This guide will show you how to transfer your podcast subscriptions from within iTunes from one computer to another. It's important to note that this method will not transfer the actual media files, and will not sustain the current read/unread status of your podcast subscriptions. This method is for those who want to transfer a list of their subscriptions in order to re-subscribe to them on another computer or in another podcatcher.
Introduction
If you need to transfer a list of your podcast subscriptions from one computer to another, or from iTunes into another podcatcher, then this guide is for you! This guide will show you how to export a small file from iTunes that can fit onto any storage device for transfer to another computer or another podcatcher. Let's get started!
Step 1: Get To The Right Place
In order to export your subscriptions, you'll first need to open iTunes. On Mac OS X, you can open iTunes from /Applications/iTunes, and on Windows, you can open iTunes from the start menu. Once iTunes has opened, select the "Podcasts" tab from the sidebar, as shown to the left.
Step 2: Export
Now that you've gotten to the correct place, you can proceed with the export. Right-click on the "Podcasts" tab in the sidebar. If you have right-clicking disabled, you can use Control+Click in order to get the same menu. Once the menu pops up (shown to the left), select "Export". On some older versions of iTunes, this item was called "Export Song List."
Once you click that, you should see a dialog box show up asking you where you'd like to save (shown to the left). Make sure you change the format to OPML. OPML is an open-standard, which makes it compatible will all the major podcatching clients as well as regular RSS readers. If you're transferring your subscriptions to another computer, or are planning on re-installing the operating system on your computer, make sure you save the file onto some sort of external disk. Once you've selected a safe place to save the file, click "Save."
Step 3: Import into iTunes
Switch over to the computer that you'd like to transfer your subscriptions to, and be sure to bring the exported OPML file along. Once you're there, open iTunes and select the "Podcasts" tab from the sidebar. If you have iTunes maximized, clear some room so you can also access your files (Windows Explorer or Finder). Browse to the folder that contains the exported OPML file. Drag the OPML file directly onto the Library area in the sidebar of iTunes. iTunes will confirm the import, and after you click "Yes" iTunes will run off and download the latest episodes of all your subscriptions. Success!
Importing Into Another Podcatcher?
If you're trying to import your subscriptions into another podcatcher, you're in luck. Since OPML is an open-standard, most podcatchers will support it. You should be able to import your subscriptions into any podcatcher easily. If you're unsure where to look, there might be an Import option under the File menu in some podcatchers.
