Link to ping iTunes now redirects to the iTunes store

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Link to ping iTunes now redirects to the iTunes store

iTunes provided a link when it accepted my podcast feed in order to ping it when I've added a new episode. I've been using it for the last 35 episodes with little trouble, usually a few hours to a day after I ping it my episode will show up in iTunes. Usually when I follow the link I get a page acknowledging that iTunes has received the ping, but now when I follow it it redirects me to the itunes store loading page and then opens iTunes to a seemingly random page (ex: Bob Marley's page, not one I navigated to).

My latest episode has shown up in iTunes, but does that mean the ping worked? Do we no longer need to ping iTunes? Has there been a policy change?

I have not received anything from iTunes and haven't found anything on the site referencing it.

iTunes URL: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-friendhat-podcast/id363325467
Feed URL: http://feeds.feedburner.com/TheFriendHatPodcast

Message was edited by: FriendHat

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.6.3)

Posted on Feb 5, 2011 6:31 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Roger Wilmut1

Level 10

131,146 points

Feb 6, 2011 12:10 AM in response to FriendHat

The Podcast Tech Specs page used to provide instructions on pinging, but these have been removed. Supposedly pinging would get your feed immediate attention, but I'm not convinced that this was ever the case - at least not in the last few years. It may have worked initially but possibly the designers didn't anticipate having to deal with thousands of podcasts. When I was running my podcast (2006-9) the program I used pinged the Store automatically when uploading a new episode but it still took 1-2 days to appear. Possibly the entire pinging system has been discontinued: there's no easy way of knowing.

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Answer 2

lucid79

Level 1

23 points

Feb 7, 2011 8:50 AM in response to FriendHat

I just noticed this issue today. The past two years I have never had a problem, pinging the server has always worked and the podcast was updated instantly or within a few minutes. I hope they haven't discontinued this feature, I found it very useful.

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Answer 3

Feb 7, 2011 9:13 AM in response to FriendHat

I would like an apple answer to this issue as well.

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Answer 4

Feb 7, 2011 10:53 AM in response to peskygnat

i'm having the same problem and my podcast hasn't shown up when i reload the feed.

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Answer 5

FriendHat Author

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0 points

Feb 7, 2011 6:24 PM in response to Roger Wilmut1

While I appreciate your reply, Roger, and I agree that it is possible that apple simply got rid of the pinging service, I find it very strange that they would do so without notifying anyone or mentioning it anywhere. Why have the links redirect to the iTunes store instead of a page explaining that it is no longer necessary to use it?

I wonder if this has something to do with the extremely long wait times we experienced a few weeks ago. If apple is changing the way iTunes will handle podcasts it would be nice if they would notify the people who use the service.

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Answer 6

Feb 7, 2011 8:44 PM in response to FriendHat

Also getting the same issue. When I eneter the pinging URL, it just opens the iTunes store home page.

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Answer 7

kt_barth

Level 1

0 points

Feb 8, 2011 4:44 PM in response to lucid79

I'm having the same problem. Has anyone had any luck? I have two new videos that need to be added.

iTunes page: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/d23s-disney-geek/id389594525
RSS Feed: http://a.media.global.go.com/d23/podcasts/disneygeek/rss-podcasts.xml
Ping URL: https://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZFinance.woa/wa/pingPodcast?feedURL=http://a.media.global.go.com/d23/podcasts/disneygeek/rss-podcasts.xml

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Answer 8

Feb 8, 2011 4:58 PM in response to lucid79

I have to add a ditto on this one.

I'd bookmarked my 'ping' link years ago, and it's been working fine (and almost immediately) all the while... until my latest update.

I'm also getting redirected to the iTunes store..

What's up, Apple? Please let us know.

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Answer 9

Feb 8, 2011 9:59 PM in response to james gleason

This wasn't the case two weeks ago but today I noticed it too. I'm not sure the pings have worked in the past recently either, but it would be nice to know if there is a new method or if it's simply gone.

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Answer 10

Feb 8, 2011 11:36 PM in response to Shellinaya

I don't have access to the Store's mental processes, so to speak: but given that the instructions on pinging have been removed from the Tech Specs page, and attempting a ping just gets you a redirect, it seems a reasonable assumption that the facility has been withdrawn. That's the best answer I can give: you could ask Support but you probably won't get a clear answer. Go to http://www.apple.com/support/itunes/ - click on 'Other iTunes Store Features' in the list and then on 'Podcasts'. You will see a link to 'Express Lane', which will guide you eventually to some contact options.

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Answer 11

FriendHat Author

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Feb 9, 2011 2:24 PM in response to Roger Wilmut1

Thank you for the link, I submitted a question about it, they say they generally respond in 24 hours.

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Answer 12

Feb 9, 2011 2:51 PM in response to FriendHat

If you are lucky enough to get a cogent response do please post it so we know what's going on.

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Answer 13

FriendHat Author

Level 1

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Feb 9, 2011 5:59 PM in response to Roger Wilmut1

Well, I got an initial reply, but the person who handled it seemed to think I was referring to Ping, iTunes social component. I've attempted to clarify the issue so we'll see what happens with round two.

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Answer 14

Feb 10, 2011 10:42 AM in response to FriendHat

Let me know if you guys hear anything....

I just had the same issue. When I ping iTunes, it directs me to the store. After posting my podcast last night, it appears iTunes is pulling from the feed. The episode hasn't shown up on the list yet, but because I'm subscribed to it, it downloaded in iTunes.

Maybe there isn't a need to ping iTunes anymore... I would love to hear an official answer from Apple though...

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Answer 15

Feb 10, 2011 12:45 PM in response to jonroach13

I just found this on Apple Support:

"*Adding Episodes:*
Whenever you create a new podcast episode, you should add a new <item> section to your podcast feed. The iTunes directory will list the episode the next time it reads your feed. The order in which the episodes appear is based on the <pubDate> for each item, with the most recent episodes appearing at the top of the list.

By default, the iTS directory reads every feed once per day. The subscriber's iTunes client picks up new episodes based on the preferences set by the user."

Looks like that answers that!

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