Organize podcast clips around a preserved original, clearly named exports and a small manifest that links every file to its source timestamps. Separate drafts from approved deliveries and record what changed between versions. Keep this archive in your own storage because CastCuts media is temporary processing storage rather than a permanent library.
Separate originals, working material and final exports
Give each episode a folder with a stable identifier you choose, such as its recording date and a short topic. Keep the unchanged original apart from review copies and approved MP4s. Store any transcript review notes and post descriptions beside the episode record. An approved folder should contain only files ready to deliver, so someone preparing a post does not have to guess which of several similarly named drafts is current.
Use filenames that describe the asset and version
Choose a consistent pattern such as episode, topic, format and version. A name like 'ep-014-tool-setup-portrait-v02.mp4' is easier to trace than 'final-final-new.mp4'. Keep private customer names or confidential project details out of filenames that may be shared publicly. Increment the version when the rendered content changes, and record whether the difference affects captions, boundaries, framing or the opening headline.
Keep a short manifest that connects files to decisions
For every export, record the source filename, start/end times, takeaway, version, review status and final location. Add the approved post text and publishing URL when they exist. This record lets you find the source again without treating a social platform upload as your master. Do not call a file published merely because it rendered or downloaded successfully; keep production status and publication status separate.
Verify the archive before temporary media expires
Keep the original recording and download every final clip, then open the saved MP4s from the actual archive location. Check audio, captions, framing and the last sentence rather than relying on filenames alone. CastCuts media is retained for 24 hours, and clips inherit episode expiry; plan the handoff accordingly. Use your own backup process and access controls for retained recordings, removing working copies according to your team's normal policy.
Find an approved clip without guessing
Illustrative example. The people, recordings and results described here are fictional.
A fictional repair podcast keeps 'ep-014' with separate original, review and approved folders. Its manifest links 'ep-014-tool-setup-portrait-v02.mp4' to source times 00:18:12–00:18:54 and notes that version two corrects a tool name in the captions. Version one remains a clearly marked superseded review copy. When the creator reuses the clip a month later, the manifest identifies the approved asset and the original explanation without relying on an expired editing link.
The filename identifies the asset; the manifest preserves why that version was approved.
Check before you finish
- The unchanged source and approved exports are stored in distinct locations.
- Every filename has a consistent topic and version identifier.
- A manifest connects each export to timestamps and review status.
- Saved files have been opened and checked before temporary media expires.
Practical questions
Does CastCuts permanently store my podcast clips?
No. Media is retained for 24 hours, and clips inherit their episode's expiry. Save the source, final MP4s and supporting records in your own storage before that period ends.
Do I need a separate file for every social platform?
Not automatically. You can reuse an approved export when it suits each destination, but record any different edit or description clearly and check the current upload preview before publishing.
Should I delete all older versions immediately?
Follow your own retention process. At minimum, make superseded files unmistakable and keep them out of the delivery folder so an old caption or unapproved edit is not published by accident.
Use this workflow in CastCuts
Understand the upload, export and download workflow
CastCuts selects continuous 1–90 second excerpts and exports 9:16, 720 × 1280 H.264/AAC MP4 files. Automatic transcription and transcript-based suggestions support English and require review. Free exports include CastCuts branding; Pro removes it from new renders for $9 USD/month, with the same processing and storage limits. Episode media is retained for 24 hours. Keep your originals and download finished clips before expiry. Publishing is manual.