When you're setting up a new feed (AKA podcast) at Hello Audio, one of the first decisions is whether to make it public or private. Before you choose, it helps to know exactly what a public podcast is, how it behaves, and where it fits.
This guide covers the facts first, then shares how we think about when a public podcast is the right move and when it's worth starting private instead.
What You'll Accomplish
By the end of this guide, you'll understand:
✅ What a public podcast is and how it works
✅ When a public podcast is the right move, and when to start private first
✅ How public podcasts fit into a realistic growth strategy
This takes about 3 minutes to read, and you'll walk away clear on whether public is your next step or a later one.
Understanding Public Podcasts
A public podcast is one anyone can discover and listen to. These are the shows people find when they browse Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast directory.
Here's what sets a public podcast apart:
Open to everyone: no unique links or invitations required
Listed in directories: it can appear in podcast apps and search results
Date-based episodes: episodes are organized by publish date, like a traditional podcast
No individual listener data: you get overall download numbers, not details on who's listening
Findable over time: new listeners can come across your content on their own
How Public Podcasts Work in Hello Audio
When you create a public feed in Hello Audio:
You upload your content the same way you would for any podcast, however we also accept video files that we convert for you
We generate an RSS feed that meets podcast directory requirements
You submit it to directories like Apple Podcasts and Spotify
Your podcast becomes listed and available for anyone to subscribe to
Should You Start With a Public Podcast?
Here's our honest take. A public podcast earns its place when your goal is presence and credibility rather than fast growth. It's a strong fit for:
Establishing thought leadership in your space
Building brand awareness over the long term
Creating an evergreen library people can find later
Repurposing content you already have for wider reach
Supporting your funnel with content prospects can sample before they opt in
What a public podcast usually won't do is grow an audience from scratch on its own. Discovery in the directories is slow, and word of mouth does most of the work, so a brand-new public show tends to stay quiet for a while.
That's why we typically suggest this order:
Launch a private podcast first to grow your list and convert listeners into your offers (see What is a private podcast?)
Build the relationship through email and other places in your business
Launch your public podcast once you have an audience to promote it to
Guesting on other people's podcasts works well alongside this. It puts you in front of new listeners you can point back to your private podcast as a lead magnet, so you're growing relationships first and launching the public show second.
(Not sure which private podcast start with? See Which feed should I launch first?)
What Happens Next
Once you're clear on the role a public podcast plays, you can decide whether it's your next step or a later one. Plenty of creators run both: a public podcast for thought leadership and presence, and private podcasts for premium content, client delivery, and the audience-building that turns screen-time into listen-time (see What is a private podcast?).
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a public podcast grow my audience on its own?
Usually not, at least not quickly. Public podcasts are hard to discover in a crowded directory, and most subscribers come through word of mouth. They're better for thought leadership and credibility than for cold growth. If growth is your goal, we recommend building a private podcast and email list first, then launching public once you have people to promote it to.
How do I decide between public and private?
Ask yourself whether you want anyone to be able to find and listen to this content. If yes, public fits. If you want to control who has access, choose private. Many creators do both for different purposes. For help sequencing them, see Which feed should I launch first?
Why isn't my public podcast showing up in directories yet?
Directories don't pick up new podcasts automatically. You'll need to submit your RSS feed to each one, then allow time for review. Most directories review within 24 to 48 hours, though some take up to a week, and Apple Podcasts is usually the slowest.
Can I see who's listening to my public podcast?
Public podcasts don't provide individual listener data, which is a limitation of how podcast directories work. You'll get overall download statistics, not personal information about each listener.
Do public podcasts cost more than private ones?
No. Public and private podcasts are both included in your Hello Audio plan, and pricing is the same regardless of type. See What are Hello Audio's feed limits? for how many your plan includes.
Can I change a podcast from public to private later?
Yes, though it's easier to start with the type you want. When you switch from public to private, you'll lose any subscribers you gained through the directories.
Do I need to worry about copyright with a public podcast?
Yes. Because a public podcast is open to anyone, make sure you have the rights to everything you publish, including music, guest interviews, and any third-party material.
Need help deciding between public and private podcasts? Message us in the chat or email [email protected] and we'll help you map it out.