Understanding episode sorting on RSS.com and major podcast directories

When managing your podcast, keeping your episodes in the correct order is essential, especially if you produce a serial show where the narrative depends on a specific sequence.

This article explains how episode sorting works on RSS.com for both serial and episodic formats, and how your episodes are displayed in popular directories like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Episode Sorting on RSS.com

Default Order by Publication Date: By default, RSS.com displays episodes in reverse chronological order (newest first) on your public podcast page. This approach works well for episodic shows where episodes are released independently.

Serial vs. Episodic Shows:

• Serial Podcasts: For shows that follow a narrative or chronological progression, the release order is critical. To help maintain this order, RSS.com keeps the reverse chronological order (newest first), but also adds affordances for each season, clearly marking the start/end of each one. Here's an example.
• Episodic Podcasts: For shows where each episode stands alone, the default reverse-chronological order is typically not an issue. Listeners can choose episodes based on interest, even if the order isn’t strictly sequential.

Apple Podcasts

Apple Podcasts typically sorts episodes by publication date. However, if your feed includes proper season and episode metadata, Apple Podcasts can offer a “Play from the Beginning” feature for serial shows. This helps listeners follow the narrative in the correct order.

Best Practice for Serial Shows: Ensure that your episodes have clearly defined season and episode numbers. This metadata assists Apple Podcasts in displaying your show in a logical, sequential order.

Important: keep in mind that your audience might customize the episode sorting per show at the application level:

Spotify

Spotify usually presents episodes in reverse chronological order, the same as RSS.com. Listeners will see the newest episodes at the top of the list.

For serial podcasts where the story is sequential, unlike Apple Podcasts, Spotify does not break it down by seasons. It's then important to remind your audience that they might need to scroll down to the bottom to listen in the intended order. Including clear episode numbers in your show’s artwork or description can also help guide your audience.

Important: keep in mind that your audience might customize the episode sorting per show at the application level:

Best Practices for Maintaining Correct Episode Order

Verify Publication Dates: Double-check your scheduled publication dates to ensure they align with your intended episode order.

Include Episode Metadata: Use season and episode numbers in your RSS feed. This not only helps directories like Apple Podcasts display your episodes correctly but also provides clarity for your listeners.

Monitor Directory Displays: While RSS.com manages your feed’s order automatically, it’s a good idea to review how your episodes appear in different directories. If you notice any discrepancies, confirm that the publication dates and metadata are accurate.

Communicate with Your Audience: If your show is serialized, consider adding a note in your episode descriptions or on your podcast page advising listeners on the best way to play episodes in order.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your episodes appear in the intended order—whether you’re hosting a serial narrative or an episodic show. This consistency not only enhances the listener experience on RSS.com but also across major podcast directories like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please let us know!