories. Instead, the creator distributes the RSS feed URL directly to the audience.

Listening to a private podcast is very similar to a public one but with one major difference: the subscriber doesn’t find the podcast in their podcast app or player of choice. Instead, the podcast creator sends each private subscriber their own unique RSS feed, usually via email. The subscriber then manually enters that RSS feed into their directory. The directory then automatically downloads new episodes like it would for any other podcast.

Private podcasts can be very effective for specific purposes and goals. They are great for membership sites, where creators can offer exclusive content for paid members only. They can also be used for premium subscriptions, allowing hardcore subscribers to access bonus episodes. Private podcasts find utility in schools and corporations as well, providing a means to distribute specialized content to a limited audience.

Creating a private podcast follows a similar process to create a public one. You'll need recording equipment, podcasting software, and a hosting platform that supports private RSS feeds. The distribution method is what sets private podcasts apart, with options such as password-protected feeds, individual URLs, or distribution through specific apps or websites.

Popular hosting platforms like Captivate, Podbean, and Transistor offer support for private podcasts. Additionally, Spotify and Apple Podcasts have introduced features for creators to offer private podcasts directly through their platforms.

Overall, private podcasts offer a secure and exclusive channel to deliver content to a specific audience. Whether it's for monetization, educational purposes, or internal communication, private podcasts provide a valuable avenue for podcast creators to connect with their listeners on a more personal level. As the podcasting landscape continues to evolve, private podcasts are poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of audio content.

‍