Getting Started with Podcasts
Sesamy Access makes it possible to sell single episodes, seasons, and bundles of podcast shows.
How Does It Work?
Sesamy fetches content from one or many RSS feeds and creates unique user feeds that contain all the content a user has access to. Publishers can define different products and access levels directly in the podcast hosting services they are already using—no extra work required with uploading files to a separate service or keeping them in sync.
Purchase Options
Subscription-Based Access
Connect your podcast to an existing subscription. Users who have a valid subscription through your website or other channels automatically get access to the premium podcast content.
Single Purchase / Bundles
You don't have to connect your podcasts to an existing subscription. You can make content available as a one-off payment, allowing users to purchase:
- Individual episodes
- Season passes
- Complete show bundles
How Can Customers Buy?
Since RSS is an open standard with many different implementations, there are several ways to handle purchases depending on the customer's podcast client:
Website Purchase - The most effective method is to mention in your podcast that listeners can purchase episodes or become members on your website. Sesamy's web components make this integration easy.
Payment Link in Feed - Some podcast clients display a "Support" button when a payment link is included in the feed. See the IndieWeb payment documentation for more information.
Link Element in Feed - Some clients display a link element from the feed.
Description Links - Add an HTML link in the description of the feed and episodes.
The changes to the feed above can typically be done with your existing podcast host.
Distribution Channels
Sesamy supports multiple ways for users to access your premium podcast content:
| Channel | Description |
|---|---|
| Spotify Flow | Integration with Spotify's premium podcast system |
| Podcast App Flow | Standard podcast apps like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Overcast |
| Website Flow | Embed locked podcasts directly on your website |
Next Steps
- Spotify Flow - Learn how to integrate with Spotify
- Podcast App Flow - Set up access for standard podcast apps
- Website Flow - Integrate podcasts on your website