Can you say ‘lock in’?
The newApple Podcasts Subscriptionsplan will work in Apples own Podcasts app and comes with an interesting suite of tools.
But is this enough to wrest creators away from more openand cheaperalternatives like Patreon?
Juja Han / Unsplash
The Cut
Paid podcast subscriptions are great news.
Podcasts can bepaid for via Patreonor using a podcasters own home-built subscription system, usually involvingsomething like Memberful.
That works great for tech-savvy, super-supportive listeners, but it excludes all casual purchases.
Apple
Apple
Apples advantage is ease of use.
Pretty much everyone with an Apple ID already has a valid credit card hooked up to their account.
If you use Patreon, you’re free to message your listeners directly.
Apple
For indie creators, this contact is vital.
Another downside for both listeners and podcasters is that this all takes place inside Apples Podcasts app.
As mentioned, podcasters can roll their own subscriptions easily.
Apple
“Ive used Patreon since 2015 and havent had much luck,” says Lauritsen.
Its hard to convey the value."
Directory Enquiries
Despite what Eddie Cueimplies in Apples press release, Apple did not invent podcasts.
)," Alberto Betella, co-founder ofpodcasting service RSS.com, told Lifewire via email.
“This project recently introduced a new standard to allow micropayments for all podcasts.”
If Apple does cut off access to its directory, then Currys service is well-placed to step in.
One thing that is certain is that podcasting is hot right now, and its changing fast.
Podcasters will have to decide if the lock-in is worth it.
