A podcast RSS feed is the foundation of how your podcast is discovered, distributed, and indexed across search engines and podcast platforms. Google Search relies on a valid podcast RSS feed and a properly linked website to find your podcast episodes and make them eligible to appear in search results. If you host with Libsyn, your podcast RSS feed already meets Google’s technical requirements.
Google has continued to improve how podcast content appears in Search, making it easier for listeners to discover podcasts directly from search results. Although the standalone Google Podcasts app was retired in 2024 and listeners were migrated to YouTube Music, Google Search still discovers podcast content through a valid RSS feed linked from your website.
Optimizing for Google’s podcast discovery is simple. Google’s guidelines focus on two key requirements:
- A valid podcast RSS feed
- A link to your podcast RSS feed on your website
If you host with Libsyn, you already have a fully valid and compatible podcast RSS feed. In most cases, the only remaining step is to make sure your website links to that feed. The sections below explain how to do this using either your Libsyn Podcast Page or your own website.
Using the Libsyn Podcast Page
If you are utilizing Libsyn’s Podcast Page, rest assured that the page is already optimized for this functionality. To make full use of the option, follow these steps:
- Log into your Libsyn Dashboard
- Select Settings –> Show Settings
- In the Website field, enter your website URL
- Hit Save
Pro Tip
Make sure to enter the full website address:
http://www.mywebsiteisawesome.com
Be sure to include ‘www’ if you traditionally use it with your site.
Pro Tip Make sure to enter the full website address: http://www.mywebsiteisawesome.com Be sure to include ‘www’ if you traditionally use it with your site.
Using Your Own Website
You should always link to your feed on your home page of your site so that potential listeners can select your feed and use it to subscribe using whatever app they wish.
But, a special link should also be used:
<link rel=”alternate” type=”application/rss+xml” title=”YOUR PODCAST NAME” href=”https://yourfeedurl.libsyn.com/rss” />
For example, this code would look like this for Libsyn’s podcast The Feed:
<link rel=”alternate” type=”application/rss+xml” title=”The Feed: The Official Libsyn Podcast | Podcast Strategy | Podcasting Tips | Media Hosting” href=”http://thefeed.libsyn.com/rss”>
We recommend placing this line of code in the header of your site (in between the <head> and </head> tags). How this is done will depend on how your site is built, and the template you are using. Again, be sure to use the full URL for your site:
http://www.mywebsiteisawesome.com
Be sure to include ‘www’ if you traditionally use it with your site.
First, we want you to know that if you host with us and use our podcast pages, you are covered.
Google is keeping things simple. All you need is: a valid RSS feed and the above link to your RSS feed on your website. That’s all!
If you have questions, reach out to support(at)libsyn(dot)com so they can take a look at your setup and let you know if you need to make any changes.
Final Thoughts on Your Podcast RSS Feed
A properly configured podcast RSS feed is essential for helping Google Search discover and index your podcast episodes. Google’s requirements are straightforward: use a valid podcast RSS feed and make sure your website links to it correctly.
If you host with Libsyn, your podcast RSS feed is already built to meet these technical requirements. Whether you use the Libsyn Podcast Page or your own website, taking a few minutes to verify your setup can improve your podcast’s discoverability and make it easier for new listeners to find your content through Google Search.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my podcast RSS feed need to be linked on my website?
Yes. Google’s podcast indexing guidelines require your website to expose a valid podcast RSS feed and include a link pointing to that feed. Linking your podcast RSS feed allows Google Search to discover your podcast and index new episodes. If you host with Libsyn, your podcast RSS feed is already valid, so you simply need to add the appropriate link to your website.
Do I need to do anything if I already use Libsyn’s Podcast Page?
Very little. Libsyn’s Podcast Page is already configured to support Google’s podcast discovery requirements. Simply confirm your website URL is entered under Settings → Show Settings in your Libsyn Dashboard to ensure everything is connected properly.
What if I use my own website instead of Libsyn’s Podcast Page?
If you use your own website, add the recommended <link rel=”alternate”> tag that points to your Libsyn podcast RSS feed within your site’s <head> section. Libsyn automatically generates your RSS feed, so your main responsibility is making it discoverable from your website.
How does Google find my podcast episodes now that Google Podcasts is gone?
Although the Google Podcasts app has been retired, Google Search can still discover eligible podcast episodes through a valid podcast RSS feed linked from your website. As long as your Libsyn RSS feed is accessible and correctly configured, Google can continue indexing your podcast content.
Can I use the same podcast RSS feed for multiple podcast platforms?
Yes. Your Libsyn podcast RSS feed can be submitted to multiple podcast directories and listening platforms. This allows you to manage your podcast from a single feed while reaching listeners across different apps and services.
How long does it take for episodes to appear in Google Search after linking my RSS feed?
There is no guaranteed timeline because indexing depends on when Google crawls your website and podcast RSS feed. In many cases, new episodes appear within several days, but it can take longer. Using a valid Libsyn RSS feed helps ensure there are no technical issues preventing Google from discovering your podcast.
