Unlike a public podcast that anyone can find and subscribe to, a private podcast is only available to people you invite. Each listener gets a unique link that adds the show to their podcast app — no special software required, no new app to download.
Organizations use private podcasts for everything from internal communications and employee onboarding to delivering paid content for members and students. The format works because people already know how to listen to podcasts — you're just controlling who has access.
In short
A private podcast = a regular podcast + access control. Listeners use their normal podcast app. Creators decide who gets in.
How is access controlled?
Private podcast platforms like Transistor generate a unique RSS feed URL for every listener. When you add a subscriber, they receive a personalized link (usually via email) that opens in their podcast app.
Because every feed URL is unique, you can see who has access and revoke it at any time. If someone leaves your team or cancels their membership, you remove them and their feed stops working.
What can you use a private podcast for?
Internal comms
Company updates, CEO messages, training material — delivered to employees in their podcast app.
Paid content
Premium episodes, bonus content, or an entire members-only show for paying subscribers.
Online courses
Deliver audio lessons to enrolled students. They can listen while commuting, exercising, or on the go.
Exclusive communities
Conference attendees, coaching clients, church congregations — any defined group that deserves its own audio feed.
Which podcast apps support private feeds?
Private podcasts work in any app that lets you add a show via URL. That includes Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Castro, Podcast Addict, and many more. Spotify has limited support through its Open Access program.
See the full list of supported apps →
How secure are private podcasts?
Private podcasts are access-controlled, not encrypted. Each listener gets a unique feed URL, and creators can revoke access at any time. However, once an audio file is downloaded to a device, it's a file — similar to a document shared via a private link.
For most use cases — internal comms, memberships, courses — this level of security is more than sufficient. It's not designed for top-secret content, but it's a meaningful step up from "anyone on the internet can listen."
Ready to create a private podcast?
The easiest way to start a private podcast is with a hosting platform that supports private feeds out of the box. Transistor lets you create a private podcast, invite subscribers by email, and manage access — all from one dashboard.
Create your private podcast
Transistor makes it easy to set up a private podcast, add subscribers, and deliver audio content to your audience.
Get started with Transistor