OPML (Outline Processor Markup Language) is a plain-text format that stores a list of your podcast subscriptions as feed URLs. Nearly every podcast app can export and import it, so it acts as a portable backup of your library. When you switch apps, importing one OPML file recreates all your subscriptions at once instead of adding each show by hand.
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How to Import an OPML File
Last updated: March 2026
Easily import your podcast subscriptions with OPML files and start enjoying The Podcast App’s AI-powered features and seamless playback.
What is an OPML File and Why Use It?
An OPML file is a standard format used to export and import podcast subscriptions between different podcast apps. If you are switching to The Podcast App from another player, importing your OPML file saves you the time of manually adding each podcast. This allows you to instantly access your podcast subscriptions and enjoy our unique AI features like Podcast Brain, which lets you chat with your library, get AI summaries, and more.
How to Import Your OPML File into The Podcast App
Importing your OPML file into The Podcast App is straightforward. First, export your subscriptions from your current podcast app as an OPML file. Then, open The Podcast App and follow these simple steps:
- Go to the app’s settings or library section.
- Look for the option labeled Import OPML or Import Subscriptions.
- Select the OPML file from your device’s storage or cloud service.
- Wait a few moments as your podcasts load into The Podcast App.
Once imported, your podcasts will be ready to stream or download offline. You can also start using features like variable speed playback, easy in-car listening, and our Material 3 design for a modern user experience.
Maximize Your Listening with The Podcast App Features
After importing your subscriptions, unlock the full potential of The Podcast App. Use Podcast Brain to ask questions about your episodes, enjoy AI-generated summaries for quick insights, and try spaced repetition flashcards to retain key information. If you listen to video podcasts, our video podcast mode enhances your viewing experience. The app is free core listening with no app-inserted ads, so you can focus on your podcasts without interruptions.
Preparing Your OPML File for a Smooth Import
Before importing your OPML file into The Podcast App, it’s a good idea to ensure that the file is correctly formatted and saved properly. Most OPML files are plain text and can be created or edited using any text editor or podcast management software. Double-check that the file contains all the desired subscriptions and that there are no formatting errors, such as missing tags or invalid characters, which could interfere with the import process.
If you’re exporting your OPML file from another podcast app or service, verify that the export completed successfully and the file size appears reasonable. Saving a backup copy of your current OPML file is also recommended in case you need to revert to it later. By preparing your file carefully, you reduce the chances of encountering issues during import and ensure a seamless transition of your favorite subscriptions into The Podcast App.
Troubleshooting Common Issues During Import
If you experience problems when importing your OPML file into The Podcast App, don’t worry—many issues are easy to resolve. Common problems include incomplete files, incompatible formats, or corrupted data. First, try opening the OPML file in a text editor to confirm that the content is intact and properly formatted. If the file appears broken or missing information, exporting it again from your original source may fix the issue.
In some cases, the import process may fail due to app-specific limitations or bugs. Ensure that you are using the latest version of The Podcast App, as updates often include bug fixes and improved compatibility. If problems persist, reach out to the app’s support team or consult their help resources. They can offer step-by-step guidance to successfully import your OPML file and get you back to enjoying your favorite podcasts without delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an OPML file?
An OPML file is a format used to export and import podcast subscriptions. It helps you transfer your podcast library between different apps quickly.
Can I import OPML files on both Android and iOS?
Yes, The Podcast App supports OPML imports on both Android and iOS devices. Just locate your OPML file and import it through the app’s settings.
Will importing an OPML file delete my current subscriptions?
No, importing an OPML file adds the podcasts from the file to your existing library without deleting your current subscriptions.
What if my OPML file does not import correctly?
If you experience issues, ensure your OPML file is correctly exported from your previous app and try importing again. You can also reach out to our support for help.
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How to Import an OPML File Into Any Podcast App
An OPML file (Outline Processor Markup Language) is a small plain-text file that lists every podcast you follow as a set of RSS feed URLs. It is the podcast world's universal export format: almost every app can produce one and read one, which makes it the reliable way to move your whole library between players without re-adding shows one at a time. Before you import anything, you first need to export an OPML from your current app — in Apple Podcasts you export from the library on a Mac or via a third-party tool, in Pocket Casts and Overcast it is in account settings, and for the retired Google Podcasts you retrieve it through Google Takeout.
The import step itself is nearly identical across apps. Save the .opml file somewhere your phone can reach it — on iOS that usually means the Files app or iCloud Drive, on Android the Downloads folder or Google Drive. Then open your new app and look for the import control: it is typically under Settings, Profile, or an 'Import subscriptions' menu. Pick the file, confirm, and wait a few seconds while the app fetches each feed and rebuilds your subscription list. In The Podcast App the option lives in the settings/library area labeled Import OPML; once it finishes, every show is ready to stream or download for offline listening.
A few practices prevent the usual headaches. Importing adds shows to your library rather than wiping what is already there, so you will not lose anything, and most apps match rather than duplicate podcasts you already follow. Keep the original .opml as a backup — it is the single file you need to rebuild your library on a new phone or after a factory reset. One thing OPML does not carry is your play position, downloads, or episode history; those are app-specific, so expect a fresh start on progress even though every subscription comes across intact.
If an import fails, the cause is almost always the file, not the app. Open the .opml in any text editor and confirm it actually contains a list of feed URLs and closing tags; a truncated or empty file means the export did not finish, so export it again from the source app. Make sure you are on the current version of your player, since older builds occasionally choke on large files or unusual characters. For very large libraries, some apps import in the background and populate over a minute or two — give it time before assuming it stalled. If it still refuses, contacting the app's support with the file attached is the fastest path to a fix.
Further reading
Sources and further reading
- Apple PodcastsApple's official podcasts app/platform homepage
- SpotifySpotify homepage (podcasts + music listening)
- Pocket CastsCross-platform podcast player (Automattic)
- Find podcasts on iPhoneSearch and browse to discover shows in Apple Podcasts
- Follow your favorite podcasts on iPhoneHow to follow/subscribe to shows in Apple Podcasts
- YouTube MusicGoogle's app for music and podcasts
- Podcast IndexOpen, independent podcast index and API
- Media RSS Specificationmedia namespace supplementing RSS enclosures
- RSS 2.0 Specificationcanonical RSS 2.0 spec (RSS Advisory Board)
- Google TakeoutExport Google Podcasts subscriptions as an OPML file
- Transfer or export your Google Podcast subscriptionsOfficial Google Podcasts shutdown migration to YouTube Music or OPML export
FAQ
Your Questions, Answered
First export an OPML file from your current app, then open The Podcast App and go to settings or the library section. Look for Import OPML or Import Subscriptions, select the file from your device storage or cloud drive, and wait a few seconds while your shows load. Once finished, every imported podcast is ready to stream or download offline.
No. Importing adds the shows from the file to your current library rather than replacing it. If the OPML contains podcasts you already follow, they are matched rather than duplicated in most cases. It is still worth keeping a backup copy of your OPML file so you can re-import later or move your library to another device if needed.
Yes. The Podcast App supports OPML import on both iOS and Android. The main difference is where the file lives — on iOS it may be in the Files app or iCloud Drive, on Android in Downloads or Google Drive. Save the OPML somewhere the app can reach, then pick it during import. Core listening is free with no app-inserted ads afterward.
First open the file in a text editor to confirm it contains your feeds and has no broken or missing tags. If it looks incomplete, export it again from your original app, since a failed export is the most common cause. Make sure you are on the latest version of The Podcast App, and if the problem continues, contact support with the file for help.
OPML (Outline Processor Markup Language) is a plain-text file that stores your podcast subscriptions as a list of RSS feed URLs. It works as a portable backup of your library. Because nearly every podcast app can both create and read OPML, it is the standard way to move all your shows between apps at once instead of adding each one by hand.
Look in your current app's account or settings menu for 'Export' or 'Export subscriptions'. Pocket Casts and Overcast keep it under account settings, Apple Podcasts exports from the library on a Mac or via a helper tool, and former Google Podcasts subscriptions come out through Google Takeout. Save the resulting .opml file somewhere your phone can reach it before importing.
No. OPML carries only your list of subscriptions, not your playback position, downloaded files, queue, or episode history — those are stored inside each app. After importing you will have every show back, but progress starts fresh. Re-downloading episodes and letting play positions rebuild happens naturally as you resume listening in the new app.
Open the file in any text editor and check that it actually contains feed URLs and proper closing tags. An empty or truncated file means the export failed, so export it again from the source app — that is the most common cause. Confirm you are on the latest app version, give large libraries a minute to finish, and if it still fails, send support the file.