How to Listen to Podcasts on a Smart TV

This guide walks you through the simplest ways to play podcasts on your smart TV, whether you use a built-in app, cast from your phone, or use a streaming device. By the end, you’ll be listening to your favorite shows on your TV’s speakers or sound system in a few minutes.

What You’ll Need

A smart TV with internet connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)
A podcast app installed on your TV (or a phone/tablet for casting)
Optional: a streaming device (Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast) if your TV lacks a native app

Step-by-Step

Check your TV’s app store. Most smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, etc.) have an app store accessible from the home screen. Look for apps like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or TuneIn Radio. If you see one, install it.
Install a podcast app. If a dedicated podcast app isn’t available, use a music or radio app that supports podcasts—Spotify and Amazon Music both have large podcast libraries. Search for the app in your TV’s store, select it, and press Install/Add.
Open the app and sign in. Launch the app, then sign in with your existing account (or create a free one). This syncs your subscriptions and progress if you also use the app on your phone.
Find a podcast. Use the search function (usually a magnifying glass icon) to type the podcast name, or browse categories. On most TV apps, you can use the on-screen keyboard or voice search via your remote.
Play an episode. Select the podcast, then choose an episode. Press play. Use the remote’s pause/play and skip buttons to control playback.
Alternative: Cast from your phone. If your TV doesn’t have a good app, open a podcast app on your phone (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts). Tap the Cast icon (a rectangle with Wi-Fi waves) and select your TV. The audio will play through the TV.
Alternative: Use a streaming device. If your TV is older or lacks apps, plug in a Roku, Fire TV, or Chromecast. Install a podcast app on that device, then follow steps 3–5.

Common Mistakes

Assuming every TV has a podcast app. Many budget TVs only offer Netflix, YouTube, and a few others. Check before you buy or try casting instead.
Using the TV’s web browser. While you can visit a podcast website and play episodes, the experience is clunky—no background play, poor controls, and frequent buffering.
Forgetting to update the app. Older app versions may crash or lack features. Go to the app store and check for updates regularly.
Not using voice search. Typing podcast names with a remote is tedious. Most modern remotes have a microphone button—use it.

Tips

Use a soundbar or home theater. TV speakers are often tinny for voice-heavy podcasts. Connecting a soundbar via HDMI-ARC or Bluetooth dramatically improves clarity.
Set a sleep timer. If you listen to podcasts to fall asleep, many apps (like Spotify) have a sleep timer in the playback settings. Set it to 30 minutes and you won’t wake up to episode 5.
Create a playlist. Queue up several episodes so you don’t have to get up to pick the next one.
Use your phone as a remote. Apps like Spotify let you control playback on the TV from your phone. This is handy when the TV remote is lost or the on-screen keyboard is painful.

Troubleshooting

No sound or low volume. Check the TV’s volume and mute button. If using a soundbar, make sure it’s powered on and set to the correct input. Also check the app’s volume slider—some apps have their own.
App won’t install. Your TV may not have enough storage. Delete unused apps and try again. If it still fails, restart the TV and retry.
Podcast won’t play or buffers constantly. Check your internet speed (a podcast stream needs about 1 Mbps). Move the router closer, or use an Ethernet cable if possible. Restart the app and TV.
Cast button doesn’t find the TV. Make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart both the TV and the phone, then try again. Some TVs require you to enable “screen mirroring” or “AirPlay” in settings.
Episode skips or stutters. This is usually a network issue. Pause for 30 seconds to let it buffer, or download the episode on your phone and cast the audio file if your app supports it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I listen to podcasts on any smart TV?

Most smart TVs can play podcasts through a supported app or by casting from your phone. If your TV has no app and no casting support, you’ll need a streaming device.

Do I need a separate podcast app?

Not necessarily. Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube all host podcasts. If you already use one of those, just search for the show there.

Can I listen to podcasts without a TV app?

Yes. Use your phone or tablet to cast to the TV, or connect a laptop via HDMI and play from a web browser.

Will my podcast progress sync between devices?

If you’re signed into the same account (e.g., Spotify, Apple Podcasts), yes. Most major apps sync your position across devices.

Can I listen to podcasts on a TV without internet?

No—podcasts are streamed or downloaded. You need an internet connection. If you have a downloaded episode on your phone, you can cast it to the TV without internet, but casting itself usually requires a local network.

How do I stop a podcast from playing when I turn off the TV?

Turning off the TV should pause or stop the audio. If it continues playing (some TVs have a “quick start” mode), press the pause button first, or close the app before turning off.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

More cards in this drawer

The whole Numbers and Powers drawer →