No, as long as you export them first. Most podcast apps let you save your subscriptions as an OPML file from the settings menu. Importing that file into the new app restores every show at once. Shows followed only in Spotify are the exception, since Spotify does not export OPML, so you re-add those by searching for them by name.
MAKE THE MOVE
How to Switch Podcast Apps
Last updated: March 2026
Effortlessly switch podcast apps and enjoy listening experience without app-inserted ads with AI-powered features in The Podcast App.
Why Switch Your Podcast App?
Switching to a new podcast app can refresh your listening experience and unlock features that better suit your needs. If you're tired of cluttered interfaces, annoying ads, or limited functionality, The Podcast App offers a clean, free, and without app-inserted ads alternative. Plus, with AI-driven tools like Podcast Brain, you can interact with your library in smarter ways and discover new content effortlessly.
How to Transfer Your Podcasts and Subscriptions
Moving your podcasts from one app to another is easier than you might think. Most podcast apps allow you to export your subscriptions as an OPML file. To switch, export your subscription list from your current app and then import that OPML file into The Podcast App. This way, all your favorite shows will appear instantly without losing your place.
If your old app does not support exporting, you can manually search and subscribe to your favorite podcasts within The Podcast App. While this takes a bit more time, it’s a good opportunity to clean up your subscriptions and rediscover shows with personalized AI recommendations.
Make the Most of The Podcast App’s Unique Features
The Podcast App offers more than just playback. With Podcast Brain, you can chat directly with your podcast library to find episodes, get AI summaries, or create spaced repetition flashcards to retain information. The app also supports offline downloads for listening anywhere without internet, variable speed playback for customized listening, and car-friendly playback for safe in-car use.
The Material 3 design ensures a modern, intuitive interface that makes navigation seamless. Whether you enjoy video podcasts or want synthesis radio for a continuous, curated experience, switching to The Podcast App brings a smarter, cleaner, and more enjoyable podcast journey.
Choosing the Right Podcast App for Your Needs
When considering a switch, it is important to evaluate what features are most important to you. Some podcast apps excel at personalized recommendations, while others prioritize seamless syncing across multiple devices. Think about whether you prefer a simple interface or one packed with advanced features. Reading reviews and trying out free versions can help you determine which app aligns best with your listening habits.
The Podcast App is highly recommended for its user-friendly design and robust feature set. It offers excellent customization options, easy subscription management, and reliable playback controls. Taking the time to explore different apps ensures that you find a platform that enhances your listening experience without adding unnecessary complexity.
Troubleshooting Common Issues During Transition
Switching podcast apps can sometimes come with minor hiccups, such as missing episodes or difficulty transferring subscriptions. If you encounter these issues, start by checking whether the new app supports direct import of your old subscriptions or offers manual import options. Many apps provide help guides or customer support to assist with this process.
If you are using The Podcast App, it offers straightforward methods to recover your subscriptions and episodes, making the transition smoother. Remember to ensure your device is updated and that you are logged into the same account you used previously. Patience and a bit of troubleshooting can make switching seamless and help you enjoy your favorite podcasts with minimal disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my podcast subscriptions from another app?
Yes, most podcast apps allow you to export your subscriptions as an OPML file. You can import this file into The Podcast App to transfer your subscriptions easily.
Does The Podcast App support offline listening?
Absolutely. The Podcast App lets you download episodes for offline playback so you can listen without an internet connection.
What is Podcast Brain and how does it help me?
Podcast Brain is our AI-powered feature that lets you ask questions across eligible transcript-backed listening history, get summaries, create flashcards, and enjoy personalized recommendations to enhance your listening experience.
Is The Podcast App free core listening with no app-inserted ads?
Yes, The Podcast App is free for core listening to use and does not include any ads, providing an uninterrupted and enjoyable podcast experience.
Download The Podcast App
Free podcast player with AI Brain, offline downloads, and no app-inserted ads. Available on iOS and Android.
How to Switch Podcast Apps Without Losing Your Shows
Switching podcast apps sounds risky, but almost nothing is actually stored inside your old app. Your subscriptions are just a list of public RSS feeds, and your favorite shows live on the open web. The one thing worth carrying over is that subscription list, and nearly every serious podcast app can export it as an OPML file, a small text document that holds every feed you follow. Before you move, open your current app's settings and look for an option like Export subscriptions, Export OPML, or Share subscriptions, then save or email that file to yourself.
Once you have the OPML file, install the new app and look for Import in its settings, add-podcast screen, or library menu. Import the file and every show reappears at once, usually within a few seconds. Apple Podcasts imports OPML on iOS, Pocket Casts and most independent apps support it on both platforms, and The Podcast App reads the same standard file. If a show does not come across cleanly, you can always search for it by name and subscribe manually. Spotify is the main exception: it does not export an OPML file, so shows followed only there have to be re-added by hand.
Playback position and completed-episode history generally do not transfer between apps, because that data is tied to each app's own account rather than the RSS feed. That is normal and not a bug. Treat the switch as a fresh start: your subscriptions carry over, and you simply resume shows from where you remember leaving off. If you had downloads saved offline in the old app, re-download the episodes you still want in the new one before deleting anything, so you are never caught without a queue on a flight or commute.
After importing, spend five minutes setting up the new app the way you like: rebuild a queue or playlist, set your default playback speed, turn on automatic downloads for shows you never miss, and connect CarPlay or a Bluetooth car stereo if you listen while driving. This is also a good moment to prune shows you no longer follow. If you are trying The Podcast App, importing OPML gets your library in instantly, and free core listening plus offline downloads means you can test-drive it fully before deleting your old app for good.
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
- 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
OPML is a small standard text file that lists every podcast feed you follow. Look in your current app's settings for Export subscriptions, Export OPML, or Share subscriptions. Save the file to your device or email it to yourself, then use the Import option in your new app to load all of your shows in one step.
Usually not. Your position within episodes and your played history are stored in each app's own account, not in the podcast feed, so they do not move with an OPML import. Your subscriptions carry over, but you resume shows from where you remember stopping. Treat the switch as a clean start rather than a full account migration.
Spotify does not offer an OPML export, so there is no one-click transfer. Open Spotify and note the shows you follow, then search for each one by name in your new app and subscribe. Many shows are available everywhere through their public RSS feed, though a few Spotify-exclusive titles may not appear in other apps at all.
It is safer to keep it installed for a few days. After importing your OPML file, confirm every show came across, rebuild your queue, re-download any offline episodes you still need, and set your preferred playback speed. Once the new app feels complete and nothing is missing, you can remove the old one without worrying about losing anything.