Luminary Podcasts & Originals App Negative ReviewsLuminary Media, LLC

Luminary Podcasts & Originals Negative Reviews

4.8
4.85032 star

Total 129 Negative Reviews

Luminary Podcasts & Originals App Complaints & User Negative Comments 2024

Luminary Podcasts & Originals app received 129 complaints, negative comments and reviews by users. Have you ever had a bad experience using Luminary Podcasts & Originals? Can you share your negative thoughts about luminary podcasts & originals?

Please wait! Luminary Podcasts & Originals Facebook comments loading...



Luminary Podcasts & Originals for Negative User Reviews

Looks good, but so slow to openOnly came for Russell, but like the look of the app and is great when it works. Main problem is that it is so slow to load. Oh and also not available in New Zealand store so have to swap back to UK for the regular updates- which is a pain..Version: 16.3

‘Resume Listening’ = poorSigned up for Russel Brand’s Under The Skin podcast, but if this wasn’t the only place to hear it, would definitely unsubscribe and get my podcasts elsewhere. It’s infuriating that the app doesn’t remember where you left off what you were listening to and has no ‘Resume Listening’ feature. Each time I want to re-commence listening to a podcast Im in the middle of, I have to search for the series and episode I need all over again..Version: 1.0.24

Garbage fire of an appApp is broken and turns listening to a series an absolute nightmare. It constantly forgets where you have left off, often jumping back 10-20 minutes at a time. Some episodes won’t load passed 40-50 seconds, making it impossible to pause and start without losing your spot entirely. I really wanted to like this. I’ve canceled only two days after trying it. It’s a shame because the content is great, just horrible execution.Version: 2.3

GlitchyConstantly closing and reopening.Version: 55.0

Won’t let me access certain thingsEven though I’ve just signed up for a years subscription. Uninstalled and reinstalled the app and I am still getting the same messages :(.Version: 60.5

Buggy and slowI am more than happy to pay for content , and equally as happy not to have to listen to so many ads, however the app itself is buggy and slow. It takes ages to load up and you can’t actually make a playlist. I’ve reluctantly returned to Apple Podcasts because on balance it’s just not worth it. A shame as it’s a really great idea.. ironing out a few bugs will make this a great experience and worth paying for. But not as it is..Version: 1.0.18

Potentially great, but not yetThe curation of Podcasts is excellent, and like other reviewers I signed up primarily to listen to Russel Brand’s podcast but there’s a lot more on offer, however the app itself is full of bugs A lot of the time it simply will not load the correct content, or any content at all, and installation of the app correlates with an issue I’ve had of rapid battery drain and my iPhone running extremely hot. Correlation is not causation but still....Version: 1.0.14

Great content, too many playback issuesI’ve had this app for years. Love the content, though the UI could use an improvement. My rating is low though because lately there have been so many bugs causing playback issues. I have auto-downloads on, but I always get an error when trying to play podcasts offline (even though they are downloaded) and have to delete the episode, then stream it instead using up my data unnecessarily. Additionally, sometimes that doesn’t even work and the episode won’t even stream, and the loading wheel will keep spinning. I’ve tried closing and reopening the app, still have problems. I also thought maybe I’m low in phone storage and it’s causing playback issues, but I have way more than enough. Hopefully someone sees this and the Luminous team can work on fixing these bugs, because it is really negatively affecting my experience with a podcast app I used to love..Version: 60.4

Can’t listen to podcasts with free trialI signed up to Luminary free 1 month trial to see what it was like before purchasing. However, when I click on a podcast I’d like to listen to, it says I need to upgrade to premium in order to listen. So I’m not sure of the point in offering a free trial. I can see the content which is good. But can’t listen to many of the podcasts. Only ones you can listen to are actually already on the free Podcast App that I already have..Version: 1.0.36

Love content, app terribleAlmost bought it again; lower price, but bookmarking one episode bookmarked every episode. I want the content within the Overcast app, & would pay. Spotify & Apple aren't perfect either. But, Luminary is the worst..Version: 7.6

Lacks features and glitchyNice app design but it doesn’t seem like there’s a way to queue podcasts which I need for listening just before I go to sleep or while driving. The app also sometimes feels a bit buggy with it freezing or showing wrong info on how far through the podcast I am.Version: 20.0

Glitchy messI never leave app reviews, but this is a special exception. This is a podcast app that has the audacity to charge for its content, while there are similar apps out there that offer a seamless and easy listening experience. This disaster of an app glitches and plays random episodes every time I try to come back to an episode I was in the middle of. I’m sad to leave some of the creators on here, but I’m out the second my free trial is up..Version: 1.0.9

I bought for the c word and now they completely stoppedWhat happened? An update or announcement of a break would have been nice. I paid for a year and downloaded the app to listen to the C word (which I could have just been content with what I got through other platforms but I wanted to support the app Lena and Alyssa’s platform choice). I’m very sad. I really miss the show. It’s been months since a new episode was released amd no updates. Thankfully Spooked is there otherwise I would want my money back..Version: 61.5

Awful UII tried this for a year because I enjoy Russell Brand and he went hiding behind their paywall a while back. So you HAVE to use this “Luminary” app to access his podcasts. They also have RT and some other “politically incorrect” podcasts, which is a plus for those of us interested in democracy and open discourse. Now, you’d think that if you only have one or two podcasts “saved” that the “home” screen (which is the default upon opening) would take you to a list of your podcasts. But nope- the “home” screen is filled with another podcast they are pushing which may or may not have any relation to your interests. And despite closing and opening the app for a month, Luminary keeps pimping the same programs there, and hiding the podcasts that I’M PAYING MONEY TO ACCESS!!! Now, if Luminary wants to just make themselves a free platform since it’s yet another proprietary app I have to maintain, that’s fine. But I would expect for the subscription fee that I should be free of what are essentially very obtrusive advertisements for other podcasts in their stable. Ads by another name are still ads- and Luminary is pushing them on paid customers. So as much as I like Russell Brand, this Luminary subscription will not be renewed and I’ll not hear from him unless he publishes elsewhere. Proprietary podcasts and platforms are a bad business model, and Luminary illustrates this very well..Version: 61.5

Not greatThis app is a disaster. I’m paying because it has two exclusive podcasts that I love, and that’s what’s keeping me hanging on - but the app itself is horrific. It’s buggy, clunky and it’s difficult to download episodes. It gets jammed. It gets confused. It’s slow. Lovely branding, but aside from that, really terrible user experience. Tolerable on a free app, unacceptable behind a pay wall..Version: 43.0

Great programming, decent interface, steep priceSo far the app seems to work pretty well, and the content is fantastic. There do seem to be some “must hear” shows that Luminary offers, like the absolutely hilarious “Smartr.” However, at the same price as a basic Netflix or Prime membership, the price is way too expensive for me to consider being a regular subscriber. I love supporting the content creators I love, but it’s hard for me to justify almost ten dollars a month, when comparable apps are about half of that. Still - it’s definitely worth a free trial, or subscribing for a month when a show you love comes out. It’s just not an amount I can personally justify spending each month..Version: 6.1

LiarsThey took a well-established amazing history free podcast called “History on Fire”, put it behind a paywall and have since labeled it a luminary orginal. That’s a flat-out lie. I don’t care how you want to frame it. Danieli, the host has since not re-signed with them and does not plan to go exclusive behind a paywall again. Honestly, It’s just plain dishonest and shameful. They think they can buy their way to success and want you to trust them. Don’t let them deceive you. This is not the way..Version: 61.3

ReviewIt’s alright, but not much to choose from..Version: 60.3

Great content but not user friendlyI gave luminary a try for a few months. While I love a lot of the content that is available, I am cancelling my subscription because it is lacking simple features that would make it a lot more user-friendly. For example, I had several shows “favourited” and had toggled, the automatic download button so I could receive new episodes into my downloads. It never worked! I had to automatically download all the episodes I wanted to hear. In addition, if you aren’t using data for the app, it doesn’t save your place in the show you are listening to. So I would get half way through an episode and then pause and close the app because I am at work or something. When I go back, it has lost my place and I am not going to scroll through an episode to find it again. The automatic downloads thing was annoying but the losing of the place was what led me to cancel. :-(.Version: 1.0.22

Annoying at times but worth itLuminary has a great selection and I love the app. My only complaint is that sometimes it will close out of nowhere and take a minute to reload and get back to the podcast I was listening to. Also it’s inconsistent, sometimes when I close the app, it will hold the place of the podcast I was listening to. Other times it like completely restarts and I have to go back and manually find my place. The more annoying outcomes are few and far between but the restart takes a minute each time. Just bugs me. I’m still very happy with the app though..Version: 52.0

Lol$8.50 so I can listen to ad free podcasts? Yo heads up you guys ain’t Netflix. Pirated episodes of my fav shows here I come!.Version: 1.0.14

FrustratingSubscribed to Luminary on the website, however when I downloaded the app it doesn’t give me the option to sign in, only subscribe. I’m not going to pay twice. I wanted the app as I’ve experienced issues when using the Luminary website. As much as I love Russell Brand’s content, Luminary is frustrating to use..Version: 42.0

50$ that’s too much!Are you serious. I don’t want to spend that much money on some podcasts. On Spotify u can get all of that for free!! This is a ripoff. I’ll come back when it is less expensive.Version: 29.1

Couldn’t even start listening so deletingI am such a fan of one podcast (Spooked) that I finally relented and attempted to download this app as it has exclusive episodes. This app makes you sign up. Fine. Not doing Facebook, so options are Google (no), email or Apple. Tried email but the keyboard just doesn’t show for the password entry. Fine, tried Apple, but that somehow routed me to change my Apple password. Ugh I don’t think so. F this app deleting after downloading..Version: 26.0

A good idea, with lacklustre executionLook, I know y’all are trying hard to make this app something - but really, the “premium” shows are okay. While some like Wisdom From The Top are great, others are just using the same guests I’ve listened to on other shows - which is fine, but if I’m paying for something, I expect a little more. Yay Dark Mode! That’s awesome. Except... there’s no queuing of podcasts. The app crashes, and I’ve had it spring up errors when trying to subscribe. The homepage UI is cool, but if I’m listening to podcasts, I just want the list of my shows or episodes front and centre. The discovery area should be separate. I don’t know if there is, but no voice boost, audio settings, etc. that are easily accessible (like overcast). Updating this app for dark mode is like putting lipstick on a pig... you have other issues that should be fixed first. I was a subscriber for 6 or so months, enjoyed the premium shows, but it’s not worth it when 95% of your podcasts are free. Oh, and to boot, The Daily isn’t available (at least it wasn’t the last time I checked, then again the app is not usable as a primary podcasting app that I wouldn’t know as of recently). Stick to your free podcast app..Version: 5.1

Doesn’t have all podcasts!!I switch to luminary and I’m really disappointed!! I listen to a lot of different sports podcast and I’m really disappointed that it doesn’t have all the sports podcast that I listen to.... definitely should have searched all my favourite podcast before switching.... im so shocked it doesn’t have at least 2 of the biggest sports podcast... the odd couple with Chris Broussard and rob Parker podcast and the Colin cowherd podcast! I can’t go without listening to them and I don’t want to have 2 different podcast apps! Looks like I’m going to have to cancel and get rid of luminary.Version: 1.0.34

Love/Hate relationship with this appPros: all of my podcasts are in one place! I originally signed up to listen to Guys We Fked but I’ve found several other podcasts on here that i really love. Cons: the app runs so slow on my phone. It times out so i have to close and reopen the app 1-2 times every time i get in the car. It’s slow with apple CarPlay. The episode i was listening to will vanish and it’ll say it’s “unavailable” Kinda frustrating. I pay for the whole year which is fine, because the podcasts i like are worth it, but the bugs are so annoying.Version: 58.0

False and Fraudulent ChargingAbsolute fraud. I clicked the monthly subscription to try it out for a month. I double clicked my side button. But despite having hit the 4.99 monthly plan, it automatically went to the annual plan for 34.99. It’s deceptive and I’ll be reporting the app to the Apple App Store. Won’t be using the app if this is how they conduct themselves..Version: 60.2

Content doesn’t loadContent just won’t load. Waste of cash.Version: 1.0.24

Good Content, Awful AppIf you pause a podcast halfway through, when you go to carry on listening it forgets where you were and randomly starts it, sometimes half hour earlier than where you left it. Also I’ve found certain shows suddenly repeat certain sections, as if the podcast skips backwards at certain points so you end up listening to parts of conversation 2/3 times. Can’t fault the actual content but the app has to many bugs considering you’re ps to if for it..Version: 7.5

Can’t resume podcast from previous placeYour 2 star review doesn’t look good so far. So now I can’t resume my podcast from previous place. Every time I go back into the app I have to start from the beginning of the podcast all over again which isn’t acceptable at all especially when you have a 2 hour podcast to listen to. Fix this immediately! I would expect for the price I’m paying for ‘premium’ content that I wouldn’t have such problems as this.Version: 5.1

My paid subscription is not workingI got this to listen to Dave Chappelle's podcast. I paid for it back in August. Somehow got locked out of my account and now it is showing me as a free customer. I can't listen to whole podcast shows and customer service has yet to rectify it. I have sent proof of payment. Refund me or get my paid access back! What's the point of having an Apple ID if it is not going to work?.Version: 61.5

AccessibilityProblems of accessibility for the visually impaired users of screen reader software..Version: 38.0

Too many ADS for a subscription serviceSome great content by why am I forced to listen to all the ads when this is a paid subscription????!!! It’s obnoxious..Version: 60.2

The App needs workDownloaded the premium app for Guys We Fkd, I still recommend everyone to sign up and support GWF as Corinne & Krystyna are great to listen to. However the app needs serious work. The episodes don’t fall into sequence, if i’ve listened to half an episode it won’t save then I open up a really old episode. Every time I open the app I need to re-click on GWF. I don’t care about anything else on luminary I just want to listen to GWF without having to clickity click every time I want to listen to the episode I was in..Version: 6.1

The app is so badThe podcasts are great but I have recently unsubscribed because the app just doesn’t play them. I constantly get ‘playback errors’ or it plays for 5 minutes but if I pause it and come back it’s game over. It works better on my desktop computer through the browser, but I want to listen on headphones at work - too glitchy for me, very frustrating..Version: 42.0

Love it but so many bugsI got the app to listen to ‘the c-word’, but unfortunately it cuts out after a few minutes of listening to an episode. This has happened on more than one occasion. Also I tried listening to some other shows and it would just start randomly in the middle of the podcast and I couldn’t get back to the beginning. Disappointing as it’s a paid app and quite expensive. Will have to unsubscribe..Version: 10.0

Am Constantly deleting & re downloadingThe content luminary offers is fine. I joined to listen mainly to the C word and Roxane Gay but I have lots of others episodes bookmarked. However the search function and feed constantly display error messages and don’t load asking me to “tap to retry”. Yet it never works. If I delete and reload the entire app it sometimes solves the problem but not always! I also lose all my downloaded episodes when do this. I ONLY ever have problems with luminary. No other FREE podcast apps ever gives me this much hassle. The two stars are for the content but if I could review the apps functionality alone it would be 0 stars. Just not good enough and not worth the ££..Version: 60.5

I see the FUTUREIn the future......... In the future you’ll pay monthly/yearly subscriptions for INDIVIDUAL podcasts SHOWS (not episodes). I HATE ads. AND Im happy to pay my favourite podcaster a subscription for an AD FREE VERSION. Push the button and pay the $2.95 per month, just like id pay an app subscription. Therefore- CASH straight to the creator and no ADS for the consumer. Why isn’t this done YET?? Don’t make me create this! YOULL BE SCREWED. 😂. Thank me later. Cheers,.Version: 1.0.9

Bugs on BubsHappy to support my favourite podcasts, but unfortunately this app still seems in Beta mode. It takes forever to load and I’ve been trying to play the same episode for a full day now with no luck. I click on the recent episode and the app starts playing a previous episode. Sound comes on from out of nowhere sometimes. Also not compatible with Apple CarPlay which is a major disappointment. Ugh..Version: 1.0.13

Generously Rating 2 StarsI’m giving this two stars because the podcasts in this app are great and I’m supportive of paying for quality content. However, this app is embarrassingly bad. Queued episodes play out of order. Getting an episode to download is harder than getting a 4 year old to eat brussel sprouts. You cannot listen to a podcast and also browse other podcasts without them starting up and interrupting what you’re listening to. Free apps like Overcast work seamlessly. Luminary needs to get basic functions in this app figured out. And if they don’t, these content creators need break free from their Luminary exclusivity, because as of now, fans are paying for a terrible application..Version: 9.1

Oops. Bought by accident, but… my fault.I downloaded the app a week ago or whenever to have a listen to Russell Brand and then completely forgot to cancel the subscription. I know I won’t have time to listen every day or even many times at all. We are all so busy and we get content thrown at us from every direction in the ‘modern’ life and who really has time for more? The app itself is pretty much the worst podcast app I’ve used. It’s rather average at best and, considering the price tag, it’s bad compared to others with lower price tag. I guess what we’re paying for is the ‘exclusive’ content - which brings me back to my first point; I know I just wasted £29 because I’m swamped with content already. No idea what the exclusive content is as I don’t have time to explore it. As I said, I only got it to get a taste of RB’s new podcast. I’ve already cancelled so I don’t pay again next year. If I don’t do it now I’ll forget - which is the idea behind the free trial and subscription model; they know you’ll forget to cancel which ensures they get revenue. My oops moment of the month!.Version: 39.0

So many bugs and glitches.I’ve had this app for years and the constant glitching and bugs drives me crazy. I love the luminary only content but by god they need to get the tech side together. Audio cuts out, shows won’t start, shows don’t get updated when they put out new episodes, they don’t have that many shows in the library, it’s definitely not worth $6 per month. Maybe $2..Version: 61.5

Great content, frustrating appI’m happy to pay for shows like love and radio but I am not happy to pay for an underwhelming and frustrating app. Lacks Apple Watch support If you play a downloaded show and it ends it just plays the next show in order instead of playing the next downloaded show. Skipping with headphones skips podcast instead of fast forwarding and rewinding. And many other issues..Version: 32.0

ChallengingHard to manoeuvre through. Slow and hard to distinguish between episodes I’ve already listened to.Version: 1.0.9

Paying for podcasts? No thanksWhy should I want an app where I pay for premium podcasts, which are only available on Luminary? I don’t think this is good for listeners or podcasts creators. The current model of free and open podcasts is amazing and I don’t want it to go away..Version: 1.0

Terrible appEvery time I choose a podcast channel it just crashes. Haven’t been able to listen to any single thing since I installed it..Version: 3.0

Deleted app and cancelled subscriptionI persisted again and again with this podcast but I cannot handle the frustration of paying to use something that clearly doesn’t work. Judging by the rest of the reviews these problems have been known and reported for some time however you’ve failed to do anything about it. Instead continuing to collect subscription fees and make promises of improvements to the app..Version: 8.1

Cannot add podcasts by RSSThere doesn't seem to be any way to subscribe to a podcast's RSS feed..Version: 1.0

Bad customer serviceI’ve been trying to cancel my subscription for the last 5 months and Luminary are still taking money from my credit card. I’ve tried emailing the support team and my emails have been ignored..Version: 61.5

Great content app needs improvingAuto download function isn’t working. Can you imagine my disappointment to get a notification that my favourite podcast (which I pay for) has been released, I leave the house to play it and it’s not downloaded. This has happened multiple times and I have triple checked that the auto download icon is selected..Version: 14.0

Bonkers content but buggy appI love the content these folks have but the app is plagued by issues. It's overall difficult to navigate, it's not particularly customizable (if you're used to selecting playback options from apps like e.g. Overcast), it NEVER resumes from being paused successfully (pro tip: rewind 10 seconds and most of the time that's enough to encourage it to resume playing), the car controls skip the entire episode instead of forward or backward by seek times (defeating the purpose of hands free), it constantly tries to play literally anything other than the series I'm listening to, and so on. It's enough that I may not renew my subscription. I REALLY hope they invest some time and energy in this thing.Version: 61.5

Add CarPlay Support Now!Just downloaded the app to give it a go, downloaded a bunch of podcasts (and stupidly, prematurely deleted them from Apple podcasts app🤦🏼‍♂️) and jumped into the car. I didn’t even stop to think there would be no CarPlay support, as every other audio app I have has had support for a least a year. I swiped through the CarPlay menu and nada❌. I’ve deleted the app and am going through the process of re-upping the deleted pods to Apple podcasts. I’ll wait to hear of CarPlay support before downloading again. 👎.Version: 2.2

App crashes excessivelyI will still listen to my favourite shows on there. Buts it’s incredibly annoying that the app crashes almost every time you hit pause. I pause my show for literally 2 seconds or less and have to restart the app because it crashes. Makes listening very unenjoyable.Version: 55.0

Cannot cancel3 years now of being told i’ve successfully cancelled my membership and will not be charged again, and 3 years of being charged anyway. the content may be fine but the scam is FAR BETTER. I have their “we’re so sorry” and “i have now cancelled your subscription - but please continue to enjoy this year’s content until your paid annual renewal runs out” emails. In writing, they say they’ve done the thing. I am literally changing the card number they have on file now so they can’t do it again..Version: 60.4

Masterful Audio Production, but App Needs ImprovementAfter listening to several original podcasts including British Villains, Anthem: Homunculus, and Spooked; I am blown away by the outstanding audio production quality and content. However, I’ve experienced some streaming interruptions when my phone automatically locks itself or the app just randomly crashes. I really believe Luminary is a high-quality and groundbreaking service for the podcast and audio drama industry, but I hope the app will improve enough to overcome the crashes. When that time comes, Luminary will have a perfect 5-star app..Version: 25.0

Great content, poor design.Signed up for Russell Brand‘s Under the Skin podcast. Enjoyed listening to his content and the array of other podcasts ad free. However, the app rarely loaded the correct content and wouldn’t remember where I was up to in a podcast if I was unable to finish it in one sitting. It would assume I had finished the whole thing and start a new one or that I had never listened to anything past a quarter way through the first episode. This led me to using a lot of time trying to fix it up that I would prefer to be doing other things with. With improvements in this area it would be a fabulous application..Version: 1.0.24

Doesn’t work. Surprise!The app won’t even fully open for me. Keeps crashing every time. Have tried uninstalling and reinstalling several times to no avail. How can an app that makes you pay money to listen to podcasts that you haven’t listened to for free for years not work!! Unbelievable. I feel bad for the podcasts that switched over because their listenership must have dropped significantly! Go back to ads and make the people who made you successful happy..Version: 1.0.18

Annoying signupI couldn’t actually sign up to this thing. I gave a username and a password, but the button to click for the next step didn’t work. That was true whether I did, I did not, agree to get mailings. And why do I have to sign up just to try it out? Most apps have a way to for users to test things out for a little while, and I think this one needs such a scheme, if users are to switch from other perfectly fine podcast apps. My main interest was to support thus system because my beloved Axe Files has moved there but I don’t really see the point, for Axelrod or for me..Version: 1.0.3

Worst podcast appSwitched to this for Corinne and krystyna’s podcast but it’s now worth dealing with all the issues with this app when I had no problems with the iTunes app and it was free. The app never remembers where you stopped listening to a podcast and just restarts them all at the beginning so I need to try to figure out where I am. Plus some of the podcasts I listen to aren’t on luminosity so I use two apps and go back and forth but I want it all on one thing. Also I don’t like that you can’t chose the order to listen to podcast in. I know you can drag the up and down on the download list but it still doesn’t play in that order. Not worth the money... I’ll just wait a while until there’s a bunch of GWF podcasts and binge them in one month.Version: 1.0.34

MehThe app is clunky, without a number of the features I like - the ability to create a customised playlist, for example. And, whilst the premium content is good, it’s missing a bunch of my favourites. I don’t want to run two apps, particularly, so I’ll stick with what I’ve got I think... unless something shifts dramatically before the end of the free trial. 🤷🏻‍♀️.Version: 1.0.6

Paywall fine but app has issuesAppalled but not surprised by the number of people claiming “the whole point of podcasts is they’re free” or “podcasts should be free” — paying for people’s content and time and work is fair and just and podcasters individually can decide whether they want to do adverts or sit behind a paywall. I agree that £6.99/month feels a bit steep, but so far I’m enjoying the luminary exclusive content. My issue is that the app itself is buggy and slow. Doing things like marking shows as played should be instantaneous but it often takes a while to load them as such and sometimes doesn’t work first time. I’ve set auto download on certain podcasts but they don’t automatically download. The interface places too much importance on discovery, and the “continue listening” section is currently suggesting I play the next episode of shows I’m 100% up to date with. I don’t understand what the point of bookmarks are. Personally I also don’t love the UX of the episodes etc. I had thought that if Luminary was a banger, I’d migrate all my podcasts over to it and use it as my primary podcast app, but due to above issues and it generally feeling not as smooth as the apple podcast app (which I’m well aware is rife with its own issues) I’m just using it for luminary premium podcasts..Version: 1.0.9

Great content, but so buggy!Like many others on here I’m really enjoying the content (esp The C Word and Russell Brand) but struggling with the glitches... podcasts not loading/remembering where you left off/general slowness - it’s such a shame as there’s lots of good stuff on there and I’m not opposed to paying for a podcast app. Hopefully they’ll fix the bugs and it’ll be 👌 Come on Luminary!.Version: 1.0.13

Disfunctional and too expensiveWorks horribly. I can't even close an ongoing podcast. I can minimize it but not close it! Podcasts keep playing when you close the app. Intrusive. The price per month os a rip- off. I've deleted the app I sure hope this is what it takes to cancel it. If not please advise as I sure will become furious if I see another charge for this app..Version: 54.0

Terrible UsabilityTitle says it all. The content is good but the app is one of the worst I’ve ever used, clunky, forgets where you were, can’t cue, have to scroll to the bottom of a very long episode list just to find the episode I was in the middle of listening to previously. Just amazing how lagging and slow it is for a paid service, it’s laughable!.Version: 1.0.13

Not worth itI’m glad I didn’t spend the full price. The app isn’t worth the cost. $34 over 12 months isn’t too bad, but considering that apple podcasts is free I won’t be resubscribing. There is no organization to the podcasts either..Version: 9.1

Agree with other reviewersContent is fine but app is annoying to use, closes podcasts when I would want to get back to listening to them, it takes forever to find them again because the search bar doesn’t give most evident results (eg. under the skin + Yanis doesn’t come up with the podcasts where Yanis is the guest even though it’s in the title)..Version: 31.0

App and exclusive content pretty averageSlow. Missing a lot of basic podcast app features like queue and sleep. Not much actual exclusive content that’s compelling enough to keep me paying, most of it you can get for free anyway with ads and via an app that works better..Version: 1.0.9

Ipad versionCant believe it doesnt have an ipad version.Version: 19.0

A disgrace to podcastingUse your favourite free podcast player of choice, don’t support this..Version: 1.0

App Constantly CrashingI’m so annoyed that I have to use this app to listen to certain podcasts. When I pay for a listening app (whereas most other podcast apps are free) I expect it to run better than free apps. However, my app is constantly crashing, it keeps forcing episodes to start playing of podcasts I’ve unsubscribed from and fully deleted, and the main screen is busy and annoying. Extremely disappointed in this service. I certainly don’t see why they expect payment when they aren’t doing anything better than the other options out there. If it weren’t for the premium content this app would be non existent..Version: 1.0.14

Getting in between me and my podcastsSupporting the podcasts I love without ads is wonderful, but for the amount this costs, Luminary should be less user-hostile. It’s impossible to listen to these podcasts in my preferred app, the privacy policy is terrifying, and the shear amount of analytics sent from this app is concerning. On top of that, the UX is busy and overwhelming — when I open the app, I want to see new podcast episodes from podcast apps I am subscribed to and (this is important!) nothing else. While being visually busy, Luminary manages to not even come close to feature parity with well-reviewed podcasting apps. Having to use two different podcast apps is a major step backwards. The Luminary app is something that I think I will have to put up with to listen to continue listening to some great podcasts, which is disappointing..Version: 1.0

Buggy playback and queuingPodcasts will sometimes not load, and have to close the app and restart to get it to work. Same thing for podcasts I come back to, even when I pause for a few minutes, I’ll need to shut down the app. Podcasts also can freeze in the middle and I can’t continue them even after shutting down the app. This happens on the web app as well.. I just don’t go back to these shows when this happens. Also don't know why I can’t access my podcast queue unless I’m already playing something. There should be a way to access this next to downloads or something like that..Version: 61.5

Fake free trialI applied for a 3 month trial using Russell Brand’s podcast as an extension. Not only wasn’t I able to listen to his podcasts, I could only listen to a single episode of most programs. This is in no way a “free trial” as I can listen to more on free Spotify. You’ve lost a really good customer by being so stingy..Version: 1.0.36

Ok but constantly crashesOverall the app is alright. They have a pretty interesting selection of podcasts, however, it’s hard to listen to a complete episode when the app is constantly crashing. Each time the app updates I hope it’s fixed but it continues to happen..Version: 35.0

Not enough exclusive content to support the cost.Can’t justify $8.50 a month to listen the one show that I can’t get free elsewhere. Give me the ads or get better premium content to justify the cost..Version: 1.0.15

Content is a winner App is notFantastic marketing let down by a confusing, overly complicated and hard to use app. It would be nice if you could just subscribe to the podcast you’re listening too but that’s obviously too convenient so they don’t let you do it. No scroll bar for previews so if you’re listening and accidentally touch your phone and the next preview starts playing before you’ve finished with the one your listening too well too bad friend, you gotta listen to that 2.5 minutes again. Just doesn’t seem to be much consideration for the user..Version: 10.1

I only buy it for Guys We F*cked podcast.This app needs to be a quarter of the cost for how awful it is. The only reason I pay for it is because I listen to one weekly podcast that I can’t give up. Corrine and Krystyna, if you are reading this, I would rather my money goes straight to you and not this app!!!!.Version: 6.0

Good app needing fresh contentLike many I subscribe for Russell Brand - I also love Trevor Noah’s podcast but he seems to have stopped making new episodes a while ago. So a good app but definitely in need of new content!.Version: 51.0

This app sucksDoesn’t remember my position in a podcast. Crashes. Links don’t work. I was offered a seven day free trial and got charged the annual fee. Wasn’t even offered the monthly rate until after I paid. I only wanted this to listen to three specific Russell Brand podcasts. I find no interest in any other show on this platform..Version: 29.0

DisappointingCrashes frequently, often unable to play episodes and when I contacted them about it multiple times and was ignored or told “we don’t know why that happens sorry” with no resolution. Search function is not good comparable to other podcast apps, it makes it difficult to search on a subject. Some functions are randomly unavailable like right now “play next” does not work. Embarrassed I paid for this honestly! The Free version of Stitcher is better than this and that’s saying something.Version: 21.0

DisappointedLoving some of the content guys, as an avid podcast fan I think you have curated some great podcasts, so well done on that. However, one of the main reasons I started using luminary is because Russell Brand is now only on this app with his podcast. I’m disappointed to find out I have to signup to premium to listen. I’ve encountered many bugs in free version & definitely don’t see why I should have to pay as a result..Version: 1.0.9

Hopes dashedThis app is very buggy. I had chosen about 20 apps for “My Shows” and then could barely access them. The “My Shows” wouldn’t scroll down for me to access them. So disappointing..Version: 1.0.8

Really wanted to enjoy it...I hate this app. As a podcast lover I really wanted to like it bc the regular podcast app has flaws but after using and (paying) for luminary I like that one better. My main complaints. 1. Every time I open the app it plays the same Lena Dunham podcast that I never finished months ago without me even clicking on it. And it takes a couple minutes for me to click off. 2. If you have to return to a podcast you didn’t finish it takes forever to load or sometimes doesn’t save the correct spot. 3. Doesn’t show correctly on the home page new episodes of podcasts you follow. Which is the entire reason of following a podcast. 4. And this is my biggest annoyance with this app. IT DOESNT PAUSE WHEN MY MAPS IS GIVING DIRECTIONS! Which makes me miss parts of the podcast and also is just super freaking annoying. If Guys We F***d ever goes off Luminary I am definitely cancelling my subscription..Version: 16.0

Can’t even startI’ve downloaded this for one particular podcast but I can’t even load anything in the app to get to that one podcast. Reps saying something went wrong. Very disappointed. Fix this issue or I won’t even try for the premium service..Version: 1.0.13

Don’t get subscription!!!Used this app only for spooked, definitely not worth the cost. Go to other platforms that are free. Or use Patreon to subscribe so that you money goes directly to your artists as well. Also customer service is inconvenient to get a hold of as well as very technical about the agreement you sign when you agree to pay for the subscription. Better to give your money to platforms that will work with unsatisfactorily aspects or offer a refund..Version: 60.4

FIX YOUR APP!I’ve submitted a complaint a long time ago with a snapshot of the issues that’s been going on for months and still have no response. I can no longer log in through Facebook and had to cancel my subscription. Why should I pay for an app that I can not log into. I should not have to make a whole new account to do so. Facebook has a message saying that the developers are aware of the issues……what’s the deal!?.Version: 61.5

I love the idea of paying for contentWith the amount of podcasts I have consumed for years for free, I love the idea of paying and giving the podcasts I love the opportunity to earn what they deserve. However, to load an episode is so incredibly slow - even with fibre optic WiFi connection. My app also seems to be stuck on a particular episode I finished listening to weeks ago, so every time I open the app and press play to jump in to where I was in my most recently listened to episode (even if I pause for a few minutes while I’m getting served in a shop for example), it takes me back to the same episode I finished weeks ago. I have marked this as listened, and have even tried to see if I can block it, yet the app glitches and puts me back to the 23rd minute of this same episode from weeks ago. I’ve updated the app but to no avail. This app is new, and obviously there are going to be things that need ironed out and it may take a while. I’m happy to support because I love the concept, but there are some definite issues that need resolved! Still going to continue to pay and give my support, and give you guys a chance to get things sorted..Version: 1.0.24

Ruined podcasts for meLike a few other people I signed up to this app to continue listening to Russell Brand caused I loved his podcast. Yes the app has its bugs and I ain’t gonna waste my time listing them, the app developer can figure that out on their own time. What I do wanna day is I no longer listen to Russell Brand because he went down the path of following money. Yes I know people need to survive but I would rather support podcasters through a platform like patreon or hear adds in their podcasts. This app has gotten podcasters to sell out and follow temptation in to greed and I hate it for that..Version: 9.1

Spooked gave me demonic sleep paralysisUPDATE; I loved this app mainly for Spooked podcast but the other day I fell asleep listening to it and I had sleep paralysis for the first time in YEARS and i tried to open my eyes but couldnt and each time could hear demons screaming inside me. In the dream where I was aware I was sleeping and trying to wake up but couldn’t I felt possessed by demons. I asked my friend to pull the demons out of me and then I started to yell Jesus and it stopped and I finally woke up. Sure think of me as crazy. I used to hear oh sleep paralysis is just your soul trying to go back to your body and I used to believe that until now. After doing a lot of research on it, I now know that demons are real and listening to scary stuff about ghosts and demons invites them into you while you sleep. Do your research. Sorry I had to delete my membership and the app. Old review: I really really wish i can sort my episodes better. 1. If an episode is already played, I don’t even want to see it on the list. Yet it’s still there and keeps randomly playing old episodes 2. I want to sort and see only luminary episodes and not the ones from the Podcast app because I already listened to all those. It’s frustrating to have to keep listening to every episode only to realize you already heard it then have to manually mark it as played and then keep going down the list but the old played episodes still show on the list..Version: 54.0

Amazing content, average app.Inwill start of by saying that Luminary provide some amazing and diverse content, it is well worth the price. However, the app itself is average at best and poor at worst. The app is clunky and slow, often taking a few attempts at loading a podcast episode and that is if you can manage to open the podcast specific page where you can view the selection of episodes. I often have to close the app and reopen it a couple of times to be able to see the episode selection of, say, Under The Skin (this applies to any podcast on the app in my experience). Another gripe is that when I pause a show outside of the app for even just ten seconds, it will then completely stop the episode I was playing which then means I need to go into the app, find the podcast, did the episode and then play it again. Particularly annoying if it is an older episode which requires a lot of scrolling. About finding older episodes, when I have scrolled to the bottom of the page looking for a particular episode and the app needs to load those which aren’t on show, it regularly never does load them and I wait for minutes at a time and then give up. A great offering on content which is severely let down by a pretty average app..Version: 29.0

No Apple Watch AppThis is needed, for me to switch.Version: 1.0

Trash that you have to pay forOne of my favorite podcast became exclusive so I was forced to use the app. I thought that it would be great bc I had to pay for it but it is by far the worst player I’ve used. It stops randomly, skips whole episodes when I’m just trying to skip ahead 30 secs, and sorts in a way that forces me to scroll through all previously watched episodes to get to the next one. Overall bad..Version: 60.4

Crashes too oftenNothing new to say that others haven’t as far as complaints go... if I’m paying for an app, I don’t really want it to constantly crash. It’s unbelievably annoying! Aside from that, it’s user friendly, has good selections and their customer support is helpful when you reach out. Please fix this crashing thing though! I’ve read reviews from last June with the same issues!.Version: 11.1

MANY Interface issuesThe most recent issue is 175 listings of one podcast under the “your latest episodes” section - and nothing else. A long standing issue is the inability to push to an earlier part of a podcast — the only option is to tap the :15 sec rewind button over and over and over and over and over and over.... There are better podcast options that are free..Version: 31.0

Broken AppContent won’t load and the app times out. Won’t accept Apple logins and is a complete joke..Version: 21.0

Good but most of the podcasts are free onlineIt’s ok. But I went to cancel my free trail and discovered I had been locked into a year payment already. I want to cancel as most for the podcasts are free on podcast with iTunes. And annoyed I’ve been charged. So if anyone can let me know how to cancel this so I’m not charged again. Not as easy as it once was to cancel a subscription..Version: 6.1

Cost should be disclosedI did not realize it was a one-month trial and charges begin after that. I would not have signed up because it’s so hard to cancel with many places. Learning there are charges only after signing up feels deceptive..Version: 1.0.24

Bolelli, Chapelle and Talib KweliThese 3 are enough for $45 for the year. The app itself is clunky and much more poorly designed compared to even the most basic podcast app.. Even though I download eps I can’t listen to them offline regularly, the app won’t even open at all. The sleep timer needs more options. See how I got at the end of 12 months maybe I continue but maybe not..Version: 43.0

Not worth it.App itself is decent. Nothing special. It doesn’t connect to google home speakers like other apps do. That’s a major con for me. Overwhelming majority of content is stuff that’s free and can be accessed on other better apps. The amount of original content is minimal. Not all of it is even original. It’s stuff that already existed but is now exclusive to luminary. For most, there may be 1 or 2 originals that interest you, if any. $5 isn’t a lot but I just don’t see it as a good value. I mean think about it. Netflix is $10 and has a ridiculous amount of original content that costs a fortune to produce. I’m willing to bet all these originals combined don’t cost as much to produce as 1 episode of stranger things..Version: 49.0

Terrible AppI came over for Russel Brand and I’m so disappointed. The app is terrible. It crashes all the time, it doesn’t download episodes I’ve subscribed to and it is very un-userfriendly. And you want me to pay for this?? Every other free app I’ve used is better. You will need to raise your game to keep people..Version: 1.0.13

Spooked brought meI have the app for Spooked and love that pod. The app itself glitches out, stops playing or closes. I have to go back in, re-find the show to get it started again. A bit frustrating when on long drives and it stops playing. I use the app a ton, flipping between apple podcasts and this one. If it could stop crashing out, I would use it primarily..Version: 27.0

Why support an app that memory-holes its own premium content?The beauty of podcasting is its open nature: make something, release it to the world. That’s how I discovered A Very Fatal Murder years after its release. Terrific, terrific stuff. Season 1 was released broadly, but season 2? A Luminary exclusive. Alright, I thought. What the heck. Worth tossing some money Luminary’s way to get more of this fantastic show. Only... whoops! Luminary has seemingly wiped season 2 from existence. Why? Nobody online will say. One minute, presumably, it was there, and now... who knows? Thank god Luminary didn’t produce season 1 too, or you wouldn’t be able to listen to that either. Fortunately for you, my friend, season 1 can be listened to for the better-than-Luminary price of absolutely free. One star, because the app LITERALLY could not do the single thing I downloaded it to do. Worthless. If you want a good podcasting app, by the way, I highly recommend Overcast..Version: 34.0

Please make compatible with Apple Watch!This app has great content, and I love the ability to pay for and support content creators. However, I mainly listen while running - which is far more conducive to do via Apple Watch then to have to lug my phone around. If this app doesn’t create compatibility with Apple Watch I will likely no longer subscribe because it doesn’t meet my listening needs..Version: 58.0

Poor functionalityI love The C Word but this app’s functionality is a dealbreaker. When I subscribed through apple podcasts episodes repeatedly stopped playing for no reason. I unsubscribed and resubcribed directly via the Luminary app. Now my apple airpod controls no longer worked: the sequence to rewind 30 seconds instead reset the podcast back to the beginning. Finding the manual rewind controls was very unintuitive, they seemed to be buried. Customer support just sent me back to apple, who thankfully refunded my money..Version: 55.0

Sick of paywalls before you can see contentThat’s all really, just want to browse content before creating an account and sick of being forced to sign up for everything just to see what good the app is. Just let me see the catalog and restrict playback to a few minutes without an account..Version: 57.0

BadDoesn’t work. Downloaded update, restarted app, and still won’t play more than 5 sec of the podcast.Version: 51.0

Good content, terrible appI’ve been using Luminary mainly for Brand. A truly horrible app, so many annoying things, too many to list. Suggest throwing it away and starting again. Have dumped the subscription. Sorry Russell!.Version: 60.2

Difficult to navigateAlmost impossible to use. Finding episodes, navigating the product is frustrating and makes me question why I’m using the app.Version: 1.0.18

The WORST podcast platform ever.Awesome selection of pods but a terrible app. Nothing works. including downloading, subscribing or even listening.Version: 15.5

Nothing newThere’s not much new in this podcast app from all the rest of the podcast apps around. I don’t particularly see much point in using it over the alternatives..Version: 1.0.4

Stay with your current podcast appWorst podcast app. Sooo slow, not at all intuitive to use and most of all doesn’t have basic working functions. I stopped my subscription due to the poor quality of app..Version: 10.0

Ok Content. App is bad.I see constant loading indicators in the application and it often forgets which podcast I was listening to. There is no way to filter the list of episodes by unplayed.I'm constantly scrolling through a long list to get to the next episode. Very basic user experience elements are lacking this application. As soon as the contact that I'm listening to is done I will be canceling the subscription. Improve the app and I might re-subscribe.Version: 38.0

A bad app by worse peopleThey are messing with all of the pods I chose to listen to by cashing files..Version: 1.0.3

Poor App Set UpAlways goes to play the first podcast I ever listened to on the app. Doesn't sync well to the next episode. Doesn't automatically download the next app. Very poor set up compared to other podcast apps out there..Version: 1.0.9

Subscription IssueThe app thinks I’m not subscribed even though I’m subscribed with the annual subscription..Version: 61.5

Can’t sign in with already created accountSigned up online for the annual subscription and created an account there. When I downloaded the app, there’s no place to sign in with an existing account. It only makes you create an account with Google, Apple, etc. If you go to create an account with email it will note that you already have an account and will prompt you to sign in but it doesn’t actually sign you in. So I can’t get access to the app with an account created online… please fix bug. 🙏.Version: 37.0

No CarPlayYears later... Still no CarPlay. Are you guys doing this or what?.Version: 28.0

Terrible design, good contentI joined to get exclusive access to my favorite podcast (Snap Judgement’s Spooked), but even though I’ve since gotten to know and love some of their other exclusive shows (like Metaphysical Milkshake), I will be cancelling my subscription soon if they don’t redesign the app. It is so difficult to do the most basic navigation with this app. They followed in Apple’s design footsteps which is making lots of presumptuous assumptions about what you want to do instead of just making it easy for you to make simple decisions. Want to know what I’m talking about, Luminary? Try using Overcast. A FREE app with excellent functionality..Version: 2.2

It’s okIt’s ok but not worth the money if you’re only using it to listen to one podcast. Its unfortunate that so many types of media are making their own streaming service, especially when they only offer one thing you’re interested in. There’s so many now: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, HBO, Disney Plus, Apples tv, YouTube tv, Spotify, Apple Music, and now it’s in the podcasting world. We’ll have to start choosing what is worth paying for cause how can anyone afford all of these? People are going to start pirating everything again at this rate.Version: 1.0.3

Good content bad appThe content of the app is good but the basics of the UI aren’t good. My biggest issue is you can’t select a new podcast to listen to as the buttons are hidden behind the play controls from the last thing you listened too. Also no obvious way to get info on podcasts. This might because I’m using an older mobile or I’m missing a trick but it makes it almost impossible to use..Version: 54.0

Liberal biasThere is a clear American liberal leftist bias with many shows and how how are promoted. I am neither American nor leftist so I will take my money elsewhere..Version: 29.0

Big let downFails on all counts. Save your money. Sorry to see my fav. Podcasts go to this format. Must be a huge let down for them as well. I have quit using this app..Version: 1.0.18

ThoughtsYou do have great content. But your app as a product is not as good as others podcast apps out there. And they are free you are not! And you do not have as much content as other major podcast apps do. The only reason I am paying this for now is that there is one specific podcast only on your platform. But I am really uncomfortable using multiple podcast apps at the same time. Anyway, if I have to choose one between Luminary and my favourite podcast app, I won’t even think twice to ditch Luminary. I hope you guys can rethink your business model. I don’t like ads but I wish there is another way to listen to the Luminary only podcasts on other platforms even come with ads or some other way. Thanks.Version: 2.2

PoorDon’t go there.Version: 27.0

No iPad App, no privacyNo iPad app, have to run as expanded iPhone app. Requires you to create an account and their so called ‘privacy policy’ basically shares your details with any of their business partners. Hardly a “premium” service..Version: 1.0

Such a shameI’ve opened the app twice and it froze both times. I was trying to subscribe but I can’t even get that far! I’m disappointed..Version: 1.0.36

Ruining the open platform of podcastingShould not have to pay to listen to podcasts which by their nature are open and available in any and all podcast players. Disgusting company..Version: 15.5

Doesn’t work in AsiaHas some decent shows and I was (still am) keen to keep it, but it simply won’t work. I’ve had a long running dialogue with the Luminary support team who are very good with their excuses but when it comes down to it, it works 30% of the time and 70% of the time there’s an error message. They keep telling me it’s because I’m far from their servers... which is a bit odd given none of the other apps on my phone (including 3 other podcast players) work just fine. Nice idea for an app, pity about the quality..Version: 43.0


🙂 Luminary Podcasts & Originals Positive Reviews
Is Luminary Podcasts & Originals not working?

Luminary Podcasts & Originals works most of the time. If it is not working for you, we recommend you excersise some patience and retry later or contact Luminary Podcasts & Originals.

⛔   Luminary Podcasts & Originals Problems
Applications with negative comments similar to Luminary Podcasts & Originals
Border Cycle - El Paso (East) negative reviews, comments
Border Cycle - El Paso (East) Negative ReviewsBorder Cycling, LLCHealth & Fitness2023-12-13
Auto Ops negative reviews, comments
Auto Ops Negative ReviewsJ ConsultingBusiness2023-12-13
Address Finder - My Location negative reviews, comments
Address Finder - My Location Negative ReviewsPatzer LLCNavigation2023-12-13
Bibli negative reviews, comments
Bibli Negative ReviewsYash KumarEducation2023-12-13