First, some definitions. What is an SSL Certificate? According to Symantec, “SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer and, in short, it’s the standard technology for keeping an internet connection secure and safeguarding any sensitive data that is being sent between two systems, preventing criminals from reading and modifying any information transferred, including potential personal details. The two systems can be a server and a client (for example, a shopping website and browser) or server to server (for example, an application with personal identifiable information or with payroll information).”
SSL for Apple Podcasts is Coming
While it’s certainly not an “official” policy yet, you can probably see it coming at some point in the future: SSL will become increasingly important to podcasters. It’s already happened for “regular” websites: sites–even non-e-commerce–rank better in Google search results if they have a valid SSL certificate. Amazon requires SSL to be on their Alexa ecosystem. So, it’s no stretch of the imagination to see that Apple may require SSL to be in the Apple Podcasts directory.
Apple has mentioned that at some point in the future, they’re going to require SSL to be in the Apple Podcasts directory. Also, not just any ol’ SSL certificate will do. It’ll most likely need to be from one of the SSL Certificates accepted by Apple.
SSL on Blubrry WordPress Website is Super Simple
Good news, though if you’re on Blubrry WordPress Website. You can switch your podcast site and podcast feed to SSL literally with the click of a button. Go to PowerPress Site Settings and click Set Up SSL. Then, wait a few minutes and you’re done. One little click and you’re good to go.
If you’re on Blubrry (without WordPress or PowerPress) or Podcast Mirror your feed is already SSL.
Otherwise, contact your hosting provider– they most likely have documentation to help you get your podcast site and podcast feed set up with SSL.If you’re not using an SSL cert yet, you’re probably ok. For now. But it’s coming, and it’s fairly simple to set up. Might want to get a head start.