# Castopod

> Podcast system supporting Fediverse using ActivityPub

**Wikidata**: [Q110262838](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q110262838)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/castopod

## Summary
Castopod is a free and open-source podcast hosting system that supports the Fediverse, enabling decentralized podcasting through the ActivityPub protocol. It is developed in PHP and supports multiple languages, including English and French. The platform allows users to host podcasts on their own servers while integrating with the broader Fediverse ecosystem.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Web service, free and open-source software, social networking service, podcast hosting service, distributed social network, server software
- **Country of origin**: France
- **License**: Available under the terms specified in the [LICENSE.md](https://code.podlibre.org/podlibre/castopod-host/-/blob/alpha/LICENSE.md) file
- **Part of**: Fediverse, podcast
- **Latest stable version**: v1.3.5 (released on 2023-05-09)
- **Website**: [https://castopod.org](https://castopod.org) (available in French and English)
- **Protocols**: HTTPS, ActivityPub
- **Depends on software**: PHP (version 8), MariaDB (version 5.7+)
- **Programming languages**: PHP, CodeIgniter (version 4)
- **Languages of work or name**: English, French
- **Mastodon address**: Castopod@podlibre.social (since 2020-09-27)
- **Peertube channel address**: castopod@podlibre.video (since 2021-05-29)
- **Source code repository**: [https://code.castopod.org/adaures/castopod](https://code.castopod.org/adaures/castopod)
- **Issue tracker**: [https://code.castopod.org/adaures/castopod/-/issues](https://code.castopod.org/adaures/castopod/-/issues)
- **User manual**: [https://docs.castopod.org/getting-started/install.html](https://docs.castopod.org/getting-started/install.html)
- **Official blog**: [https://blog.castopod.org/](https://blog.castopod.org/) (in English, with RSS feed available)
- **Wikipedia availability**: Available in French and Russian
- **AlternativeTo ID**: castopod
- **Framalibre ID**: castopod-hosting

## FAQs
**What is Castopod, and how does it differ from traditional podcast hosting services?**
Castopod is a decentralized podcast hosting system that integrates with the Fediverse, allowing users to host their podcasts on their own servers while participating in a broader social media network. Unlike centralized platforms, Castopod enables self-hosting and interoperability with other Fediverse services.

**Which programming languages and frameworks does Castopod use?**
Castopod is developed primarily in PHP, with the CodeIgniter framework (version 4) used for backend development. It also depends on PHP version 8 and MariaDB (version 5.7 or higher) for database management.

**How does Castopod support the Fediverse?**
Castopod supports the Fediverse by implementing the ActivityPub protocol, which allows podcasts hosted on Castopod to interact with other Fediverse services. This enables decentralized podcasting and integration with the broader social media ecosystem.

**What are the latest versions of Castopod, and when were they released?**
The latest stable version of Castopod is v1.3.5, released on May 9, 2023. Previous versions include v1.3.3 (April 17, 2023), v1.3.2 (April 14, 2023), v1.0.0-beta.14 (April 23, 2022), and v1.0.0-alpha.79 (December 20, 2021).

**Where can I find the source code and documentation for Castopod?**
The source code for Castopod is available on its Git repository at [https://code.castopod.org/adaures/castopod](https://code.castopod.org/adaures/castopod). Documentation and installation instructions can be found at [https://docs.castopod.org/getting-started/install.html](https://docs.castopod.org/getting-started/install.html).

## Why It Matters
Castopod addresses the limitations of centralized podcast hosting by providing a decentralized alternative that supports self-hosting and interoperability within the Fediverse. By leveraging the ActivityPub protocol, Castopod enables podcast creators to maintain control over their content while participating in a broader social media network. This approach aligns with the principles of open-source software and decentralized internet infrastructure, offering users greater autonomy and reducing dependency on proprietary platforms.

## Notable For
- **Decentralized podcasting**: Castopod is notable for enabling decentralized podcast hosting through the Fediverse, allowing users to self-host their content while integrating with other Fediverse services.
- **Open-source development**: The project is developed as free and open-source software, with its source code available for public inspection and modification.
- **Multi-language support**: Castopod supports multiple languages, including English and French, making it accessible to a broader audience.
- **ActivityPub integration**: By implementing the ActivityPub protocol, Castopod facilitates interoperability with other Fediverse services, enhancing its role in the decentralized social media ecosystem.
- **Self-hosting capability**: Castopod allows users to host their podcasts on their own servers, providing greater control over content and data.

## Body
### Overview
Castopod is a podcast hosting system that supports the Fediverse, enabling decentralized podcasting through the ActivityPub protocol. It is developed in PHP and supports multiple languages, including English and French. The platform allows users to host podcasts on their own servers while integrating with the broader Fediverse ecosystem.

### Development and Technology
Castopod is developed primarily in PHP, with the CodeIgniter framework (version 4) used for backend development. It depends on PHP version 8 and MariaDB (version 5.7 or higher) for database management. The project is hosted on a Git repository at [https://code.castopod.org/adaures/castopod](https://code.castopod.org/adaures/castopod), and its source code is available for public inspection and modification.

### Versions and Releases
Castopod has released several versions, including v1.0.0-alpha.79 (December 20, 2021), v1.0.0-beta.14 (April 23, 2022), v1.3.2 (April 14, 2023), v1.3.3 (April 17, 2023), and v1.3.5 (May 9, 2023). The latest stable version is v1.3.5.

### Fediverse Integration
Castopod supports the Fediverse by implementing the ActivityPub protocol, which allows podcasts hosted on Castopod to interact with other Fediverse services. This enables decentralized podcasting and integration with the broader social media ecosystem.

### Documentation and Support
Documentation and installation instructions for Castopod are available at [https://docs.castopod.org/getting-started/install.html](https://docs.castopod.org/getting-started/install.html). The project also has an official blog at [https://blog.castopod.org/](https://blog.castopod.org/) (in English, with an RSS feed available).

### Community and Social Media
Castopod has a Mastodon account at Castopod@podlibre.social (since 2020-09-27) and a Peertube channel at castopod@podlibre.video (since 2021-05-29). The project is also available on Wikipedia in French and Russian.

### Licensing and Copyright
Castopod is available under the terms specified in the [LICENSE.md](https://code.podlibre.org/podlibre/castopod-host/-/blob/alpha/LICENSE.md) file. The project is copyrighted and has an issue tracker at [https://code.castopod.org/adaures/castopod/-/issues](https://code.castopod.org/adaures/castopod/-/issues).

### Related Projects and Ecosystem
Castopod is part of the Fediverse, an open social media network using the ActivityPub protocol. It is also related to distributed social networks and the broader ecosystem of decentralized internet services. The project has an AlternativeTo ID of "castopod" and a Framalibre ID of "castopod-hosting."

## References

1. [Source](https://code.podlibre.org/podlibre/castopod-host/-/blob/alpha/LICENSE.md)
2. [Source](https://code.podlibre.org/podlibre/castopod-host/-/releases/v1.0.0-alpha.79)
3. [Source](https://code.castopod.org/adaures/castopod/-/releases/v1.0.0-beta.14)
4. [Source](https://code.castopod.org/adaures/castopod/-/releases/v1.3.3)
5. [Source](https://code.castopod.org/adaures/castopod/-/releases/v1.3.2)
6. [Source](https://code.castopod.org/adaures/castopod/-/releases/v1.3.5)
7. [Source](https://code.podlibre.org/podlibre/castopod-host/-/tree/alpha/app/Language)