Apple launches 'Podcasts Connect' Web portal for managing digital content

Apple on Tuesday made it easier for podcaster to validate, publish and manage their content online with the launch of a new iTunes Connect-based Web service called Podcasts Connect.

From podcast submission to RSS feed editing, the Podcasts Connect portal keeps a bevy of content management tools — presented in an easy-to-use dashboard style layout — close at hand with Mac and PC Web browser support, an upgrade from the previous system that required clicking through the "Submit a Podcast" link in iTunes.

As noted by podcast hosting service Libsyn earlier this month, the new dashboard lets users create new podcasts or take control of existing feeds. Anyone with an Apple ID can submit a podcast for validation once they create an RSS feed and associated host URL.

According to Apple's Podcasts Connect support webpage, users can submit, test and validate episodes directly from on the Web portal. The dashboard also provides content management tools, allowing users to refresh, delete, hide and unhide specific shows from the iTunes podcast directory. More advanced options include monetization and marketing management.

Since popularizing podcasts as an accessible, yet widely distributable, digital medium, Apple has generally taken a hands-off approach to the serialized Internet broadcasts. The company does, however, pre-install a first-party Podcasts app on iOS devices and hosts a corresponding content category in the iTunes Store. Most recently, Apple added a Podcasts app analogue to fourth-generation Apple TV boxes with tvOS version 9.1.1.

The Podcasts Connect portal went live on Tuesday and is accessible by anyone holding a valid Apple ID.