How to listen to podcasts on iphone?

By HotBotUpdated: August 1, 2024

Answer

Introduction to Podcasts

Podcasts have revolutionized the way we consume content, offering a convenient and engaging way to stay informed, entertained, and educated. With an iPhone, accessing and enjoying podcasts is easier than ever. This guide will walk you through the various methods to listen to podcasts on your iPhone, exploring default and third-party apps, subscription services, and advanced tips.

Using the Apple Podcasts App

Setting Up Apple Podcasts

The Apple Podcasts app is pre-installed on all iPhones, making it a straightforward choice for many users. To get started:

Open the Apple Podcasts app from your home screen.
Sign in with your Apple ID if prompted.
Browse the Browse or Search tabs to find podcasts of interest.

Subscribing to Podcasts

Subscribing to a podcast ensures you never miss an episode. Follow these steps:

Continue

Find a podcast you like and tap on its title.
Click the + Subscribe button to add it to your library.
New episodes will automatically download or stream, depending on your settings.

Managing Downloads and Notifications

To manage your downloads and notifications:

Go to Settings > Podcasts.
Adjust Download Episodes to control automatic downloads.
Toggle Notifications to stay updated on new episodes and recommendations.

Exploring Third-Party Podcast Apps

Popular Alternatives

While Apple Podcasts is robust, several third-party apps offer additional features:

Spotify: Offers a vast library of podcasts along with music streaming.
Overcast: Known for its smart speed and voice boost features.
Castbox: Includes in-audio search capabilities and a clean interface.

Getting Started with Spotify

Spotify is a popular choice due to its dual functionality as a music and podcast app. To use Spotify for podcasts:

Download and install the Spotify app from the App Store.
Create an account or log in with your existing credentials.
Navigate to the Search tab and type in the name of the podcast.
Follow the podcast by clicking the Follow button, similar to subscribing.

Overcast Features and Setup

Overcast is designed specifically for podcasts and offers unique features:

Download and open the Overcast app from the App Store.
Sign up for an account or log in if you already have one.
Use the Search tab to find podcasts and tap Subscribe to add them to your library.
Utilize features like Smart Speed to shorten silences and Voice Boost to enhance audio quality.

Subscription Services and Exclusive Content

Apple Podcasts Subscriptions

Apple Podcasts has introduced subscription options for exclusive content:

Open the Apple Podcasts app and navigate to a participating podcast.
Tap on the Subscribe button, which may show a fee.
Follow the prompts to complete the subscription through your Apple ID.

Spotify Premium and Exclusive Podcasts

Spotify offers exclusive content for its premium users:

Open the Spotify app and go to the Library tab.
Search for exclusive podcasts or check the Podcasts section.
Subscribe to Spotify Premium to access these exclusive shows, which may include ad-free listening and early access.

Advanced Tips for Podcast Enthusiasts

Creating Playlists

Creating playlists can enhance your podcast listening experience:

In the Apple Podcasts app, go to the Library tab and select New Station.
Name your station and add podcasts or specific episodes to it.
On Spotify, create a playlist by selecting episodes and adding them to a new or existing playlist.

Listening Offline

Listening offline is perfect for when you don't have internet access:

In Apple Podcasts, download episodes by tapping the download icon next to each episode.
In Spotify, ensure the Download toggle is activated for the episodes you want to listen to offline.

Automated Downloads and Deletions

Managing storage space efficiently can be crucial:

In Apple Podcasts, go to Settings > Podcasts and manage automatic downloads and episode deletions.
In Overcast, navigate to Settings and adjust download preferences to keep your storage space optimized.

Discovering New Podcasts

Using Recommendations

Both Apple Podcasts and Spotify offer recommendation features:

On Apple Podcasts, check the Browse tab for featured and trending podcasts.
On Spotify, explore the Podcasts section under the Search tab for personalized recommendations.

Exploring Podcast Networks

Networks often produce multiple shows of similar interest:

Look for networks like Wondery, Gimlet, and Radiotopia.
Explore their catalogs to find new shows that match your interests.

The world of podcasts on iPhone offers a plethora of options, from the default Apple Podcasts app to third-party alternatives and subscription services. By exploring these avenues, you can curate a personalized and enriching listening experience.