One-Click iTunes Subscription

[indiekid]

Hey guys...I'm trying to figure out a way that you could click on a link on a website, and it automatically subscribes to a show within iTunes. Yes, I know that there's one that people have made that links back to the Podcast store, but I want one that actually bypasses that and goes straight to the program, goes to add podcast and puts in your xml feed. Is this possible?

Thanks!
Matt

[dcolanduno]

I doubt it.

That level of automation from a website is unlikely due to security issues that it might create.

*if* they allow this... someone let us know, I'll take advantage of that hole for a while myself.

[Bitz of Brin]

Hey guys...I'm trying to figure out a way that you could click on a link on a website, and it automatically subscribes to a show within iTunes. Yes, I know that there's one that people have made that links back to the Podcast store, but I want one that actually bypasses that and goes straight to the program, goes to add podcast and puts in your xml feed. Is this possible?

Thanks!
Matt

I don't know if this is compliant with the brainiacs over at ipodderdev (They spent all June arguing over how to do one-clicks!) but all you have to do is put pcast:// in front of your feed.

Like this: pcast://feeds.feedburner.com/BitzofBrin

That automagically launches iTunes and subscribes to the feed! Cool! 8) If this doesn't match what ipodderdev voted on there will be lots of angry people over there. Well, a lot of them are always angry. LOL j/k

[dcolanduno]

Hey guys...I'm trying to figure out a way that you could click on a link on a website, and it automatically subscribes to a show within iTunes. Yes, I know that there's one that people have made that links back to the Podcast store, but I want one that actually bypasses that and goes straight to the program, goes to add podcast and puts in your xml feed. Is this possible?

Thanks!
Matt

I don't know if this is compliant with the brainiacs over at ipodderdev (They spent all June arguing over how to do one-clicks!) but all you have to do is put pcast:// in front of your feed.

Like this: pcast://feeds.feedburner.com/BitzofBrin

That automagically launches iTunes and subscribes to the feed! Cool! 8) If this doesn't match what ipodderdev voted on there will be lots of angry people over there. Well, a lot of them are always angry. LOL j/k

BANG!

That works man... thanks.

NOW, does that actually 'subscribe' though. Basically, does it count in the iTunes stats as a subscription?

I know that sounds picky, but it matters in the long run...

[waynealanharold]

Not a bad idea!

I set it up so that it just takes folks to "The Lurid Lounge" listing in iTunes podcast directory—then they can decide if they want to subscribe or not! I guess I'm adding an extra "click," though . . . !

[Bitz of Brin]

Not a bad idea!

I set it up so that it just takes folks to "The Lurid Lounge" listing in iTunes podcast directory—then they can decide if they want to subscribe or not! I guess I'm adding an extra "click," though . . . !

Yeah, I don't have that option :? Stupid iTunes... They haven't listed me yet.

[Bitz of Brin]

Like this: pcast://feeds.feedburner.com/BitzofBrin




BANG!

That works man... thanks.

NOW, does that actually 'subscribe' though. Basically, does it count in the iTunes stats as a subscription?

I know that sounds picky, but it matters in the long run...

I dunno! :oops:

I know it counts for my feedburner sub stats, but I can't say if it works for the iTunes stats. I'm not listed. Maybe somebody who is listed can tell us. I mean, do you even have access to that info on iTunes?

[waynealanharold]

I bet it won't be long until you're in there.

I'm pretty sure that Apple will also rotate their "Featured Podcasts" every Tuesday, which is "New Music Release Day"--that's when the iTunes Music Store gets a weekly change.

Of course, this week's holiday might put things off until Wednesday, 'natch . . . !

[dcolanduno]

I dunno! :oops:

I know it counts for my feedburner sub stats, but I can't say if it works for the iTunes stats. I'm not listed. Maybe somebody who is listed can tell us. I mean, do you even have access to that info on iTunes?

You don't get 'access' to those stats, but they count toward search placement, the top 100, and the top placement inside your category.

I don't think they let you SEE how many have actually 'subscribed' but, I think if you 'care' about your iTunes placement then it could be an issue.

I guess, however, making it easier to subscribe is a better goal in the long run.

D.

[owyn]

I think pcast: is a Mac only solution.

If you try it on WXP with iTunes 4.9 installed you get pcast: is "not a registered protocol".

[cc_chapman]

They don't currently allow that. They do allow you to link directly to the page for any given podcast though and then it's just a matter of the user clicking on the subscribe button from there.

Not quite one click, but as close as you can currently get in iTunes.