How to forward your Castbox podcast feed - 301 Redirect

301 redirect from Castbox

After importing your Castbox RSS feed into Transistor, you’ll then need to redirect your old Castbox feed so that it points to your new Transistor feed.

Important: If you haven't imported your show yet, you should follow our Import Guide first.

Export your Analytics

It’s a good idea to export your analytics from Castbox at this point. Analytics do not transfer between hosts so it’s good to take a copy now for your own records.

How to redirect your feed from Castbox to Transistor?

In your Transistor account, go to the Overview tab and copy your new RSS feed. You'll need this as part of the redirect process.

Each podcast host has their own instructions on redirecting a feed. For Castbox you can refer to their guide here: https://helpcenter.castbox.fm/portal/en/kb/articles/update-my-rss-feed-url-on-castbox

The steps they provide are as follows:

Login to your account on Castbox
In Creator Studio, go to Channels and Select Edit
Click on the Advanced Options menu at the bottom of the page
Read the Redirect Instructions
Paste your new Transistor feed into the Redirect Feed URL field.
Click Save Changes

The redirect is now completed.

What if I no longer have an account with Castbox?

If you no longer have an account with Castbox you can still contact their support directly and ask for them to enable a 301 redirect for you.

Castbox Support Email: support@castbox.fm

You can use the following email template and add in your own podcast feed details:

I have moved my podcast to Transistor.fm. Please redirect my podcast called (insert podcast name) using (insert old Castbox RSS feed) to my new host Transistor (insert new Transistor RSS feed). Please let me know once the redirect is active.

Castbox Support Details

Castbox Support email: support@castbox.fm
Castbox Support docs: https://helpcenter.castbox.fm/portal/en/kb/castbox-help-center
Castbox Redirect article: https://helpcenter.castbox.fm/portal/en/kb/articles/update-my-rss-feed-url-on-castbox

What does a 301 redirect do?

A 301 redirect for your podcast RSS feed is very useful when you move to a new podcast host. It ensures that any subscriber or podcast platform still using your Castbox feed won’t be faced with a broken link. Enabling a redirect means that your existing subscribers will stay subscribed and podcast directories can continue to pick up your new episodes.

A redirect is like leaving a forwarding address. It lets anyone using your old feed know where you have moved to.

How long does a 301 redirect last?

Most podcast platforms provide a permanent redirect for free, even after you have closed your account with them. However you may want to confirm this with Castbox.

How long does it take to enable a 301 redirect?

A redirect should be active shortly after it is applied to your Castbox feed. Podcast directories will then be able to pick up your new episodes from Transistor the next time they check your feed. That’s usually within 24 hours of your redirect being active.

How to test if a 301 redirect is working?

If you visit your Castbox feed link in a browser, it should automatically redirect to your Transistor RSS feed.

What happens if I don’t forward my old feed from Castbox?

If you choose not to redirect your podcast, you may need to complete a few extra steps.

Without a redirect existing subscribers won’t know where you have moved to. They will need to manually re-subscribe to your new Transistor podcast feed. So be prepared to share your new feed out manually to regain your subscribers back.

Without a redirect podcast directories like Apple and Spotify will still be using your old Castbox feed. To fix that without a redirect you’ll need to manually go to those platforms and update the feed they are using for your podcast.

Here’s how update your RSS feed on Spotify:
https://support.transistor.fm/en/article/how-can-i-change-my-rss-feed-on-spotify-1ttzvm4/

Here’s how to update your RSS feed on Apple Podcasts:
https://support.transistor.fm/en/article/how-can-i-update-my-rss-feed-on-apple-podcasts-1sql0ga/

Updated on: 21/11/2022