Episode Title

Overview

The Episode Title block displays your podcast episode titles with intelligent sync capabilities and full typography control. It automatically pulls titles from your RSS feed while allowing manual overrides when needed. This block is perfect for creating consistent episode headers, content previews, and archive listings with proper heading structure for SEO and accessibility.

Key Features

Smart Title Management

• Automatic RSS Sync: Titles update when your RSS feed changes
• Manual Override: Edit titles while maintaining sync option
• Real-time Detection: Recognizes manual changes instantly
• Sync Status Indicator: Visual feedback on current sync state

Title Handling

• Semantic HTML: Uses proper heading tags (H1-H6)
• SEO Optimized: Proper heading hierarchy
• Character Support: Full Unicode and special characters
• Live Editing: Changes appear as you type

Responsive Styling

• Typography Controls: Font size, weight, and style per device
• Color Options: Text, background, and hover colors
• Spacing Controls: Margin and padding per device
• Border & Shadow: Visual enhancement options

Display Features

• Device Visibility: Show/hide on specific screens
• Sticky Headers: Keep titles visible while scrolling
• Print Control: Manage print visibility
• Performance: Hidden titles don't render

Understanding Sync Modes

Synced with RSS

What it means: Title automatically updates from your RSS feed

When to use:

• You want consistency across platforms
• RSS feed has accurate titles
• No custom titles needed
• Automatic updates desired

How it works:

1. Checks RSS feed for episode title
2. Updates content automatically
3. Maintains sync with feed changes
4. Preserves heading level

Visual indicators:

• Green sync icon in settings
• "Synced with RSS" status message
• No "Restore from RSS" button

Manually Edited

What it means: You've customized the title

When to use:

• Custom titles for WordPress
• SEO-optimized variations
• Platform-specific formatting
• Special promotional text

Visual indicators:

• Yellow status icon
• "Manually Edited" status message
• "Restore from RSS" button available

Using the Episode Title Block

Adding the Block

1. Ensure an episode is selected via Episode Selector
2. Click the + button in the block editor
3. Search for "Episode Title"
4. Click to insert the block
5. Title loads automatically if synced

Basic Configuration

1. Check Sync Status: Review in Sync Settings panel
2. Edit if Needed: Click title to modify
3. Choose Heading Level: Select H1-H6
4. Style the Title: Use responsive controls
5. Save Changes: Update post to preserve

The Settings Panels

Sync Settings

• Current Status: Shows sync state (synced/manual)
• Status Description: Explains current mode
• Restore Button: Returns to RSS title
• Automatic Tracking: Monitors manual changes

Spacing

• Margin: Outer spacing around title
• Padding: Inner spacing (affects background)
• Linked Sides: Toggle for uniform spacing
• Device-Specific: Different per breakpoint

Sizing

• Width/Height: Title container dimensions
• Min/Max Width: Boundary constraints
• Min/Max Height: Vertical constraints
• Auto Sizing: Leave empty for natural size

Colors

• Text Color: Title text color
• Background: Container background
• Hover Background: Color on mouse hover
• Theme Integration: Use site color palette

Border & Shadow

• Border Options: Width, style, color, radius
• Shadow Effects: Elevation and depth
• Responsive Values: Per-device settings
• Visual Enhancement: Create standout titles

Display

• Visibility: Per-device show/hide
• Sticky: Fixed positioning options
• Z-index: Layer stacking order
• Performance: Hidden titles don't load

Title Management Workflows

Maintaining RSS Sync

1. Don't Edit: Leave title untouched
2. Updates Flow: RSS changes appear automatically
3. Check Status: Verify sync in settings panel
4. Heading Level: Can change without breaking sync

Using Custom Titles

1. Click Title: Opens for editing
2. Type Changes: Edit directly in block
3. Status Updates: Automatically marked as edited
4. Original Preserved: RSS title remains available

Returning to RSS Title

1. Open Sync Settings: In block sidebar
2. Click Restore: "Restore from RSS" button
3. Title Updates: RSS title reappears
4. Sync Resumes: Automatic updates return

Heading Level Selection

The block wraps a core heading block:

1. Select the Episode Title block
2. Use toolbar to choose H1-H6
3. Consider page hierarchy
4. SEO best practices apply

Common Use Cases

Main Episode Title

Heading: H1 (only one per page)
Font Size: 32px desktop, 28px tablet, 24px mobile
Margin: 0 0 20px 0
Color: Brand primary
Sticky: Optional for long content

Archive List Titles

Heading: H2
Font Size: 24px desktop, 20px mobile
Margin: 0 0 10px 0
Background: None
Hover: Underline or color change

Sidebar Episode Title

Heading: H3
Font Size: 18px all devices
Margin: 0 0 15px 0
Color: Inherit from theme
Max Width: 100%

Featured Episode Header

Heading: H2
Font Size: 36px desktop, 30px mobile
Background: Brand color with padding
Text Color: White
Shadow: Large elevation
Sticky: Top of viewport

Minimal List Entry

Heading: H3
Font Size: 16px
Margin: 0 0 5px 0
Color: Default text
No background or borders

Styling Best Practices

Typography Hierarchy

• H1: Page title only (one per page)
• H2: Main section headings
• H3: Subsection headings
• H4-H6: Further subdivisions

Responsive Sizing

• Desktop: Optimal readability size
• Tablet: 10-20% smaller than desktop
• Mobile: Compact but readable
• Line Height: 1.2-1.5 for titles

Visual Hierarchy

• Size: Larger for importance
• Weight: Bold for emphasis
• Color: Contrast for attention
• Spacing: Room to breathe

Accessibility

• Proper Nesting: Don't skip heading levels
• Contrast Ratios: WCAG compliance
• Focus States: Visible keyboard navigation
• Screen Readers: Semantic HTML structure

Advanced Techniques

Custom Hover Effects

Using CSS classes:

.episode-title-hover {
  transition: color 0.3s ease;
}
.episode-title-hover:hover {
  color: var(--brand-primary);
}

Sticky Header Patterns

For navigation headers:

Position: Sticky
Offset: 0px (or height of admin bar)
Z-index: 100
Background: Solid color
Shadow: Subtle elevation

SEO Optimization

• Keywords: Include in custom titles
• Length: 50-60 characters ideal
• Structure: Clear and descriptive
• Hierarchy: Logical heading flow

Integration Patterns

• With Image: Natural pairing
• With Player: Episode identification
• With Description: Content preview
• With Meta: Date and duration

Troubleshooting

Title Not Showing

Check these issues:

1. Episode Selected: Use Episode Selector first
2. RSS Feed: Verify feed has titles
3. Sync Status: Check if manually edited
4. Block Selection: Ensure block is added

Wrong Title Displayed

Common causes:

1. Cache: Clear all caches
2. Manual Edit: Check sync status
3. Feed Update: RSS may have changed
4. Episode Mismatch: Verify selection

Sync Not Working

Solutions:

1. Editing: Any change breaks sync
2. Restore: Use restore button
3. Feed Access: Check RSS availability
4. Content Match: Verify episode ID

Styling Issues

Fixes:

1. Device Preview: Check all sizes
2. Color Contrast: Verify readability
3. Heading Level: Check hierarchy
4. Theme Conflicts: Test with defaults

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use different titles per device?
A: The title content is the same, but you can style differently per device including visibility.

Q: What happens when I change heading level?
A: Changing heading level doesn't affect sync status. Only content changes trigger manual edit mode.

Q: Can I use HTML in titles?
A: Basic HTML entities are supported, but complex HTML is stripped for security.

Q: How do I make titles clickable?
A: Wrap the block in a link or use the Buttons block for linked titles.

Q: What about special characters?
A: Full Unicode support including emojis, accents, and international characters.

Q: Can multiple title blocks exist per post?
A: The block is set to single instance to maintain consistency with one episode per post.

Q: Why did my title revert?
A: If in sync mode and you didn't edit it, RSS updates will overwrite. Check sync status.

Q: Can I template the title format?
A: Currently titles come as-is from RSS. Use manual edit for formatted versions.

Title Formatting Guidelines

Best Practices

• Clarity: Clear, descriptive titles
• Length: Concise but complete
• Keywords: Include searchable terms
• Consistency: Similar format across episodes

Common Patterns

• Episode Number: "Episode 123: Title Here"
• Guest Format: "Interview with Guest Name"
• Topic First: "Topic Title | Podcast Name"
• Series: "Series Name, Part 2: Subtitle"

Best Practices Summary

1. Plan Title Strategy: Decide on sync vs manual approach
2. Consider SEO: Use descriptive, keyword-rich titles
3. Maintain Hierarchy: Proper heading structure
4. Test Responsive: Check all device sizes
5. Ensure Contrast: Readable color combinations
6. Keep Consistent: Similar styling across episodes
7. Monitor Sync: Know your sync status

Getting Help

If you need assistance with the Episode Title block:

1. Review this guide for common solutions
2. Check Connecting Your RSS Feed
3. Visit our support forum
4. Contact support with specific questions

Remember: The Episode Title block combines automatic RSS synchronization with full editorial control. Whether you maintain sync for consistency or customize for SEO, the choice is yours!