Downcast is a paid cross-platform podcast app known for its powerful syncing capabilities, advanced playlist features, and professional-grade organization tools. 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 Downcast
✅ Found and started playing your episodes
✅ Learned how to fix common Downcast subscription issues
This usually takes about 2 minutes using the manual RSS method.
Step 1: Subscribe Using Manual RSS Method
Downcast requires manual RSS entry for private podcasts:
Copy the RSS feed URL from your invitation page
Open Downcast on your device
Tap the "+ Add" button at the bottom
Select "Add Podcast Manually"
Paste your RSS feed URL in the field (you may need to allow paste)
Tap "Subscribe" at the top-right
Step 2: Finding Your Episodes
After successful subscription:
Your private podcast appears in your Downcast library
Tap the podcast image to see all available episodes
Episodes are ready to play immediately with Downcast's advanced features
New episodes will appear automatically as your creator releases them
You can organize episodes using Downcast's powerful playlist system
What Happens Next
Your private podcast appears in your Downcast library with your other shows
New episodes will appear automatically with customizable notifications
Episodes sync seamlessly across all your devices (iOS, Mac, Apple TV)
You can take advantage of Downcast's advanced playlist and organization features
Professional-grade playback controls and audio enhancement options become available
Troubleshooting Common Downcast Issues
"How do I get the episodes to play in the correct order?"
Downcast offers flexible episode management:
Open your private podcast in Downcast
Tap the sort/filter icon (usually in the top right of the episode list)
Select "Oldest First" to start from the beginning
Or use "Newest First" for latest episodes
You can also create custom playlists with your preferred order
"I can't find the '+' button or 'Add Show' option"
Look for a "+" icon in the main Downcast interface
Try the Library or Shows tab - the add option is often there
Check the main menu or settings for "Add Show" or "Subscribe"
Some versions show the add option in the top navigation bar
"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 Downcast and reopening it, then attempt again
Verify you have a stable internet connection
Make sure you selected "Add by URL" not the search function
"I subscribed but don't see any episodes"
Try these solutions:
Wait 2-3 minutes for Downcast to process the feed
Tap directly on the podcast image to open the full episode view
Use pull-to-refresh on the episode list
Check your internet connection and try refreshing again
Look in Downcast's sync settings to ensure feeds are updating
"The podcast isn't syncing between my devices"
Downcast syncing solutions:
Make sure you're signed into the same Downcast account on all devices
Check that sync is enabled in Downcast Settings > Sync
Try manually syncing by pulling down in your podcast list
Verify all devices are connected to the internet
Check if you're using Downcast's cloud sync or iCloud sync consistently
"Episodes aren't downloading for offline listening"
Download troubleshooting:
Check your Auto-Download settings in Downcast preferences
Make sure you have enough storage space on your device
Verify your download preferences (WiFi only vs. cellular data)
Try manually downloading by tapping the download icon next to episodes
Check if download limits are set in Settings
"I'm not getting notifications for new episodes"
Notification solutions:
Go to Downcast Settings > Notifications and enable alerts
Check your device's system notification settings for Downcast
Make sure Downcast has permission to send notifications
Verify the podcast is set to check for updates automatically
Try refreshing your subscriptions manually
"Playlists aren't working with my private podcast"
Playlist troubleshooting:
Make sure episodes have fully downloaded before adding to playlists
Try creating a new playlist specifically for your private podcast
Check playlist settings to ensure episodes are being added correctly
Verify that playlist sync is working across your devices
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Downcast work on both iPhone and Android?
A: Downcast is available on iOS, Mac, and Apple TV, but not Android. For Android devices, you'll need a different podcast app.
Q: Do I need a Downcast account to listen to private podcasts?
A: While not required for basic listening, a Downcast account enables the powerful syncing features across all your Apple devices.
Q: Can I download private podcast episodes for offline listening?
A: Yes, Downcast has excellent offline capabilities with advanced download management and storage options.
Q: Will my private podcast show up in Downcast 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 Downcast special for private podcasts?
A: Downcast's advanced playlist system, professional syncing across Apple devices, and sophisticated organization tools make it excellent for managing private podcast content alongside your regular shows.
Q: Can I use Downcast's playlist features with private podcasts?
A: Yes, private podcast episodes work seamlessly with Downcast's powerful playlist and organization features.
Q: Does Downcast support advanced audio features?
A: Yes, Downcast includes variable playback speeds, audio effects, sleep timers, and other professional-grade audio features that work with private podcasts.
Q: Is Downcast free?
A: Downcast is a premium app with a one-time purchase price, but offers professional features and no subscription fees.
Still having trouble with Downcast? Here are additional resources:
📘 Downcast Support: https://downcastapp.com/support
📘 Downcast User Guide: Available within the app settings
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 Downcast, regardless of which hosting platform their creator uses.