Podcasting has been accelerating in reputation over the previous few years. That’s why many content material creators have harnessed the ability of podcasts to develop their audiences, diversify their content material distribution channels and generate extra income.
When you’re searching for a podcast hosting platform to assist get your exhibit the bottom, then you definately’re in the correct place. As knowledgeable podcaster myself (the place I host The Aspect Hustle Mission), I’ll be utilizing my very own wealth of expertise to indicate you ways to decide on the correct podcast hosting platform that’ll greatest get you to your objectives.
23 Best Podcast Hosting Platforms (Free and Low cost) in 2021
Disclosure: Please be aware that among the hyperlinks under are affiliate hyperlinks and at no further price to you, I’ll earn a fee. Know that I solely suggest merchandise and companies I’ve personally used and stand behind. While you use considered one of my affiliate hyperlinks, the corporate compensates me, which helps me run this weblog and preserve all of my in-depth content material freed from cost for readers (such as you).
Is it price beginning a podcast in 2021?
According to Statista, there have been 75 million month-to-month podcast listeners in the US alone throughout 2018. That quantity is projected to skyrocket as much as 164+ million by 2024. These staggering figures are nice information, as they validate your resolution to begin a podcast (particularly should you’re hoping to construct a enterprise round it). These statistics present that podcasting is a good way to:
- Market your self. Podcasting is a good way to market your self and promote your weblog content material. The numbers communicate for themselves. When you can faucet right into a small share of podcast listeners inside your area of interest, you’ll have a large viewers to market your services or products to.
- Construct authority. If there’s one factor podcasting will show you how to with immensely, it’s constructing authority and credibility in your business. As extra individuals get to listen to what you must share, they’ll belief you and be extra prone to search your recommendation once they have a query that wants some route.
- Community & enhance visibility. Whether or not you’re a blogger or small enterprise, your success will depend on your target market discovering you—and podcasting is a superb (confirmed) strategy to make your self extra seen on-line by interviewing and networking with the (extra established) individuals or manufacturers that already attain the viewers you additionally need to get in entrance of.
- Monetize your viewers. One of many methods I’ve made cash from my weblog right here, is thru podcast sponsorships by manufacturers that need to attain my viewers of listeners & weblog readers. When you’re capable of strategize on developing with a podcast that appeals to a transparent viewers—and work arduous to advertise your present & entice listeners, then loads of manufacturers, merchandise, instruments and companies have already established that podcast sponsorships end result in a confirmed ROI. It’s merely a matter of exhibiting that your podcast has an lively core listenership and reaching out to the correct corporations who’d need to get in entrance of your viewers.
The numbers communicate for themselves. Podcasting is a good way to achieve a wider viewers whether or not you’re additionally running a blog or not. In reality, podcasting is especially helpful for reaching these those that don’t spend as a lot time looking and studying the weblog posts you’ve written.
With podcast consumption trending steeply in the correct route, it’s by no means been a greater time to launch a podcast of your individual. However, in order to try this… you’ll want a podcast hosting platform to host your present and distribute it on-line.
Why do you want podcast hosting?
Very like once you begin a weblog (and want a web hosting plan to get your weblog absolutely on-line), you’ll additionally want a single place to host all your audio information once you begin a podcast.
First and foremost, podcast hosting gives a digital residence base for the place you’ll handle each facet of your podcast. It’s the place you’ll go to set the identify in your present, add a brand (or art work in your present), publish new episodes and extra.
Podcast hosting additionally generates an RSS feed that distributes your podcast episodes on to the entire main podcast directories and apps (like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and extra), thus making your podcast accessible to your viewers as quickly as a brand new episode is able to go reside. Your podcast hosting platform is your dashboard for managing your present.
And similar to in the world of web hosting, podcast hosting platforms additionally come in many various flavors & kinds.
Now, let’s dive into the 23 greatest podcast hosting platforms you have to be contemplating to host your podcast in the present day. And by the tip of this information, you’ll have your podcast up and operating.
Buzzsprout leads the pack in the race of greatest podcast hosting platforms for just a few causes—it’s very beginner-friendly, comes with a free plan to get began and their low-cost podcast hosting plans are additionally priced to be extremely budget-friendly. They pack a robust mixture of options into an excellent inexpensive package deal.
Having been round since 2009, Buzzsprout understands podcasting higher than most different podcast hosting platforms on the market. Because of this, they’ve managed to design very inexpensive plans that may accommodate your wants, irrespective of the place you’re in your podcasting journey in the present day.
Their free podcast hosting plan is nice for inexperienced persons who need to check the podcasting waters with out making a giant dedication but—and a budget podcast hosting plans are each approachable & designed to develop with you as your present makes progress, too.
Options of Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting
In the case of the very best podcast hosting platforms, Buzzsprout’s function units are what actually set them aside. Once more, that is the place Buzzsprout leads the race by having a really robust function set that’ll show you how to begin and develop your podcast simply—with out spinning your wheels making an attempt to study all of the technical bits behind the scenes. This consists of options like:
- Limitless storage
- 250GB of bandwidth/month (permits for as much as 40,000 downloads)
- Superior analytics
- Computerized episode optimization
- Magic audio high quality mastering (accessible on their low-cost podcast hosting plans solely)
Professionals of Buzzsprout
- Very inexpensive plans
- Excellent audio high quality
- Simply embed the podcast participant in your web site
- Straightforward to make use of, even with none technical data
Cons of Buzzsprout
- The free plan is proscribed to 2 hours of audio content material per 30 days (and stays hosted for 90 days)
- You’ll finally need to improve to considered one of their (inexpensive) low-cost podcast hosting plans
Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting Verdict
Buzzsprout is no doubt among the finest podcast hosting platforms in the marketplace in the present day—particularly for budget-conscious podcasters (or these simply getting began with podcasting). With a strong free providing and their lowest-priced plan (at just $12.00/mo), you’ll unlock entry to the entire options you really have to launch and scale a podcast.
And whereas they do supply a free podcast hosting plan to get began rapidly, in my expertise you’ll need to (quickly) improve to considered one of their paid plans in order to get essentially the most out of their options. This’ll additionally guarantee you could have entry to their full suite of highly effective podcast manufacturing and promotion instruments.
Simplecast is an in depth contender for the highest spot amongst the very best podcast hosting platforms, so it was a tricky resolution to rank them second on this record—however the deciding issue was that Buzzsprout affords a free starter plan and Simplecast doesn’t (although they do supply a 14-day free trial here). Nevertheless, Simplecast is utilized by many international manufacturers to host their podcasts—and I even host my very own present on the platform, so you probably have a little bit price range to spend in your podcast hosting, then it’ll be very nicely positioned with Simplecast.
Whereas this podcast hosting platform doesn’t have a free plan possibility, you possibly can nonetheless take it for a spin utilizing their 14-day free trial. When you’re proud of the trial, you possibly can select between three low-cost podcast hosting plans:
Whereas it could be priced barely larger than just a few of our different high podcast hosting platforms, Simplecast doesn’t disappoint in the case of the very sturdy options and performance they provide.
Options of Simplecast Podcast Hosting
Among the many notable options you’ll take pleasure in with this main podcast hosting platform embody:
- Limitless storage and bandwidth
- Distribution assist for a number of platforms
- Customizable mini web site in your podcast
- Highly effective analytics
- Straightforward social media sharing with ReCast
- Embeddable podcast participant (an enormous win should you’ll be running a blog alongside your podcast)
Professionals of Simplecast
- Function-rich podcast hosting platform
- Makes it simple in your viewers to create clips of your podcast and share them
- Mini web site with audio transcript helps increase search engine optimisation
- Straightforward to import your reveals from one other platform
- Add staff members with completely different entry ranges
Cons of Simplecast
- No immediately built-in income era options (you possibly can nonetheless promote your individual podcast sponsorships)
- Further options could require you to improve to higher-priced plans
Simplecast Podcast Hosting Verdict
Simplecast is without doubt one of the greatest podcast hosting platforms as a result of they ship distinctive worth (at a comparatively low month-to-month price) by providing tons of options and glorious assist for his or her prospects. When you have an issue along with your present, chatting their assist staff will get you fast options anytime.
Signing up for one of their plans right here is tremendous simple and will certainly be a worthy funding to degree up your podcasting sport. Plus, should you use my particular supply code ONSIMPLECAST through the checkout course of, you’ll get 50% off your first 2 months.
As one of many few free podcast hosting platforms, Podcastics makes this record by offering a really sturdy function set and a powerful array for his or her free plan too (although the free plan requires you to host your episodes by yourself server). They’ve very budget-friendly paid plans when you’re able to improve and unlock their greatest options (together with their done-for-you podcast hosting) beginning at $8.00/mo.
What’s even higher about Podcastics, is that they provide a no bank card down, 1 month free trial the place you possibly can take all of their options for a spin (with out limitations). As soon as the free trial interval is over, you’ll both be migrated to their without end free plan—with some function limitations—or you possibly can improve to their low-cost podcast hosting plans that begin at $8.00/mo.
Right here’s a snapshot of Podcastics pricing and plans so that you can examine (head over here to see the total descriptions and breakdowns):
Options of Podcastics Podcast Hosting
Podcastics packs a punch with their sturdy set of options in a hosting platform, even on their free plan. These embody:
- Their Professional plan, the bottom plan that features absolutely done-for-you podcast hosting begins at $8.00/mo, and consists of limitless storage, bandwidth and variety of downloads
- Magic import with no episode restrict (from Apple Podcasts or another hosting platform)
- Full, detailed podcast & episode administration
- Limitless episode hosting
- Free web site to host your podcast on
- An RSS feed
- Loads of monetization choices
- Managing podcast subscribers
- Wonderful assist
Professionals of Podcastics
- For a free podcast hosting platform, the options are very spectacular
- Their low-cost podcast hosting plans (that embody absolutely done-for-you hosting) are among the greatest bargains in the business
- One of many best platforms to study and use for managing your present
Cons of Podcastics
- Whereas their free plan is fairly nice you’ll should improve to a paid choice to unlock options like true, done-for-you hosting, an embeddable podcast participant, statistics, critiques & rankings
Podcastics Podcast Hosting Verdict
Podcastics is worthy of sitting excessive in your shortlist of the very best podcast hosting platforms to check (and check out). With a powerful free providing, very inexpensive (absolutely featured) improve plans beginning at simply $8.00/mo and glorious assist, you must undoubtedly think about Podcastics in the operating in your podcast hosting supplier. You may head over here to give it a free test today.
One other podcast hosting platform that’s change into a daily fixture in the business over the previous few years is PodBean—and for good cause.
One cause PodBean is a fan favourite is that it has a plan for each podcaster, from novice to professional. Their free podcast hosting plan comes with a really beneficiant 5 hours of content material per 30 days and 100GB of bandwidth. Primary analytics are additionally a part of the free plan, as is a PodBean-hosted web site that may be turned on (and devoted to only your podcast).
When you outgrow their free plan, right here’s what it’s essential price range for when upgrading to PodBean’s most cost-effective podcast hosting plans:
Options of PodBean Podcast Hosting
One more reason PodBean is liked by so many is that it comes with a wealthy function set that features:
- Limitless storage and bandwidth
- Embeddable gamers
- Free podcast web site
- Computerized social sharing (together with YouTube uploads)
- iOS and Android app
- Web site builder and themes
Professionals of PodBean
- Numerous monetization choices
- Has among the finest free podcast hosting plans
- Makes it simple to develop as a podcaster
- Extremely customizable
- Helps video podcasting on larger plans
Cons of PodBean
- Many critiques point out comparatively gradual buyer assist
PodBean Podcast Hosting Verdict
In the end, it’s troublesome to seek out any faults with PodBean—particularly for the low $9.00/mo price point. Whether or not you go for his or her free (barely restricted) plan or improve to their inexpensive low-cost podcast hosting plans, you’ll undoubtedly get plenty of worth from this podcast hosting platform and you possibly can learn more about their plans right here.
In the case of the very best podcast hosting platforms which might be genuinely 100% free with no strings connected, nothing can examine to Anchor—although it does include two main limitations: (1) they don’t supply an embeddable podcast participant and (2) your monetization capabilities are extraordinarily restricted. For these two causes, I solely suggest Anchor as a free podcast hosting platform should you go into it with the mindset that you simply’ll finally have to migrate your present to a special (low-cost) podcast hosting service in some unspecified time in the future in the long run once you’re able to generate income out of your podcast.
From creation to hosting to distribution, you are able to do all of it on Anchor. Being in Spotify’s steady, you possibly can solely count on the very best companies from this considered one of a sort podcast hosting platform.
So, which options do you get with Anchor as your podcast hosting service?
Options of Anchor Podcast Hosting
Being a free podcast hosting platform doesn’t imply subpar options in the case of Anchor. Right here’s what you possibly can count on from this podcast hosting platform:
- One-click podcast distribution
- Analytics dashboard
- Straightforward to make use of podcast creation instruments
Professionals of Anchor
- 100% free to make use of and host your podcast
- Monetization alternatives by commercials and sponsorships
- No storage, bandwidth and channel restrictions
- Automates virtually each perform
- Straightforward to make use of visitor calling perform
Cons of Anchor
- Extraordinarily limited options to monetize your podcast (both direct sponsorship from Anchor or listener assist through their inside platform—accessible solely to U.S. prospects)
- No embeddable podcast participant (a serious disadvantage should you promote your podcast in your weblog)
- Doesn’t combine nicely with another web sites
Anchor Podcast Hosting Verdict
When you’re searching for a 100% free podcast hosting platform, Anchor is it. Nevertheless, this isn’t for professionals who need to management sure features of the podcast creation course of, because the platform is closely automated. And with out the existence of an embeddable podcast participant or different integration capabilities, Anchor ought to be handled as a short-term answer if it’s essential begin with free podcast hosting in the present day.
For inexperienced persons and hobbyists although, Anchor is a wonderful platform that means that you can study the ins-and-outs of podcasting with out having to open your pockets simply to get began.
When you’re searching for the very best podcast hosting platform, then you definately’ll have to think about Spreaker as an alternative choice in the operating.
What makes Spreaker among the finest podcast hosting platforms is the feature-rich free plan. This comes with 5 hours of content material and quarter-hour of reside streaming in addition to permitting you to host a number of reveals. It’s additionally one of many few podcast hosting platforms that include episode scheduling in its free plans and permits creators to have limitless feeds underneath one account.
Makes you marvel what you get with their paid plans, doesn’t it? Effectively, the excellent news is that they’re nonetheless low-cost in comparison with most of the hottest podcast hosting platforms on the market in the present day:
Options of Spreaker Podcast Hosting
Upgrading to Spreaker’s paid (however nonetheless low-cost podcast hosting plans) will open up an entire world of podcasting potentialities, because of options comparable to:
- Superior analytics
- Customizable RSS feeds
- Means to restrict entry to podcasts
- Longer reside streaming intervals
Professionals of Spreaker
- Numerous monetization choices
- Customizable podcast participant
- Wonderful distribution choices
- Tons of options accessible on the free plan
Cons of Spreaker
- Lacks web site possibility
- Monetization function solely accessible on paid plans
Spreaker Podcast Hosting Verdict
Spreaker (owned by iHeart Radio) is a superb podcast hosting platform that provides plenty of storage and helps you simply distribute your podcast. It’s undoubtedly a fantastic alternative should you’re trying to begin podcasting or just need to swap podcast hosting platforms.
Podiant is without doubt one of the newer youngsters on the podcast hosting block, however one which’s already giving the extra established gamers a run for his or her cash.
Constructed by Mark Steadman, a veteran podcaster and web developer, it was born out of the need of getting a no-frills podcast hosting platform that’s tremendous simple to make use of. Whereas its function set has quickly grown in the earlier years, it nonetheless stays a light-weight and quick podcast hosting platform. And it’s not simply the platform that’s light-weight, their pricing plans are additionally mild on the pocket:
So what options are you able to count on from this minimalistic podcast hosting platform?
Options of Podiant Podcast Hosting
Podiant is a podcast hosting platform constructed for many who wish to preserve issues easy. And this reveals in their function set:
- Limitless storage
- Customizable web site
- Straightforward to make use of analytics dashboard
- Manufacturing assistant
Professionals of Podiant
- Consumer-friendly dashboard
- Computerized social sharing
- Visitor scheduling perform
- Customizable podcast listing
Cons of Podiant
- Function set restricted in comparison with different podcast hosting platforms
Podiant Podcast Hosting Verdict
Podiant is a superb podcast hosting platform for many who need to add their podcasts rapidly and don’t thoughts lacking out on the bells and whistles that different platforms have. In essence, it’s the very best podcast hosting platform for many who’re searching for a minimalistic platform.
One other veteran podcast hosting platform comes in the type of Podomatic. This platform has been round since 2005 and has helped many a budding podcaster obtain their goals.
Podomatic’s free plan affords 500MB of storage and 15GB of bandwidth per 30 days in addition to primary analytics. And that’s all it’s essential dip your toes into the world of podcasting. And in contrast to different podcast hosting platforms, Podomatic’s free plan has no expiration date.
Need to get extra out of Podomatic? Then improve to their inexpensive, low-cost podcast hosting plans and get extra options and instruments to make use of.
Talking of options, let’s rapidly check out among the major ones you get from this veteran podcast hosting platform.
Options of Podomatic Podcast Hosting
- Podcast participant might be embedded in your web site
- Free podcast app for iOS and Android
- Weebly powered podcast web site
Professionals of Podomatic
- Podcasts might be performed immediately from Fb and Twitter
- Generate income by Patreon and Advertisecast
Cons of Podomatic
- Storage and bandwidth restricted on all plans besides the Broadcaster plan
- No actual distinctive options that set it other than the remaining
Podomatic Podcast Hosting Verdict
When you’re searching for a easy podcast hosting platform that has a beginner-friendly consumer interface, then Podomatic is an efficient option to experiment with. Nevertheless, should you’re a daily podcaster who produces plenty of content material, you’re higher off going with a barely extra full-featured answer like BuzzSprout or Simplecast.
Whereas it’s actually extra well-known for its music streaming service, SoundCloud additionally doubles as a reasonably spectacular podcast hosting platform you can leverage to distribute your present to your viewers (and presumably acquire some further publicity to SoundCloud customers).
SoundCloud’s free plan affords you 3 hours of content material per 30 days and primary reporting. Upgrading to their SoundCloud Professional ($6/month) and Limitless Professional ($12/month) plans provides you entry to a extra sturdy function set that provides you the liberty to provide extra content material in addition to advertise successfully. Let’s check out the options you’ll get with the Limitless Professional plan.
Options of SoundCloud Podcast Hosting (Limitless Professional)
- Limitless add time
- Scheduled releases,
- Superior analytics
- Customizable embed controls
Professionals of SoundCloud
- You may pin 5 podcasts to your profile
- SoundCloud’s social attain can provide budding podcasters a lift
Cons of SoundCloud
- Poor interface for podcasters
- Free plan very restricted
SoundCloud Podcast Hosting Verdict
Whereas SoundCloud is a huge in the music business, it nonetheless has a protracted strategy to go to change into one of many true greatest podcast hosting platforms—however that shouldn’t maintain you again from giving it a check run should you’re .
Blubrry has been in the podcast hosting enterprise since 2005. The expertise the model has gained through the years has unquestionably made them among the finest podcast hosting platforms round, so let’s discover their choices.
One factor that makes Blubrry so well-liked, is that it leverages WordPress and their proprietary PowerPress podcasting plugin to supply an optimized podcast web site, although you can even select to make use of a podcast web site builder like Podcastpage to simply create a web site in your podcast. The one actual disadvantage to Blubrry, is that they don’t supply a free podcast hosting plan possibility for patrons to attempt issues out—you’ll should go straight to a paid, but nonetheless comparably low-cost podcast hosting plan.
Options of Blubrry Podcast Hosting
- Limitless bandwidth
- Restricted storage (besides on the Skilled plan) however with 25% overage allowance for gratis
- Video podcast possibility for all plans above the Small plan
- Straightforward to make use of and customizable podcast participant
Professionals of Blubrry
- Straightforward emigrate from one other podcast hosting platform
- Wonderful assist through e-mail, cellphone, and video name
- Lot’s of promoting instruments
Cons of Blubrry
- No free plan
- Solely the skilled plan might be monetized
Blubrry Podcast Hosting Verdict
Blubrry is unquestionably among the finest podcast hosting platforms for many who need to podcast professionally. Function-rich and with loads of instruments that can assist you promote your podcast, Blubrry provides you a fantastic probability to get your voice heard.
Sounder is the podcast hosting platform that emphasizes creator progress as a core a part of their mission. They’ve a robust suite of instruments powered by AI and machine studying that enables creators to not solely host their podcasts, but additionally promote, monetize, and observe their progress.
Sounder’s platform can be free to make use of and has the choice to improve to their Plus plan which affords further instruments that podcasters can leverage to develop their viewers. Right here’s a snapshot of their pricing plans and options:
Options
- Monetization choices
- search engine optimisation optimized pages for creators
- Audio search engine optimisation options comparable to automated transcription
- Promotional instruments
- Highly effective analytics
Professionals of Sounder
- Heavy give attention to consumer’s progress by discovery and monetization choices
- In-stream audio looking to assist discover particular moments simply
- Soundbite and videobite sharing choices
- Development monitoring instruments
Cons of Sounder
- Free plan solely permits for one podcast and solely 5k streams/mo
- Extra customizable choices include cost plan
Sounder Podcast Hosting Verdict
Sounder is a superb possibility for consumer trying to observe progress and discoverability of their podcast. This platform places nice emphasis on constructing communities round audio and connecting hosts to listeners.
As a result of Sounder’s platform is free to make use of (as a function restricted plan) and has the choice to improve to their Plus plan on a really cheap price range to unlock a ton of helpful further instruments that podcasters can leverage, they’re a strong choice to not solely host your podcast, however develop their viewers too.
Libsyn is without doubt one of the longest operating podcast hosting platforms round—going all the way in which again to 2004. In addition they supply one of many most cost-effective podcast hosting plans beginning at simply $5.00/month. This worth level alone makes it a contender for the highest podcast hosting platforms you’ll come throughout.
Like Blubrry, Libsyn doesn’t supply a free podcast hosting plan to attempt before you purchase. However their paid (nonetheless very low-cost podcast hosting plans) cater to a reasonably big selection of podcasters—together with a few of my very own favorites like Dan Carlin of Hardcore Historical past.
Options of Libsyn Podcast Hosting
- Limitless bandwidth
- Video and audio podcasting
- Episode scheduling
- HTML5 media participant
- Customizable cell app ($10/month further)
Professionals of Libsyn
- Straightforward WordPress integration
- Extensive distribution community
- Monetization alternatives
Cons of Libsyn
- Restricted storage
- Add ons come at a price and can rapidly inflate the price
Libsyn Podcast Hosting Verdict
Libsyn is a superb podcast hosting platform for many who don’t add plenty of content material, as their storage is proscribed (on their lowest worth plan). And for podcasters who perceive podcast hosting and need to pay for under these options they want, it may very well be the very best podcast hosting platform for you.
For these trying to podcast professionally versus podcasting as a interest, among the finest podcasting platforms you should use is Transistor.
Trusted by huge manufacturers like Drift, Ionic, Laravel and extra, Transistor doesn’t disappoint in the case of professional-grade podcasting. As you possibly can count on, high quality comes at a worth, and Transistor’s base price ticket comes in at $19/month.
You may check out the platform totally free for 14-days if you wish to try it’s capabilities.
Options of Transistor Podcast Hosting
So what options are driving manufacturers like Basecamp to change podcast hosting platforms to Transistor? Particularly since Transistor is principally in its diapers, having been launched in 2017.
- Limitless storage
- Limitless bandwidth
- International content material supply community (CDN)
- Customizable podcast web site
- Detailed analytics
- Embeddable audio participant
- Helps a number of customers
Professionals of Transistor
- Integrates with MailChimp, ConvertKit, and Drip
- No restrictions on the variety of episodes you possibly can add
- Constructed-in RSS feed generator
- Highly effective advertising instruments
Cons of Transistor
- No free plan at present provided
Transistor Podcast Hosting Verdict
Transistor is unquestionably among the finest podcast hosting platforms on the market. It gives podcasters with all the pieces they should produce, publish, and promote their podcasts. Get previous their barely hefty price ticket as a place to begin and you could have your self a winner. You may verify them out and see all of their features right here.
Captivate is one other comparatively new participant in podcast hosting circles. But regardless of that, it’s getting plenty of consideration already, as they’ve helped plenty of podcasters to develop their audiences and income figures.
Sadly, Captivate doesn’t supply a free plan. Nevertheless, you possibly can join a 7-day trial to take it for a spin, if you wish to check out their spectacular options. Paid, but nonetheless comparatively low-cost podcast hosting plans with Captivate begin at $19.00/month, so it’s not the most cost effective possibility in the marketplace in the present day.
Options of Captivate Podcast Hosting
Dubbed as a growth-oriented podcast hosting platform, Captivate was designed to assist impartial podcasters single-handedly take their podcasts from zero to zenith. Listed here are among the options that can show you how to do exactly that:
- Limitless podcasts
- Limitless staff members
- Highly effective analytics
- Batch importing
- Customizable web site with built-in donation assist
- Constructed-in opt-in varieties and calls-to-action that can assist you develop your e-mail record
Professionals of Captivate
- Intuitive consumer interface
- Guides you alongside each step of the publishing course of
- Numerous monetization choices
- New options continually being rolled out
Cons of Captivate
- Priced a little bit bit larger than different podcast hosting platforms
Captivate Podcast Hosting Verdict
For a brand new child on the block, Captivate is doing plenty of issues nicely. They undoubtedly to be in your purchasing record should you’re a solo content material producer who wants a podcast hosting platform that’s each simple to make use of and targeted on serving to to develop your podcast.
Weighing in with probably the most spectacular domains (and quite a storied history), RSS.com’s podcast hosting choices supply among the most options and greatest buyer assist—particularly for a product with a restricted free plan and inexpensive costs on their low-cost podcast hosting plans.
With limitless audio storage, real-time analytics, a free podcasting web site, episode scheduling, social media integration and extra, RSS.com has a variety of podcast hosting options that impress.
- Straightforward to make use of interface
- You may arrange a brand new present in a matter of minutes
- Limitless episodes (and limitless listener downloads)
- World-class, cross-platform podcast analytics to realize actionable insights into your viewers
- Sponsorship alternatives by their accomplice Podcorn
- Smooth, free public podcast web site in your present and episodes that will get up to date mechanically
- Episode scheduling (to publish podcast episodes in advance)
- Episode participant embed function to share your episodes by yourself self-hosted web site
- Straightforward 1-click social media sharing of your present and episodes on Twitter, Fb, LinkedIn and Pinterest
- Lock tags to attenuate the potential for unauthorized copies of your RSS feed
- Wonderful customer support and assist
Professionals of RSS.com
- Some of the inexpensive podcast hosting plans in the marketplace with entry to this many options
- Your present will get added to a group podcast listing on their web site (for discovery and search engine optimisation advantages)
- When you publish an episode, you get automated distribution to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music and each different main podcast listing
- Totally compliant podcast RSS feed
Cons of RSS.com
- The free podcast hosting plan solely permits importing of 1 episode (then you definately’ll should improve to a paid plan)
- Monetization (through their sponsorship platform partnership) is just accessible on their $12.99/mo plan
As veterans in the podcast hosting (and RSS feed) area, it’s no shock that RSS.com has such a robust providing at a cut price of a worth level. With the power to present their platform a full check run on their free plan, it’s a no brainer to check out in your personal hosting wants.
The brainchild of the prolific content material creator, Pat Flynn, Fusebox was created to fill the gaps ignored by platform builders.
Not like many of the podcast hosting platforms on this record, Fusebox is a WordPress plugin that means that you can publish in addition to show your podcast in your web site. It comes with a restricted free model and an $8/month subscription.
Options of Fusebox Podcast Hosting
One of many major goals of Fusebox is to be a podcast participant that not solely performs natively in your web site however one that can hook your web site guests. Listed here are among the options that have been constructed to do exactly that:
- Electronic mail seize
- Social sharing buttons
- Pace management
- Timestamps
- Totally customizable
Professionals of Fusebox
- Stunning podcast participant
- Host migration
- Numerous advertising instruments
Cons of Fusebox
- Solely works nicely with WordPress web sites
Fusebox Podcast Hosting Verdict
Fusebox is a superb answer for bloggers that need podcast hosting that’s designed to work seamlessly with their WordPress web sites—and have some current site visitors to develop their podcast viewers quick.
Podcast websites is an all-in-one answer designed that can assist you succeed at podcasting.
Podcast Web sites is without doubt one of the greatest podcast hosting platforms for many who need a turnkey answer to get their podcast up and operating quick. Nevertheless, this executed for you answer comes at a worth – and a hefty one at that.
Options of Podcast Web sites Podcast Hosting
Podcast Web sites was designed for many who need to dive head in into podcasting as is seen by the sturdy function set:
- WordPress web site with limitless pages
- Limitless touchdown pages
- Limitless podcast episodes
- Limitless bandwidth
- Each day backups
- search engine optimisation instruments
Professionals of Podcast Web sites
- Launch and promotion instruments
- Prime-notch safety
- All-in-one platform that provides you all the pieces it’s essential create, publish, and distribute your podcasts
Cons of Podcast Web sites
- Expensive
- You may solely host one present. Further reveals incur further expenses
Podcast Web sites Verdict
Podcasting Web sites is unquestionably not priced for hobbyists or these podcasting only for enjoyable. The platform was created for skilled podcasters who need to squeeze all the pieces out of podcasting efforts—and develop their podcasting enterprise to new heights.
An RSS feed is the core function of each podcast hosting platform. And that’s what makes FeedPress rank among the many greatest podcast hosting platforms.
Being a frontrunner in RSS feeds, considered one of FeedPress’s strengths is detailed feed analytics. Pricing is a bit difficult as you pay for feed analytics and podcast hosting individually. Podcast hosting is calculated utilizing a sliding scale.
FeedPress comes with 400MB audio storage to begin with the choice to buy further storage as per requirement.
Options of FeedPress Podcast Hosting
- Limitless podcast feeds
- Superior monitoring and analytics
- Embedded participant
- RSS to e-mail
Professionals of FeedPress
- Versatile file storage
- Excellent feed administration and analytics
Cons of FeedPress
- No actual excellent options
- Sophisticated pricing construction
FeedPress Podcast Hosting Verdict
Regardless of providing glorious feed administration and analytics, FeedPress nonetheless lacks just a few different options that different platforms have. It’s a fantastic platform for these simply beginning out and those that need to preserve tabs on viewers insights.
Don’t let the unusual identify idiot you, Whooshkaa isn’t any stranger to podcast hosting.
Hailing from Down Below (Australia) Whooshkaa makes it on this record of the very best podcast hosting platforms primarily due to the way in which the platform is dynamic. It simply adapts to your podcasting wants.
(*23*)
Whereas the paid plans could also be pricier than most opponents, Whoshka additionally has a free plan that provides plenty of flexibility. That is additionally the place Whooshkaa shines as among the finest podcast hosting platforms because the free plan comes with a beneficiant 5GB of storage and 1000 advert impressions.
Options of Whooshkaa Podcast Hosting
Options-wise, Whooshka delivers plenty of worth, making it nicely definitely worth the funding. Listed here are among the options you’ll get:
- Limitless episodes
- Automated transcription
- Video highlights
- Helps a number of customers
- Personal subscriber perform
Professionals of Whooshkaa
- Monetization alternatives (even on the free plan)
- Cons of Whooshkaa Podcast Hosting
- Numerous integrations accessible
- Beneficiant storage
Cons of Whooshkaa
- Paid plans are fairly costly in comparison with different podcast hosting platforms
Whooshkaa Podcast Hosting Verdict
Whooshkaa can simply be the very best podcast hosting platform for skilled podcasters. The one caveat to it’s the hefty price ticket.
Among the finest podcast hosting platforms so far as pricing goes, is Podcast Garden—although they’re a bit tough across the edges from a design and consumer expertise standpoint.
One of many issues customers love about this platform is its easy interface and ease of use. Even with none technical data, you possibly can rapidly stand up to hurry on how podcasting works and produce award-winning podcasts.
Options of Podcast Backyard Podcast Hosting
Free so long as you publish one episode a month, it’s a fantastic possibility for these nonetheless testing the podcasting waters. Upgrading to the $2.99/month plan (which is the one plan accessible) provides you entry to extra options comparable to:
- Safe again ups of your podcast
- Audio and video podcasts
- Limitless variety of episodes
- Limitless bandwidth
- Limitless file storage
Professionals of Podcast Backyard
- Newbie-friendly
- Numerous options for the worth
Cons of Podcast Backyard
- Primary analytics
- The interface is a bit dated
Podcast Backyard Podcast Hosting Verdict
Podcast Backyard is unquestionably among the finest podcast hosting platforms for inexperienced persons. It’s inexpensive, super-easy to make use of, and a fantastic platform to study the ins and outs of podcasting.
Audioboom makes my record of the very best podcast hosting platforms for 2 major causes—they do way more than simply podcast hosting, they really assist podcasters work to develop their audiences and monetize their podcasts.
With a simple to make use of, very easy platform, Audiobloom additionally makes it simple in your price range with their easy and inexpensive podcast hosting plans.
With solely 2 plans, Audioboom’s pricing construction is straightforward to grasp. The Podcasters Plan (their most cost-effective podcast hosting plan) begins at a really inexpensive $9.99/month and affords you as much as 10,000 performs. When you cross that threshold, you’ll should get in contact with Audioboom’s gross sales staff to create a extra customized tailor-made plan (Podcast Professional).
However the excellent news with reaching that variety of month-to-month listeners, is that you simply’ll be greater than able to soliciting sponsors who can pay to achieve your viewers—and assist offset the prices of holding your podcast operating (like getting the very best podcast hosting).
Options of Audioboom Podcast Hosting
As a result of Audioboom is devoted to progress and monetization, their plans are filled with options to again that up:
- Limitless episode uploads per 30 days
- Superior analytics
- Sponsorship alternatives
- Entry to Audioboom’s focused ad-network
- Embeddable gamers for web sites and social media
Professionals of Audioboom
- Permits for contributor accounts
- Easy and simple to make use of
- Nice distribution community
- Dynamic advert insertion
- Wonderful worth for cash
Cons of Audioboom
- Limitations on the variety of episodes you possibly can publish (as much as 5)
- Excessive threshold of performs wanted to hit Podcast Professionals plan
- No app
Audioboom Podcast Hosting Verdict
Audioboom is a superb possibility for podcasters searching for a no-frills podcast hosting platform that provides nice income era choices.
When you’re searching for among the finest podcast hosting options so far as premium hosting plans are involved, then look no additional than Castos.
With versatile and simple to grasp pricing, Castos makes selecting the very best podcasting plan for you simple.
Options of Castos Podcast Hosting
Irrespective of the place you’re in your podcasting journey, Castos has all the pieces it’s essential develop and attain your objectives—and is especially well-suited for those who able to take their podcasts critically. This consists of options like:
- Limitless variety of podcasts
- Limitless bandwidth
- Customizable podcast web site
- Episode transcriptions
- Helps video for Development and Professional plans
Professionals of Castos
- Easy and simple to make use of
- Comes with a WordPress plugin (for embedding episode gamers)
- Personal podcasting possibility
Cons of Castos
- No direct income era choices
Castos Podcast Hosting Verdict
With a minimalistic interface but highly effective options, Castos is a wonderful alternative amongst podcast hosting platforms, particularly should you’re able to take your podcasting critically—or as a platform to improve to after getting a little bit extra price range to take a position in their Development or Professional plans (the place you’ll actually unlock their most impactful options).
Resonate Recordings affords among the finest Podcast hosting platforms that provides a turnkey answer to your foray into podcasting.
Whereas the platform doesn’t have a free plan, they do supply a 14-day trial should you’re in making an attempt out its capabilities. As soon as the trial interval is over, you possibly can improve to their paid plans that begin at $25/month.
Options of Resonate Recordings Podcast Hosting
Resonate affords a strong set of options that can assist you launch and develop your podcast. These embody:
- One-click publishing
- Podcast microsite
- Limitless bandwidth
- Analytics dashboard with detailed insights
- Embeddable podcast participant
Professionals of Resonate Recordings
- A strong and dependable podcast hosting platform
- Reside chat assist (cellphone and Slack channel assist accessible on Skilled plan)
Cons of Resonate Recordings
- Pricing is considerably restrictive in comparison with opponents
Resonate Recordings Podcast Hosting Verdict
Resonate Recordings ought to undoubtedly make it in your shortlist of the very best podcast hosting platforms. Providing reliability and glorious service, you possibly can by no means go improper by partnering with the platform.
The best way to Select the Best Podcast Hosting Platform for You: 6 Components to Think about
With so many platforms jostling to be the very best podcast hosting platform, deciding on one which’s good for you might be fairly a frightening activity. Listed here are just a few pointers that can assist you sift out those who aren’t appropriate in your wants:
- Storage capability: How a lot storage do you want? When you don’t produce many episodes, search for choices with much less storage.
- Bandwidth: In case your podcasts get downloaded so much, you’ll have to think about a platform that provides beneficiant bandwidth.
- Analytics: Analytics play an essential function in serving to you perceive your viewers and market to them higher. If doable, by no means compromise on this function.
- Integrations: The perfect podcast hosting platforms are those who simply combine with different instruments, web sites, and platforms. This can show you how to simply promote, handle, and develop your podcast.
- Monetization assist: If income era is a part of your podcasting objectives, it goes with out saying that you could make investments in a podcast platform that provides you flexibility in this space.
- Funds: How a lot are you able to spare on a podcasting platform? Take that into consideration as you store round. There are many budget-friendly choices that afford you all of the options it’s essential get began.
So, what’s it going to be? Relying upon which of those components are most essential to your podcasting objectives, listed here are the podcast hosting platforms I’d suggest:
- Total Best Podcast Hosting: Simplecast. When you’re critical about podcasting and you’re keen to take a position a little bit bit for the best possible podcast hosting platform in the marketplace, then Simplecast is arms down your greatest transfer. Signing up for one of their plans right here is tremendous simple. Plus, should you use my particular supply code ONSIMPLECAST through the checkout course of, you’ll get 50% off your first 2 months.
- Best Funds-Pleasant (Totally Featured) Podcast Hosting: Buzzsprout. When you’re on a tighter price range, however need your podcast hosting to return with extra options than you’ll get out of Anchor’s free plan, then it doesn’t get any higher than Buzzsprout as a budget-friendly podcast hosting platform. On their lowest priced plan (at just $12.00/mo), you’ll get entry to your episodes being saved indefinitely, superior viewers statistics, the power to collaborate with different staff members and extra. At this worth level, Buzzsprout is a cut price in the budget-friendly podcast hosting class.
- Best Free Podcast Hosting: Anchor. Even if many low-cost podcast hosting platforms supply their very own variations of restricted free plans to get you began, Anchor’s is by far essentially the most sturdy should you want a free service in the present day. Because the software is owned by Spotify, they’re capable of be genuinely 100% free with no strings or upsells connected—nonetheless, it’s essential to know that they do have limitations that don’t make them the only option in order for you your podcast to finally be a worthwhile present. Preserve these two components in thoughts: (1) they don’t supply an embeddable podcast participant and (2) your monetization capabilities might be considerably restricted—and for that cause I like to recommend going with both Buzzsprout or Simplecast as inexpensive podcast hosting choices.
- Best Podcast Web site Builder: Podcastpage. In case your podcast hosting is locked in and you’re searching for a simple answer to easily construct a web site for selling your podcast, then I extremely suggest utilizing an inexpensive podcast web site builder like Podcastpage. They’ve an extremely easy-to-use suite of visible web site constructing instruments which might be designed particularly round podcasting, and their pricing begins at simply $8.00/mo (and begins with a free 14 day trial).
Now, let’s rapidly cowl just a few of essentially the most ceaselessly requested questions I get about podcast hosting from my very own readers & listeners:
Podcast Hosting FAQs (Continuously Requested Questions About Podcast Hosting)
As a result of these a few of these questions & solutions is probably not as related to everybody right here, I made it so you possibly can rapidly click on to increase every of the questions under—and get my recommendation.
What’s the greatest podcast hosting web site?
By means of my expertise testing out the entire podcast hosting platforms right here on this record over the previous couple of years, the best possible podcast hosting web site is Simplecast, arms down. The explanation I like to recommend them because the #1 podcast hosting platform, is as a result of it’s extremely simple to study, use and their technical assist staff could be very adept at serving to you troubleshoot any challenges you’re having along with your podcast.
Whereas Simplecast doesn’t supply the most cost effective podcast hosting plans in the marketplace in the present day, should you do select them to host your present, you’ll get the very best degree of service, assist and high quality hosting on the market. On high of that, they supply among the greatest podcast analytics—diving into who’s listening to your podcast, the place in the world your viewers is tuning in from and they ceaselessly publish actionable instructional content material for his or her prospects to continue to grow their reveals.
I critically couldn’t suggest them extra extremely (which is why I host my very own podcast on Simplecast). Signing up for one of their plans right here is quick and simple. Plus, should you use my particular supply code ONSIMPLECAST through the checkout course of, you’ll get 50% off your first 2 months of making an attempt issues out.
The place can I host my podcast totally free?
The perfect platform to host your podcast totally free in the present day is Anchor, the place you’ll be capable to get 100% no strings connected, free podcast hosting.
Though nearly each one of many low-cost podcast hosting platforms I’ve damaged down in this information nonetheless supply their very own variations of restricted free plans to get you began, Anchor has essentially the most full-featured free product should you’re on a decent price range and can’t pay for podcast hosting in the present day. Since Anchor is owned by guardian firm Spotify, they’ve the monetary backing to be free with none strings connected.
Nevertheless, there are a few huge limitations that come into the image once you select Anchor to host your podcast… making them removed from the only option in order for you your podcast to finally generate income in the future. For one, Anchor doesn’t supply an embeddable podcast participant that you should use to embed episodes immediately into posts in your weblog. Second, your monetization capabilities are extremely limited—proper now, solely podcasters in the U.S. can monetize their reveals on Anchor, and that’s executed solely by both a direct Anchor sponsorship or listener assist. Not the very best choices for many podcasters, till you could have a really massive viewers listening.
For these two main causes, I like to recommend going with both Buzzsprout in your podcast hosting should you’re on a decent price range, or Simplecast you probably have a little bit bit extra to spend for a better degree of podcast hosting service.
Which is healthier for podcast hosting, PodBean or Buzzsprout?
Between PodBean and Buzzsprout, I personally imagine Buzzsprout is a greater podcast hosting supplier.
Whereas Buzzsprout’s paid plans begin at $12.00/mo for his or her podcast hosting and PodBean begins at $9.00/mo, the function set and assist you’ll get from Buzzsprout is a degree above what I’ve skilled on PodBean. Buzzsprout can be constructed extra with options which might be designed to develop & scale along with your present over time—like rapidly itemizing your podcast on each well-liked listening platform, superior analytics, audio enhancement & enhancing instruments, automated transcription instruments, stunning embeddable podcast gamers and extra. Whereas PodBean does supply a few of these comparable options, their high quality, usability and flexibility simply don’t fairly stack up the identical, in my opinion.
Regardless, each corporations do supply a restricted free podcast hosting plan you can attempt issues out on—so should you’re nonetheless on the fence, it doesn’t damage to present them a side-by-side check run to see which you favor. You may join Buzzsprout’s free plan right here and give PodBean’s free plan a check right here.
Do I want a podcast host?
Sure, in order for you your podcast to look on listening platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify and elsewhere, then you definately’ll want a podcast host in order to get your present on-line & accessible by listening gadgets.
On this information, we’ve damaged down a ton of choices for each free and low-cost podcast hosting plans to check and distinction from, which ought to make your resolution that a lot simpler.
Have one other query about podcast hosting that I haven’t addressed but? Please ask away in the feedback under and I’ll reply with my greatest recommendation 🙂
Now lastly, just a few phrases of parting recommendation for selecting your greatest podcast hosting platform from all of the choices in the marketplace in the present day.
The Best Podcast Hosting Platforms in 2021: It’s Time Your Voice is Heard
As a content material creator first, podcasting ought to now not be an afterthought of an possibility for delivering options to your viewers. It’s a really highly effective channel that may show you how to each attain new audiences and construct stronger relationships along with your current group. Not solely that, however podcasting also can show you how to add a considerable further supply of earnings to what you are promoting.
Use this record of the very best podcast hosting platforms to assist choose the one which’s greatest for you.
When you have questions on choosing the proper platform, ask away in the feedback under! I’ll reply rapidly.