How to forward your ZenCast podcast feed - 301 Redirect

301 redirect from ZenCast

After importing your ZenCast RSS feed into Transistor, you’ll then need to redirect your old ZenCast 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 ZenCast 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 ZenCast to Transistor?

Zencast recommends you reach out to them on their Live Chat widget. You can also refer to their own redirect guide here: https://help.zencast.fm/article/58-how-do-i-redirect-my-podcast-away-from-zencast-to-another-hosting-platform

If you no longer have an account with ZenCast you can still contact their support directly and ask if they can enable a 301 redirect for you.

Zencast Support Email: support@zencast.fm

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.

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 ZenCast RSS feed) to my new host Transistor (insert new Transistor RSS feed). Please let me know once the redirect is active.”

ZenCast Support Details

ZenCast Support email: support@zencast.fm
ZenCast Contact page: https://help.zencast.fm/article/5-support
ZenCast Support docs: https://help.zencast.fm/
ZenCast Redirect article: https://help.zencast.fm/article/58-how-do-i-redirect-my-podcast-away-from-zencast-to-another-hosting-platform

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 ZenCast 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.

How long does it take to enable a 301 redirect?

A redirect should be active within a couple of minutes of it being applied to your ZenCast 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 ZenCast 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 ZenCast?

If your previous podcast host doesn’t offer a forwarding service, or 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 ZenCast 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: 13/05/2024