With Apple Podcasts and more
We’ve known about Apple’s Podcasts app for iPhone for a while now. The Podcasts app is also present on the Mac, so you have a permanent place to listen to your favorite podcasts. We explain how the Podcasts app on the Mac works and what alternatives you have.
- This is how Podcasts for Mac works
- Alternative Mac Apps
Use Podcasts for Mac
To use the Podcasts app for Mac, you need macOS Catalina or later, so it works on almost all current Macs. Previously, podcasts could be found in the iTunes app, but since iTunes on the Mac has disappeared, you can use a separate app for them. You can recognize the Podcasts app by the purple icon with white illustration.
The Podcasts app for Mac contains many useful features. This way you can start listening on one device and then continue listening on the other device. You can set this up in the Podcasts app by going to Podcasts > Settings > Sync Library and clicking the General tab.
Another option is to view transcripts of podcasts so you can follow along with what is being said. It also makes it easier to jump to a specific clip or search based on keyword. Transcriptions have also been supported in Dutch since October 2024.
Find podcasts on Mac
Are you completely new? Then you first have to look for a nice podcast. Fortunately, there are now so many varieties that there is bound to be something for you. There are serious podcasts about the news, but also funny podcasts. Maybe you would like to listen to a nice podcast about Apple. This is possible with the iCulture Podcast!
To search for a podcast, you first open the app on the Mac. In the left column you will see the shortcuts Discover and Hit Lists. This allows you to discover all kinds of new podcasts. The Discover list is curated by Apple and also includes new podcasts that aren’t yet that popular. At Hit lists you can see what others are listening to. Click on an album cover to view all episodes and descriptions.
Have you heard from anyone about a podcast? Then you can of course also simply enter the name in the search field at the top left.
You can also add podcasts based on a URL:
- Open the Podcasts app on Mac.
- Go to Archive > Follow program via URL.
- Enter the URL and click Follow.
The URL must point to a valid podcast RSS feed.
Listen to podcast on Mac
Once you’ve added a few fun podcasts to your library, you’ll naturally want to listen to them. The app has some options for playing episodes:
- Double-click on an episode to start.
- Use the control buttons at the top left to fast forward and rewind.
- Hover your cursor over an episode and click the three dots to add an episode to the queue.
As you may have already noticed, you will find some buttons at the top of the app. You can scroll through episodes, but also stream to AirPlay devices and control the volume. The information button at the top right gives you more information about the episode you are listening to. This often describes what topics are covered or who the guest is. Podcast creators write this themselves, so it varies per podcast.
Tip! Add the Podcasts widgets to the notification center or desktop so you can see which episode is playing next with one click.
Manage podcasts on Mac
It’s important to keep your podcasts organized, especially if you have a lot of them. For this purpose, Apple has built some menus into the left column:
- Recently Updated: Podcasts that have recently been updated.
- Programs: all your subscriptions in alphabetical order.
- Channels: Paid channels for Apple Music and Apple TV+ subscribers
- Episodes: all episodes from all your subscriptions sorted by release date.
- Saved: An overview of your saved episodes.
- Downloaded: Everything you’ve saved locally. Handy for the plane, for example.
- Latest episodes: unlistened episodes of your favorite podcasts.
Which of these options you prefer is a personal decision. Do you prefer to watch what’s new, or create a list of episodes that you want to listen to again in the future, when you have time.
With the button with three dots on it you can choose what you want to do with it per podcast or episode. This way you can remove something from your library, add it to the queue, cancel your subscription and more. The options depend on whether you click on a podcast or specific episode.
Settings Podcasts for Mac
Like many apps on the Mac, Podcasts also has a separate settings window. Here you can indicate your preferences for listening to podcasts. You can access the settings in two ways:
- Press the Command + Comma keys.
- You can also click Podcasts at the top left and then click Settings.
In this newly opened window you will find three tabs: General, Playback and Advanced. Feel free to take a look around here and decide for yourself which preferences are useful for you. For example, you can set how far you want to go backwards and forwards with the control buttons. You also set whether and, if so, how often episodes should be downloaded.
Alternatives to Apple Podcasts on Mac
Do you think Apple’s Podcasts app is not extensive enough? Then try an alternative, because Apple is of course not the only one with its own app. We have listed a few solid alternatives for you below.
Pocket Casts
This app has a clear interface. No fuss with animations and difficult buttons, but a clear player divided into two columns. On the left you will find all your saved podcasts. On the right are all episodes of the podcast you currently have open. At the bottom you will find a large audio player where you can scroll, rewind and fast forward.
One option that Apple does not offer is accelerated podcast playback. Many people like it when they don’t talk about anything for a long time, but you still want to get the hang of it. On the other hand, some people talk very fast, so it’s nice that you can put them on the back burner. The podcasts in the discover overview are curated by the makers of Pocket Casts.
You can download Pocket Casts for free from the developer’s website.
Overcast
Overcast is one of the most used podcast apps on the iPhone and is also available on the iPad and Mac. In 2024, this app received a major makeover, making the interface even clearer. It also has many functions. With Smart Speed ​​you can adjust the speed dynamically, without causing distortion in the audio. And with Voice Boost you can make the voices clearer. Of course you can download podcasts, search, create playlists and much more.
Moon FM
Moon FM is a sleekly designed player that you can easily get from the Mac App Store. You get a nice representation of the description for each episode, but the entire app actually looks good. This is partly due to the stylish dark theme.
An advantage of Moon FM is that in addition to the playback speed, you can also adjust the equalizer. If you don’t know sound settings, choose a pre-made setting. This way, even as a layman, you can get the best out of your podcast. Like other apps, Moon FM also offers curated podcasts. The app costs money, but is a nice addition to your app folder.
Downcast
In terms of design, Downcast is not the prettiest, but the app is nice and clear. In the columns you will find large buttons and episodes are well separated from each other. The app has support for timestamps. These must be created by the podcast creator. You can easily ‘zap’ from topic to topic if you only want to listen to specific parts.
Downcast lets you download podcasts to listen to them anywhere. Do you also have the app on your iPhone? Then your subscriptions will be easily synchronized. This way you first listen on your Mac and continue on your iPhone, or vice versa.
PodcastMenu for Overcast users
Do you use Overcast to listen to your podcasts? Then try PodcastMenu. This is an unofficial app that plays podcasts from your Mac’s menu bar. An advantage over Overcast’s web player is that you have better control. You can use your keyboard to pause and scroll. Furthermore, the compact design makes it quickly out of the way.
You can download PodcastMenu for free on GitHub.
With this guide you will become a real podcast maestro. Otherwise, with one of the alternatives! Would you also like to learn how Podcasts for iPhone works? Then read our separate guide.
See also
