Apple Podcast Directory is currently missing some shows due to a backend bug affecting other podcast apps as well
Following Apple’s announcement of a new podcast subscription offer yesterday, the Apple Podcast directory appears to be experiencing issues.
Some podcasts are completely missing from Apple Podcast search at the moment (9to5Mac Happy Hour included).
In other cases, shows are still listed in the directory but their feed URL is missing from the catalog. This means that the API does not report where to find the actual podcast episodes. This is important because the large ecosystem of third-party podcast customers rely on the iTunes Store API for their data.
If the iTunes Store stops reporting stream URLs, third-party apps might stop working altogether, at least for the rather basic functionality of adding a new podcast to your library.
Presumably, Apple is having backend issues when transitioning to the new Podcasts infrastructure ahead of the new Podcasts app experience in iOS 14.5. This would explain the mysterious disappearance of shows and the like.
However, a second layer of this is that the new Podcasts Connect portal has a prominent checkbox for Stream URL Visibility. As Overcast developer Marco Arment pointed out, podcast editors may not realize the consequences of not checking this box. So, in addition to the ongoing technical issue, Apple should also consider making the user interface of these screens clearer and making sure the real implications are clear; If your feed’s URL is listed privately, your podcast will not be accessible in any app other than Apple Podcasts.
At the Apple event in April, the company unveiled a set of new podcast initiatives, including built-in premium subscriptions for creators, new content channels, and a redesigned Podcasts app.