Stream Podcasts to Sonos: A Simple Guide
Listening to Podcasts on Sonos Speakers
For those interested in enjoying podcasts through their Sonos speakers, multiple streaming methods are available.
These methods encompass playback directly from the internet, your personal computer, or a mobile device like a smartphone or tablet.
Sonos System Capabilities
The Sonos system is known for its adaptability and extensive features.
Initial setup is remarkably straightforward, allowing users to quickly access a wide range of functionalities.
Available Features
- Integration of various streaming music services is easily achieved.
- The system can also be utilized as a convenient sleep timer.
- It functions effectively as an alarm clock as well.
Podcast integration is seamlessly supported within this versatile ecosystem.
Enjoying your favorite audio content on Sonos is a simple and rewarding experience.
Enjoy Podcasts via Internet Streaming
For those seeking to stream podcasts directly from the internet, the Sonos software provides a convenient solution.
Begin by navigating to "Radio by TuneIn" within your music sources.
From the resulting list, select "Talk," and then choose "Podcasts."
A wide range of podcasts are available for selection. Simply choose a podcast and click the arrow to the right.
This action allows you to play the podcast, save it to your favorites, and explore additional information and available options.
Given the extensive number of podcasts available, your preferred show might not always appear within the TuneIn directory.
Should this occur, consider utilizing alternative streaming platforms like Stitcher or Spreaker, which can be added to your Sonos system.
It’s important to note that account creation may be necessary to access these services.
Alternatively, if these options don't meet your needs, podcasts can also be streamed directly from your computer.
Enjoy Podcasts via Computer Streaming
For users who choose to download podcast files directly to their computers, utilizing software such as iTunes or MediaMonkey, sharing the designated folder with Sonos is necessary.
Initiate this process by launching the Sonos desktop application on your computer. Navigate to the "Manage" section, and subsequently select "Music Library Settings".
Within the Preferences window, you must specify the directory where your podcasts are stored. On macOS systems, utilize the "+" button, while Windows users should click "Add".
Should your podcasts be located within the standard music folder, the default setting can remain unchanged.
However, if they are saved elsewhere, browse to the correct location and select it.
Within the Sonos application, your podcasts will be accessible under Music Library > Artist.
Depending on the presence of metadata provided by the podcast itself, they may also appear under Music Library > Genre > Podcasts.
It's important to note that each time new podcasts are added, a re-indexing of the music library will be required.
To trigger this update, select "Manage" and then choose "Update Music Library Now".
Enjoy Podcasts on Your Smartphone or Tablet
Streaming podcasts to your mobile device is also a viable option for Sonos listeners.
For iOS Users
iPhones and iPads include a pre-installed Podcasts application. Subscribed-to and newly downloaded episodes will then become accessible within the Sonos app without further intervention.
To access these, simply navigate to the music menu and select "On this iPhone".
Following this, choose "Podcasts" from the displayed options.
All downloaded podcast content will be listed here, allowing for effortless streaming to your Sonos speaker system.
Now, let’s examine the process for Android devices.
For Android Users
Android users will need to download podcasts to the "Podcasts" folder within their device’s root directory. This process, while straightforward, may require a few extra steps.
Typically, downloaded files are initially saved to the Downloads folder. Therefore, podcasts may need to be copied or moved to the designated Podcasts folder if they haven’t been saved there automatically.
A file management application, readily available on the Play Store, can facilitate this transfer. We will demonstrate using the Astro app as an example.
The image illustrates the Podcasts directory located within the root storage of our Android device, which is the destination for our podcast files.
After transferring the files – ideally, move all podcasts at once – they will become accessible through the Sonos app.
Within the Sonos app, open the Music menu and select "On this Mobile Device".
From the available options, choose "Podcasts".
You should now be able to view and play your podcasts directly on your Android device through Sonos.
While the Android process isn't as streamlined as on iOS, it becomes manageable with practice.
Related: How to Use Sonos as an Alarm or Sleep Timer
Alternative methods for Android podcast listening exist, but directing the audio to your Sonos system may necessitate these additional steps. Ultimately, utilizing the Sonos app directly offers the most straightforward experience.