How private podcasts work

Step 1: You create a private show

On a platform like Transistor, you create a new podcast and mark it as "private." This means it won't be submitted to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any public directory. It exists only on the hosting platform.

Step 2: You add subscribers

You invite listeners by email address. The platform generates a unique RSS feed URL for each subscriber. This is the key mechanism — every listener has their own URL, which means you know exactly who has access.

Step 3: Listeners subscribe in their podcast app

Each subscriber receives an email with their unique link. Tapping it opens their podcast app (Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts, etc.) and adds the show automatically. From that point on, new episodes show up just like any other podcast — they just can't be found by searching.

Step 4: You publish episodes

Upload an episode, and it's automatically delivered to all subscribers. The workflow is identical to a public podcast — record, upload, publish. The only difference is who can access it.

Managing access

Need to remove someone? Revoke their unique feed URL. Their podcast app will stop receiving new episodes, and existing episodes will stop loading. You can also add new subscribers at any time, and they'll get access to the full back catalog.

Some platforms also integrate with membership tools (Memberful, Patreon, etc.) so that access is automatically granted and revoked based on payment status.