Tutorials

How to Create a Podcast RSS Feed Using The Split Kit and Sovereign Feeds

Randy Black

Tags: self-hosting; The Split Kit; Sovereign Feeds; CDN

This article was published orginially at https://randallblack.com/self-hosted-rss/ and is shared here by it’s author.

How to Create a Podcast RSS Feed Using The Split Kit and Sovereign Feeds

Self-Hosting Your Podcast with Bunny.net for Maximum Control

Podcasting is evolving, and with tools like Sovereign Feeds and The Split Kit, independent podcasters can fully control their RSS feed, manage value-for-value splits, and host their own media files without relying on traditional podcast hosts. In this guide, I’ll show you how to:

  • Create a podcast RSS feed using Sovereign Feeds
  • Set up value-for-value splits using The Split Kit
  • Host your media files on Bunny.net
  • Upload your RSS feed to a web host
  • Distribute your podcast across platforms

By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have a fully functional podcast feed that you control. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Create Your Podcast RSS Feed with Sovereign Feeds

1.1 Sign Up for Sovereign Feeds

  • Go to Sovereign Feeds
  • Click Sign in with Alby (or another authentication method)
  • Once logged in, click New Feed to start creating your podcast

1.2 Fill in Your Podcast Details

  • Podcast Title: Enter your podcast’s name
  • Description: Add a summary of your show
  • Artwork: Upload a podcast cover (min. 1400x1400px)
  • Category: Choose a category (e.g., Education, Tech, Music)
  • Website: Enter your podcast’s website (if applicable)
  • Feed URL: This will be generated for you

1.3 Add Episodes

  • Click New Item to create an episode
  • Enter the Title, Description, and Publish Date
  • Add the URL for the media file (we’ll set this up in Bunny.net later)
  • Set the Duration and File Type (MP3, MP4, etc.)

Once done, save the feed. You now have a basic RSS feed ready!

Step 2: Set Up Value-for-Value with The Split Kit

Now, let’s add a value-for-value model so you and your contributors (co-hosts, editors, guests) can receive Bitcoin micropayments via Lightning.

2.1 Sign Up for The Split Kit

  • Go to The Split Kit
  • Sign in using your Lightning-enabled wallet (e.g., Alby or LNbits)
  • Click New Split

2.2 Create a Split

  • Name Your Split (e.g., “My Podcast”)
  • Add Participants
    • Enter the Lightning addresses of each person who should receive payments
    • Set their percentage (e.g., Host: 60%, Guest: 20%, Editor: 20%)
  • Click Generate Split

2.3 Add the Split to Sovereign Feeds

  • Copy the Lightning split code from The Split Kit
  • Go back to Sovereign Feeds and edit your podcast feed
  • In the Value section, paste the Split Kit code
  • Save the feed

Now, every time someone listens via a Podcasting 2.0 app like Fountain, payments will be automatically split!

Step 3: Host Your Media Files on Bunny.net

Since you’re self-hosting, you need a reliable CDN (Content Delivery Network) to store and serve your audio files.

3.1 Sign Up for Bunny.net

  • Go to Bunny.net
  • Create an account and log in

3.2 Set Up a Storage Zone

  • In the Bunny.net Dashboard, go to Storage Zones
  • Click Create New Storage Zone
  • Name it (e.g., “mypodcast”)
  • Choose a region (Select one closest to your audience)
  • Click Create Storage Zone

3.3 Set Up a CDN for Your Podcast

  • In Bunny.net, navigate to Pull Zones
  • Click Add Pull Zone
  • Name it (e.g., “mypodcast-cdn”)
  • Set the Origin URL to your newly created Storage Zone
  • Choose a caching region that best fits your audience
  • Enable Optimized Caching for faster delivery
  • Click Create Pull Zone

3.4 Upload Your Podcast Episodes

  • Use FTP or the Bunny.net web interface to upload your MP3 files
  • Once uploaded, click on a file and copy the direct URL

3.5 Add the Media File to Your RSS Feed

  • Go back to Sovereign Feeds
  • Edit your episode and paste the Bunny.net CDN URL as the media file link
  • Save the feed

Your podcast episodes are now hosted on a fast CDN and linked to your RSS feed!

Step 4: Upload Your RSS Feed to a Web Host

4.1 Choose a Web Host

You need a web host to store and serve your RSS feed XML file. Some options include:

  • GitHub Pages (free for static files)
  • DigitalOcean Spaces
  • Amazon S3
  • Self-hosted VPS (e.g., Linode, Vultr)

4.2 Upload the RSS Feed File

  • Export your RSS feed from Sovereign Feeds (Download the XML file)
  • Upload the XML file to your chosen web host
  • Copy the public URL of your uploaded RSS file

4.3 Update Your Feed URL in Sovereign Feeds

  • Go back to Sovereign Feeds and update your feed’s URL with the new public link
  • Save the changes

Now, your RSS feed is live and accessible on the web!

Step 5: Validate and Distribute Your Podcast

5.1 Validate Your RSS Feed

  • Use a tool like CastFeedValidator
  • Enter your Sovereign Feeds RSS URL and check for errors

5.2 Submit to Podcast Directories

Once your feed is working, submit it to major podcast platforms:

Final Thoughts

Congratulations! You’ve just set up a self-hosted podcast RSS feed using Sovereign Feeds, The Split Kit, and Bunny.net. With this setup:

  • You own your RSS feed (no dependence on third-party hosts)
  • You control your monetization via value-for-value payments
  • Your audio is hosted on a fast CDN for smooth streaming
  • You can distribute your podcast freely across platforms

This method gives you full control and ensures your podcast remains independent.

About the Author

Randy Black is an educator, technology specialist, and podcaster from Milton, WV. You can reach him via email at randy@randallblack.com and view his website at https://randallblack.com.