Using the iPhone Podcasts App

In this tutorial, we will guide you through using the Podcasts app on your iPhone. The Podcasts app is a user-friendly and convenient way to discover, subscribe to, and listen to your favorite podcasts on your device. So, let's get started!

Table of Contents

1. Installing the Podcasts App
2. Exploring the Podcasts App Interface
3. Discovering and Subscribing to Podcasts
4. Managing Subscriptions
5. Listening to Podcasts
6. Customizing Podcast Settings
7. Downloading and Streaming Episodes
8. Adding Podcasts to your Library
9. Managing Downloads and Storage
10. Creating a Smart Playlist
11. Marking Episodes as Played or Unplayed

1. Installing the Podcasts App

If you don't already have the Podcasts app on your iPhone, you can easily download it from the App Store. Open the App Store, search for "Podcasts," and tap on the download button to install the app.

2. Exploring the Podcasts App Interface

Once the Podcasts app is installed, locate the app icon on your iPhone's home screen and tap on it to launch the app. You will be greeted with the app's interface, which consists of several main tabs:

• Listen Now: This tab provides quick access to your recently played episodes and recommendations based on your listening history.
• Library: Here, you can find all your subscribed podcasts, episodes, and custom playlists.
• Browse: In this tab, you can explore a wide range of podcast categories, top charts, and curated collections.
• Search: Use the search tab to find specific podcasts or episodes by their title, author, or topic.
• Activity: This tab shows your personal activity, including recently released episodes, episodes you have downloaded, and episodes you have marked as played.

3. Discovering and Subscribing to Podcasts

To discover new podcasts, tap on the "Browse" tab. Here, you can browse through various categories, such as Top Charts, Popular Shows, or Featured Collections. Tap on a podcast thumbnail to view more details about the podcast.

To subscribe to a podcast, tap on the "Subscribe" button located on the podcast's page. Subscribed podcasts will be added to your Library for easy access.

4. Managing Subscriptions

To manage your subscriptions, go to the "Library" tab and find the "Shows" section. Here, you will see a list of all your subscribed podcasts. Tap on a podcast to view episodes and options for managing your subscription.

You can unsubscribe from a podcast by tapping on the "Unsubscribe" button. Additionally, you can use the "Edit" button to rearrange the order of your subscribed podcasts or delete any unwanted subscriptions.

5. Listening to Podcasts

To start listening to a podcast, go to the "Library" tab and tap on the podcast you want to listen to. The podcast's page will display all available episodes. Tap on an episode to begin playback.

While listening to a podcast, you can use various controls, such as play/pause, skip forward or backward, adjust the playback speed, and control the volume. You can also access show notes and descriptions by tapping on the episode details.

6. Customizing Podcast Settings

To access podcast settings, go to the "Library" tab and select the podcast you want to customize. Tap on the ellipsis (three dots) to open the podcast's settings menu. Here, you can adjust settings like notifications, refreshing podcast, or changing the playback order.

7. Downloading and Streaming Episodes

By default, the Podcasts app allows streaming episodes. However, you can download episodes to listen to them offline. To download an episode, go to the episode's details page and tap on the "Download" button.

If you prefer streaming, tap on the play button to start streaming the episode instantly. Streaming allows you to save storage space as episodes are not stored locally on your device.

8. Adding Podcasts to your Library

In addition to subscribing to podcasts, you can add individual episodes to your Library without subscribing to the whole series. To add an episode, navigate to the episode's details page and tap on the "Add to Library" button. The episode will then be accessible in your Library for later playback.

9. Managing Downloads and Storage

To manage your downloads and storage, go to the "Library" tab and select the "Downloads" section. Here, you can view all your downloaded episodes and remove them to clear up storage space if needed.

You can also enable automatic deletion of played episodes to free up storage automatically. To enable this feature, go to your iPhone's Settings app, select "Podcasts," and toggle on the "Delete Played Episodes" option.

10. Creating a Smart Playlist

The Podcasts app allows you to create smart playlists based on specific criteria. To create a smart playlist, go to the "Library" tab, tap on the "Edit" button, and select "Add a Smart Playlist." Follow the prompts to set conditions such as genre, duration, or episode status. Smart playlists update automatically based on your chosen criteria.

11. Marking Episodes as Played or Unplayed

To mark episodes as played or unplayed, locate the episode in your Library and swipe left on it. Tap on the "Mark as Played" or "Mark as Unplayed" option to change the status. This feature is useful for keeping track of your podcast progress and organizing your listening experience.

Congratulations! You have now learned how to use the Podcasts app on your iPhone. Enjoy exploring and listening to your favorite podcasts on the go!