I just launched my first podcast. I'm hosting the .mp3 from an enjin.com website and they don't have any sort of click counter so I would like to create a bit.ly link to the files. Will iTunes (and RSS feeds) work fine if I use the bit.ly forwarding link for the GUID and Enclosure?
Thanks!
Windows 7
No. You can use redirects for the media file (though it sometimes causes trouble so you need to be cautious about it) but the URL must have the media file extension - e.g. .mp3 - or iTunes won't recognize it as a media file and won't display the episode at all.
As to tracking downloads, Apple's help site mentions this:
http://www.apple.com/itunes/podcasts/specs.html#tracking
but from what you say it probably won't help you. If you submit your feed to Feedburner and have it submit its version to iTunes, it can provide tracking by referring the files through Google Feedproxy: however it's been reported that this can cause problems so again you may want to be cautious.
No. You can use redirects for the media file (though it sometimes causes trouble so you need to be cautious about it) but the URL must have the media file extension - e.g. .mp3 - or iTunes won't recognize it as a media file and won't display the episode at all.
As to tracking downloads, Apple's help site mentions this:
http://www.apple.com/itunes/podcasts/specs.html#tracking
but from what you say it probably won't help you. If you submit your feed to Feedburner and have it submit its version to iTunes, it can provide tracking by referring the files through Google Feedproxy: however it's been reported that this can cause problems so again you may want to be cautious.
Ok so the best way to do it is to find a file hosting service that provides statistics?
That would be preferable, then you can provide a direct link to the file, which is more reliable.
Do you know of any services that would work for me? I'm not very experienced with this sort of stuff so something like dropbox would be preferable.
Do not go with dropbox lots of issues.
I am with libsyn.com - we are the largest host of podcasts. If you have questions about libsyn you can email me.
rob (at) libsyn dot com
I'm affraid I can't afford more than $5 a month and the lowest plan won't accomodate my needs. I'll need at least 200mb a month and the download statistics (really only need download numbers).
Use bit.ly for audio link?
