How to Subscribe to a Podcast Using Apple S Itunes Software(Directions Written for a Macintosh

How to subscribe to a podcast using Apple’s iTunes software(directions written for a Macintosh computer, although it shouldn’t be too different using a PC)

Subscribing to a podcast with iTunes

1.  Download iTunes software, which is free and can be used with either a Mac or a PC.

2.  When you find a podcast you’re interested in subscribing to, the websites that host or advertise podcasts usually give you an XML or RSS feed. This feed address might look something like this: http://podcasts.ricksteves.com/ricksteves.xml

3.  When you click on it, then, you will likely be directed to a screen that looks like this

This screen shows a list of the files that are included in the Travel with Rick Steves podcast (NOTE: you don’t have to download all of these previously-posted files when you subscribe, but you’ll be given the option to download them with iTunes). To subscribe, copy the link at the top of the page, in this case feed://podcasts.ricksteves.com/ricksteves.xml

4.  Open iTunes and click on Advanced>Subscribe to Podcast and you’ll be provided with a small, blank window with a URL: prompt at the top. In this box, you’ll paste the feed link you copied in step 2. Then, click on OK.

5.  After you click OK, you’ll be taken to an iTunes screen where you’ll see the title “Travel with Rick Steves” next to a “Subscribe” button. When you click on the button, your computer will automatically begin downloading the most recent “Travel with Rick Steves” podcast. If you do not want this episode, you can click the X button next to the episode name and stop the download. In addition, you can download past files by clicking on the “Get” button next to each, individual file.

6.  To customize any of the settings with regards to your podcast (e.g., how often your computer checks for new episodes, which episodes to keep), simply highlight the title of the podcast in iTunes, for example “Travel with Rick Steves”, and then click on the “Settings” button at the bottom of the iTunes screen.

7.  Congratulations! You have subscribed to your first podcast. Now, depending on your customized settings, you can automatically download new podcast episodes when you open your iTunes software.