Terms of Service

By creating a Poddle account or using any part of the Poddle platform (“Service”), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service (“Terms”). If you do not agree, do not use the Service.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Poddle (“we”, “us”, “our”). By accepting these Terms, you confirm that you are at least 18 years old and have the legal capacity to enter this agreement.

Poddle is a two-sided marketplace that connects podcast hosts with guest experts. We provide tools for hosts to list shows, receive applications, schedule recording sessions, exchange messages, and collect reviews.

Poddle is a platform — we do not produce podcast content ourselves and are not a party to any recording that takes place between hosts and guests. You use the Service at your own discretion and are responsible for your interactions with other users.

• You must provide accurate information when creating your account.
• You are responsible for keeping your password secure.
• Each person may maintain one account. Duplicate accounts may be removed.
• You may not use automated tools or bots to create accounts, submit applications, or scrape data.

Every new account starts as a Guest member with access to browse podcasts, create a guest profile, and submit booking applications.

Host capabilities require a Host Pro membership (or legacy host status). Host Pro features include creating podcast listings, reviewing applications, and managing scheduled sessions. Membership tiers, pricing, and upgrade paths are described on the platform and may change with notice.

• Membership fees, where applicable, are billed according to the plan selected at checkout. [Payment processing terms — placeholder pending launch configuration.]
• We may modify membership features or pricing with reasonable notice. Continued use after a pricing change constitutes acceptance where permitted by law.
• Membership does not guarantee bookings, audience reach, or recording outcomes.

• Your guest profile must accurately represent your expertise, background, and credentials.
• Applications must be genuine expressions of interest in the specific show you are applying to.
• If a host accepts your application and you confirm a recording slot, you commit to appearing at that time or communicating promptly via the messaging system to reschedule.
• Reviews you leave must be honest and based on your actual experience.
• You may not use host contact information obtained through Poddle for purposes unrelated to the specific booking.

• Your podcast listing must accurately describe your show, its audience, and the type of guests you seek.
• You must review applications in a timely manner and provide clear accept or reject decisions.
• Once a recording slot is confirmed, you commit to conducting the recording at that time or communicating promptly if rescheduling is necessary.
• You may not use guest contact information obtained through Poddle for purposes unrelated to the specific booking.
• You are responsible for the content of your show and compliance with applicable broadcasting, advertising, and sponsorship laws.

You agree not to:

• Misrepresent your identity, credentials, or podcast details.
• Harass, abuse, threaten, or discriminate against other users.
• Spam users with unsolicited applications or messages.
• Attempt to circumvent the platform to conduct business outside Poddle after an introduction made through Poddle.
• Post content that is defamatory, obscene, or infringes any third-party rights.
• Attempt to reverse-engineer, disrupt, or compromise the security of the Service.

Poddle may introduce paid memberships, appearance fees, or other commercial features in the future. Where payment features are offered, they will be subject to additional terms displayed at the point of purchase.

Current beta disclaimer: Payment processing may not be fully enabled during early access. Any fees displayed on marketing pages are indicative and not binding until checkout is live. Poddle is not responsible for payment disputes between hosts and guests unless explicitly stated in a future commercial agreement.

Refund and cancellation policies for paid memberships will be published before paid plans go live. [Placeholder — to be updated prior to launch.]

You retain ownership of content you submit (profiles, bios, pitches, reviews). By submitting content, you grant Poddle a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free licence to display and distribute that content for the purpose of operating the Service.

All platform code, design, trademarks, and branding belong to Poddle. You may not copy or create derivative works without our written permission.

Reviews must reflect genuine booking experiences. You may not offer incentives for positive reviews or post fabricated reviews. We reserve the right to remove reviews that violate these rules.

You may close your account at any time by contacting us at hello@poddle.io or via our Contact page.

We may suspend or terminate your account if we reasonably believe you have violated these Terms, with or without notice. Upon termination, your right to use the Service ceases immediately. Provisions that by their nature should survive termination (including intellectual property, disclaimers, and limitation of liability) will do so.

The Service is provided “as is” and “as available” without warranties of any kind. We do not verify the credentials or identity of any user.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Poddle shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages. Our total liability shall not exceed the greater of (a) amounts paid to us in the twelve months prior to the claim, or (b) ZAR 500.

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of South Africa.

We may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be communicated by email or in-app notice. Continued use after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

For questions about these Terms, email hello@poddle.io or visit our Contact page. See also our Privacy Policy.