Users
Getting Started
What is Fio? Fio is a dedicated streaming platform for the global Catholic community, offering podcasts, music, audiobooks, and talks created by faithful Catholics. We provide a space where you can discover content that aligns with your values and faith.
Is Fio free to use? Yes! Fio offers a freemium model. You can access basic features and content for free, with optional premium subscriptions available.
What's included in the premium subscription? Premium subscribers enjoy ad-free listening, audiobook access, downloads for offline listening, and video coming soon!
How much does the premium subscription cost? $9.99 per user. More pricing options coming soon.
Content & Discovery
What type of content can I find on Fio? You'll discover music, podcasts, audiobooks, and talks from Catholic creators worldwide. All content is created by faithful Catholics and upholds Catholic values and teachings.
How do I find content that interests me? Use our search function, browse by categories (music genres, podcast topics, speaker specialties), check out curated playlists, and receive personalized recommendations based on your listening history.
Can I create playlists? Yes! Both free and premium users can create custom playlists. Free users are limited to two playlists, and premium users can create unlimited playlists.
Is the content family-friendly? Absolutely. All content on Fio upholds Catholic values and is appropriate for family listening.
Is their any explicit content? Yes, some creators have designated their content as explicit. This does not mean that it contradicts Catholic values, but that it may not be appropriate for a younger audience. For example, song lyrics using strong language in a way to convey emotion, or deep subject matters like Theology of the Body and sexuality that need to be discussed with family.
Can I remove explicit content on my account? Yes! In the user settings, you can hide all content that is marked explicit. Click here to see a video showing you how. [Insert a YouTube link]
Technical Support
What devices can I use to access Fio? Fio is available on iOS and Android mobile apps, web browsers, and will support smart speakers and car integration.
Can I listen offline? Offline listening is available for premium subscribers. You can download content for offline access.
What audio quality do you offer? We offer standard quality for all users.
How do I report inappropriate content? Please fill out our report form to let us know.
Account Management
How do I cancel my premium subscription? You can cancel anytime through your account settings or by contacting customer support - support@fio.fm. Your premium benefits continue until the end of your billing period.
Can I share my account with family members? We offer family plan options that allow multiple users under one subscription.
Data Privacy
Is my listening data private? Yes, we respect your privacy and follow strict data protection guidelines. Your listening history is used only to improve your experience and provide recommendations.
Is my personal information private? Yes, we use information such as sex, age, zip code, etc. to help tailor the best experience for you. This information is never sold to third parties, and you have full control at all times on what amount of data you want Fio to have. If you have any concerns please email privacy@fio.fm.
Musicians
Getting Started
How do I get my music on Fio? Submit your music through our onboarding form. You'll need to affirm your Catholic faith commitment and ensure your music aligns with Catholic values.
What genres will Fio distribute? We welcome all genres as long as the content is appropriate and does not contradict the Magisterium and teachings of the Catholic Church.
Is there a cost to upload my music? No, uploading music to Fio is free for Catholic musicians.
How long does the approval process take? For new artists 3-5 business days for music review and approval.
Revenue & Royalties
How do streaming royalties work on Fio? You earn royalties every time your music is streamed. We offer competitive rates and transparent reporting. Rates are subject to change at Fio’s discretion.
When and how do I get paid? Payments are made monthly for earnings above the minimum threshold of $50. For now we only pay through PayPal, though we are exploring other forms of payment.
Music Management
Do I retain rights to my music? Yes, you maintain full ownership of your music.
Can I update or remove my music after uploading? Yes, you can update metadata, artwork, and remove tracks at any point. Please email music@fio.fm to make any changes or take down music.
Do you distribute music covers? Yes, by uploading recordings we assume you have all the proper permissions. Fio is not liable for any infringements against rights holders.
What audio formats do you accept? We accept high-quality WAV or FLAC, minimum 44.1 kHz and 16 bit.
Can I schedule releases in advance? Yes, you can set release dates as you please. Please be sure to have the artwork, WAV files, release UPC, and ISRC(s) ready.
Do you offer playlist placement? We feature music in curated playlists based on quality, popularity, and thematic fit.
Can I submit AI-generated music? Music created primarily by generative AI is against our policy. The word “fio” is latin for “to come into existence”, or as we like to translate - “to co-create.” Our calling as Catholics is to use our gifts to create art, and we encourage artists to use their unique talents to create music.
Promotion & Analytics
Can I see detailed analytics about my listeners? Soon! We are working on a Fio for Creators website so you can see analytics, manage your music, and see royalty payout information.
How can I grow my audience on Fio? Engage with the community, collaborate with other Catholic artists, maintain consistent releases, and participate in platform events and features.
Podcasters
Getting Started
How do I submit my podcast to Fio? Use our podcast submission form to submit your show. Provide your RSS feed and demonstrate how your content serves the Catholic community.
What types of podcasts does Fio accept? We welcome podcasts about Catholic theology, spirituality, family life, current events from a Catholic perspective, saint stories, prayer, and faith-based discussions.
Do I need to be Catholic to host a podcast on Fio? Yes, our platform is specifically for content created by faithful Catholics for the Catholic community. If you have a co-host that is not Catholic, that is welcome so long as the content does not contradict Catholic teaching.
Is there a minimum episode requirement? No, all shows are welcome!
Technical Requirements
What technical specifications do you require? Audio quality should be clear and professional. We recommend at least 128kbps MP3 format, consistent volume levels, and minimal background noise.
Do you host podcast files or do I need my own hosting? You will have to find a podcast distributor - there are many options and most are free!
Can I import my existing podcast? Yes, we can import your back catalog from your existing RSS feed.
Monetization & Growth
How can I monetize my podcast on Fio? Good news - if your show is on Fio it is automatically being monetized through our industry-first podcast streaming royalty.
How does the podcast streaming royalty work? 1 stream will be counted for every 30 minutes listened. This will be in real-time - the 30 minute threshold cannot be achieved in 15 minutes at 2x listening speed. This is also episode-agnostic, meaning it is accumulated listening to your podcast across any episodes of any durations.
Do you offer advertising opportunities for podcasters? As of right now, we do not, but we will explore it in the future.
How do I build an audience on Fio? Consistent publishing schedule, engaging with listeners through comments, cross-promotion with other Catholic podcasters, and most importantly using our brand assets for your website and social media to help spread the word.
Can I see listener analytics? Soon! We are working on a Fio for Creators website so you can see detailed analytics including download numbers, listener demographics, and engagement metrics are available in your podcaster dashboard.
Content Guidelines
What content guidelines do I need to follow? Content must align with Catholic teaching and values. Avoid controversial topics that contradict Church doctrine, and maintain respectful discourse.
Can I discuss current events and politics? Yes, as long as discussions are approached from a Catholic perspective and maintain charitable dialogue.
What if I want to address sensitive topics? Sensitive topics can be discussed with proper context, adherence to Catholic teaching, and appropriate content warnings when necessary.
If my show is marked as explicit, will Fio still distribute it? Yes, in fact we ask that you please ensure you mark your episodes as containing explicit content and/or content for 18+ on your podcast distributor so that our users can be aware. Users can hide content marked as explicit, so if you are discussing topics that let’s say a family wouldn’t want their young child to stumble upon this will help to maintain those boundaries.
Publishers
Publishing on Fio
How do I submit audiobooks to Fio? Email will@fio.fm to get started with onboarding. We work with both major and independent Catholic publishers, as well as independent authors.
Can I distribute my self-published title? Yes! If you are independent please reach out to will@fio.fm to start onboarding.
What types of audiobooks does Fio feature? There are no restrictions on non-fiction versus fiction and/or faith versus non-faith topics. The author must be a faithful practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church and who agrees with the teachings and Magisterium. The contents of the book must not present any contradictions to the Catholic faith.
Do narrators need to be Catholic? No.
What's the approval process for audiobooks? Content review for Catholic appropriateness, technical quality check, and metadata verification typically take 5-14 business days.
Technical Requirements
What audio specifications do you require? Professional recording quality, consistent audio levels, chapter breaks properly marked, and high-resolution audio files (at least 16 bit/44.1kHz).
How should audiobooks be formatted? Individual chapter files or complete book files, with proper metadata including chapter titles, author information, and ISBN data.
Do you accept different versions of the same book? Yes, we can host multiple editions (unabridged, abridged, different narrators) as separate products.
What about international titles? Yes! We want to serve the universal Church around the world, so please submit from any country in any language.
Revenue and Distribution
How are audiobooks priced? We base our pricing on the total duration of the audiobook recording.
Under 1 hour: under $7
1 - 3 hours: $7 - $10
3 - 5 hours: $10 - $20
5 - 10 hours: $15 - $25
10 - 20 hours: $20 - $30
Over 20 hours: $25 - $35
Will you match Audible’s price? Yes, we will match the retail price listed on Audible for your title(s). Price verification will be required.
How are audiobook royalties calculated? Royalties for non-exclusive titles are 45% of the retail price, and 70% for exclusive titles. Royalties will accrue for listening time in 20% increments. For example: your title is 10 hours and priced at $20. It is distributed as a non-exclusive title, so a full listen to the book will pay a royalty of 45% x $20 = $9. If a user only listens to the first 4 hours (40%), then the royalty payout will be 45% x $20 x 40% = $3.6. If the same user starts over and listens to the same 4 hours again, you will receive the same payout again.
Who can stream audiobooks? Only Premium subscribers have access to audiobooks, with a 15-hour limit per month.
What's the difference between purchase and streaming revenue? We offer both rental/streaming models and purchase options, each with different royalty structures.
How often are royalties paid? Monthly payments for earnings above minimum thresholds, with detailed reporting on sales and streaming data.
Can audiobooks be exclusive to Fio? We offer both exclusive and non-exclusive distribution agreements, with different terms and promotional support levels.
What about international distribution? Fio serves the global Catholic community, with support for multiple languages and regional content preferences.
Marketing and Promotion
How do you promote audiobooks on the platform? Featured book sections, curated reading lists, author spotlights, seasonal promotions, and integration with related podcast and talk content.
Can authors participate in promotional activities? Yes, author interviews, live Q&A sessions, and promotional talks can be arranged to support audiobook launches.
Do you offer pre-order campaigns? Yes, we support pre-order campaigns for anticipated releases with promotional tools and early access for premium subscribers.
How can I track audiobook performance? Comprehensive analytics including listening statistics, completion rates, user ratings and reviews, and demographic data.
Advertisers
Platform Overview
Who advertises on Fio? Fio specializes in connecting Catholic-owned businesses with the Catholic community through targeted audio advertising.
What makes Fio different from other advertising platforms? We offer direct access to an engaged Catholic audience that values faith-based businesses and authentic Catholic messaging.
What types of organizations are best suited for Fio advertising? Any person, church, community, business, or non-profit whose core values align with the Church are welcome to advertise on Fio!
Advertising Options
What advertising formats do you offer? Pre-roll audio ads, mid-roll podcast sponsorships, display ads in mobile apps, and sponsored content opportunities.
How long can audio ads be? Standard audio ads are 15-30 seconds.
Can I target specific types of content? Yes, you can target by content type (music, podcasts, talks), genre, and audience demographics.
Do you offer geographic targeting? Yes, we provide geographic targeting options to reach Catholics in specific regions or localities.
Campaign Management
How do I create an advertising campaign? Contact our advertising team by emailing ads@fio.fm to discuss your goals, create compelling ad content, set targeting parameters, and establish budget and timeline.
What's the minimum advertising budget? As of now, our minimum ads are priced at $30 CPM.
How do you measure ad performance? We provide detailed analytics including impressions, click-through rates, conversions, and audience engagement metrics.
Can I make changes to my campaign after it starts? Yes, campaigns can be adjusted for targeting, budget, and creative content during the campaign period.
Creative Guidelines
What are the requirements for ad creative? Ads should be professional quality, appropriate for the Catholic audience, and align with our community standards. We will not accept ads that do not meet these requirements.
Do you help create ad content? As of right now we do not offer these services.
What content is not allowed in advertisements? We prohibit content that contradicts Catholic teaching, promotes inappropriate products or services, or uses offensive language.