Podcasts have become extremely popular in recent days. If you have decided to hop into the trend and publish podcasts, you have made the right decision. But where to host it so the world can view it? This article contains a list of the best podcast-hosting platforms.
What Is a Podcast Hosting Platform?
A podcast hosting platform is a place where you can store your podcast files and share them with the world. When someone wants to listen to your latest episode, they don’t need to access it directly from your computer. Instead, the hosting platform will serve it to them.
Summing up, a podcast hosting platform is like a digital hub for your podcast. It stores your episodes and makes them accessible to listeners.
Best Podcast Hosting Platforms
1. Buzzsprout
Buzzsprout is user-friendly, and even if you’re a complete beginner, you can easily upload and publish the podcasts. It also provides an option to integrate with podcast directories, such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Buzzsprout has detailed analytics that lets you track your show’s performance. It provides an option to edit audio files within the app, which is helpful if you don’t have access to expensive editing tools.
Pricing: Free. Paid plan starts at $12/month.
2. Libsyn
Libsyn has been around since 2004 and is reliable. It’s easy to use and offers robust features. One standout feature is Libsyn Studio, which allows podcasters to create and record a podcast with a computer without any additional equipment. Libsyn also offers seamless integration with popular social media platforms.
Libsyn comes with advanced analytics and is a preferred choice for seasoned podcasters.
Pricing: $5 per month; no free plan
3. Podbean
Podbean is like the Swiss Army knife of podcast hosting. It includes everything from hosting and publishing to monetization. Podbean has a user-friendly, drag-and-drop interface that lets you set up your podcast in minutes. It has a built-in advertising marketplace to help you connect with potential sponsors.
Podbean has an advanced analytics tool. It also provides an option to livestream directly from the dashboard.
Pricing: Free. Paid plan starts at $9/month.
4. Acast
Acast is easy to use and comes loaded with a lot of features, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned podcasters. It has an in-built editing tool and integrates with various social media platforms. Acast provides tools for dynamic ad insertion, making monetization a breeze.
Acast lets you track the performance of your podcasts and the revenue you generate from the ads.
Pricing: Free. Paid plans start at $14.99/month (14-day free trial).
5. Transistor
Transistor is an excellent choice if you have a large team. It offers unlimited storage and bandwidth. It also lets you manage multiple shows from a single account. The transistor is easy to use, which makes it ideal for beginners. It integrates with various social media platforms and email marketing service providers.
Transistor lets you manage multiple shows under one account and gather their data. It also provides an option to create private podcasts and exclusive content.
Pricing: $19 per month (14-day free trial); no free plan
6. Spreaker
Spreaker is an excellent choice if you’re into the live podcasting scene. You can broadcast live, interact with your audience, and later release the episode as a podcast. By live streaming, you can build a stronger connection with your audience. Spreaker also provides an option to integrate with other podcasting platforms like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.
Like other platforms, Spreaker has advanced analytics tools that can help you understand your audience better.
Pricing: Free. Paid plan starts at $20/month (7-day free trial).
7. Captivate
Captivate is for those who take their podcasting game seriously. It comes with a sleek interface and powerful features like unlimited storage and bandwidth, customizable call-to-action, and dynamic content insertion. Captivate is a relatively new platform launched in January 2019, but it’s reliable and has quickly gained a lot of popularity.
Captivate comes loaded with various analytic features that let you measure the performance of your podcast. It also comes with various monetization features.
Pricing: $17/month; no free plan
Conclusion
If you’re new to podcasting, go with the free plan that tools like Buzzsprout, Podbean, Acast, and Spreaker offer. Once you learn how things work, you can upgrade to premium plans.
If you’re an experienced podcaster and work with a large team, Acast, Transistor, Spreaker, and Captivate are great options. All platforms listed in this article are reputed and offer reliable hosting. So, you won’t go wrong by choosing either of them.
Similar to podcasting, broadcasting also has a lot of opportunities. Combining both of them gives you the best results. Click here to meet with Ken and discuss broadcasting on his Network TCN (The Courage Network).
Ken D Foster is an author, keynote speaker, and success coach dedicated to helping individuals unlock their full potential. With decades of experience in the entertainment industry, Ken has helped numerous aspiring TV personalities achieve their dreams.