How to Switch Podcast Apps (Without Losing Anything)
How to switch podcast apps (without losing anything)
Your podcast app isn't working for you anymore. Maybe it's slow, maybe ads started showing up in the interface, or maybe you just found something better. The good news? Switching takes about five minutes, and you won't lose a single subscription.
TL;DR
- Most podcast apps support OPML export, a universal file format that contains all your subscriptions
- Export from your old app, import into your new one, and you're done
- Playback history and episode progress usually don't transfer, but your subscription list will
- Some apps (Apple Podcasts, Overcast) need a few extra steps to export
- The whole process takes less than five minutes
What is OPML and why does it matter?
OPML stands for Outline Processor Markup Language. In podcast terms, it's a simple file that lists every show you subscribe to. Think of it as a contact list for your podcasts.
Nearly every podcast app can read and write OPML files. When you export one from your current app, it creates a file containing the RSS feed URL for each of your subscriptions. Import that file into a new app, and it automatically subscribes you to all the same shows.
The format has been around since the early days of RSS readers, and it's the closest thing podcasting has to a universal transfer standard.
How to export from your current app
The export process varies slightly by app. Here's how it works in the most popular ones:
Apple Podcasts
Apple Podcasts doesn't have a built-in OPML export button. You have two options:
- Use a shortcut: Download the "Export Apple Podcasts" shortcut from the Shortcuts app. Run it, and it generates an OPML file you can save or share.
- Use a third-party tool: Apps like Podchaser or OPML Generator can pull your Apple Podcasts library if you sign in with your Apple ID.
Overcast
Overcast moved its OPML export to the web. Log in at overcast.fm, go to Account, and click Export Your Data. Choose OPML to download the file.
Pocket Casts
Open the app, tap your profile icon, go to Settings > Import & Export > Export. Pocket Casts will generate an OPML file you can share via email, AirDrop, or save to Files.
Podcast Addict
Tap the menu icon, go to Settings > Backup / OPML > Export OPML. Save the file to your device.
Spotify
Spotify doesn't support OPML export. If you've been listening exclusively on Spotify, you'll need to manually search for and subscribe to your shows in the new app. This is one of the downsides of Spotify's walled-garden approach to podcasts.
Castro
Go to Settings > Export Subscriptions. Castro exports a standard OPML file.
How to import into your new app
Once you have your OPML file, importing is straightforward in most apps:
- Open your new podcast app
- Find the import option (usually under Settings, or sometimes on the main screen for first-time setup)
- Select your OPML file from Files, email, or wherever you saved it
- Confirm the import and wait a few seconds while the app subscribes to each show
In Pocket Casts, go to Settings > Import & Export > Import. In Podcast Addict, it's Settings > Backup / OPML > Import OPML. In Podtastic, you can import directly from the library screen.
Most apps will show you a list of shows being imported and let you confirm before subscribing.
What transfers and what doesn't
Here's what you can expect when switching apps:
Transfers with OPML:
- All your podcast subscriptions
- The RSS feed URLs for each show
Usually doesn't transfer:
- Played/unplayed episode status
- Your current playback position in episodes
- Downloaded episodes (you'll need to re-download)
- Custom playlists or smart filters
- Per-show settings (playback speed, skip settings)
The subscription list is the hardest part to recreate manually, so OPML saves you the most time. Episode progress and downloads are easier to rebuild as you listen.
Some apps offer their own proprietary backup systems that preserve more data, but these only work within the same app (for example, Pocket Casts' cloud sync). Cross-app transfers are limited to what OPML supports.
What to look for in a new podcast app
If you're going to the trouble of switching, pick an app that solves the problem that made you leave. Here are the features worth comparing:
Playback controls. At minimum, you want adjustable playback speed, a sleep timer, and skip-forward/back buttons. Some apps let you set these per show, which is useful if you like comedy at 1x but news at 1.5x.
Download management. Look for auto-download settings (download new episodes on Wi-Fi only), storage limits per show, and the ability to auto-delete played episodes. If you have limited phone storage, this matters more than anything else. See our offline listening guide for more on this.
Sync across devices. If you listen on your phone, tablet, and computer, pick an app with cloud sync so your progress follows you. Pocket Casts, Overcast, and Podtastic all support multi-device sync.
Discovery features. Some apps help you find new shows through curated lists, trending charts, or recommendations based on your listening. Others are bare-bones players. If you're always looking for something new to listen to, a good discovery engine saves time.
Queue and playlist management. Can you rearrange your queue? Create playlists? Set episodes to auto-add to your Up Next? These features matter more than they sound, especially once you're managing ten or more active subscriptions. Our queue management guide has more details.
AI features. Some apps offer features like silence trimming, volume normalization, or AI-powered summaries and topic detection. If you want smarter ways to navigate and discover podcast content, look for a player with built-in AI.
Tips for a smooth transition
Don't delete your old app right away. Keep it installed for a week or two in case you need to check your listening history or find a show you forgot about.
Re-download strategically. Instead of downloading your entire library in the new app, just download the episodes you're currently listening to. Let the rest stream until you need them.
Set up your preferences early. Before you start listening, configure your default playback speed, download settings, and notification preferences. It's easier to do this once upfront than to adjust episode by episode.
Check for missing shows. Occasionally an OPML import will miss a show if the RSS feed URL has changed. Scroll through your old app's subscription list and search for any missing shows manually in the new app.
Try the new app for a full week before committing. Use it as your primary player and see if the workflow fits your listening habits. Some features only become apparent after regular use.
When switching apps makes sense
You don't need to switch apps every time something annoys you, but there are clear signs it's time:
- Your app added ads to the interface. You're already listening to ads in podcasts; you shouldn't see them in your player too.
- Playback is unreliable. Episodes skipping, failing to download, or losing your place are signs of deeper problems.
- Features you need are missing. If you want better sleep timers, offline listening, or AI-powered features like smart summaries, it might be time to explore other options.
- The app feels abandoned. Infrequent updates and unfixed bugs suggest the developers have moved on.
Check out our guide to the best podcast apps if you're not sure where to switch to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my podcast subscriptions from Spotify?
Unfortunately, Spotify doesn't support OPML export. You'll need to manually search for and subscribe to your shows in the new app. Some third-party tools claim to extract Spotify podcast lists, but their reliability varies. If you only follow a handful of shows on Spotify, manual re-subscribing is the fastest route. If you follow dozens, consider maintaining a separate list of your subscriptions so future moves are easier.
Will I lose my downloaded episodes when switching?
Yes. Downloaded episode files don't transfer between apps. You'll need to re-download any episodes you want available offline in your new app. Your old app's downloads remain on your device until you delete the app. To minimize data usage, only re-download episodes you're actively listening to and stream the rest over Wi-Fi.
How long does the OPML import take?
Usually less than a minute, even with hundreds of subscriptions. The file itself is tiny (a few kilobytes), and most apps subscribe to all shows simultaneously. After import, the app will refresh each show's feed to pull in episode lists, which can take another minute or two in the background.
Can I use OPML to sync between two apps?
Technically yes, but it's a one-time snapshot, not an ongoing sync. If you subscribe to new shows in one app, you'd need to export and import again. For continuous sync across devices, use an app with built-in cloud sync like Pocket Casts or Podtastic.
What if my old app is no longer available?
If the app was removed from the App Store or Google Play, you might still be able to open it if it's installed on your device. Look for export, backup, or OPML options in the settings. If the app won't launch at all, check if it had a web version where your data might still be accessible. Some apps store subscription data in iCloud or Google backups, which a new app might be able to read.
Should I export before my old app shuts down?
If your podcast app announces it's shutting down, export your OPML immediately. Don't wait until the shutdown date; services sometimes go offline earlier than announced, or features like export may stop working before the final date. Store the OPML file somewhere safe like your email, cloud storage, or both.
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