Podcast Index and public RSS discovery
The app uses Podcast Index and standard public podcast RSS feeds for discovery and playback. It is not limited to a single first-party podcast catalog.
Open podcasting, with support boundaries
The Podcast App is built around public podcast feeds, not a closed catalog.
Last updated: May 15, 2026
Use this page when you need a precise reference for Podcast Index, RSS, OPML, feed metadata, chapters, and Podcasting 2.0 compatibility in The Podcast App. It describes what is supported today and what should not be claimed.
Support matrix
What open podcasting support means in this app.
The app should be described by the workflows it actually exposes to listeners, not by every tag or capability that exists in the wider podcast ecosystem.
Free OPML import and export
Listeners can move followed-show subscription lists with OPML import and export as part of the free core player. OPML does not promise to move playback history, downloads, queue state, private recommendations, or app settings.
Feed metadata and episode playback
The player uses normal feed data such as show title, episode title, artwork, descriptions, enclosure media, and publish information when the publisher provides them in the feed.
Chapters where available
Publisher-provided chapters can appear in the player when available. Premium AI chapters are a separate transcript-backed workflow for eligible episodes and should not be described as a universal feed feature.
Open tools for creators and listeners
The website includes free RSS validation, OPML generator, OPML viewer, cover-art checks, launch checklists, and podcast website generation tools for the same open-feed workflow.
Clear non-claims
Do not claim universal Podcasting 2.0 tag support, podcast hosting, monetization/value-for-value payments, transcript tag rendering for every show, or full account-free cloud sync unless a current app release proves that exact behavior.
Open standards references
External standards and directories this page is anchored to.
These links are included as context for reviewers and podcast ecosystem directories. They do not expand The Podcast App's support beyond the support matrix above.
Listener workflow
The practical path from open feed to daily listening.
Find public shows
Search public podcast feeds, follow shows, and start listening before deciding whether to sign in. This keeps ordinary listening separate from account-only or Premium-only workflows.
Bring your subscription list
Use OPML import when another app can export a subscription list. After import, use queue tools, sleep timer, speed controls, limited downloads, and limited transcript creation as normal free-player features.
Leave with a portable list
Use OPML export when you want a subscription list outside the app. Treat OPML as followed-show portability, not a full backup of private listening state.
Try the open-feed workflow
Start with search, following, OPML, and the free player.
The Podcast App keeps core listening free, with no account required to start and no app-inserted ads. Premium AI is optional and separate from the open-feed basics.