Castro is a unique podcast app known for its innovative triage system and beautiful interface design. This guide walks you through the manual RSS subscription process for accessing your private podcasts.
What You'll Accomplish
By the end of this guide, you'll have:
✅ Successfully subscribed to your private podcast in Castro
✅ Found and started playing your episodes
✅ Learned how to fix common Castro subscription issues
This usually takes about 2 minutes using the manual RSS method.
Step 1: Subscribe Using Manual RSS Method
Castro requires manual RSS entry for private podcasts:
Copy the RSS feed URL from your invitation page
Open Castro on your device
Tap the search icon in the top-right corner
Paste your RSS feed URL in the field
Tap the show and click "Subscribe"
Step 2: Understanding Castro's Queue System
Castro works differently from other podcast apps with its unique triage system:
Your private podcast appears in Castro's library
New episodes go to the "Inbox" where you can triage them
Move episodes you want to hear to your "Queue" by tapping the arrow
Episodes in your Queue will play automatically in order
Tap the podcast image to see all available episodes
What Happens Next
Your private podcast appears in Castro's library with your other shows
New episodes will appear in your Inbox automatically
You can organize episodes using Castro's triage system (Inbox → Queue → Archive)
Episodes sync across your Apple devices signed into the same iCloud account
You can take advantage of Castro's beautiful interface and smart playback features
Troubleshooting Common Castro Issues
"How do I get episodes to play in the right order?"
Castro's Queue system gives you full control over episode order:
Open your private podcast in Castro
Add episodes to your Queue in the order you want to hear them
Use the "Add All" option to queue multiple episodes at once
Drag episodes in your Queue to reorder them manually
"I can't find the search button"
Look in the top right corner of Castro's main screen for a magnifying glass icon
Make sure you're on the Library tab, not in Queue or Inbox
Try force-closing Castro and reopening it if the interface seems stuck
"The RSS feed won't accept or gives an error"
Try these solutions:
Make sure you copied the complete RSS URL with no extra spaces
Check that the RSS link is still active by contacting your creator
Try force-closing Castro and reopening it, then attempt again
Verify you selected "Add by URL" not the search function
"I subscribed but don't see any episodes"
Try these solutions:
Check your Inbox - new episodes from private podcasts appear there first
Wait 2-3 minutes for Castro to process the feed
Tap directly on the podcast image to open the full episode view
Pull down to refresh your Library or Inbox
Check your internet connection and try refreshing again
"Episodes aren't appearing in my Inbox"
Castro Inbox troubleshooting:
Make sure the podcast subscription was successful in your Library
Check your notification settings if you expect to be alerted to new episodes
Try manually refreshing by pulling down in your Inbox
Verify the creator has actually released new episodes
"The podcast isn't syncing to my other Apple devices"
Castro syncing solutions:
Make sure you're signed into the same iCloud account on all devices
Check that iCloud sync is enabled in Castro settings
Try manually syncing by pulling down in your Library
Give it a few minutes - iCloud syncing can sometimes be delayed
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Castro only work on iPhone and iPad?
A: Yes, Castro is iOS-only. If you use Android or other devices, you'll need a different podcast app.
Q: Do I need a Castro account to listen to private podcasts?
A: No account is required. Castro uses your iCloud account for syncing across Apple devices.
Q: How does Castro's triage system work with private podcasts?
A: Private podcast episodes work just like public ones - new episodes appear in your Inbox, and you move the ones you want to hear to your Queue.
Q: Can I download private podcast episodes for offline listening?
A: Yes, Castro has excellent offline capabilities. Episodes are automatically downloaded when added to your Queue, and you can adjust download settings.
Q: Will my private podcast show up in Castro search or recommendations?
A: No, private podcasts don't appear in search results or discovery features. You can only access them through your subscription link.
Q: What makes Castro special for private podcasts?
A: Castro's triage system (Inbox → Queue → Archive) gives you unprecedented control over which episodes you listen to and when. The beautiful interface and thoughtful design make managing multiple podcasts, including private ones, a pleasure.
Q: Can I use Castro's chapter and enhancement features with private podcasts?
A: Yes, if your private podcast includes chapter markers or enhanced features, Castro will display and utilize them just like public podcasts.
Still having trouble with Castro? Here are additional resources:
📘 Castro Support: https://castro.fm/support
Or email us directly: [email protected] with screenshots of any error messages and we'll get you sorted out quickly.
This guide was created to help listeners access private podcasts on Castro, regardless of which hosting platform their creator uses.