cannot submit podcast to the iTunes Directory.

It used to be the case that iTunes and the Store couldn't handle https: there appears to have been some improvement in this, and the feed can be subscribed to in the iTunes application, but using https is inadvisable.

The timeout suggests that your server is not responding promptly. Though there's no hard evidence, we've seen cases where it looked as if a server was specifically failing to respond to requests from the Store although it was OK with other requests. This is something that only the people running your server can look into.

Incidentally you are not talking to Apple in these forums: it's a user to user forum. In any case Apple won't assist you with problems at your end with podcasts. It's unlikely that the problem is at their end.

I have been trying to troubleshoot this error as well. I have tried directly from a hosting account and having direct access, to then testing it from an account hosted by Sound Cloud. The error is still happening even then. You mentioned it being unlikely that it is from the Apple end even though I have seen bugs in other Apple programs like iMovie, GarageBand and Keynote - it happens. That's not necessarily a bad thing. But with this info what do you think could be the issue here...I could see a misconfiguration issue might be the cause on a dedicated server if something wasn't set correctly but not as likely coming from Sound Cloud. I am stuck. Having tried this in various ways and from different hosting platforms...I keep getting the same response from itunes when trying to submit a feed. I have updated the software, logged in via SSH using the Terminal to modify the timeout length, gone over and over all of the settings and documentation in each method, each time....same result. Any ideas?

I would imagine the timeout is set in iTunes rather than the server and obviously you can't amend that. I have seen cases where servers responded so slowly that the Store gave up, though usually you can see that happen with a browser as well; but I've also seen cases where a feed was OK everywhere except when submitting, suggesting (though this is a guess) that the server is reacting differently to requests from the Store than from browsers or the iTunes application. However server technology is outside my experience so I can do no more than guess. Server logs might give some indication of what is going on, if these are available.

If two of you are getting the same error then it's possible the Store is having a temporary problem - that's not entirely unknown. If that's the case there isn't really anything you can do about it except wait for it to clear.

Roger thanks for taking the time to respond back and provide some insight. Like you said, everything looks good with all the settings however, I did find inside of Sound Cloud that there is a permissions settings that applies to each audio file that I assumed was being set globally. I am able to subscribe to the feed inside of itunes but I am still getting the same issue when trying to submit it to the store. Because I was able to subscribe tot he podcast and the audios are showing up I am leaning toward the issue being some small setting or requirement that I am missing somewhere. Similar to the permissions issue I just figured out. I will post again once I get to the bottom of this. Been at it for a couple days now. Thanks again.

Yep Me too, will call my HostGator in the AM and ask them. Will get back if I get answer

There appears to be an issue right now with iTunes with regards to submitting new shows and older shows updating.

It started around Friday evening. Apple is investigating - and it does appear to be affecting shows irregardless of where they are hosting or how they are managing their feeds.

Rob W

libsyn

...another one (sigh)...

I have the exact same problem as well. I hope you guess find a solution cause I'm definitely not good enough to find one.

I have the exact same problem, my RSS feed is with Libsyn.

Been trying to submit this for a couple hours now, does anyone have any updates or answers??

Would love to submit this finally...

I also get the same issue when trying to submit my podcast. It just times out every time. I've sent an email to support, but just received the typical auto response telling me they'll get back to me within 5 days. By the way, I am using a libsyn rss feed link here.

Just got it to work hope you all have the good luck. Started off the day by calling Hostgator and that end was fine so kept trying all day, then pow it worked. Go try now

Apple is saying if you had issues submitting last week / the past weekend - to go ahead and try resubmitting now.

Rob W

libsyn