Podcasts on Nova: follow shows and pick up where you left off
Podcasts on Nova: find the shows, follow them for new episodes, resume where you stopped and switch between phone and browser without losing your place.
Nova has three podcasts that you can listen to free with your Nova account. To start, open the podcasts section in the web app or on iPhone, iPad or Android, choose a show and play an episode. Follow a show to keep its new episodes close at hand, and Nova remembers where you stopped, so you can resume later on any device. This guide explains how podcasts work on Nova and how to fit them into your listening.
Where do I find podcasts on Nova?
Podcasts sit alongside music in the Nova app. On the website, the podcasts page lists every show, and each episode has its own public page with a description and a short preview. That makes it easy to see what a show is about before you start listening. To hear a full episode, open it in Nova with your free account.
How do I follow a show?
- Open the show's page in Nova.
- Choose to follow it.
- The show now appears among the podcasts you follow, and new episodes are easy to find as they come out.
Following is free and you can stop following at any time. It simply keeps the shows you care about in one place.
How does resuming work?
Podcast episodes are longer than songs, and you rarely finish one in a single sitting. Nova keeps track of how far you have listened. When you come back to an episode, it continues from where you stopped rather than from the beginning. Your progress belongs to your account, so you can start an episode on your phone on the way home and finish it in the browser on your computer.
Which episode should I start with?
It depends on the show. Some podcasts are best heard in order, because each episode builds on the last. Others are made of standalone conversations or topics that you can dip into in any order. A good approach:
- Read the show's description to see whether it has a running story or separate episodes.
- Play the preview of the latest episode to get a sense of the hosts and the pace.
- If the show is a series, go back to the first episode; if not, pick whichever title interests you most.
Podcasts versus radio and playlists
| Format | What it is | When it suits you |
|---|---|---|
| Podcast | Spoken episodes you play on demand | Commutes, chores, walks, when you want to learn or listen to a conversation |
| Radio | Live music stations with short hosted segments | Background listening without choosing |
| Playlist | A list of songs you or others have chosen | When you want a specific mood or activity |
If you like the hosted feel of a podcast but want more music, try one of the radio stations. They play around the clock, with short segments between songs.
Listening across devices
Because your followed shows and your progress are tied to your account, you can move freely between the Nova web app, iPhone, iPad and Android. Sign in once on each device and everything is there. Playback needs an internet connection; Nova does not offer offline downloads.
Sharing an episode
Each episode has a share link. A friend who opens it lands on the same episode; on the website they can hear a preview, and in the app they can listen in full with their own free account. It is a simple way to recommend a particular conversation rather than a whole show.
Tips for enjoying podcasts
- Follow every show you are curious about. It costs nothing and keeps new episodes in view.
- Do not worry about finishing an episode in one go. Your place is saved.
- Use podcasts for tasks that keep your hands busy but leave your mind free, like cooking or tidying.
- Alternate with music. A podcast in the morning and a playlist in the afternoon can make a long day feel varied.
A note on podcasts in business settings
Free accounts are for personal listening, and that includes podcasts. If you are choosing sound for a café, shop or office, Nova Business is designed for music in public spaces and includes the licence for Nova music. You can learn more on the Nova Business page.
Frequently asked questions
Are podcasts on Nova free? Yes. All Nova podcasts are free to listen to with a Nova account on the web, iPhone, iPad and Android.
Does Nova remember where I stopped in an episode? Yes. Nova saves your progress, so an episode resumes where you left off, on any device signed in to your account.
How many podcasts does Nova have? Nova currently has three podcasts. You can see them all on the podcasts page.
Can I download episodes to listen offline? No. Nova does not offer offline listening, so episodes stream with an internet connection.
