Libsyn Publisher Hub

The Libsyn Publisher Hub is a WordPress plugin which connects to your Libsyn account. Once configured, it offers a number of features intended to make your publishing process between WordPress and Libsyn easy.

The Publisher Hub also offers for easy migration from other hosts into Libsyn. Whether you use an external feed, or a feed hosted by WordPress, the import and migration tool will help you pull content into Libsyn, and generate posts or update your posts in WordPress to include the Libsyn HTML5 player, with a few short clicks.

Installing the Plugin

To get started, log into your WordPress admin dashboard, access Plugins –> Add New.

Search for Libsyn in the search bar. The Libsyn Publisher Hub will be the first of the search results. Hit Install Now.

Once the plugin is installed, the button will change to Activate. Hit Activate  to turn the plugin on.

Note: If you are currently using Powerpress on your site, you can keep Powerpress activated at the same time.

Configuring the Plugin

Now that the plugin is installed, it needs to be configured and attached to your Libsyn show. To do so, select Libsyn Publisher Hub –> Settings.

The plugin will ask for API details. This is the piece that connects the plugin to your Libsyn account. To get your API details, log into your Libsyn dashboard and select the drop down arrow in the upper right hand corner, then hit Manage WordPress Plugins.

On this page, hit Add New WordPress Plugin.

You will be asked to name you wish to give the connection, and the URL for your website.

The Application name is for organizational purposes, it is not publicly displayed.

The domain entered should be the root address for the domain where the WordPress install is located. Do not include ‘http’ or ‘www’.

Once both are provided, hit save. You will be provided with your API details.

Copy our Client ID and switch back to your WordPress dashboard. Copy the ID into the Client ID field, and the same with your Client Secret, then hit Authorize Plugin.

Next, you will be asked to log into your Libsyn account. This is the same username and password you use to log into your Libsyn dashboard.

Lastly, you will be asked to approve permissions for Libsyn and WordPress to talk to each other. Approve those permissions.

You will be redirected to the plugin settings page. Make sure to select a show before proceeding. 

Configuring the Player

The plugin supports 3 of Libsyn’s HTML5 media player skins:

• Standard
• Standard Mini
• Custom

Additional details regarding Libsyn’s HTML5 player can be found here. The player settings can be found in the lower left hand corner of the plugin settings page.

Note that with all of our player themes, the width is auto set at 100%. The player is fully responsive across desktop, tablet, and mobile screens.

The custom player theme is slightly different from the others in that it allows you to choose a primary color for the buttons on the player.

Display download link below the player?

This option allows you to display a link to the media file itself. The download link text allows you to customize what the link says on the post. That link will appear right under the player. The custom player includes its own download button, so you can choose to enable or disable this option as you see fit.

Additional Settings

There are additional configurations that can be enabled or disabled in Additional Settings. These are optional and affect your specific workflow. Each is explained below:

Pages and Posts – Add Podcast Feed Headers

Google Podcasts submissions rely, in part, upon having your website optimized for SEO – and that includes for your podcast. To learn more, please review our tutorial on Google Podcasts.

Google looks for a special, “alternate” link added to the header of your website.

For example, this code would look like this for Libsyn’s podcast The Feed:

Checking this box enables this link in your website header automatically. 

Post Editor Type

The Libsyn Publisher Hub has been developed to fully support WordPress’ Gutenberg editor and block functionality. However, if you prefer the form style publishing workflow offered previously, check the box to Use Classic Editor. Even if Gutenberg is enabled, the plugin will default to the form publishing workflow.

If the Classic Editor plugin is enabled and Gutenberg is therefore disabled, the form publishing workflow will be enabled automatically.

All Set!

Thats it! Your plugin is now configured and ready to accept new episodes from your WordPress site. Any questions? Reach out to our friendly support staff at support@libsyn.com.