To Apple Podcasts: WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

TL;DR

Apple has released new guidelines for podcasters' metadata, including avoiding placeholder text, not repeating the title in the description, and not using irrelevant content or spam. They also initially mentioned removing episode numbers from titles but later retracted that statement.

Transcript

(crunches) Apple. What are you doing? What's up, team Flynn? Pat Flynn here, and this is especially for you podcasters out there. Apple recently sent an email at the end of February, 2019 to let us know that we have to follow some rules when it comes to the metadata of our show. That is, the title, the description, the episode numbers, and those so... Read More

Key Insights

• 👶 Apple has introduced new rules for podcasters' metadata, aiming to improve the overall appearance and organization of podcasts on their platform.
• 💁 The guidelines focus on avoiding placeholder text, repetition of information, and irrelevant content or spam in show titles and descriptions.
• #️⃣ Initially, Apple mentioned removing episode numbers from titles, but they later clarified that shows won't be removed for having episode numbers.
• 💖 Spotify's recent acquisitions in the podcasting industry have sparked competition, putting pressure on Apple to improve their platform and provide better support for podcasters.
• #️⃣ Many podcasters prefer to keep episode numbers in their titles to make it easier for listeners to find and share specific episodes.
• 🪡 Apple could benefit from reaching out to podcasters and gathering their feedback to understand their needs and improve their platform.
• 💁 Apple's guidelines aim to standardize the appearance of episodes but may limit podcasters' creative freedom in formatting titles.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is it important for podcasters to follow Apple's guidelines on podcast metadata?

It is important to follow Apple's guidelines because they can remove podcasts that do not comply. By following the rules, podcasters can make their show more attractive to potential listeners and ensure it remains on Apple Podcasts.

Q: Why is it not recommended to repeat the title or author name in the podcast description?

Repeating the title or author name in the description is seen as a waste of space since it is already mentioned in the title. It is more effective to use the description to provide additional information about the episode or show.

Q: Why did Apple initially mention removing episode numbers from titles?

Apple wanted to standardize the appearance of episode titles on their platform and ensure a consistent design. However, many podcasters use episode numbers to make it easier for listeners to remember and share specific episodes, so Apple later retracted the statement.

Q: What can podcasters do if they still want to include episode numbers but follow Apple's guidelines?

Podcasters who want to include episode numbers can use the iTunes metadata specifically for episode numbers and leave the episode number out of the title. Alternatively, they can include the episode number at the beginning of the description, but it may get truncated, so it is best to have it at the front.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Apple has sent an email to podcasters outlining new rules for podcast metadata.

• The rules include avoiding placeholder text, not repeating the title in the description, and not including irrelevant content or spam in the show titles or podcast host name.

• Initially, Apple mentioned removing episode numbers from titles, but they later retracted that statement.