Choose a hosting platform
You need a podcast hosting platform that supports private feeds. Transistor is built for this — private podcasting is a core feature, not an afterthought. Other options include Hello Audio and Captivate.
Create a new show and set it to private
When you create a new podcast, select "private" as the distribution type. This tells the platform not to submit your show to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any public directory.
Upload your first episode
Record your audio and upload it. The workflow is identical to a public podcast — add a title, description, and audio file. You can also schedule episodes in advance.
Add your subscribers
Enter your listeners' email addresses. The platform sends each person a unique link to subscribe. You can add subscribers one at a time, upload a CSV, or connect a membership platform like Memberful or Patreon.
Listeners subscribe in their podcast app
Each subscriber taps their unique link, which opens their podcast app and adds the show. From that point on, new episodes appear automatically — just like any other podcast.
What do you need to get started?
All you need is an audio file and a list of email addresses. You don't need a special app, custom software, or any technical expertise. If you can upload a file and type an email address, you can run a private podcast.
Video walkthrough
Want to see the full process? Watch this step-by-step walkthrough of creating a private podcast on Transistor:
Start your private podcast today
Transistor gives you everything you need: private feeds, subscriber management, analytics, and support across every major podcast app.
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