How to convert a podcast into a normal iTunes entry

Dec 06, '06 07:30:02AM

Contributed by: CajunLuke

Recently, I found a link to a website offering classic novels (Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe, H.G. Well's Invisible Man, etc.) as podcasts through iTunes. The problem is, I have my podcasts set to only sync unplayed episodes to my iPod, so I wouldn't be able to listen to the books (they are split into chapters) whenever I want without some trouble.

I then tried several ways to get the episodes to show up in iTunes' Music sub-library instead of the Podcasts sub-library. I eventually accomplished this using these steps:

  1. Copy the files out of their normal directory. (Your desktop is a good place, as this is temporary.)
  2. Delete the podcasts -- don't just unsubscribe. When iTunes asks, tell it to move the files to the Trash.
  3. Go into iTunes 7's Parental Controls and disable Podcasts. (If you don't do this, they will reappear in the Podcast sub-library.)
  4. Add the files back into iTunes with the normal method (command-O).
  5. iTunes will realize that you are adding podcasts, and will ask if you want to turn them back on. Say no. iTunes will continue adding the files; they simply won't be podcasts.
Note: I did this separately with two "albums." The first one worked the same way as outlined here. The second one added itself back to the Podcast directory. A conversion from MP3 to AAC (which I was planning to do anyway) worked to finish the job. I also changed the genre of the tracks from Podcast to Books & Spoken -- I don't know if that made a difference.

[robg adds: I haven't tested this one, and I'm not sure if there's an easier way to do this or not.]

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