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To add a regular show to your Apple Podcasts library, open the show and tap Follow. Following is free; it is not the same as buying an optional paid subscription for premium content. Apple’s buttons and tabs can vary by software version, so update iOS or iPadOS if the steps below do not match your screen.
Follow a podcast on iPhone or iPad
- Open the Podcasts app.
- Search for the show and tap it to open its information page.
- Tap Follow.
- To find it later, open Library, then tap Shows.
These are Apple’s documented steps for iPhone and iPad. Apple’s guide to following shows on iPhone and iPad has the current instructions.
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Follow a show on Mac or by RSS URL
From search or the show page
In the Podcasts app on Mac, search or browse for a show, then click Follow in the search results or on the show’s page. See Apple’s Mac instructions.
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If you have the show’s RSS feed URL, on Mac choose File > Follow a Show by URL and enter the feed address. On iPhone, Apple documents adding a show through the Library’s more menu and Follow a Show by URL. The address must be a podcast feed, not just the show’s ordinary website. See Apple’s iPhone guide to finding podcasts.
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What following changes
Following adds a show to your library. Apple says new episodes may download automatically, and you may receive notifications when episodes are released. You can adjust automatic downloads and notifications in settings; review them if you want to limit storage or data use, or avoid alerts. Apple describes these features in its iPhone and iPad guide and Mac guide.
Following versus a paid Apple Podcasts subscription
| Action | What it means |
|---|---|
| Follow a show | Adds the show to your library. It does not, by itself, start a paid subscription. |
| Buy a show or channel subscription | A paid option, if the creator offers one, that can provide premium content. Apple says offers may use monthly or annual plans; check the price, billing cadence, included content, and availability shown for that offer in your region. |
Apple explains the relationship this way: “When you subscribe to a show, you automatically follow it.” In other words, buying a paid subscription also follows the show; following a show does not mean you have bought a subscription. Paid subscription features are not available in every country, region, or language. See Apple’s guide to getting and managing Apple Podcasts Subscriptions.
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- Available in $15 - 500, Card delivered via email or SMS
- Use it for purchases at any Apple Store location, on the Apple Store app, apple.com, the App Store, iTunes, Apple Music, Apple TV, Apple News+, Apple Books, Apple Arcade, iCloud+, Fitness+, Apple One, and other Apple properties in US only
Unfollowing does not cancel a paid subscription
Unfollowing stops the show from being followed, but it does not stop charges for a paid subscription. If you want to end a paid plan, manage or cancel it through your Apple account’s subscription controls rather than simply unfollowing the show. Apple’s subscription guide covers managing and cancelling paid plans.
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- The perfect gift to say happy birthday, thank you, congratulations, and more.
- Available in $15 - 500, Card delivered via email or SMS
- Use it for purchases at any Apple Store location, on the Apple Store app, apple.com, the App Store, iTunes, Apple Music, Apple TV, Apple News+, Apple Books, Apple Arcade, iCloud+, Fitness+, Apple One, and other Apple properties in US only
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- For all things Apple - products, accessories, apps, games, music, movies, TV shows, iCloud+, and more.
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- The perfect gift to say happy birthday, thank you, congratulations, and more.
- Available in $100 and $200, Card delivered via mail.
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