This week I am sharing some updates from the world of podcasting. These updates are beneficial whether you are a podcast host, someone supporting podcasters, or simply in the early stages of creating your podcast.

First up, let’s talk about a change coming to Apple Podcasts.

Terminology update within the app: With the Apple Podcasts app, Apple will be changing the use of the word “Subscribe” to “Follow.” So instead of seeing a purple “Subscribe” button, you’ll see a different version labeled “Follow.” It is said they are doing this because users translate the word “Subscribe” to something you must pay for, whereas a “Follow” is something you do for free. This change will happen with the release of iOS 14.5.

What this means for podcasters: Perhaps, a slight change in wording for any CTA’s where you remind people to “Subscribe” to your show. Example: If you currently say “Subscribe to my podcast on Apple Podcasts….” An updated way of saying the same thing might be “Like, Follow, or Subscribe to my podcast on your favorite podcast listening app!”

Now, let’s turn our attention to Libsyn—my preferred podcast media host and the one I recommend to my launch clients. Libsyn’s interface has looked the same for many years. As of April 2021, the next version of Libsyn is here - Libsyn 5. Libsyn 5 is in public beta, which means current and new users can use the sleeker version (and it is pretty sleek). I know, I know, sometimes change is hard. So, if you aren’t keen on change just yet, current users will be able to switch between Libsyn 4 and 5 interchangeably. Switching between the two versions is a difference between the login page you use. Libsyn 4 // Libsyn 5. Take Libsyn 5 for a spin and see what you think!

But wait, there’s more! Libsyn recently became a launch partner of Samsung. What this means for podcasters who host with Libsyn is you can submit your podcast to Samsung to have it included under the “Listen” tab in the Samsung Free application! And it is always my advice to list your podcast in as many destinations as available for more opportunities for discovery.

That’s all for this week’s updates. I’ll continue to make these types of posts when important news emerges within the industry.