Podverse is an open-source podcast app known for its unique clip-sharing features, cross-platform availability, and privacy-focused approach. 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 Podverse
✅ Found and started playing your episodes
✅ Learned how to fix common Podverse subscription issues
This usually takes about 2 minutes using the manual RSS method.
Step 1: Subscribe Using Manual RSS Method
Podverse requires manual RSS entry for private podcasts:
Copy the RSS feed URL from your invitation page
Open Podverse on your device
Click "... More" at the bottom-left
Tap the "Add RSS feed" option
Paste your RSS feed URL in the field
Tap "Save"
Step 2: Finding Your Episodes
After successful subscription:
Your private podcast appears in your Podverse podcasts list
Tap the podcast title or artwork to see all available episodes
Episodes are ready to play immediately with Podverse's feature-rich player
New episodes will appear automatically as your creator releases them
You can use Podverse's unique clip and sharing features (for personal use)
What Happens Next
Your private podcast appears in your Podverse library with your other shows
New episodes will appear automatically with notification options
You can create personal clips from your private podcast episodes
Episodes sync across all your devices where you use Podverse
Privacy-focused features ensure your listening data stays secure
Troubleshooting Common Podverse Issues
"How do I get the episodes to play in the correct order?"
Podverse offers flexible episode sorting:
Open your private podcast in Podverse
Look for sort options (usually near the episode list)
Select "Oldest" or "Date Ascending" to start from the beginning
Or choose "Newest" or "Date Descending" for latest episodes
Episodes will be arranged according to your preference
"I can't find the '+' button or 'Add Podcast' option"
Look for a "+" icon in the main Podverse interface
Try the Podcasts or Subscriptions section - the add option is often there
Check the main menu (hamburger icon) for "Add Podcast" or "Subscribe"
On web version, look for "Add by RSS URL" in the menu
"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 refreshing the page or restarting the app, then attempt again
Verify you have a stable internet connection
Make sure you selected "Add by RSS URL" not the search function
"I subscribed but don't see any episodes"
Try these solutions:
Wait 2-3 minutes for Podverse to process the feed
Tap directly on the podcast name to open the episode list
Use pull-to-refresh or look for a refresh option
Check your internet connection and try refreshing again
Clear your browser cache if using the web version
"Episodes aren't downloading for offline listening"
Download troubleshooting:
Check your download settings in Podverse preferences
Make sure you have enough storage space on your device
Verify your download preferences (WiFi only vs. mobile data)
Try manually downloading by tapping the download icon next to episodes
Note that web version may have limited offline capabilities
"I'm not getting notifications for new episodes"
Notification solutions:
Go to Podverse Settings > Notifications and enable alerts
Check your device's system notification settings for Podverse
Make sure Podverse has permission to send notifications
For web version, check browser notification permissions
Try refreshing your subscriptions manually
"Clip features aren't working with my private podcast"
Clip functionality troubleshooting:
Make sure you're logged into your Podverse account
Check that clip creation is enabled in settings
Try creating a clip from a different part of the episode
Note that clips from private podcasts should remain private to your account
Verify you have sufficient permissions and storage
"Syncing isn't working across my devices"
Sync troubleshooting:
Make sure you're logged into the same Podverse account on all devices
Check that sync is enabled in Podverse settings
Try manually syncing by refreshing your podcast list
Verify all devices have internet connectivity
Give it a few minutes - syncing can sometimes be delayed
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What platforms does Podverse support?
A: Podverse is available on iOS, Android, and as a web app, making it one of the most cross-platform podcast solutions available.
Q: Do I need a Podverse account to listen to private podcasts?
A: While not required for basic listening, a free account enables syncing, clip creation, and other advanced features across devices.
Q: Can I download private podcast episodes for offline listening?
A: Yes, the mobile apps support offline listening with episode download capabilities. Web version has limited offline features.
Q: Will my private podcast show up in Podverse's public features?
A: No, private podcasts don't appear in public search, discovery, or shared clip features. Your private content remains completely private.
Q: What makes Podverse special for private podcasts?
A: Podverse's open-source nature, privacy focus, and unique clip-sharing features (for personal use) make it excellent for private podcast listening while maintaining full control over your data.
Q: Can I create and share clips from my private podcast?
A: You can create clips for personal use, but clips from private podcasts should remain private. Always respect the creator's privacy intentions.
Q: Does Podverse support advanced playback features?
A: Yes, Podverse includes variable playback speeds, sleep timers, chapter support, and other advanced features that work with private podcasts.
Q: Is Podverse completely free?
A: Yes, Podverse is free and open-source with no premium tiers or subscription fees. Some features may require creating a free account.
Still having trouble with Podverse? Here are additional resources:
📘 Podverse Documentation: https://podverse.fm/about
📘 Podverse GitHub: https://github.com/podverse for technical support and feature requests
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 Podverse, regardless of which hosting platform their creator uses.