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`artwork doesn't show on itunes!

T
I had a few listeners complain that they couldn't see our artwork on Apple podcasts even though it appears fine on Soundcloud and Stitcher.

I updated the artwork under Apple's guidelines, still no improvement. https://help.apple.com/itc/podcasts_connect/#/itce0b3942e9

I emailed them for help and got the following response:

While investigating this issue, we were unable to access the image listed, https://scontent-ams3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/14560239_1295670667130627_7631964217304841291_o.jpg, under the tag in your RSS feed ( see screenshot).

Please update the tag in your RSS feed to change your metadata. You can use the RSS tags section four Podcasts Connect Help Guide as a reference but you may also have to reach out to your podcast host provider for assistance with those steps.

After updating that tag, refresh the feed in Podcasts Connect and allow 24 hours for updates to appear on Apple Podcasts.


I've read that we're unable to edit the soundcloud rss feed so how can this problem be resolved? Anyone at soundcloud able to help?

10 replies

Mathis
Userlevel 7
Badge +3
Hi there,

Hmm, that is odd. When looking into your RSS feed, the URL in question is http://i1.sndcdn.com/avatars-000546630594-nkkdp5-original.jpg (you can find this URL in your feed by copy & pasting the URL into a new address field on your web browser and hit enter.) I'm not sure where iTunes is pulling the URL that you provided from to be honest.
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T
Well we do use feedburner as well but I can't see how that's affected it. What I really don't get is that it was initially an issue for just a few listeners - so some people saw our artwork, others didn't. After updating our artwork to apple standards, no-one sees it?! It's bizarre to me
Mathis
Userlevel 7
Badge +3
Hi there,

I can see the artwork in iTunes just fine. Did you change anything that has fixed this?
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T
No I didn't change a thing! Not complaining though, thanks for your help
T
This still isn't working? itunes have recommended contact the host which is soundcloud? can anyone help with this?!

Their latest reply:
Hello Akua,

It appears to be the same image from a few months ago in your feed. When attempting to access image https://scontent-ams3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/14560239_1295670667130627_7631964217304841291_o.jpg again today, we received that same access denied message.

Please keep in mind Apple Podcasts pulls from your RSS feed, which is transmitted from your podcast host provider. Since Apple does not host your content directly, the image listed on the feed is what we will post.

You may want to consider reaching out to your podcast host provider regarding this issue.
T
I got an update from Apple today:

In researching your case I found that there is a 403 error for the image link at the level. You can confirm this by using terminal and following the steps outlined below:

1. While in terminal type “curl -I https://scontent-ams3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/14560239_1295670667130627_7631964217304841291_o.jpg”
2. Hit Enter

This is using the image URL indicated in the tag. The results will include HTTP/2 403 which confirms the 403 error.

Additionally, you mention in your email that you feel the issue lies on the Apple Podcast platform and not with your third-party host. While I can understand the confusion since the issue is experienced in Apple Podcasts, since the issue appears to be with the image URL in your RSS feed this would indicate that the issue is either with the URL or there is a technical issue on the host side causing the 403 error.

CAN ANYONE SOUNDCLOUD PLEASE ADVISE?
D

I got an update from Apple today:

In researching your case I found that there is a 403 error for the image link at the level. You can confirm this by using terminal and following the steps outlined below:

1. While in terminal type “curl -I https://scontent-ams3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/14560239_1295670667130627_7631964217304841291_o.jpg”
2. Hit Enter

This is using the image URL indicated in the tag. The results will include HTTP/2 403 which confirms the 403 error.

Additionally, you mention in your email that you feel the issue lies on the Apple Podcast platform and not with your third-party host. While I can understand the confusion since the issue is experienced in Apple Podcasts, since the issue appears to be with the image URL in your RSS feed this would indicate that the issue is either with the URL or there is a technical issue on the host side causing the 403 error.

CAN ANYONE SOUNDCLOUD PLEASE ADVISE?

I am having the exact same issue right now. I have been going back and forth with Apple on this. They told me to contact Soundcloud but I can’t seem to get this resolved. Please let me know if you got this issue resolved or I am going to start looking for a different hoster.

T

Still bugging for some listeners - is there a number I can call at soundcloud?

T

This issue is no longer exclusive to itunes so it’s definitely an issue with soundcloud

D

This issue is no longer exclusive to itunes so it’s definitely an issue with soundcloud

That’s terrible as Itunes is the biggest audience reach.

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