Updates are coming to the connection between Libsyn and Spotify! Libsyn will be updated to connect to Spotify using a method known as ‘passthrough’.
This method is similar to what most podcast directories use. It simply means that Spotify will serve content from Libsyn’s servers,* instead* of making copies and serving it themselves.
This may seem like small potatoes, and really it is, but there are a few places where you notice these changes.
- Stats
- File Encoding
- File Replacements
Let’s talk about each one, and where you will see these changes reflected in the Libsyn system!
Stats
Right now, Spotify stats for your show are delivered from Spotify to Libsyn and displayed as its own stats breakout, rather than in with all your other stats.
With this update, Libsyn will start collecting stats for Spotify downloads/plays.
In the next two weeks, all stats will appear in your general stats numbers, the same as any other download or play, rather than being separated out.
Historical data will remain where it is for the foreseeable future for your reference.
What that means is that any stats from Spotify that you have had prior to this passthough update, will remain in the separated section that you have been used to. They will not be added to the overall stats.
File Encoding
Spotify requires an MP3 file. However, many of our producers prefer to use an M4A.
Libsyn has always recommended the use of MP3 and as more podcast directories require MP3. Encoding your media using an MP3 will give it the widest possible compatibility.
That said, Libsyn will be transcoding any M4A file to an MP3 for any show hosted at Libsyn who is submitted to Spotify, regardless of the account level.
While we still recommend encoding as an MP3, if you choose to use an M4A instead, we will ensure your files will still work with Spotify and remain as an M4A for all of the other places!
File Replacements
As Spotify previously reposted content, when you replaced a file on your Libsyn hosted episode, that file may not have updated in Spotify.
This is no longer the case. With this update, Spotify will be serving the file from Libsyn instead of reposting the file, so updates will be much smoother in the future.
YAY!
What if I Have More Questions?
If you have any additional questions, please reach out to our friendly support team at support@libsyn.com.