How to Change Podcast Speed on iPhone

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Listening to podcasts on your iPhone is a great way to learn, relax, or be entertained on the go. But sometimes the pacing isn’t quite right. Maybe the host talks too slowly, or maybe a guest speaks a little too quickly for you to follow comfortably. That’s where playback speed controls come in.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to change podcast speed on iPhone, step by step. We’ll cover Apple Podcasts (the default app), along with popular third-party apps like Spotify, Overcast, and Pocket Casts. You’ll also learn why adjusting podcast speed can save you time, boost focus, and improve your listening experience.

Why Change Podcast Speed on iPhone?

Imagine reading a book where every sentence is dragged out painfully slowly. Frustrating, right? Now imagine listening to a podcast where the host speaks lightning-fast, and you keep rewinding just to catch important details.

Changing podcast playback speed solves both of these problems:

  • Speed up podcasts to save time. (Great for news, lectures, or shows with slow delivery.)

  • Slow down podcasts to absorb every word. (Perfect for educational content, foreign languages, or technical topics.)

It’s like having a remote control for your podcast experience — you decide the pace.

How Podcast Speed Works in Apple Podcasts

Apple Podcasts is the built-in podcast app on iPhone. It includes a playback speed button that lets you toggle between different speed levels. When you change speed, the app adjusts the audio without changing the pitch — so voices don’t sound like chipmunks (unless you want them to).

Step-by-Step: How to Speed Up Podcasts in Apple Podcasts

Follow these steps to speed up podcasts in the Apple Podcasts app:

  1. Open the Podcasts app on your iPhone.

  2. Select the episode you want to play.

  3. While it’s playing, look at the bottom of the screen for the player controls.

  4. Tap the “1x” button (next to the rewind/forward buttons).

  5. Each tap cycles through:

    • 1x (normal speed)

    • 1.25x

    • 1.5x

    • 2x (twice as fast)

That’s it! Your podcast will now play faster, letting you finish episodes more quickly.

How to Slow Down Podcasts on iPhone

Sometimes you don’t want speed — you want clarity. Slowing down playback makes sense if you’re:

  • Listening to a language-learning podcast.

  • Following step-by-step instructions.

  • Trying to transcribe or take notes.

To slow down:

  1. Play a podcast in the Apple Podcasts app.

  2. Tap the “1x” button until it switches to 0.5x.

  3. The episode now plays at half the normal speed.

Available Playback Speed Options (Table)

Here’s a quick breakdown of playback speeds in Apple Podcasts:

Speed Description Best For
0.5x Half speed Language learning, detailed instructions
1x Normal speed Standard listening
1.25x Slightly faster Casual shows, interviews
1.5x Fast-paced News, commentary
2x Double speed Binge-listening, catching up

How to Change Speed While Listening vs. Default Settings

  • While listening: You can change playback speed at any time by tapping the speed button.

  • Default speed: Apple Podcasts doesn’t let you set a permanent default, but it remembers your last-used speed during the same listening session.

Pro tip: If you always prefer faster playback, get into the habit of tapping the speed button as soon as you hit play.

Adjusting Podcast Speed in Spotify

Spotify has become one of the most popular podcast platforms. Here’s how to change speed:

  1. Open Spotify and play a podcast episode.

  2. Tap the “Now Playing” bar at the bottom.

  3. Tap the speed icon (1x) on the left side.

  4. Choose a speed from 0.5x to 3.5x (in 0.1x increments).

This gives you more flexibility than Apple Podcasts, especially if you like custom speeds.

Changing Podcast Speed in Overcast

Overcast is a podcast app designed for power users. Its playback speed controls include Smart Speed, which removes silent gaps to save time without distorting voices.

Steps:

  1. Open Overcast.

  2. Play a podcast episode.

  3. Tap the speed button at the bottom.

  4. Select 1x, 1.25x, 1.5x, 2x, or custom speeds.

  5. Toggle Smart Speed to shorten silences automatically.

Playback Speed Options in Pocket Casts

Pocket Casts also supports custom playback speeds.

  1. Open Pocket Casts.

  2. Start an episode.

  3. Tap the speed control button.

  4. Adjust anywhere from 0.5x to 3x.

Does Changing Speed Affect Podcast Audio Quality?

Modern apps use time-stretching algorithms to keep voices natural, even at faster or slower speeds.

  • At 1.25x or 1.5x, voices usually sound normal.

  • At 2x or higher, some distortion may occur.

  • Slowing down too much (0.5x) can make voices sound robotic.

Can You Save a Preferred Playback Speed?

  • Apple Podcasts: Remembers your last choice temporarily.

  • Spotify & Pocket Casts: Saves speed per show.

  • Overcast: Lets you set custom speed profiles for different podcasts.

Using Siri to Adjust Podcast Speed

Yes — you can even ask Siri!
Try saying:

  • “Hey Siri, play this podcast at double speed.”

  • “Hey Siri, slow this podcast to half speed.”

Common Issues with Podcast Speed Control

  • Speed button not visible: Update your app to the latest version.

  • Playback resets to 1x: Some apps reset when you close them.

  • Voice distortion: Try a slower speed (like 1.5x instead of 2x).

Best Practices: When to Use Faster Playback

  • News updates

  • Casual conversations

  • Binge-listening to backlogs

Best Practices: When to Slow Podcasts Down

  • Educational content

  • Audiobooks or storytelling podcasts

  • Language learning

Benefits of Adjusting Podcast Speed

  • Save time: Listen to more in less time.

  • Improve focus: Faster speed can keep your brain engaged.

  • Better learning: Slow down when you need clarity.

Troubleshooting: Podcast Speed Option Not Working

  • Restart the app.

  • Update iOS and the app.

  • Delete and reinstall the podcast app.

  • Check if speed control works with other episodes (sometimes it’s file-specific).

Conclusion

Changing podcast speed on iPhone is simple, but it can completely transform how you listen. Whether you’re speeding through a backlog of news shows or slowing down a complex lecture, playback speed controls give you flexibility and control.

Remember:

  • Apple Podcasts supports speeds from 0.5x to 2x.

  • Spotify, Overcast, and Pocket Casts offer even more options.

  • You can even use Siri for hands-free control.

So next time you open your favorite podcast, try experimenting with speed — you might find your perfect listening pace.

FAQs

1. Can I set a permanent default podcast speed on iPhone?
Not in Apple Podcasts, but apps like Overcast and Pocket Casts let you save preferences.

2. Does speeding up podcasts use more battery?
Not significantly. Playback speed has little effect on battery life.

3. Can I adjust podcast speed on Apple Watch?
Yes, if you use the Podcasts app on Apple Watch, speed controls are available.

4. Will speeding up podcasts affect my data usage?
No, data usage is based on file size, not playback speed.

5. What’s the best speed for learning?
1x or 0.75x is usually best for comprehension-heavy content.

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