How to convert YouTube to a podcast (RSS)
Turn a YouTube channel or playlist into a private podcast RSS feed, then listen in Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Overcast, AntennaPod, Podcast Addict, or the PigeonPod web player. The same workflow also supports BiliBili channels and playlists.
Updated 2026-08-14
Quick answer
Add a public YouTube channel or playlist to PigeonPod, choose the uploads you want with keyword and duration filters, then subscribe to the generated private RSS feed in your preferred podcast app.
Enable auto-sync and new uploads will be added to the feed after the next sync cycle, without rebuilding the RSS feed by hand.
- Paste a YouTube channel or playlist URL
- Filter shorts and off-topic uploads
- Subscribe by QR code or copy the RSS URL
Before you start
Pick a channel or playlist you want to listen to regularly. Public sources work best.
Decide what you want to exclude (shorts, ads, off-topic uploads) so your feed stays clean.
Step 1: Add the YouTube source
Paste the channel or playlist URL (YouTube or BiliBili) and create a subscription.
If the channel has multiple types of uploads, set keyword filters and a duration range.
- Channel URL or playlist URL
- Optional keyword include/exclude
- Optional duration filter
Step 2: Choose your podcast app
After creating the subscription on desktop, open the podcast app picker and choose the app you want to use, such as Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Overcast, AntennaPod, or Podcast Addict.
PigeonPod will then generate a QR code for the app you selected, so you can continue the subscription flow on your phone much more quickly.
Step 3: Scan the QR code to subscribe
Use your phone camera to scan the QR code and open the subscription flow directly in the corresponding podcast app.
In most cases, this replaces the old copy-and-paste RSS workflow.
Step 4: Use the RSS link only when needed
If QR-based subscription is not convenient for your app or device, you can still copy the RSS URL as a fallback.
In apps that require manual entry, look for “Add RSS feed”, “Follow by URL”, or similar wording.
Step 5: Keep it updated
Enable auto-sync so new public uploads show up as new episodes after the next sync cycle.
Keep the feed private and adjust its title, keyword, and duration filters when the source starts publishing content you do not want.
Troubleshooting
If a feed item doesn't appear or playback fails, these are the usual causes.
- The source is members-only or region-restricted
- Your filters are too strict and exclude everything
- Your podcast app caches feeds and needs time to refresh
FAQ
Do I need a YouTube account?
No. For public sources, you only need the channel or playlist URL.
Can I convert a YouTube playlist as well as a channel?
Yes. PigeonPod accepts public channel and playlist URLs, and the same flow works for BiliBili sources.
Which podcast apps are supported?
PigeonPod provides subscription links for Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Overcast, AntennaPod, and Podcast Addict. You can also copy the standard RSS URL for another compatible app.
Will new YouTube uploads appear automatically?
Yes. With auto-sync enabled, eligible public uploads are added after the next sync cycle.
Do I always have to paste the RSS link by hand?
No. On desktop, the normal path is now to choose a podcast app and scan the generated QR code. Manual RSS copy is still there as a fallback.