Blubrry Podcast Statistics measure downloads using a tracking prefix (also called a statistics redirect). You add this prefix to your media file URLs, and as a result, every play or download is counted accurately. This guide explains how to add the Blubrry stats tracking prefix to your podcast feed, website players, and download links.
What is the Blubrry Stats Tracking Prefix?
The tracking prefix is a special URL that sits in front of your media file link. When a listener downloads or streams an episode:
- The request first passes through Blubrry’s logging servers.
- The Blubrry servers record the download and collect metadata for analytics.
- Finally, the server redirects the request instantly to your original media host.
Logging and reporting are separate processes. Therefore, you may see a 1–2 hour delay between a download and when it appears in your stats dashboard.
Listener experience: The redirect happens instantly, so your audience will not notice any difference in playback or download speed.
How to Add the Tracking Prefix
Step 1 — Get your unique prefix
Blubrry assigns each show a unique Media Statistics Redirect URL. For example:
https://media.blubrry.com/demo/
Step 2 — Start with your media file URL
Here is an example original media file:
https://example.com/path/to/file.mp3
Step 3 — Remove the protocol
First, drop the https:// so it looks like this:
example.com/path/to/file.mp3
Step 4 — Combine with your prefix
Next, add the tracking prefix in front of the modified URL:
https://media.blubrry.com/demo/example.com/path/to/file.mp3
Step 5 — Apply everywhere
Finally, use the full tracking URL everywhere your media appears, including:
- Your podcast RSS feed
- Embedded players on your website
- Direct download links
Important: Apply the tracking prefix consistently. Otherwise, downloads that bypass it will not be measured.
Applications with Built-In Support
Some publishing tools include a field labeled “Statistics Tracking Prefix” or “Media Statistics Redirect URL.” In these cases, simply paste your unique prefix into the field and save. The application will handle the URL adjustments automatically.
Supported File Formats
The Blubrry stats system supports almost any format served from an HTTP/1.1-compliant server. For example:
- Audio: mp3, m4a
- Video: mp4, m4v
- Documents: pdf, epub
If the file’s Content-Type starts with audio/ or video/, then Blubrry can track it without issue.
Need Help?
If you have questions about setting up your stats tracking prefix, or if downloads aren’t showing correctly, contact Blubrry Support. We’ll help you get your stats set up properly.