Getting access to your private podcast should be simple...and it is! In most cases, you'll be listening in under 30 seconds! Your creator chose private podcasts because they know you're busy. This format lets you learn while commuting, exercising, or doing chores, turning your screen-time into productive listen-time. So enjoy it!
What You'll Accomplish
By the end of this guide, you'll have:
✅ Successfully subscribed to your private podcast
✅ Found the episodes in your favorite podcast app
✅ Learned how to troubleshoot common issues
This usually takes less than 5 minutes, and we're here to help if you get stuck.
Getting Started
What is a private podcast feed?
A private podcast is like a regular podcast, but only people with a special invitation can access it. Your creator has given you exclusive access to content that isn't available to the general public.
Here's what makes it special:
Only you and other invited listeners can access it
It won't show up in public podcast directories like Apple Podcasts or Spotify's browse section
You need your custom invitation link to subscribe, AKA not shareable
Once subscribed, it works just like any other podcast in your app
What you'll need before you subscribe:
A link to your subscribe page, which is emailed to you by your creator or the host of the private podcast
A podcast app that supports private feeds
Choose Your Podcast Player
Already have a favorite podcast app? Perfect, it probably works with private podcasts and you should be good to subscribe!
Don't have a podcast app yet? No worries! There are lots of great options available. iPhone users have Apple Podcasts built right in, while Android users can choose from many excellent free apps in the Google Play Store.
Popular podcast apps include:
Apple Podcasts - Built into iPhones/iPads, simple and reliable
YouTube Music - Google's music and podcast app
Pocket Casts - Works on any device, great for podcast lovers because of the folder feature
Overcast - iPhone favorite with smart playback features
Spotify - Has special requirements, so some creators might choose not offer it
The good news? Most podcast apps work great with private podcasts, so pick whichever one appeals to you! If you want, you can double check the apps that support private podcasts here.
Subscribe Using One-Click
The next thing you need to do is subscribe. Here's what the one-click subscribe page looks like for an iphone:
Here's how to subscribe:
Click your app's button on the subscribe page (see image)
Your app opens automatically with the podcast ready to subscribe
Tap "Subscribe" or "Follow" when prompted
Start listening! The podcast appears in your library alongside your other shows
One-Click Subscribe works with:
Apple Podcasts
OvercastPocket Casts
YouTube Music
Castro
Podcast Addict
Spotify (has special requirements, so your creator might not offer it)
📌 NOTE: Only apps installed on your device will show up as options.
If Something Goes Wrong...
Most subscription problems are unique to specific apps. Before heading to the general troubleshooting section, check your app's guide first:
These guides all include screenshots of the sign up and step-by-step fixes for any errors.
📌 NOTE: If you don't see your issue shown in any of the guides, please email us. See our contact info at the bottom of this page.
What to Expect After Subscribing
Congratulations! You're all set up and ready to listen. Here's what happens next and how to find your episodes.
What you'll see:
Your private podcast appears in your app's library alongside your other shows
Episodes are ready to stream or download immediately
New episodes will appear automatically as your creator releases them
You can listen anytime, anywhere...just like any other podcast
Your invitation link is done! Once you've subscribed, your podcast app handles everything from here, including notifications for new episodes.
Finding your episodes:
In most apps, go to your library or "My Podcasts" section, find the private podcast, and tap the podcast image to see all available episodes.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Don't worry if something's not working perfectly - most issues have quick fixes! Remember, many problems are app-specific, so check your individual app guide first if you're having trouble.
Subscription Problems
"Feed is Invalid" or "The app won't accept my link"
Let's troubleshoot this step by step:
Make sure the link was copied exactly, with no missing or extra characters
Look for extra spaces at the beginning or end of the link and remove them
Only certain apps support private RSS feeds, check our supported apps list for the most up-to-date list
If you're trying this on desktop, try instead on your mobile device
"The one-click subscribe button didn't work"
This happens occasionally, here's how to fix it:
Try closing and reopening your podcast app, then click the button again
Make sure the app is actually installed on your device first
Some apps need you to be logged in first
If it still doesn't work, check our app-specific guides for manual setup instructions
"I'm getting error messages in my podcast app"
Different apps show different error messages. Check our app-specific guides for screenshots of common errors and solutions. If you can't find your specific error, email us with a screenshot.
After Subscribing Issues
"I subscribed but don't see any episodes"
Don't worry, this is usually a timing issue:
Some apps take a few minutes to load new content
In most apps, tapping the show image opens the full episode list
Try refreshing by pulling down on the episode list
Force-close your podcast app and reopen it
"The episodes are out of order"
Most podcast apps show newest episodes first, but you might want to start from the beginning:
Look for a sort or filter option (usually near the top of the episode list or under settings)
Choose "Oldest to Newest" or "Sort by Publish Date"
For specific instructions, check our app-specific guides which include detailed sorting instructions with screenshots
"How will I know when new episodes are available?"
Your podcast app will notify you just like it does for your other podcasts. You can usually adjust notification settings within the app. Your creator may email you, if they chose that option in their Hello Audio account.
Device & Access Questions
"I opened the link on my computer but want to subscribe on my phone"
Easy fix! Use your phone's camera to scan the QR code at the top of your invitation page. Tap the pop-up to reopen the link on your phone, then subscribe via your podcast app.
"I want to listen on multiple devices"
This is totally possible! To subscribe on a different device or app:
Contact your podcast creator to reset your link
Once reset, revisit your subscribe page to subscribe again
Now, If both apps support OPML, you can export your feeds from one app to another
"What if I accidentally unsubscribe or delete the podcast?"
Contact your podcast creator for a fresh invitation link. They can easily generate a new one for you to resubscribe.
General Questions
"Do I need a Hello Audio account to listen?"
Nope! You don't need to create a Hello Audio account. Your podcast is delivered directly through a private link. You just need to open that link and subscribe using your favorite podcast app. If you'd like to sign up for a Hello Audio account to share the magic with your people, we'd love to have you!
"Will this show up in my regular podcast feed with my other shows?"
Yes! Once subscribed, it appears alongside your other podcasts in your app's library. Only you can see it though - it's private to people with invitation links.
Why can't I find this podcast by searching in my app?
Private podcasts don't appear in public search results or browse sections. You can only access them through your special invitation link.
What happens if I switch to a different podcast app?
You'll need to subscribe again in the new app. If your invitation link has expired, contact your podcast creator for a fresh one. If both of your podcast apps (the one you're leaving and the one you're moving to) support OPML, you can export all your feeds into the new app.
Still Need Help?
If you're still stuck, we're here for you!
Email us at [email protected]
In your email, please include:
The podcast feed title and name of the creator
The device you're using (iPhone, Android, Mac, Windows, etc.)
The podcast app you tried
A short description of the issue with screenshots if possible
We typically respond within a few hours and we'll stick with you until you're listening successfully.
For Creators: How to Share This Guide
Save yourself support time by including this in your onboarding sequences:
"Having trouble accessing your private podcast? Check out this Listener Guide for step-by-step instructions."
📌 NOTE: Most subscription issues are app-specific. If you know it's an app problem, you can also direct listeners to our app-specific guides for faster resolution.