How YouTube's RSS Ingest Process Works for Podcasts

With YouTube now seemingly competing with Spotify and Apple Podcasts as the next big podcast hosting destination, it is important to know how the platform works.

YouTube's RSS ingest process differs from dedicated podcast platforms. Here's an overview of how YouTube handles podcast audio and analytics:

When podcast audio is uploaded to YouTube, it goes through re-encoding and re-hosting, similar to regular video content. This means if an episode needs replacement, YouTube generates a new URL and entry while privatizing the old one.

​YouTube provides its own analytics separate from podcast hosting platforms. Hosts can utilize YouTube's Analytics API to import YouTube data into their own dashboards. However, YouTube analytics don't follow industry IAB standards and can't be combined with podcast host analytics.

Something to note - YouTube prohibits self-contained ads like dynamic ad insertion in podcast audio, though sponsor reads are allowed. Creating ad-free feeds for YouTube can be challenging since IP ranges aren't provided. User agents and custom headers for identification can also be spoofed.

To wrap up, while YouTube provides an added podcast distribution channel, the re-encoding, distinct analytics, and ad restrictions require podcasters to adapt their workflows.

Checking YouTube Studio Analytics helps understand engagement on the platform itself and as YouTube Music gains popularity for podcast listening, B2B companies can capitalize on the opportunity through customized YouTube optimization.

This probably sounds like a lot of work, but the good news is, you don't have to get bogged down with the details of hosting your podcast on yet another platform. We now offer YouTube Podcast Management Services to our clients.

​

Developing an Effective Branded Audio Strategy for Marketing Content

In this episode of the Marketing Leadership Podcast, Amy Webber and Brandon Basson of Content Allies join Dots to discuss the importance of aligning brand sound identity with the product, engaging audiences with captivating audio, and evolving sounds over time.

​Holiday Delivery Deadlines from Apple Podcasts​

If you plan to submit new shows, channels, or subscriptions in November or December, please be mindful of the following periods:

• November 18 to November 26, 2023
• December 22, 2023, to January 2, 2024

New shows, channels, or subscriptions submitted during these windows may not be available within our regular time frame, and responses to support inquiries may be slightly delayed. Plan accordingly, and submit any new content with this in mind.

​

At Content Allies we've used SEO to drive more than $2M of revenue. You've asked us how we did that.

​
Now we're offering full SEO services to our clients. Looking for an SEO team that can actually produce measurable results?