The shortcode in PowerPress lets you create a clickable link that jumps to a specific point in your podcast episode’s audio player. When someone clicks the link, the player will skip to the time you specify and begin playing automatically.
Quick Start
Tip: Highlight the shortcode below, then press Ctrl+C (Windows) or ⌘-C (Mac) to copy.
[skipto time="1:45"]Skip the introThis will appear as a link that says:
1:45 Skip the intro
Clicking the link will begin playback at 1 minute and 45 seconds into the episode.
Requirements
- PowerPress version 7.4 or newer
- Compatible audio player (see below)
- The shortcode must be typed in lowercase:
How to Set the Time
You can specify the time in a few different formats:
| Format | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Minutes and seconds | time="1:45" |
1 minute and 45 seconds |
| Hours, minutes, seconds | time="1:02:30" |
1 hour, 2 minutes, and 30 seconds |
| Total seconds | time="180" |
3 minutes total |
Customizing the Link Text
You can also customize the text that appears for the link. For example:
[skipto time="3:21"]Jump to Segment 2This will display as:
Jump to Segment 2
Using with Podcast Channels or Post-Type Podcasting
If you’re using Podcast Channels or Post-Type Podcasting, you can include the channel attribute to target a specific feed:
Premium content starts hereThis will display as:
25:11 Premium content starts here
Compatible Audio Players
The shortcode is supported by the following players:
| Audio Player | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Blubrry Audio Player (for Blubrry hosting users) | Supported |
| WordPress default audio player (MediaElement.js) | Supported |
| Other podcast or media players | Not supported |
Compatibility with the Skip-to-Timestamp Plugin
The shortcode also works with the third-party Skip-to-Timestamp plugin, which is especially useful for video players or YouTube embeds. PowerPress will pass the shortcode to the Skip-to-Timestamp plugin if:
- No podcast episode is found on the page
- A video is present instead of an audio player
Important differences to keep in mind:
- PowerPress targets the specific podcast player embedded by the episode.
- Skip-to-Timestamp will apply the skip action to the first media player it finds on the page.
Tip: If using both plugins, place the audio or video player you want the skip-to link to affect near the top of the post.
Tip: To copy a shortcode, highlight it with your mouse (or tap-and-hold on mobile) and press Ctrl+C (Windows) or ⌘-C (Mac).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to use a code block in WordPress?
No. Just type the shortcode directly into the blog post content—WordPress will recognize it automatically. Avoid placing it in a “Code” block or using smart quotes (curly quotes) instead of straight ones.
Why doesn’t the link work when I preview my post?
This usually means:
- You’re not using a supported audio player
- PowerPress is not active or updated
- There’s a typo in the shortcode (e.g.,
[SkipTo]instead of)
Need Help?
If you need assistance or aren’t sure whether this feature will work on your site, contact Blubrry Support.