Question 1

Why did Spotify remove my music podcast?

Accepted Answer

Podcasts containing solely music (whether originally created or created by others) likely violates Spotify's content policy and will be taken down.

In Spotify, music is required to be put on the music library instead of the podcast section.

Spotify does not clearly disclose their reviewing criteria. Based on our observation, music and soundtracks may be added to podcasts. However, podcasts that "only contain music" will be taken down.

Methods to consider when utilizing Podcasts to release original music:

Adding dialogues outside of the music and uploading it as a musical podcast.
Let go of Spotify and continue using other platforms to distribute music normally.
Upload your music to Firstory's Audio and Music Library and allow other creators to use it.

If your podcast has been removed by Spotify, you may refer to the following letter template when requesting for re-listing.

Make sure that the podcast no longer violates Spotify's content policy (For example: Deleting the episode which contains only music).

``` Title/ Subject : My Podcast Has Been Taken DownReceiving Address : podcaste

Question 2

What is RSS?

Accepted Answer

What is RSS?

RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is an information format used to aggregate and distribute content.

Every podcast comes with a unique RSS feed that houses all of your podcast's public data such as podcast name, type, and audio file address. In fact, podcast platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts use RSS to automatically update and display changes made from your hosting platform.

An RSS feed would look something like this:

If you have multiple podcasts under your account, each one will have its own unique RSS feed.

The RSS feed is a piece of public information that can be read by all streaming platforms. Likewise, we utilize the RSS feed to distribute your podcast across these platforms or directories.

They will then regularly scan the RSS feed for any updates. This also explains why each platform updates at different times and speeds.

You may encounter instances of finding your podcast on platforms you have not distributed to. This is because some platforms allow listeners to subscribe to podcasts via RSS feed, which is equivalent to podcast distribution.

This is a very normal occurrence; however, you may always write to them for removal, should you wish to remove your podcast from their platform.

Where can I find my RSS feed?

Question 3

My Podcast is not updated on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Accepted Answer

If your podcast introduction, podcast cover, episode audio file, episode introduction, or episode cover was not updated for an unreasonable amount of time, you may refer to the following solutions:

Apple Podcasts not Updated

Enter Apple Podcasts Connect and select your show
Under the RSS feed section, look for "Recent Updates" and select "Refresh"
Check your show again after waiting for a few minutes
If the issue persists, contact Apple Podcasts' customer service portal
Fill in the Customer Service form using the following as reference:

Topic: Podcast not updating
Podcast Name: (your podcast name)
Podcast Feed URL: (your podcast's RSS feed)
Show Title: (your podcast name)
Apple Podcasts Show ID: (the string of numbers at the end of your Apple Podcasts' URL)
What's not updating? (select applicable items based on what wasn't updated)
- Podcast Description : Show Metadata
- Podcast Cover : Show Artwork
- Episode Description : Episode Metadata
- Episode Cover : Episode Artwork
- Audio File : Episode Audio
- If the entire episode was not updated, please select the last 3 items.
I am following this p

Question 4

Distribute to all podcast platforms

Accepted Answer

After publishing at least one episode, you can start distributing your show on the different podcast platforms.

Watch the Video Tutorial here (you can skip to 1:08):

Automatic One-Click Distribution

In addition to Firstory player, other platforms available for automatic distribution include Spotify, Pocket Casts, and KKBOX. Simply click "Submit" and you're all set!

No need to apply! The system will notify you after successful distribution.

Manual Distribution

Platforms with more complicated terms and conditions that need to be reviewed by creators are placed under Manual Distribution. However, we have streamlined the process for you, so simply click on "Start Submission" and follow through the steps!

For detailed submission steps on Apple Podcasts, you may refer to this article.

Simply put, all you have to do for these platforms (Apple Podcasts, Player FM, Stitcher, Podcast Addict, Radio Public, SoundOn) is to enter their podcaster platform (such as Apple Podcasts Connect), add your show, acquire the podcast URL, and paste it back onto Firstory's Distribution page.

Not only does this allow you to put out your show onto their platform and have automatic episode updates;

Question 5

Firstory Downloads Data Standards [Updated Oct 2021]

Accepted Answer

Firstory Studio provides creators with data analytics to help them better understand audiences and podcast episode performances. With reference to the Podcast Measurement Standards set by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB), we did our best to filter out and reduce data discrepancies in order to more accurately reflect your podcast episode stats.

Why do we have to "filter out and reduce data discrepancies"?

The explanation to this lies on the Podcast RSS technology as well as the constant evolution of podcast directories such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Simply put, the calculation benchmark and technicalities of every podcast directory differ from one another. Since podcasters generally return to their hosting platforms for the final podcast stats, we must provide a set of consistent, credible screening standards. This also provides creators with the right indicators when working with advertisers.

The following are some sample scenarios that may occur during a listener's listening experience in order to further illustrate the importance of having an accurate standard of data measurement:

A listener may have been scrolling through his phone when a friend shared an episode of his favorite podcast. However, due to time constraints, this listener saves the episode onto the podcast directory, planning to listen to this podcast later during his daily commute.
(IP Address and Device). Since the internet connection may be unstable during the co

Question 6

Register or Upgrade to Paid Plan

Accepted Answer

New User Sign Up

From the Sign Up page, select the plan of your choice as well as the payment charging method. This switch can be changed between "Monthly" and "Yearly" from the top.

You may then sign up using email, Facebook, or Apple ID.

Registered User

If you already have a Firstory account, log into your Firstory Studio account. Click on your avatar on the upper right corner of the screen. Select "My Account."

Here, you will find your current plan. Select "Upgrade" and choose the Plan you wish to upgrade to.

Enter Payment Details

Enter your credit card information. Please take note of the trial period and when charging starts.
If you have a promo or discount code, select "Add Promo Code" on the left panel and fill in your code.
The amounts are all in US dollars and charging will be based on the exchange rate of your credit card company on the day of charging.
Apple Pay and Google Pay methods are supported.

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