How to customize podcast and episode settings in Podcasts on Mac

In this tutorial, we will show you how to customize the settings for podcasts and show episodes in the Apple Podcasts app on your Mac.

Podcasts app on MacBook

Podcast settings

It takes only a minute to take action on a podcast, whether you want to follow (earlier called subscribe) or already have.

Podcasts not in your library

Follow

If you see a podcast in the Browse or Top Charts sections and want to subscribe, that’s pretty simple.

  • From the main page, click the More (three-dot icon) button and select Follow Show.
  • From the podcast details page, just click + Follow.
Follow show in Apple Podcasts app on Mac

Share

Now if you come across a podcast you think a friend or family member might enjoy, you can share it.

From the main page or the podcast detail page, click the More button. From there, you can select Copy Link or one of your Mac Share Menu options to share the show.

Podcasts in your library

Unfollow

If you’re subscribed to a podcast that you no longer want, select it from your Library, click the More button, and choose Unfollow Show.

Unfollow Show in Apple Podcasts app on Mac

The More menu also lets delete the podcast from Library, play it next, share it, or report a concern.

Settings

To change the episode order, keep only recent episodes, or customize a podcast’s settings, click the More button and pick Settings.

Along with the option to unfollow the podcast by turning off the Following toggle at the top, you can adjust the following:

  • Episode Order: Newest to Oldest or vice versa
  • Episode Display: You can automatically turn on to hide played episodes.
  • Automatically Download Episodes
  • Remove Played Episodes

When you finish making changes to any of the Custom Settings, click OK.

Podcast show settings on Mac

Episode settings

Along with settings for podcasts, you have settings for individual episodes as well. Click Latest Episodes or Episodes in the left-hand sidebar.

To open the settings for an episode, click the three dots icon next to an episode.

Episode settings in Apple Podcasts app

You can then do any of the following:

  • Download the episode
  • Go to the episode page
  • Go to the show information page
  • Add to the playback queue
  • Save the episode
  • Mark this episode as played
  • Share the episode by copying the link or using your share menu
  • Copy the episode link
  • Report a concern

Simple settings for podcasts and episodes can help you enjoy your favorite shows on your Mac. And remember to check out iDB’s podcast, Downtime!

Are there any settings for either podcasts or episodes that you think Apple should add? Let us know in the comments below!

Read next: How to create a station in the Apple Podcasts app on iPhone, iPad, and Mac