The Podcaster Chapters feature allows you to structure your audio content into distinct sections. Each section can have its own title and additional information, enhancing the listener experience.


In this article, we are going to cover:

How to access Chapters in Podcaster

To access Chapters in Podcaster, navigate to Content in the left-side menu. Then proceed to Episodes and select Edit episode for the episode you wish to modify. Scroll down to find the Chapters box.


How to add chapters in the RSS feed

Currently, Podcaster does not offer a dedicated dashboard UI for adding podcast chapters. However, we've provided an alternative method to ensure your episodes include chapter markers.


We will show you how to implement podcast chapters in JSON format, which will be seamlessly integrated into the RSS feed link of your episodes. This JSON chapter format will include chapter titles and timestamps, enriching the listening experience for your audience. Rest assured that this approach provides you with all the benefits of podcast chapters, even without a dashboard UI.


NOTE: Podcast chapters can be added only at the episode level and is done exclusively through JSON format. Once added, chapters are available in your RSS feed XML file.


Below is a step-by-step guide on how to add JSON chapters to your podcast RSS feed:


Open a text file on your computer and create a structured JSON code format that outlines the chapters within your podcast episode. Each chapter should include at least the version, a title, and a start time (in seconds). You also have the option to include a URL to any chapter of your choice.


Here is what a very basic JSON chapters file may look like:

{
    "version": "1.2.0",
    "chapters":
    [
        {
            "startTime": 0,
            "title": "Intro"
        },
        {
            "startTime": 128,
            "title": "Detailed content"
        },
        {
            "startTime": 1260,
            "title": "Closing notes",
            "url": "https://example.com/"
        }
    ]
}


After creating the JSON code, it's crucial to validate it using tools like https://jsonlint.com/. Copy the code and paste it into the website box. This ensures that your JSON code adheres to podcasting standards and is correctly formatted.


Once the JSON code has been validated, you can add it to the Podcaster Chapters box and save the episode changes. The <podcast:chapters> element will now be included in your RSS feed.


Supported Platforms

Lastly, ensure that the podcast directories where you plan to submit your feed are compatible with JSON chapters. Since not all podcast players and apps support chapters, it's pivotal to consider compatibility for your intended audience.


NOTE: Currently, Podcaster players do not offer support for the Chapters feature. We are actively working to improve and expand our features.


Several of the directories and applications that are compatible with chapters are the following: Podfans, Podverse, Podcast Guru, Castopod, Steno.fm, Podcast Addict, Podfriend, CurioCaster, Fountain, Podcastindex, mp.money, Castamatic, Breez, Anytime Podcast Player, AntennaPod, Ivy.fm, CastCoverage, Tsacdop, FocusPodcast, iCatcher! Podcast Player, Hypercatcher, PodBrowser, chaptertool, Fathom.


Should you have any additional questions or need assistance, please reach out to our Support Team by using the ticket submission form or by emailing us at support@soundstack.com.