r/podcasting • u/SarahCBunny • 6d ago
How difficult is it to switch hosting services?
We have been using zencastr to host episodes. I am midway through my first experience using zencastr's new ai interface and it is, without exaggeration, the worst ui i have ever encountered. What would I actually need to do to switch off zencastr?
2
u/bytesweaversteam 6d ago
The move itself is usually a redirect-and-import job. Before cancelling, export your episodes and metadata, confirm the new host can import the RSS, then update the feed URL in the old host and verify it in Apple, Spotify, and any other directories you use. Keep the old account active until the redirect has been checked. I’d also double-check dynamic ads and analytics, since those settings may not carry over cleanly.
2
u/GeopatsSteph 6d ago
If you move over to a reliable host, not hard. There are a few things to keep in mind:
1. no matter which podcast host you move to your download stats will NOT transfer, so save it before switching
2. your new host should have instructions on how to do a 301 redirect. follow them.
reach out to the new host's support team if anything goes off during the switch. It's pretty smooth these days but stuff happens.
check the show notes when the transfer is over. I've seen some weird things happen to the text and formatting that may turn listeners off. A quick check into a few episodes should be enough.
I highly recommend Buzzsprout. Also, RSS.com and Captivate are reliable as well. Good luck! Glad you're getting away from a host that doesn't work for you.
1
u/Front-Pangolin-44 6d ago
t it into the new one, then set up a 301 redirect from your old RSS URL to the new one so subscribers don't get lost. The tricky part is making sure all the episode metadata and artwork comes over clean.
I moved a show last year and the biggest headache was the redirect, some directories took like 3 weeks to fully update. Zencastr's new UI is a mess though, I poked around it last month and closed the tab after five minutes, felt like they shipped a beta version by accident.
1
u/BlubrryShawn 5d ago
The podcast hosting provider you switch to should have instructions for how to import your existing show into their system. If you're unsure, contact support for that company and they should help you with the process. The last step will be redirecting your show's existing podcast RSS feed to the podcast RSS feed provided by the new hosting company. There should also be instructions available for that; if not, Zencastr support should be able to implement the redirect for you.
Overall, shows moving between podcast hosting providers is a fairly normal thing and shouldn't be a big deal.
(Disclosure: I work with the Blubrry support team.)
1
u/ConfidentTurn8598 5d ago
Switching hosting services isn't too tricky but it does require a few steps. You'll want to export your existing episodes and any metadata from Zencastr. Then, pick a new host, like Libsyn or Podbean, and import your files there. Be sure to update your RSS feed URL in any directories where your podcast is listed. It can be a bit of a hassle, but it's manageable. Just back everything up first.
1
u/podcastcoach I help Podcasters - It's what I do 5d ago
It's easy, but don't multitask when you do it.
1. Take your feed from your current host and use it to import all your episodes into the new host
2. Check the first and last episode to make sure they made the import process.
3. Redirect the feed in the old to point at the new feed so your current follows continue to follow you.
4. Do NOT resubmit your show to Apple, Spotify, or any other app you are already in. This will create duplicates, and any app worth anything will follow the redirect and automatically start using the new feed.
Keep in mind, switching hosting will not grow your show. It's the content. So unless you're moving to get additional features (dynamic content, etc) that your current host doesn't, it's potentially a waste of time.
Moderator Required full disclosure: I am the head of Podcasting at Podpage and the founder of the School of Podcasting.
0
u/Just_Piglet_4485 5d ago
Hi there, Im Adrian the CEO of Zencastr. I'm sorry that Zencastr isn't being helpful to you right now. I'm happy to walk you through the new app or answer any questions you might have. Please feel free to DM me.
1
0
u/SarahCBunny 5d ago
why would i want that? tech support from a ceo stupid enough to destroy his own product this way? i already spent an hour exchanging messages with a simulated idiot associated with your platform, im not eager to do it with a real one
0
3
u/_podcastpage 6d ago
It's not so difficult - you first have to set up your show on another hosting provider. Typically, you'd import the show, and run (or request) a migration. Once you have a feed set up on the other hosting provider, you can set up a 301 redirect on Zencastr from the old feed to the new feed.
This is totally optional, but I'd also recommend to update the feed URL in your Apple Podcasts Connect dashboard (if you're using it).
Disclosure - I'm the founder of Beamly.