Metacast
What Metacast is
Metacast is a podcast app for iOS, Android, and the web that makes episodes searchable and easier to skim with transcripts. Listeners can read, search, bookmark, save transcript passages to notes, or share them. Automatic chapters and summaries help users move to interesting parts, and transcript search is available. Metacast says its catalog includes podcasts available on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It also accepts private podcast RSS links, including member-only feeds such as Patreon and Substack podcasts, and supports episode downloads for offline listening. The Free plan costs nothing and includes web transcripts, limited chapters and summaries, standard playlists and listening history for up to 25 episodes, and up to 3 private RSS feeds. Free users can see 10% of a transcript, usually about 5 to 10 minutes, while the remainder is blurred. The web app can search and play public podcasts, but does not support login, playlists, or followed podcasts.
Who it suits
Metacast suits listeners who want to search or skim podcast episodes using transcripts, chapters, and summaries. Its private RSS support may also fit people who listen to member-only feeds.
What it does well
- Transcript search, bookmarks, notes, and sharing
- Automatic chapters and summaries
- Offline episode downloads
- Supports private podcast RSS feeds
What to know first
- Free users see only 10% of each transcript
- Free plan supports up to 3 private RSS feeds
- Web app lacks login, playlists, and followed podcasts
Limits
The Free plan allows 10% of each transcript, usually about 5 to 10 minutes, and supports up to 3 private RSS feeds. It includes limited chapters and summaries and up to 25 episodes in listening history and standard playlists.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free | iOS, Android & web · web transcripts · limited chapters and summaries · 25 episodes in listening history and standard playlists · up to 3 private RSS feeds | Free |
| Premium | $19.99/ year · transcripts for any podcast · chapters and summaries · unlimited listening history and playlists · up to 10 private RSS feeds · private-feed transcripts, chapters and summaries up to 10 hours/mo | $19.99 a year |
As metacast.app lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Open https://metacast.app/ or use the app on iOS or Android.
- Choose the Free plan or start the 14-day trial.
- Find and play public podcasts; the web app supports searching and playing them without login.
- Add private podcasts using their RSS links.
- Download episodes for offline listening on a supported mobile app.
Verdict
Metacast combines podcast playback with transcripts and navigation tools across mobile and web. The free tier has clear limits, including partial transcript access, while the web app lacks login and several library features.
Questions
What does the Free plan cost?
The Free plan is listed as free.
Is there a trial?
Yes. Metacast lists a 14-day trial.
Which platforms does Metacast support?
Metacast supports iOS, Android, and web. Its web app can search and play public podcasts, but does not support login, playlists, or followed podcasts.
Can I listen offline or use private feeds?
Yes. Episodes can be downloaded for offline listening, and private podcasts can be added through RSS links.
What does the Free plan include for transcripts?
Free users can see 10% of a transcript, usually about 5 to 10 minutes, with the rest blurred. The plan also includes web transcripts and limited chapters and summaries.
Can I import an OPML file myself?
Self-service OPML import is not available in the app. Premium subscribers can request a manual import by email.
Facts from Metacast's own pages
- Chapters and summaries
- Automatic chapters, summaries and transcript search let users jump to interesting parts of episodes. · metacast.app, 11 Oct 2026
- Data location
- Metacast states that its servers are located in the United States. · metacast.app, 11 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · metacast.app, 22 Sept 2026
- Free transcript limit
- Free users can see 10% of a transcript, usually about 5 to 10 minutes of an episode; the rest is blurred. · metacast.app, 11 Oct 2026
- Intended audience
- Metacast describes itself as a tool for thinkers, learners and knowledge seekers, and says it is used by professionals and lifelong learners. · metacast.app, 11 Oct 2026
- Offline downloads
- Yes · metacast.app, 22 Sept 2026
- Offline listening
- Users can download episodes for offline listening. · metacast.app, 11 Oct 2026
- OPML import
- Self-service OPML import is not available in the app; Premium subscribers can request manual import by email. · metacast.app, 11 Oct 2026
- Podcast catalog
- Metacast says podcasts available on Apple Podcasts or Spotify are available in the app too. · metacast.app, 11 Oct 2026
- Privacy and security
- Metacast says it has organizational and technical processes to protect personal information, while noting it cannot guarantee complete security of internet transmissions or storage. · metacast.app, 11 Oct 2026
- Private feeds
- Users can add private podcasts via RSS links, including member-only feeds such as Patreon and Substack podcasts. · metacast.app, 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- The company directs users to contact [email protected] with questions or service issues. · metacast.app, 11 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- iOS, Android, web · metacast.app, 22 Sept 2026
- Transcripts
- Metacast provides transcripts for podcasts, which users can read, skim, search, bookmark, save to notes or share. · metacast.app, 11 Oct 2026
- Web limitation
- The web app is free and supports searching and playing public podcasts, but login is not supported and playlists and followed podcasts are unavailable on web. · metacast.app, 11 Oct 2026
- What it does
- Metacast is a podcast app that makes podcasts searchable and skimmable with transcripts so listeners can find, retain and share ideas. · metacast.app, 11 Oct 2026
Where Metacast stands on Freedom251
- Podcast apps#17 of 55