Hosting your podcast on a podcast hosting site allows for better search rankings, built-in promotion tools, and other features that give you the edge over other hosts. And yes, there are many options for podcast hosting.
Exploring other podcast hosting platforms can help you understand their strengths and weaknesses, allowing experienced podcasters to find features that best fit their specific needs and objectives.
Because the internet is filled with many places to host and broadcast your content, it’s important to know what you can expect out of the podcast hosting site you select, so you know that you’re getting the right tools for a successful show.
In this article, we rounded up a list of 12 of the best podcast hosts on the market and reviewed each platform’s unique features to help you select a podcast host that truly shows off your storytelling skills.
Disclaimer: Note that some links and banners in this article are affiliate links, which provide us with a small commission if you complete purchases via those links. You can read the affiliate disclosure of our privacy policy in the footer.
Buzzsprout
Podbean
Spreaker
Castos
What Are the Best Podcast hosting Platforms?
1. Buzzsprout
Buzzsprout is popular with smaller shows because it offers a 90-day free trial with no upload limit or credit card requirement. After that, Buzzsprout does limit the number of hours included in each plan (though you can purchase additional hours).
They have been in business since 2009 and have over 100,000 podcasters on the podcast hosting platform. With Buzzsprout, you can embed your podcast on your website pages.
Buzzsprout also doesn’t allow you to password protect or restrict access to content, so if you’re looking for those features, this is not the right platform for you.
Buzzsprout has a free forever plan that does not limit the number of team member accounts. Only a few podcast hosts have this option.
Their analytics dashboard is easy to use with advanced podcast analytics, providing detailed statistics about podcast downloads, including the ability to estimate podcast listeners within the first 90 days.
So, you can view where your audience comes from including by country, that way you can tailor your content more to engage them.
They have great audio quality, and up to 128k stereo optimization. (Comes by upgrade). All in all, Buzzsprout is easy to use, with scheduling options for your content. You can separate your podcast into chapters through chapter markers.
A built-in transcription integration can help create text content to post on your site.
Magic Mastering to make your episodes sound perfect
An affiliate marketing integration for your Buzzsprout site
A brand new embed player for embedding your podcast straight to your website page.
The publishing workflow
The text editor for show notes
Great user experience with an easy-to-use interface to create and customize your podcast shows.
Buzzsprout is a great way to get started with podcasting because it makes it easy to create professional-sounding podcasts.
It also has a generous free plan that includes 250 MB of uploads per month (enough for about two hours of audio), which is great for new podcasters just trying out the medium. With the free forever plan your episodes get removed after 90 days, then plans start at $12/month
$12/month: upload 3 hours each month, hosted indefinitely, unlimited storage.
$18/month: All features, plus uploads up to 6 hours/month.
$24/month: All features, plus uploads up to 12 hours/ month.
2. Podbean
Podbean is one of the most popular platforms out there. It is a solid option when it comes to podcast hosting services. It has a good balance of features and price points that should satisfy any podcaster on a budget.
It’s easy to use while still offering advanced functionality like analytics, ad placement, and monetization tools.
It makes it easy to monetize your podcast. Additionally, integrating Apple Podcasts Subscriptions can maximize revenue potential for podcasters by providing exclusive content and accessing additional income streams.
They have over 600,000 podcasters on the podcast platform. This goes to show how much of a trusted brand it is.
Podbean’s pricing structure is very similar to Buzzsprout’s. The free plan allows unlimited storage and bandwidth, but there is a five-hour limit on the amount of audio you can upload per month.
It offers a free plan and charges for domain mapping, analytics, and other features. It offers unlimited storage space, bandwidth, and publishing time with all plans, so it’s easy to use for podcasts of any size.
Like Buzzsprout, you get one free hour of audio per month on the $9 plan, which also includes embeddable podcast players, 1GB of space for video, 5GB of storage, and 100GB of monthly bandwidth. You also get basic statistics for this plan.
Free website account to showcase your podcast.
Distribute/ promote your podcast to different channels. (Spotify, Apple Podcasts)
Monetize your podcast using the built-in dynamic ad insertion technology.
Engage with your audience with live audio streaming.
Record, edit and publish your podcast using its native app on Android and iOS.
Podcast Livestream
Podbean offers an unlimited $9/month (billed annually) or $14/month (billed monthly) plan. This includes advanced statistics and monetization of your podcast. You can add additional channels for $14/month/channel (ideal if you’re planning to launch several different shows).
The Unlimited Plus plan is $29/month (billed annually) $39/month (billed monthly)
For Business Podcasting you pay $99/month (billed annually) or $129/month (billed monthly) to form groups, remove Podbean branding, and get live chat support plus more.
It’s also worth noting that Podbean has more expensive plans if your podcast gains popularity, so you may want to consider this when choosing a platform.
3. Spreaker
Spreaker is another host that’s been around for quite some time. It’s geared toward users who are interested in live broadcasting as well as pre-recorded shows (they even have a built-in audience chat room).
In addition to all the broadcasting, Spreaker makes it easy to monetize your podcast with advertisers, and listeners in one place. Spreaker makes it easy to host a podcast with an all-in-one service. You won’t be searching for multiple tools to get your podcast online.
Spreaker allows you to record or upload your podcast episodes directly from its website or through its mobile app (available on iOS and Android). Y
ou also get access to detailed analytics to help you better understand your audience by tracking shares, downloads, comments, and more across multiple platforms like Apple Podcasts and Stitcher.
Spreaker provides tools to optimize podcast promotion strategies, enhancing your promotional efforts with insights and interactive features.
Enables podcast distribution to major platforms, (Apple podcast, Google podcast, iHeartRadio, Deezer, etc).
Podcast management and scheduling in the same account.
Monetization through dynamic ad insertion.
Team management and collaborations.
Access to statistics, IAB certified.
Easy podcast setup and integration with your website.
Spreaker offers, up to 5 pricing plans for you to pick from. The Spreaker free plan gives you 5hours of podcast space, up to 10 episodes. If you want to upgrade to a paid plan, here are the options;
On-Air Talent ($8/month): Gives you 100 hours of storage.
Broadcaster ($20/month): Gives you 500 hours of storage.
Anchorman ($50/month): Gives you 1,500 hours of storage.
Anchorman ($120/month): Gives you unlimited storage.
Spreaker makes it easy to scale your podcast with incredible features set for you to create, publish and monetize your podcast.
5. Simplecast
Simplecast has positioned itself firmly as an elite hosting service for podcasters. In addition to offering extremely thorough analytics, they also have several options for monetizing your podcast via paid subscriptions and paywalls. They also have built-in tools for sharing both audio clips and video snippets on social media.
Simplecast is a great option for any podcaster looking to upload their episodes in as few clicks as possible.
Simplecast is a comprehensive podcasting solution that is easy to use, reliable and scalable. They provide you with a platform and tools to publish podcasts on all major platforms including Apple, Spotify, and Google. You can publish unlimited episodes for your podcast, unlimited team members, and unlimited storage space.
Key Features
Highlights of Simplecast include unlimited file size uploads, high-quality artwork, advanced analytics and reporting, custom feed setup, and social media integrations with Facebook and Twitter.
Simplecast offers video podcast hosting, which is essential for podcasters looking to expand their content offerings with enhanced analytics and audience engagement.
Encourage listeners to share clips of your podcast on social media using Recast®.
Develop websites, apps, and dashboards using the Simplecast API 2.0.
Manage different podcasts with collaborators under a single account.
An intuitive drag-and-drop website builder to create a website for your podcast with the help of its
Seamlessly migrate your podcast show to Simplecast with a few clicks.
Simplecast doesn’t have any free plans, but it does offer unlimited storage for a basic plan starting at $15/month. Their plans include some pretty cool features, like the ability to embed episodes directly on your website or display them on your Facebook Page.
Essential: $35/month including tools to grow your podcast
Growth: $85/month including collaboration tools
Higher plans get advanced data like Location analytics, Unique Listener reports, Technology analytics, Detailed Device analytics, and much more.
6. Transistor
Transistor is a great podcast hosting platform for hosting podcasts that are just getting started. Their interface is super easy to use and the company has some really helpful resources to help promote your podcast and build your audience from scratch.
Transistor is a simple platform that helps you grow your audience with powerful tools, analytics, and monetization options.
Additionally, Transistor offers unlimited hosting, allowing podcasters to upload and manage large files or publish frequently without worrying about storage constraints, providing flexibility and straightforward pricing.
Transistor gives you everything you need to monetize podcasts by selling subscriptions or allowing listeners to pay what they choose.
Highlights of Transistor include a built-in website builder where you can customize design, branding, and content for your site, unlimited publishing with unlimited storage space for audio files, advanced reporting with insights about subscribers, and links shared on social media sites such as Twitter.
Key Features
The ability to create as many podcasts as possible under one plan without being charged extra
You can set up the podcast player on your site so your site visitors can play the episodes without leaving your website.
Collaboration on podcasts
Use the RSS feed to easily import your podcast to a different hosting platform.
Transistor does not offer a free plan, but it does offer a 14-day trial period. Subscription plans at Transistor come in three tiers and offer different numbers of podcast downloads per month and better privacy settings for premium subscribers.
Transistor starts at $19/month, with no limit on how many downloads your episodes can get.
The professional plan goes for $49/month
The business hosting plan goes for $99/month
7. Blubrry
Blubrry has been around since 2005 and was one of the first podcast hosting platforms out there.
Blubrry offers stats tracking, which can help you keep tabs on how your show is performing over time. They are one of the first companies to release podcast hosting in 2006.
They have over 125,000 podcasters who trust their services, 85,000 of them using PowerPress.
Blubrry is a leading podcast hosting platform that offers everything you need to host your first podcast. On top of that, they offer pro-production services, done for you by their in-house experts.
Blubrry’s website has all the information you need to learn how to start your own podcast. Tutorials cover everything from setting up your equipment to choosing a name for your show, recording an episode, and publishing it online.
Key Features
A free WordPress website for all plans
You also get access to their PowerPress plugin which makes it easy to publish from WordPress.
Embeddable podcast players on your social media feed and website.
Exceptional data analytics about your audience.
Email and phone support on all plans
In addition to hosting your podcasts, Blubrry also provides in-depth analytics about your listeners so that you can learn more about them and tailor future episodes to their needs.
Blubrry’s plans range from $12 per month for 100 MB of storage space (which can hold about 50 minutes of audio) to $80 per month for unlimited storage space.
8. Castos
Castos offers an all-in-one solution for podcasters. The platform enables users to upload media files and distribute them through RSS feeds that can be submitted to services like iTunes, Google Play Music, and Spotify.
Castos also provides a customizable website for hosting your podcast with no ads or branding from the service provider.
Castos offers unlimited storage and bandwidth so you don’t have to worry about migrating to a new plan or podcast hosting platform when your podcast grows. You can publish as many podcasts as possible and to as many listeners as you can.
Key Features
Managing all your podcast episodes on your WordPress website with the Seriously Simple Podcasting plugin.
The ability to republish your podcast on YouTube with higher plans.
Automatically transcription of your podcast to improve accessibility and SEO (search engine optimization) performance.
You can create pages for each of your shows to connect with your respective audiences better.
Podcast data analytics in one simple and easy-to-understand dashboard.
Castos offers three subscription plans, each allowing a different number of private subscribers per account. Higher plans also have access to features such as YouTube Republishing, Headliner Audiogram Integration, and Advanced Analytics.
9. Resonate
Resonate is another solid choice for podcasters looking for reliable hosting and quality sounds.
This is a powerful podcast hosting platform that offers everything you need to launch a successful podcast. All you have to do is provide the audio file, and Resonate will distribute it online and publish it as an RSS feed that you can submit to iTunes and Google Play Music, among other platforms.
You also get extensive analytics, unlimited storage and bandwidth, and a customizable website where you can engage with listeners and build your brand.
Key Features
The ability to upload edited and pre-produced podcast files to your hosting and publish them.
Distributing your podcast to different directories in a single click for increased reach.
Growth tracking of your podcast by analyzing its statistics on your dashboard.
Embed your podcast episodes on your site so your audience can access them there.
You can also create a microsite or simple landing page to engage with your podcast better.
Resonate Hosting offers trials of its two hosting plans, Premium and Basic. The Premium plan features access to the company’s microsite builder, while the Basic plan does not. Other services like Podcast Launch, Podcast Production, and others are paid separately.
Resonate also offers a free 14-day trial for its two plans. The only difference between the two is that the Premium plan includes access to its microsite creator. Other services like Podcast Launch (starting at $199) and Podcast Production (starting at $59) are paid separately.
10. Libsyn
Libsyn is the oldest and most established dedicated podcast host, with a user base of over 75,000 — ranging from top podcasters like Joe Rogan to smaller ones like the TeacherCast Educational Network.
They have been in business since 2004 and is the oldest and largest podcast hosting site on the web. Its services include mobile apps, detailed analytics, publishing tools, enhanced security, and expert support.
Libsyn is known in the business as being a solid option for hosting your media files and getting them distributed to major platforms like iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify. However, Libsyn doesn’t offer much in the way of analytics or statistics outside of basic download numbers.
They also don’t have many options for monetizing your podcast directly through their platform.
Key Features
Great for both beginners and experts alike.
Gives you unlimited bandwidth and reach.
Exceptional customer support.
You can upload both video and audio.
Monetization through podcast subscriptions and advertising.
Downloadable starts reporting.
App on both android and iOS, (available on high-tier plans.
Libsyn offers a variety of pricing plans to fit your needs, starting at $5.00 per month. There is no free version. However, there is no free trial.
11. Captivate
Captivate is another popular option that offers premium content distribution, analytics, and website hosting for podcasters who want to grow their audience. They take care of submitting your episodes to all the major podcast directories on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.
The podcast host Captivate was built by podcasters (Rebel Base Media). They used their years of experience in podcasting to create a great podcast hosting platform. It is easy to use and has everything you need to publish and promote your podcasts – including a website, hosting service, distribution, and analytics.
Key Features
All plans come with unlimited podcasts, unlimited team members, a podcast player, advanced analytics, and exceptional marketing tools.
Great growth features with an automatic podcast website. All plans include a customizable and mobile responsive website with inbuilt donation support.
You can create a mailing list and create leads with some great sign-up features, using opt-in forms.
Use of IAB (Interactive Advertising Bureau) to monitor the performance of your podcast show.
You can easily migrate/import your podcast from other podcast hosting services.
Captivate offers several plans: the $19 per month plan lets you create three hours of content each month and comes with 5GB of cloud storage and up to 12,000 downloads per month.
The $49-per-month plan gives you five hours per month with 10GB of cloud storage, and up to 60,000 downloads per month.
The $99-per-month plan allows for 25 hours per month with 100GB of cloud storage and up to 150,000 downloads per month.
12. Podcastics
Podcastics is a fairly new platform podcast hosting option that’s very easy to use and offers competitive features.
One of Podcastics’ features is automatic transcription. It provides transcripts of your episodes, as well as audio player search tools that let your listeners search for keywords within your episodes and go directly to the relevant parts of the transcript. You don’t have to do anything extra to make it work—just sync your podcast feed with Podcastics and it will take care of the rest.
Another feature is social marketing tools that let you share small excerpts from your episodes on social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and more with just one click (this feature only works with WordPress right now).
Podcastics’ interface is clean and easy to use. No clutter or unnecessary features are taking up space; just a dashboard where you can manage all aspects.
Key Features
Unlike some of the competition, Podcastics offer unlimited storage and bandwidth. This means the only limit to your podcast is the number of people who can download it! And we hope there will be millions of them.
Simple publishing interface
Embeddable player, support for RSS and iTunes, an API, and
Includes Livestream capabilities
Great podcast analytics
Smart features include smart links, QR codes, surveys, etc.
you can even customize the URL per episode
You can start your podcast for free.
The Free plan has unlimited episodes but limited features.
The Premium plan is $4 per month
The Pro plan is $8 per month
The Max plan is $39 per month
The Archive plan is $5 per month. Best if you have an already existing RSS feed or your show is on Apple podcasts.
All plans start with a free 30day trial no credit card is required with the features for each plan you have picked to fully use the hosting platform.
What is Podcast Hosting?
Podcast hosting provides the RSS feed and file storage for your podcast. This allows businesses to easily launch their podcast without the headaches that come with hardware, storage, or bandwidth.
Podcast hosting services are needed to store audio files and provide podcast details such as language, length, number of episodes, and types of files.
What is a Podcast Hosting Platform?
A podcast host is an online platform through which you can create your own private space to store, broadcast, and share your recorded content with the world.
Podcast hosts are usually bespoke websites with a specific section for audio content, known as a podcast, where your recordings will be stored for listeners to access at their own leisure. Once your podcast is uploaded, it is immediately available to your listeners.
Using a podcast hosting platform also gives you access to analytics that show you how well your podcast is performing. Podcast hosts are easy to use and provide you with all the tools you need to make sure your podcast succeeds.
How to Host a Podcast
The internet has made it easier than ever before to launch your very own podcast. The barrier to entry is so low that, if you have a laptop and a halfway decent microphone, you can record and publish your first episode in less than an hour.
But even in the ultra-simplified world of podcasting, there’s still some complexity involved in getting everything up and running. One of the most important choices you’ll make is selecting a platform for hosting your content.
Hosting a podcast is easy. You can even do it from your smartphone using a recording app like Anchor. But while you can start a podcast with no money and minimal effort, that’s not sustainable in the long term.
If you want to build a following and monetize your show, you need to make sure you have three things:
A podcast hosting platform
A website (either hosted by your podcast host or on another platform)
A media player that lets people listen to your episodes wherever they find them online (embedded in your website, shared on social media, etc.)
Hosting platforms are typically responsible for 2 key things
Storing your content on their servers (where people can access it) and
Distributing your content to various podcast listening apps (like Apple Podcasts or Spotify).
If you’re just starting, we recommend investing in a host because it can also provide valuable analytics about how your show is performing. Most hosts charge a monthly fee to use their platform, with annual plans providing the biggest discounts.
Best Overall Podcast Hosting: Buzzsprout
If you don’t have a ton of tech skills but want to start podcasting quickly, Buzzsprout is the best option for you. It’s simple to use and has all the features you need, at a great price point.
It takes just three clicks to get your podcast uploaded, and you can easily add details like cover art and episode descriptions.
You can also record episodes directly from your Chrome browser using the Buzzsprout Chrome extension or record from your phone using the mobile app.
Buzzsprout’s stats are above average, with information on downloads by episode and by the device.
While not as feature-rich as Blubrry, they do allow you to create transcripts of your episodes which can be useful for SEO purposes.
The basic plan costs $12/month and gives you two hours of upload time per month, ideal for beginners or those with shorter episodes. Their unlimited plan is just $24/month.
Choosing the best Podcast Hosting Platform
In case you don’t know, a podcast hosting platform is a company that stores your audio files and makes them available for download to your listeners.
To help you make the right choice, let’s take a look at the main features that you should be looking for in a podcast hosting provider:
If you’re looking to launch your podcast, you’re in good company. 2020 was a record-setting year for podcast consumption. According to Edison Research’s Infinite Dial study, an estimated 113 million Americans listen to podcasts weekly.
That’s not surprising, considering the versatility of podcasting as a storytelling medium. Whether you’re interested in sharing your opinions on the latest true-crime documentary or discussing the ins and outs of the stock market with fellow investors, there’s a place for you in the world of podcasting.
But first, you’ll need to select your podcast hosting provider. Think of this as your personal website — it’s where all of your content will live, and it’s what listeners will use to access your episodes.
The Best Features to Look For
The best podcast hosting platforms offer the following features:
Podcast Distribution. The best podcast hosting services make it easy for you to distribute your show on iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and other services.
Searchable feed. For your podcast episodes to show up in search engines, they need to be hosted on a service that has a search-friendly feed that includes an RSS link with each episode’s description and audio file.
Media storage. A podcast hosting platform should have enough storage space for all of your media files (audio recordings) so you don’t have to worry about exceeding limits when you publish new episodes or get more subscribers.
Website hosting. If you plan to create a website for your podcast, some podcast hosting plans include a website builder so you don’t have to purchase it separately.
Podcast players. These players allow listeners to play your episodes directly from their websites without having to download them first. They are mostly mobile-friendly and come with social sharing buttons so that people can share your content easily with their friends. Some providers even provide tools to create custom players with your own branding.
Podcast statistics. Podcast hosts should provide insights into how many people are listening to your episodes and how they’re consuming them (through an app like Stitcher or via direct downloads). Analytics help ensure that no one is left behind — if certain episodes aren’t doing well
An unlimited number of shows. Some providers allow unlimited shows for free but charge for storing each episode beyond a certain limit. They also offer packages that have unlimited shows and limited storage space or vice versa.
Ease of Use
When choosing a podcast hosting platform, ease of use is a crucial factor to consider. A user-friendly interface can make a significant difference in your podcasting experience.
Look for platforms that offer drag-and-drop functionality, automatic episode optimization, and a simple setup process. For instance, Buzzsprout and Podbean are known for their intuitive interfaces and range of features that simplify podcast management.
These platforms ensure that even beginners can navigate the hosting process with ease, allowing you to focus more on creating content and less on technical hurdles.
Cost and Storage Limits
The cost of a podcast hosting platform can vary greatly, depending on the features and storage limits you need. Some platforms, like Anchor, offer free plans with limited features, making them a good starting point for new podcasters.
On the other hand, platforms like Megaphone require a paid plan but offer more advanced features and higher storage limits. When choosing a hosting platform, consider your budget and the number of downloads you expect to receive.
Look for platforms that offer flexible pricing plans and scalable storage options to accommodate your growing podcast. This way, you can ensure that your hosting solution evolves with your podcast’s success.
Distribution and Promotion Capabilities
Distribution and promotion are critical components of a successful podcast. Look for platforms that offer easy distribution to popular podcast directories, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
Some platforms, like Captivate, provide advanced analytics and promotion tools to help you grow your audience. Additionally, consider platforms that offer customizable podcast websites, social media sharing tools, and email marketing integrations to help you promote your podcast effectively.
These features can significantly enhance your podcast’s reach and engagement, ensuring that your content reaches the right audience.
Getting Started with Your Podcast
Getting started with your podcast can be an exciting but overwhelming experience. Here are some steps to help you get started:
Choose a podcast hosting platform that meets your needs and budget. Consider factors like ease of use, cost, and storage limits.
Set up your podcast’s RSS feed and submit it to popular podcast directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
Create a customizable podcast website to promote your podcast and engage with your audience. Many hosting platforms offer built-in website builders.
Develop a content strategy and create high-quality episodes that resonate with your audience. Consistency and quality are key to building a loyal listener base.
Promote your podcast on social media, email, and other channels to grow your audience. Utilize the promotion tools provided by your hosting platform to optimize your reach.
By following these steps, you can lay a strong foundation for your podcast and set yourself up for long-term success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about podcast hosting platforms:
Q: What is the best podcast hosting platform for beginners?
A: Buzzsprout and Podbean are popular options for beginners, offering ease of use and flexible pricing plans.
Q: How do I choose the right podcast hosting platform for my podcast?
A: Consider your budget, storage needs, and distribution requirements when choosing a platform. Look for platforms that offer advanced analytics, customizable websites, and promotion tools.
Q: Can I host multiple podcasts on one platform?
A: Yes, many platforms, such as Captivate and Simplecast, offer unlimited podcast hosting and advanced analytics.
Q: How do I optimize my podcast promotion strategies?
A: Use advanced analytics to understand your audience and optimize your promotion strategies. Consider platforms that offer customizable websites, social media sharing tools, and email marketing integrations.
Q: What is the best way to monetize my podcast?
A: Consider platforms that offer monetization tools, such as dynamic ad insertion, sponsorships, and membership programs. Look for platforms that offer advanced analytics to help you understand your audience and optimize your monetization strategies.
By addressing these common questions, you can make a more informed decision about which podcast hosting platform is right for you and how to maximize your podcast’s potential.
Summary: Podcast Hosting Platforms
Many of the above platforms offer a multitude of features for both novice and experienced podcasters alike. No matter what kind of podcast you’re looking to start (or improve), there should be a platform out there for you.
