I love to catch up on some of my favorite motivational podcasts, especially when I’m connected to my Mac during my daily chores. They (kind of) refresh and enlighten me. That’s why I’m glad Apple offers a standalone Podcasts app for macOS – broadcast iTunes shut down. In terms of both UI and features, the app looks pretty similar to its iOS counterpart. Therefore, it sounds very familiar literally – with a few hidden tricks, of course. If you’re a devoted podcast listener, you shouldn’t miss these top tips and tricks for using the Podcasts app like a pro on macOS Catalina.
Top Tips and Tricks for Apple Podcasts on macOS Catalina
Keeping in mind an old rule of thumb, “What works for one may not work for everyone else”, Apple provides many options for customizing the Podcasts app in macOS Catalina. That’s why you can customize many key features, including skip forward/backward buttons, automatic downloads, playback, and more, according to your needs or listening pleasure. Having said that, let’s finally get to the guide!
1. Stop Podcasts From Automatically Deleting Episodes
Understood. The Podcasts app wants to keep clutter at bay by automatically deleting currently playing episodes. It also saves valuable time spent cleaning the clogged tank. But what if you’re someone who likes to listen to some great podcasts multiple times, would you still be satisfied with this storage management feature? You most likely won’t like it. So, let’s disable that for you.
1. Start podcasts application on your Mac.
2. Now, click on podcasts select the menu in the upper left corner and preferences.
2. Next, click on Developed tab.
3. Finally, uncheck the box on the left of the screen. Automatically delete played episodes.
2. Change Skip Forward/Backward Seconds for Podcasts
Just like its iOS counterpart, the Podcasts app for macOS lets you set skip forward/backward seconds. Therefore, if you want to change the jump seconds according to your comfort, you can do so easily. Note that if a chapter has chapters, the next and previous chapters will navigate between chapters and then chapters.
1. Open podcasts The app on your macOS device > podcasts menu in the upper left corner of the screen > Preferences
2. Now, click on Playback tab.
3. Under the Skip Buttons section, The drop-down menu next to Forward/Back.
4. Next, select the preferred option: 10, 15, 30, 45 and 60 second.
Note: You can also use Siri to set the skip buttons. Simply say something like “Hey Siri, 30 seconds forward/backward”.
3. Stop Podcasts From Downloading Episodes Automatically
The Podcasts app automatically downloads new or all unplayed episodes so you can connect right away. While I really like this feature because it’s super useful, there are times when I disable automatic downloads – especially when my limited internet package runs out of gas! Fortunately, Apple provides a simple way to turn it off/on.
one. podcasts The app on your Mac > podcasts menu in the upper left corner of the screen > Preferences
2. Now, General tab is selected. Then click on collapse next to the menu Automatically Download Episodes option.
3. Now select Never.
4. Manually Refresh Podcasts to Save Data
By default, the Podcasts app is automatically refreshed every hour to stay up to date. While it is a useful feature, it drains the battery and of course consumes a lot of data. So if you’re having a hard time taking control of your MacBook’s draining battery, or you want its limited internet package to last a little longer, force it to refresh less often or do it manually.
1. Start podcasts The app on your Mac > podcasts menu in the upper left corner> Preferences
2. Now, make sure General tab is selected. Next, click the dropdown button next to Refresh.
3. Next, select the option you want: Every hour, every 6 hours, Day, Week or Manual.
5. Stop Podcasts Syncing Subscriptions On iDevices
One of the best benefits you get when connected to the Apple ecosystem is seamless syncing. Like other compatible apps, Podcasts syncs all your subscriptions between connected iDevices with the same Apple ID. Therefore, you can conveniently access and seamlessly manage your subscriptions from any of your devices. But what if you subscribed to some podcast channel on one of your devices that you want to keep private? In this case, you may want to turn sync off.
1. Start podcasts The app on your macOS device > podcasts menu in the upper left corner > Preferences
2. Click on Developed tab. Then uncheck the box to the left of it. “Sync subscriptions across devices.”
6. Customize Headphone Controls
A little buried in the settings is the option to configure the headphone controls. By default, the headphone controls let you switch between the next and previous episode. However, you can choose to set it to skip forward/skip backward.
1. Start podcasts application on your device > podcasts menu in the upper left corner > Preferences
2. make sure Playback tab is selected. Under Headphone Controls section, Skip Forward/Skip Backward choice.
7. Stop When A Episode Is Over
As soon as an episode ends, the Podcasts app starts a new episode so your listening frenzy won’t stop. While no one can argue about its importance, some may want to start a show of their own accord. If you’re one of them, this little trick might be your thing.
1. Start podcasts application on your computer > podcasts menu in the upper left corner > Preferences
2. Playback tab is selected. Under Continuous Play section, select “Stop when a chapter is over.”
#8 Play Podcasts
Another simple yet great trick that can improve your podcast listening experience on your Mac! While the next podcasts are pretty easy to play, the option requires some research. So I thought it was worth mentioning. Save it for when you want a little more control over your podcasts.
1. Start podcasts app on your Mac, and then select the podcasts you want to play.
2. Now hover over the podcast to access the podcast. options button (…).
3. Next, click the options button and Play next.
9. Edit Playing Episodes
Well, this is my favorite long-distance hack. I use this nifty trick to change the order in which episodes are played on a Mac. Right on your money for a personalized podcast listening experience.
1. Start podcasts Go to the app on your Mac and then your library.
2. Now, hover the mouse over the podcast and then Options button (…).
3. Next, select Settings on the menu.
4. Next, select the option you want:
- Play in Order
- Play Newest First
- Keep Only the Latest Episodes
- Custom settings
10. Delete a Podcast from Your Library
This tip can come in handy when you disable auto-delete and want to get rid of currently playing items on your own period. Fortunately, doing this is pretty straightforward and requires hardly a few steps.
one. podcasts Open the app and navigate to the item you want to get rid of. Then hover the mouse over the specific item and click the options button.
3. Click delete from library Select and confirm.
Bonus: Share Your Favorite Podcast
It feels good to share exciting things like Apple TV+ or popular podcasts with friends and loved ones. So when you come across a touching podcast, don’t forget to share it with your friends. The option to share content in the Podcasts app is easy but somewhat overlooked.
To access the Options button, simply hover the mouse over a section. Then click on it. After that, click on the Share Episode/Program option in the menu and then choose the preferred medium for sharing like Messages, Mail and more.
Tips and Tricks for Using the Podcasts App on Mac Like a Pro
I hope these tips can help you get the most out of the Apple Podcasts app on your macOS device. I would love your suggestions, as no list can be perfect. Also, if you have a great hack worth mentioning in this post, don’t forget to share it with us.
