Similar to how websites require a web host, if you want to publish your podcast and disseminate it to all of the major podcasting apps such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music, etc., you need to upload your podcast to a podcast hosting platform.
I have been podcasting since 2013 with my Your Digital Marketing Coach podcast, and I have subscribed to multiple podcast hosting services over time. I have also attended a few podcasting conferences such as Podcast Movement and Podfest where I have had a chance to network with other podcasters as well as check out the wares of the many sponsors of these events. I have now compiled all of this intel into this blog post to help you choose your next podcast hosting platform.
As you can imagine, choosing the right podcast hosting platform is crucial for the success of your show. With so many options available, finding a hosting service that fits your budget, provides useful features, and delivers reliable performance can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned podcaster, my guide will walk you through the top 15 podcast hosting platforms, highlighting their features and why they stand out in the crowded marketplace. From Buzzsprout to RedCircle, I’ve listed the best websites and thoroughly explained their features.
What is Podcast Hosting and Why Do You Need It?
To give you a better definition, podcast host software allows you to store audio files in the cloud for distribution to podcast players through a dedicated RSS feed. While features vary, these companies generally also provide unlimited bandwidth, advanced podcast analytics, and help in registering your podcast into the various podcast apps that exist. These digital solutions automate your distribution, allowing you to share new episodes on the biggest directories with a single click.
Importance of Podcast Hosting
Using a reliable platform makes your podcasting a breeze. I have always loved services that offer you unlimited storage and bandwidth, as well as those that allow you to host several shows on a single account. These platforms come with advanced analytics, monetization features, AI functions, and everything else you might require for podcast creation, publishing, and promotion.
On the flip side, I will share my experience with you below, but one particular podcast hosting website was so difficult to use that it made it hard to podcast. I had to hire someone just to teach me how to navigate their website! After I switched podcast hosting services, podcasting became a breeze. That is another reason I am writing this blog post: To make sure you don’t have to go through what I went through!
Features to Look for in Podcast Hosting
Here are a few main things to look out for when selecting a podcast hosting platform:
- Storage and bandwidth limitations (if they exist)
- Hours of content to upload per month
- Shows per account
- Sharing content on directories
- User interface and user experience
- Integration with third-party tools
- Dynamic ad insertion
- Creation of podcast websites
- Marketing assets creation
- Artificial intelligence tools
Take your time assessing a platform and learning about all its features to find the perfect one for your business.
Here are the 15 best solutions that I recommend after being a podcaster for more than a decade!
I switched to Buzzsprout several years ago and have not looked back.
Buzzsprout is one of the most popular podcast hosting platforms money can buy. It comes with a plethora of growth tools that will help you scale your show. Once you subscribe to this podcast service, you’ll get full support and access to a vibrant community that will motivate you to keep on.
You can access show analytics to analyze your performance over time. Buzzsprout comes with powerful scheduling features, automatic transcripts, and advanced monetization features. Through the intuitive user interface, you’re able to access various resources, such as video tutorials, courses, and step-by-step guides.
Buzzsprout also provides an AI tool called Cohost AI which I am a big fan of, as well as allowing you to advertise your podcast (for a fee) on the podcasts of other Buzzsprout users.
Although this is one of the newer platforms within the software niche, it has achieved universal acclaim in a short time. One of its best-advanced features is the AI assistant, which will save you a lot of time and money. Generate fast summaries, key takeaways, SEO descriptions, and episode titles with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
On top of analytics tools, Captivate offers various additional features to improve user experience. Creators can research topics and plan episodes, as well as create notes. Manage your guests from a single dashboard and perform interviews. Captivate also gives you basic monetization features and helps you with all promotional activities.
Finally, Captivate allows you to easily create a podcast website, a killer feature and another reason why it has gained a lot of popularity.
I find myself recommending new podcasters to compare Buzzsprout and Captivate and choose between the two of them, but there are a number of alternatives that are always innovating that you should check out as well, so keep reading!
Libsyn is the OG of podcasting, and was the absolute gorilla in the market until a few years ago when they faced stiffer competition. I began my podcasting journey with Libsyn not by my own choice, but through the podcast service provider I was working with. Unfortunately, when I wanted to manage my podcast myself. I found the antiquated Libysn user interface way too complex to manage, and thus moved to Buzzsprout.
That being said, they are still one if not the biggest player in the space, and thus should be part of your shortlist of platforms to check out.
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Libsyn allows you to store files for your private podcasts and share them on all major directories, such as Spotify and SoundCloud. The podcasting platform supports any file size, whether we’re talking about audio or video. Use Libsyn’s basic monetization features to check out how much money you made over time and if you’re going in the right direction.
Libsyn does provide you comprehensive podcast analytics. You also have access to global data, allowing you to research the performance of various shows. You can also analyze audio content based on location or directory to see how your competition is doing. With a plethora of advanced features, Libsyn is definitely worth your money. Hopefully they will continue to invest in user interface improvement to make these features easier to access!
Podbean has also been around since the early days of podcasting and are another popular solution.
Besides essential features you can find in just about any podcast platform, Podbean also comes with built-in podcast recording tools. With its live-streaming feature, creators have the option of providing content to listeners in real-time. Considering the enormous cloud storage, Podbean is especially valuable for users who work with both audio and video content.
The thing that separates Podbean from other podcast hosting options is dynamic ad insertion. Coupled with the monetization platform, creators have much more control over their financial activities. Another thing I love about the software is its website creation feature; design your perfect podcast platform with the assistance of a user-friendly interface.
Further Reading: Discover the 8 Best Sites for Checking Podcast Rankings
If you have a WordPress website, you should definitely check out the default WordPress integrated solution: Blubrry.
By relying on Blubrry’s WordPress plugin, you’re able to create and host episodes directly from your website. The software comes with several AI features, which will streamline your scheduling, production, and promotional activities.
Blubrry podcasting platform allows you to hide private podcasts and exclusive content behind a paywall. Similarly, you’re able to remove ads for your premium users. Through an analytics dashboard, you’re able to assess past performance and tweak your strategy. Perform audience surveys, assess retention, and check out trends to see how listeners react to your episodes.
SourceThis used to be a separate service called Anchor.fm that allowed you to easily launch a podcast from your smartphone through a dedicated app. Spotify bought them out and it has become their internal default podcasting platform.
Spotify offers its users several great tools that would help them in their podcasting journey. This fantastic podcasting platform allows you to create video podcasts to increase engagement. Podcasters can also perform polls and interact with fans via comments.
Perhaps the best thing about the platform is that it’s completely free. It gives you the option to execute seamless distribution, which is a major time-saver. Spotify’s analytics platform teaches you about advanced audience demographics and gives you other valuable insights.
There are some who feel that hosting with Spotify gives your podcast an edge in their algorithm, but I have yet to see decisive data to prove or disprove this.
I believe that there is a gap in terms of market share and features between the above 6 hosting platforms and the next 9. However, I know that there are always aggressive innovators in the space, so I introduce these to you as I do recommend you check them out as they might have developed new killer features that the more established players above might not have yet.
Further Reading: Top 21 AI Podcasting Tools for Editing, Marketing, and Enhancing Your Show
If you’re looking to host unlimited podcast shows with a single account, Transistor is the right choice for you. The software allows you to share podcast episodes on major listening platforms such as YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. It’s also a perfect solution for creating exclusive content for your biggest fans.
I like that Transistor gives you the option to create a website with an impeccable custom design. Furthermore, the software’s podcast builder is so simple that even complete beginners can use it. Get a podcast app to use the subscription service from your phone.
Castoc offers lots of extra features your private podcast subscribers will love. The platform allows unlimited uploads, which, when coupled with unlimited storage, makes it perfect for multi-show hosting. No matter which pricing plan you took, you’ll have access to unlimited downloads.
Podcast transcription is a fantastic limited feature that will increase your engagement, especially abroad. As for built-in monetization options, Castos gives you access to donations, private podcasts, and ad insertion. Its analytics tools collect data from major directories, helping you gain deep audience insights.
Further Reading: 15 Free Podcast Transcript Generators to Use for Your Next Episode
When you get the Simplecast premium plan, you’ll get unlimited storage space and the ability to share podcast episodes across major listening platforms. With its seamless distribution, you’ll share content on every popular podcast website. The software comes with numerous templates that will streamline your content creation and publishing.
Another nifty feature is podcast migration. Transfer all your popular episodes to this platform with a single click of a button. Professional podcasters especially appreciate the platform’s advanced statistics, which was approved by IAB Tech Lab.
Spreaker is a perfect platform for live hosting. Use the podcast network to simultaneously host and share your content with the listeners. Its simplicity makes it one of the fan-favorite apps, which comes with numerous mobile features.
Independent podcasters can introduce dynamic podcast ads and decide where they want to place them. Advanced show analytics is especially valuable as it shows you how people are reacting to your episodes. Even the basic plan gives you access to community-building tools, helping you grow a community on the website.
Aside from publishing podcasts, Acast is a great solution for migrations. Its live podcasting feature allows you to invite up to 10 participants and seamlessly edit tracks. Episode transcripts are another limited feature you’ll surely love, while Magic Mastering allows you to remove background noise and make other modifications.
The podcast network allows you to maximize your revenues through ad placement and sponsorships. If we also consider added monthly bandwidth, seamless integrations, and bonus content, Acast will quickly become your favorite software.
RSS.com allows you to process unlimited podcasts while having access to practically unlimited storage. Given affordable price plans, the podcast website is a great option for beginners who can’t invest in fancy tools. Like other platforms on the list, RSS.com allows you to share content on the biggest podcast directories with a single click.
Check the performance of audio podcast episodes, make episode comparisons, and track engagement metrics over time. RSS.com receives regular feature updates, and the majority of podcasters praise its monetization options.
Further Reading: The 27 Leading Podcasting Tools to Help You Launch or Grow Your Podcast
Audiobloom connects B2B podcasters with major podcast directories and advertisers. The software allows you to manage unlimited episodes from a single dashboard. Depending on your price plan, you might or might not get unlimited downloads.
The customizable podcast features are especially great for advanced podcasters who are looking to streamline their publishing. On top of all this, the podcast hosting service provides detailed analytics to its users.
This intuitive solution is perfect for both public and private podcasting. The software comes with automatic distribution, helping you share episodes on the biggest podcast directories. Megaphone has a few nifty functions that will boost listener engagement and, thus, the show’s growth.
We also need to mention excellent customer support, which is available 24/7 with advanced plans. As for other features, you’ll gain access to basic podcast statistics and monetization tools. The platform gives you extra storage, which is vital for seasoned veterans.
A unique thing about RedCircle is how the platform approaches monetization. Unlike some other websites, they’re looking to maximize various revenue sources. You can use it for cross-promotion, to introduce donation buttons, and to place dynamic podcast ads into your episodes.
The software’s advanced analytics will tell you more about your audience and how they engage with audio and video podcasts. The podcast website even gives you access to an account manager with its expensive pricing plans, ensuring you get the most value possible from the platform.
Further Reading: Podcast Guesting: Your Complete How-to Guide to this Secret Digital Marketing Strategy
I have already hinted at this throughout the article, but to summarize:
Storage Limits: Each platform gives you specific monthly storage. If you’re creating long episodes and video content, you’ll need a solution that offers more space. The concept of storage limits also means how many hours of episodes you can upload per month.
Distribution and Integration: Look for software with an extensive distribution list. You want to share every single episode on as many platforms as possible.
Monetization Opportunities: Focus on websites with advanced tools and features for monetization. Dynamic ad insertion technology, donations, and various sponsorships will boost your gains from the show.
Analytics: Ideally, a platform should provide access to detailed analytics, which will help you better understand who your listeners are. A podcast host should gain deep audience insights broken down by popular listening apps.
Ease of Use and Support: Both beginner and seasoned podcasters prefer a user-friendly interface. Simpler solutions allow you to simplify daily publishing and advertising and focus on things that matter. As mentioned earlier, ease of use is literally why I switched platforms, so make sure you understand this point before committing to a platform!
Hopefully by now you already have an idea as to which platform is best for you, but if not, consider the following:
Budget Considerations: A lot of these platforms come with free plans. However, they might have bandwidth limits, and might not allow custom domains. While expensive plans are generally worth the money, make sure they’re within your budget.
Your Podcasting Goals: Before selecting a platform, define your goals. Do you want to host several podcasts? Do you need both audio and video features? Are monetization and distribution options relevant?
User Experience and Technical Skill: If you have limited technical knowledge, you’ll likely need a service with a simple user interface. Find software that’s intuitive and that you can utilize without going through numerous guides.
Growth Potential: Customizable podcast platforms are ideal for growth. Subscribe to a service that allows you unlimited hosting, with features such as unlimited storage and unlimited bandwidth.
Analyzing your needs in this way should lead you to decide on the best podcast host for your particular situation and strategy.
Conclusion
Selecting the right podcast hosting platform can make or break your podcasting journey. Make sure to find a service that can scale as your podcast grows and that’s perfect for your listener demographics. I’d also suggest you take budget into account, as some of these programs might become expensive down the line.
By carefully considering your needs, budget, and future goals, you can choose the platform that will best support your podcast’s growth and success.
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