使用iTunes标签创建播客RSS提要的完整指南

创建包含正确iTunes标签的播客RSS feed是确保节目可在Apple Podcasts等平台被发现和正确显示的关键；2. RSS feed必须遵循RSS 2.0规范并包含特定的iTunes标签，如、

、、和；3. 必须在标签中添加xmlns:itunes命名空间，并在频道级别和每集级别正确设置元数据；4. 使用Buzzsprout、Captivate、Podbean等托管平台可自动生成合规的feed，避免手动编写XML出错；5. 提交前需使用验证工具检查feed有效性，确保音频文件为MP3格式、使用绝对URL、不更改GUID或文件链接；6. 常见错误包括缺少显式标签、图片尺寸不符、相对路径和重复标题，应避免；7. 成功提交至Apple Podcasts需通过Podcasts Connect验证，确保所有元数据完整准确，从而实现全球分发。

Creating a podcast RSS feed with proper iTunes (now Apple Podcasts) tags is essential if you want your show to be discoverable, well-formatted, and accepted into Apple Podcasts—the largest podcast directory. While the process may seem technical, it’s manageable once you understand the structure and required metadata. Here’s a complete guide to help you build a valid, Apple-friendly RSS feed.

What Is a Podcast RSS Feed with iTunes Tags?

An RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed is a structured XML file that delivers your podcast episodes to directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. The feed includes episode titles, descriptions, audio file links, publication dates, and additional metadata.

Apple Podcasts uses specific XML tags—called iTunes tags—to enhance how your podcast appears in its directory. These tags control artwork, categories, explicit content labels, and more.

Even though Apple now calls it "Apple Podcasts," the namespace in the feed is still xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd", so you’ll often hear them referred to as “iTunes tags.”

Required Elements for an Apple Podcasts-Compatible RSS Feed

Your RSS feed must follow the RSS 2.0 specification and include specific iTunes tags to be accepted. Below are the required and recommended elements.

1. Channel-Level Tags (Podcast Details)

These go inside the <channel></channel> tag and define your entire podcast:

• <title></title> – The name of your podcast. Keep it clear and consistent.
• <link> – Your podcast’s website URL.
• <description></description> – A brief summary of your show (under 4000 characters).
• <language></language> – Language in RFC-8266 format (e.g., en-us).
• <copyright></copyright> – Optional, but recommended (e.g., © 2024 Your Name).
• <managingeditor></managingeditor> – Your email and name (e.g., youremail@example.com (Your Name)).
• <webmaster></webmaster> – Webmaster contact (optional).
• <pubdate></pubdate> – Publication date of the most recent episode (RFC 822 format).
• <lastbuilddate></lastbuilddate> – When the feed was last updated.
• <category></category> – General RSS category (e.g., Technology).
• <generator></generator> – What software you used to generate the feed (e.g., Podcast Generator 1.0).
• <docs></docs> – Should be http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss.

iTunes-Specific Channel Tags (Critical for Apple)

Add the iTunes namespace to the <rss></rss> tag:

<rss xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" version="2.0">

Now include these inside <channel>:

• <itunes:author> – The primary author/creator of the podcast.
• <itunes:summary> – A detailed description (under 4000 characters). Apple recommends 300–1500 words.
• <itunes:owner> – Contains contact info:

  <itunes:owner>
    <itunes:name>Your Name</itunes:name>
    <itunes:email>youremail@example.com</itunes:email>
  </itunes:owner>

• <itunes:image href="https://yoursite.com/artwork.jpg" /> – A direct link to your square JPG or PNG artwork (1400x1400 to 3000x3000 pixels, under 512 KB).
• <itunes:category text="Technology" /> – At least one Apple-specific category. You can nest subcategories:

  <itunes:category text="Technology">
    <itunes:category text="Gadgets" />
  </itunes:category>

  See Apple’s category list.

• <explicit></explicit> – Set to yes, no, or clean. Required. clean means safe for all audiences but marked as edited.
• <complete></complete> – yes if the podcast is finished; otherwise omit or use no.
• <new-feed-url></new-feed-url> – Use only if you’ve permanently moved your feed.

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2. Item-Level Tags (Per Episode)

Each episode goes in an <item></item> tag within <channel></channel>. Required elements:

• <title></title> – Episode title.
• <description></description> – Short description.
• <enclosure url="AUDIO_FILE_URL" length="FILE_SIZE" type="audio/mpeg"></enclosure> – This is crucial. It points to your MP3 (or other audio) file.
  • url: Direct, permanent link to the audio file.
  • length: File size in bytes.
  • type: MIME type (e.g., audio/mpeg for MP3).
• <guid></guid> – A unique identifier for the episode (usually the audio URL or a custom ID). Should be permanent.
• <pubdate></pubdate> – When the episode was published (RFC 822 format).
• <duration></duration> – Total playback time in HH:MM:SS or MM:SS.

iTunes-Specific Episode Tags

• <title></title> – Can differ from <title></title> (e.g., shorter version).
• <author></author> – Author of this episode.
• <summary></summary> – Long-form episode description.
• <image></image> – Optional per-episode image (otherwise inherits from channel).
• <duration></duration> – Same as <duration></duration>, but required by Apple.
• <explicit></explicit> – Override the channel setting per episode.
• <episode></episode> – Number for serialized episodes (e.g., 1, 2).
• <episodetype></episodetype> – full, trailer, or bonus.
• ` – Season number (if applicable).

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Step-by-Step: Building Your RSS Feed

1. Choose a Hosting Platform
   You can self-host the XML, but most creators use podcast hosts like:

   • Buzzsprout
   • Captivate
   • Podbean
   • Anchor (by Spotify)
   • Transistor

   These platforms auto-generate a compliant RSS feed with correct iTunes tags when you upload episodes.

2. If Building Manually (Advanced)
   Write the XML from scratch or use a generator tool:

   • Use a code editor (VS Code, Sublime).
   • Follow the structure above.
   • Validate with Podbase Validator or W3C Feed Validation Service.

3. Upload and Publish Audio Files
   Make sure your audio files are:

   • In MP3 format (recommended).
   • Hosted on a reliable server with hotlinking allowed.
   • Named clearly and stored permanently (don’t change URLs).

4. Test Your Feed
   Before submitting to Apple:

   • Paste your feed URL into Apple’s Podcasts Connect to test.
   • Use a feed validator.
   • Subscribe to your own feed in a podcast app to check display.

5. Submit to Apple Podcasts

   • Go to Podcasts Connect.
   • Sign in with your Apple ID.
   • Click “ ” to add a new show.
   • Enter your feed URL.
   • Apple will validate and notify you if approved.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Using relative image/audio URLs (must be absolute: https://...).
• ❌ Changing episode GUIDs or audio file URLs after publishing.
• ❌ Forgetting <explicit></explicit> – Apple rejects feeds without it.
• ❌ Artwork not meeting size or format requirements.
• ❌ Duplicate episode titles or missing <pubdate></pubdate>.

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Final Tips

• Keep your feed updated: publish new <item></item> entries as you release episodes.
• Use consistent branding and metadata across platforms.
• Even if you use a host, understanding the RSS structure helps troubleshoot issues.

Basically, you don’t need to write XML by hand unless you want full control—but knowing how it works ensures your podcast looks professional and gets accepted everywhere. Most of the heavy lifting is handled by podcast hosts, but the underlying structure still relies on correctly formatted iTunes tags.

That’s it. Your podcast RSS feed is the foundation of your show’s distribution. Get it right, and your content can reach millions.

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