Welcome to Acast!
At Acast we give you all the tools you need to help you import an existing show, promote, and distribute your podcast everywhere.
If you are new at Acast and are wondering what to do to import an existing show, you are in the right place. We have prepared this checklist to help you get started!
💡 Do you want to create a new show from scratch? Check our checklist for creating a brand new show 👋
Step by step guide
Step 1. Turn off ads dynamically inserted into your show with your old host
Before you import your show with Acast, if you have dynamic ads in your episodes, you need to turn them off. This will allow you to import episodes ads-free.
What happens if I don´t turn off the ads dynamically inserted?
This means ads will be available in your episodes forever unless you manually upload a new audio file. If you have ads, and you also turn monetization on with Acast, your listeners will hear more ads than usual.
After turning off the ads with my current host, how long do I need to wait to import the feed?
After turning them off, depending on your current host, you might need to wait 24 to 72 hours to import your show ads free. We recommend reviewing this with your host.
Step 2. Create an account here by selecting a plan
If you're already an Acast member, we warmly invite you to import your existing show, and feel free to bypass this step.
You can monetize your show on any of our plans, you only need to verify if your show qualifies to join Marketplace.
I already have an account, how can I import an existing show?
If you already have an account and want to import an existing show, just log in to your dashboard and follow the steps beginning with 'Import your existing Podcast / RSS feed.
If I switch platforms, will my current analytics follow through as well? Will I keep my subscribers?
Analytics will not be imported when moving between hosts. Subscribers and followers will retain when you move hosts. You will find the answer to these questions and more helpful information in this link.
Step 3. Import your existing podcast / RSS feed
On your dashboard, by selecting the option New show > I want to import my existing show. You will have to find your show by entering your podcast title or your RSS feed.
Important Note: Make sure to verify the number of episodes during this process. The total number of episodes showing on your screen must match the actual number of episodes you have from your current provider. If not, you may want to check first with your host and see if there is any lock or a string that you will need to add to your RSS to make sure all your episodes will get moved.
Follow the progress along and confirm that all episodes are going through.
Step 4. Request a redirect from your old host
Follow the instructions to redirect your podcast feed from your old host to Acast. You will get customized guidance on how to do this on your Acast dashboard - and it's usually very simple.
What can I do if my old host doesn´t redirect the feed?
You can manually update your new Acast feed on each platform that is currently distributing your feed. You can follow these guides to update the feed on Apple Podcast (Updating an existing podcast) and Spotify.
Step 5. Confirm the redirect is set up
You can get a notification from your old hosting with a confirmation. But you can also inspect your feed to verify if the redirect is working.
Once is set up, you can start publishing your new episodes in Acast.
How to check if my redirect is complete?
You can check that by inspecting your RSS feed. Open a new browser tab and paste your old RSS URL. If the redirect is complete, you will be taken to your new Acast RSS feed. Note: Google Chrome in Incognito Mode is recommended for inspecting RSS feeds.
When can I cancel my account with my old host?
After redirecting your feed, we recommend keeping your original service for more than 2-3 weeks, to be sure that all platforms have updated with the new Acast feed.
Now you’re ready to start publishing new episodes with Acast!