Thinking about switching podcast hosts? Maybe you’re looking for better support, more useful statistics, different pricing, or a platform that better fits the way you manage your show.
Whatever the reason, there’s one thing that might be holding you back: the thought of moving your podcast.
It’s understandable. You’ve spent time building your audience, publishing episodes, and getting your show listed on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. The last thing you want is to lose subscribers, break your RSS feed, or make your episodes disappear during the transition.
But switching podcast hosts doesn’t mean starting over.
With the right preparation and migration process, you can move your podcast to a new host while keeping your existing show, episodes, and subscribers. Let’s look at what actually happens when you make the switch.
First, What Does Switching Podcast Hosts Actually Mean?
Your podcast host is where your audio files and episode information are stored. It also provides your podcast’s RSS feed, which directories and listening apps use to retrieve your episodes and show details.
When you switch hosts, you’re essentially moving your podcast’s content and RSS feed management from one provider to another.
This usually involves:
- Moving your existing episodes to your new hosting account.
- Setting up your podcast details and RSS feed with the new host.
- Redirecting your old RSS feed to the new one.
- Checking that your podcast directories are receiving the updated feed.
The goal is to make the transition as seamless as possible for your listeners. They should still be able to find your show and access new episodes without having to search for a completely different podcast.
Now, let’s address some of the biggest concerns podcasters have about switching.
1. Will I Lose My Subscribers?
This is probably one of the biggest concerns, and understandably so.
You’ve spent months or even years building your audience. You don’t want to risk losing those listeners just because you’re changing hosting providers.
The good news is that your subscribers are generally tied to your podcast’s RSS feed through the listening directories and apps they use, not simply to your hosting account.
When you migrate properly, your new host provides a new RSS feed, and your old host uses a permanent 301 redirect to point that old feed to the new one.
This tells podcast directories and apps that your show has moved and that they should retrieve its information from the new feed.
In most cases, listeners won’t need to subscribe again or do anything differently.
However, the redirect needs to be configured correctly, and some directories may take time to recognize the change. This is why it’s important not to cancel your old hosting account before confirming that the migration is working.
What you should do: Make sure your new RSS feed is working, your old feed has the proper redirect in place, and your podcast directories are receiving the updated information.
2. What Happens to My Existing Episodes?
Your published episodes are another important part of your podcast. Losing access to years of content would be a major problem, especially if older episodes continue to bring in listeners.
During migration, your existing episode files and their associated information need to be transferred to your new hosting provider.
This generally includes:
- Episode audio files.
- Episode titles and descriptions.
- Publication dates.
- Episode artwork and other supported metadata.
- Other available episode details.
Depending on your current host and the migration process, some information may need to be reviewed or transferred manually.
It’s also worth checking that your new host supports the features you’re currently using. For example, if your show uses transcripts, chapters, or other podcasting features, make sure those details are included in the migration or can be added afterward.
You don’t have to leave your old episodes behind. The important thing is to verify that everything has transferred correctly before completing the switch.
3. Will My RSS Feed Change?
Yes, your new hosting provider will generally give you a new RSS feed URL.
This is one of the most important parts of the migration process, but it’s also where many podcasters get confused.
Your RSS feed is what connects your podcast to directories and listening platforms. It contains the information they need to display your show and retrieve your episodes.
When you move to a new host, the new RSS feed becomes your primary feed. However, you don’t want to simply replace your old feed everywhere and hope everything works.
Instead, your old host should provide a permanent 301 redirect that points to your new RSS feed.
Think of it as updating your podcast’s forwarding address. When a directory or app checks your old feed, it receives instructions to use the new one instead.
This helps ensure that your existing distribution connections continue working.
One important reminder: Don’t delete your old hosting account immediately after receiving your new RSS feed. Keep your old account active until the redirect is in place and you’ve verified that your podcast is working correctly.
4. Will My Podcast Experience Downtime?
This is another common concern, especially if you publish episodes on a regular schedule.
Nobody wants listeners opening their favorite podcast app only to find that the latest episode is missing.
A properly planned migration should minimize disruption, but it’s important to understand that every transition is different. Some directories update quickly, while others may take longer to process a new feed or recognize a redirect.
To reduce the chances of disruption, it’s best to plan your migration around your publishing schedule.
Here are a few things to check:
- Make sure all your existing episodes have transferred successfully.
- Confirm that your new RSS feed is valid and accessible.
- Set up the 301 redirect from your old feed.
- Check your podcast listings on major directories.
- Verify that new episodes are appearing correctly after the transition.
If possible, avoid making the switch right before an important release or during a busy production period.
Give yourself enough time to check everything before relying entirely on the new hosting account.
5. Do I Have to Resubmit My Podcast to Apple Podcasts and Spotify?
In most cases, no.
If your podcast is already listed in directories like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, you generally don’t need to create a new listing just because you’ve changed hosting providers.
The existing listing can continue using your podcast’s updated RSS feed through the 301 redirect.
However, it’s still a good idea to check your podcast listings after migration. Make sure your show information, artwork, and episodes are displaying correctly.
You should also follow your new host’s migration instructions and any additional requirements from the directories where your show is listed.
The goal is to keep your existing podcast listing rather than create a duplicate show.
6. How Long Does It Take to Switch Podcast Hosts?
There’s no single timeline for every podcast migration.
The time required depends on several factors, including the number of episodes you have, the size of your audio files, your current hosting provider, and whether you’re managing multiple shows.
A podcast with 20 episodes may be relatively straightforward to move. A network with several shows and hundreds of episodes will naturally require more preparation.
Directory updates can also take additional time after the migration itself is complete.
The best approach is to avoid rushing the process. Give yourself enough time to transfer your content, configure your new feed, set up the redirect, and verify that everything is working.
A little preparation can save you a lot of troubleshooting later.
A Quick Checklist Before You Switch
Before moving your podcast to a new host, make sure you’ve covered these essentials:
- Know where your existing audio files and podcast information are stored.
- Create an account with your new hosting provider.
- Transfer your existing episodes and show details.
- Check that your new RSS feed is valid.
- Set up a permanent 301 redirect from your old RSS feed.
- Check your podcast listings on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other directories.
- Confirm that your existing episodes are available.
- Publish or schedule a new episode to test your setup.
- Keep your old hosting account active until the migration is confirmed.
You don’t have to complete everything in one sitting. Take it one step at a time and make sure each part of the transition is working before moving on.
Switching Hosts Doesn’t Mean Starting Over
Changing podcast hosts can feel intimidating, especially when you’ve already built an audience and established a publishing routine. But the process is more manageable when you understand what needs to happen.
Your subscribers don’t have to start from scratch. Your existing episodes can move with you, and your podcast directories can continue pointing listeners to your show through a properly configured RSS redirect.
The most important thing is choosing a hosting provider that can support your needs and help you through the transition.
At Blubrry, we understand that moving a podcast involves more than transferring audio files. You want to make sure your show stays accessible, your RSS feed is configured correctly, and your listeners can continue enjoying your episodes.
If you’re considering making a switch, our team can help you understand the migration process and your options.
Thinking about moving your podcast? Explore Blubrry Podcast Hosting or reach out to our team to learn more about making the transition.