How ListenMode Works

A clear look at how ListenMode discovers podcasts, streams audio, and keeps creators in control of their work.

ListenMode is a podcast listening and creation platform. We help people find shows, keep listening progress, and publish their own podcasts — while respecting that most podcast audio belongs to the original creators and publishers.

From discovery to playback

Step 1
Discover
Shows enter ListenMode through public podcast directories (including Podcast Index), creator-submitted RSS feeds, and podcasts published in Studio.
Step 2
Index metadata
We store titles, descriptions, artwork URLs, episode lists, and feed addresses so you can search and browse. Metadata is not the same as owning the audio.
Step 3
Synchronize
ListenMode periodically checks feeds and catalog sources for new or updated episodes so listeners see fresh releases.
Step 4
Play
When you press play, audio is requested from the episode’s media URL — usually the original publisher’s host — so listening stays close to the source.

What ListenMode is

ListenMode is a place to discover, follow, and listen to podcasts — and for creators to publish and manage shows in Studio.
We build a catalog of podcast metadata, a playback experience, library tools (saves, history, downloads), and creator workflows.

How podcasts are discovered

Many shows are discovered from public podcast directories such as Podcast Index, which aggregates publicly available feed information.
Creators can also connect an RSS feed or publish episodes directly through ListenMode Studio.
Discovery means we learn that a show exists and can display its public metadata — not that ListenMode owns the show.

What RSS is

RSS is a public feed format publishers use to list episodes, artwork, and audio URLs.
Podcast apps read RSS (or directories built from RSS) to know what is available to play.
When a feed is connected, ListenMode may retrieve episode lists and media URLs from that feed on a schedule.

How Podcast Index is used

Podcast Index provides publicly available podcast directory data that helps ListenMode surface a wider catalog.
We may use this data to find shows, display metadata, and keep listings reasonably up to date.
Podcast Index does not transfer ownership of podcasts to ListenMode.

How metadata is collected

Metadata includes show titles, episode titles, descriptions, categories, artwork links, publish dates, and audio URLs.
ListenMode indexes metadata so search, categories, and podcast pages work quickly.
Creators who publish in Studio provide metadata for their own shows and episodes.

How synchronization works

For RSS-connected shows, ListenMode checks the feed for new episodes and metadata changes.
Catalog-sourced shows may be refreshed when directory data or linked feeds update.
Sync timing can vary based on feed availability, technical limits, and operational needs.

How podcast updates are detected

New episode entries, changed titles or descriptions, and updated media URLs are typical update signals.
If a publisher removes an episode from their feed or hosting, playback may fail even if ListenMode still shows older metadata until the next successful sync or review.

How search works

Search looks across indexed podcast and episode metadata — such as titles and descriptions — to help you find shows faster.
Search quality depends on the metadata available from publishers and catalogs.

How playback works

Playback uses the episode’s audio URL. For many catalog and RSS shows, that URL points to the original publisher’s hosting.
ListenMode may temporarily cache, proxy, or process audio when technically necessary for reliable playback, security, or compatibility.
Episodes uploaded through Studio are hosted as part of operating the creator’s publication on ListenMode.

What ListenMode stores

We may store

Account details you provide when you sign in (such as email, phone, or username)
Listening activity when signed in (progress, likes, saves, subscriptions, comments)
Podcast and episode metadata needed for catalog, search, and pages
Creator-uploaded media and Studio content you choose to publish
Technical logs needed to run, secure, and improve the service

We do not claim / store as ownership

Ownership of third-party podcast intellectual property
A claim that ListenMode is the original publisher of catalog/RSS shows
Your private messages outside the tools we provide (such as support forms you submit)
Guarantees that every public feed worldwide is mirrored forever

Who benefits

Creators

Publish and manage shows in Studio with uploads and RSS tools
Reach listeners who browse, search, and follow podcasts on ListenMode
Keep ownership of your creative work while granting ListenMode a license to operate the platform
Use clear publishing and removal policies when disputes arise

Listeners

Discover shows from a growing catalog
Continue listening across sessions when signed in
Save, like, follow, and download for offline listening
Report issues and request help through support channels