A while back, it was easy for people to subscribe to podcasts in iTunes. A podcaster would post a simple link on his website and clicking this would launch iTunes and take the visitor directly to that podcast's listing in the iTunes podcast directory.
But this stopped a while back. All of those links now take you to the iTunes website's copy of a podcast listing. The visitor would have to click another button to launch iTunes.
It doesn't have to be this way anymore!
There are actually two ways to make your links automatically launch iTunes.
Method 1: “itms”
Instead of your podcast's iTunes URL being “http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-audacity-to-podcast/id378425347“, simply change the “http” to “itms” and your link will instantly launch iTunes—without even opening a new web page!
Try it here: itms://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-audacity-to-podcast/id378425347
Your iTunes URL may look more like “http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=378425347” but that's okay. The same rule applies. Change “http” to “itms” and this works, too!
Note that “itms” may not work on all browsers and requires that the visitor allow iTunes to take those links. Read more from iTunes Link Maker FAQ.
Money-making method 2: LinkShare
Did you know that you can make money by getting people to subscribe to your podcast in iTunes? Join the iTunes, App Store, iBookstore, and Mac App Store affiliate program through LinkShare.
- Create a deep link to your iTunes URL.
- Use LinkShare's generated link instead of your iTunes URL (it will look like “
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=bngBF7mJmT4&subid=&offerid=146261.1&type=10&tmpid=5573&RD_PARM1=itms://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-audacity-to-podcast/id378425347“). - Anytime someone clicks on your new iTunes link and buys anything from iTunes within 72 hours, you'll earn 5% of their purchase.
If you give LinkShare your iTunes URL with “http,” it will load the iTunes web page for your podcast but then also open iTunes to your listing. This is the most compatible.
If you give LinkShare your iTunes URL with “itms,” it will not load a web page but instantly open iTunes to you listing.
How to get your iTunes URL
If you're not already familiar with your iTunes URL, it's really easy to get.
- Launch iTunes.
- Find your podcast listing.
- Right-click on your podcast cover art and click “Copy Link.”
- Now you have your iTunes URL!
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Thanks so much for the info. I followed your instructions for Method 1 in the widget you designed on my site and it worked perfectly!
You're welcome! I'm glad that it worked for you.
Thanks Daniel this is great information! 🙂
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Podcasting is the new radio I like your tips and tricks for podcast I think you would like this site http://www.ipodder.org/ more and if you have great podcast you can also submit to it too. thanks for the info.
Thank you! I love it when I can find exactly what I need right away, without having to read through a bunch of clutter! Awesome!
You’re welcome, Bobby! I’m glad this was helpful.
You may also be interested in my upcoming premium WordPress plugin, which will eventually help with this.
Daniel, you’ve been doing this link for a long time now. Have you made any money off this affiliate link? I read that it doesn’t work from within the Apple Store. Is that true?