Apple Podcasts vs Podtrac

Apple Podcasts is a podcast app and service for finding, following, and listening to shows across Apple devices, the web, Windows via iTunes, CarPlay, HomePod, smart speakers, and supported car systems. Millions of shows are free, and episodes can be downloaded for offline listening; new episodes from followed shows can download automatically. It supports video podcasts and private feeds, with listening synced across devices. Transcripts in select languages can be read and searched, navigated by chapter, or used to jump to a point in an episode. Premium shows, episodes, and channels may have monthly or annual subscriptions, with prices set by creators. Subscriber benefits can include ad-free listening, bonus or unreleased content, and other subscriber-only material. Subscriptions can be shared with up to five people through Family Sharing. Creators have production, analytics, audience connection, and subscription tools. They receive 70% initially and 85% after one year of paid service, excluding applicable taxes; other podcast revenue, including advertising, goes to the creator.

Podtrac is a web service for measuring podcast audiences and tracking promotion activity. Its reports show daily episode downloads and breakdowns by source and country. Unique monthly audience counts are available for podcasts with at least 1,000 unique downloads per month. Reports refresh daily based on the prior day’s activity, with totals typically ready by noon UTC the following day. Smart Links create show-specific pages with artwork, episode details, an integrated player, and links to major podcast apps such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Their reports track clicks and downloads by episode, country, and app, and distinguish new listeners from all listeners. Podtrac also attributes podcast promotions, including dynamic ad insertion, in-episode promos, feed drops, and guest appearances. Measurement requires adding a Podtrac redirect prefix to episode URLs, through supported hosts or by editing a feed. A free basic measurement plan is listed. Shows or networks with 500,000 or more monthly downloads are directed to request a demo for promotion tools.