With more people tuning in to listen to their favorite shows, it’s no surprise that more people are seeking to create content in the form of podcasts. As such, podcast hosting platforms have become more important than ever. However, using a regular web hosting server to upload your podcast files can negatively impact your website’s performance, consume your bandwidth, and potentially provide a poor user experience for your listeners. The strain that the additional downloads and streaming can put on your server could impact the quality of your podcast. This is where the best podcast hosting platforms come in to save the day.
Podcast hosting platforms are the backbone of any podcast, adding the necessary infrastructure to upload, store, and distribute your audio files efficiently. This article will look at the best podcast hosting platforms in 2024.
What is a Podcast Hosting Platform?
A podcast hosting platform is a service that allows you to upload and store your audio files and then distribute them to various podcast directories and apps, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
These platforms typically offer various features, such as analytics, hosting, distribution tools, and the ability to monetize your podcast. These tools provide valuable insights into your listeners’ behavior and preferences and can help you widen your audience and earn additional income from your podcast.
11 Best Podcast Hosting Platforms
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Our list of the best podcast hosting platforms considers their various feature sets, integrations, and, of course, price. Now, let’s check out the list!
The Best Podcast Hosting Platforms Listed In Order
1. Buzzsprout
Buzzsprout is a user-friendly podcast hosting platform that makes it easy to upload, publish, and promote your podcast. The platform offers a simple and intuitive interface, allowing users to edit audio files directly within the app without additional software. This feature is helpful for podcasters who may not have access to expensive editing software or lack the technical skills to use it.
It also offers detailed statistics on your podcast’s performance, such as the number of downloads, the demographics of your audience, and the most popular episodes. This information can be used to improve your podcast and reach a wider audience. Additionally, Buzzsprout integrates with popular podcast directories and apps, such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify, making it easy for your podcast to be found by listeners.
Key Features for Buzzsprout:
- Add show notes
- Audio editing
- Customization options for branding
- Schedule episodes in advance
- Powerful analytics and distribution tools
- Integrations with popular podcast directories and apps
Buzzsprout is designed to be intuitive, so you can quickly get your podcast up and running even if you’re new to podcasting. You can easily upload your audio files, add show notes and episode descriptions, and even schedule episodes in advance. Additionally, the platform offers customization options for your podcast’s branding and design.
It’s perfect for new podcasters looking for a user-friendly platform to track their podcast’s performance and reach a wider audience.
Who is Buzzsprout Best For?
Buzzsprout is best for new podcasters seeking an intuitive platform to upload, publish, and promote their episodes quickly. Its user-friendly interface makes it ideal for those without technical expertise or access to advanced editing software. Podcasters who want to track performance with detailed statistics, such as audience demographics and episode popularity, will benefit from Buzzsprout’s analytics. Additionally, it’s perfect for creators looking to expand their reach through integrations with popular directories like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Pricing
Buzzsprout offers a free tier, with paid plans beginning at $12 per month.
2. Blubrry
Blubrry is a podcast-hosting platform that offers a variety of unique solutions for podcasters. It’s the best option for WordPress users. Its standout feature is PowerPress, a popular podcast plugin that allows users to easily publish and manage their podcasts directly from their own WordPress website. You will receive a complimentary WordPress website with any Blubrry plan if you don’t have a WordPress site.
Additionally, Blubrry offers a Podcast Media Hosting plan. This allows users to host their media files on their server while utilizing Blubrry’s advanced and IAB-certified stats.
Key Features of Blubrry:
- PowerPress plugin for easy publishing and management from own WordPress site
- Podcast Media Hosting plan for hosting media files on own server
- Advanced and IAB-certified statistics
- Buying any Blubrry plan will get you a free WordPress website
Blubrry sets itself apart from other services by offering great features such as the PowerPress plugin, a Podcast Media Hosting plan, a WordPress website, advanced statistics, and a Podcast migration service. These give podcasters more control, flexibility, and ease of use. It should be noted that the PowerPress plugin and Podcast Media Hosting plan are separate add-ons and not included in the basic subscription plan.
Who is Blubrry Best For?
Blubrry is an excellent choice for WordPress users who want to publish and manage podcasts directly from their websites using the PowerPress plugin. It’s ideal for podcasters looking to host media files on their own servers while leveraging Blubrry’s advanced IAB-certified statistics. Creators who want a free WordPress site bundled with their hosting plan or need podcast migration services will find Blubrry particularly valuable.
Pricing
Blubrry’s pricing starts at $10 per month, with no free tier available.
3. Podbean
Podbean makes creating and editing your podcast incredibly simple. This is especially true due to its mobile integration app, which allows you to use this platform from anywhere. The platform has a drag-and-drop feature that allows users to upload and organize their episodes, add episode details and cover art, and even schedule the release of episodes.
Key Features of Podbean:
- Analytics and distribution tools
- Built-in music and sound effect library
- Mobile app
- Monetization options, such as advertising and sponsorships
Podbean offers several ways to monetize content; podcasters can sell ad spots and merchandise and even use the platform’s built-in donation feature. This platform also offers a feature called “Premium Podcasts,” which allows you to create exclusive content and charge a subscription fee for your users to access it.
Plus, you can create live streams directly from the dashboard to engage with your audience.
Who is Podbean Best For?
Podbean is perfect for podcasters who want a comprehensive platform with tools for analytics, monetization, and mobile app integration. Its drag-and-drop episode organization and built-in music and sound effects library make it easy to create polished episodes. Podbean is ideal for creators looking to monetize through ads, merchandise sales, or premium content subscriptions. Its live-streaming feature also makes it a great option for engaging directly with audiences in real-time.
Pricing
Podbean includes a free plan, while its paid options start at $9 per month.
4. Libsyn
Libsyn is a podcast-hosting platform that has been around since 2004, making it one of the industry’s oldest and most established platforms. Over the years, it has built a strong community of podcasters, making it an excellent option for those starting in the podcasting world.
One of Libsyn’s standout features is its unlimited bandwidth, which ensures that your podcast will not be affected even if it becomes popular and experiences a high volume of traffic. Recently, Libsyn introduced Libsyn Studio, an addition to its platform that allows users to create and record a podcast using a computer without additional equipment.
Key Features for Libsyn:
- Advanced analytics and distribution tools
- Integrations with popular podcast directories and apps
- Customizable media player
- Multiple hosting options and monetization options
Libsyn is an excellent choice for professional podcasters looking for advanced features and options. However, it should be noted that Libsyn only includes essential features in its plans, and everything else must be purchased as separate add-ons. For example, if you want to use the platform’s monetization features, you must pay extra on top of your subscription. Even basic statistics are not included in the lowest subscription plan.
Who is Libsyn Best For?
Libsyn is ideal for podcasters looking for a reliable, established hosting platform with unlimited bandwidth. It’s perfect for professionals who want advanced analytics and distribution tools integrated with popular directories. Libsyn is also a great choice for creators seeking a user-friendly interface for managing podcasts without additional equipment. However, its add-on-based pricing model makes it more suitable for those who prioritize specific features and are willing to pay extra for monetization and detailed statistics.
Pricing
Libsyn’s pricing begins at $5 per month, without offering a free tier.
5. Simplecast
Simplecast is a podcast hosting platform designed to help newcomers and advanced users create professional podcasts. It offers payment plans for independent users and larger enterprises and is trusted by notable companies like Kickstarter and Nike. The platform provides its users with responsive and optimized hosting plus unlimited storage.
With its advanced analytics, you can track your podcast’s performance and reach a wider audience with its integrations with popular podcast directories and apps. The Recast™ tool from Simplecast is a powerful feature that allows users to easily schedule and share clips from their podcast episodes on social media. This is a great way to promote your podcast and reach a wider audience. The tool also allows you to customize your clips’ start and end times and add captions and hashtags.
Key Features for Simplecast:
- Advanced analytics and distribution tools
- Integrations with popular podcast directories and apps
- A customizable and embeddable player
- Multiple hosting options
- High-quality audio hosting
Simplecast is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a professional podcast hosting platform. You can start creating your podcast branding and marketing within seconds of starting with the platform, plus it’s a relatively cheap solution for both individuals and larger companies.
Who is Simplecast Best For?
Simplecast is ideal for podcasters seeking a professional hosting platform that caters to both individuals and larger enterprises. Its advanced analytics and distribution tools make it suitable for those aiming to track and enhance their podcast’s performance. Additionally, Simplecast’s collaboration features are perfect for teams managing multiple shows under a single account. Whether you’re an independent creator or part of a larger organization, Simplecast offers scalable solutions to meet your podcasting needs.
Pricing
Simplecast offers paid plans starting at $15 per month, with no free option available.
6. RSS.com
RSS.com is an intuitive podcast hosting platform designed to help new podcasters grow their audience and manage their content. With tools for distribution, monetization, and audience insights, RSS.com ensures you have everything you need to start and scale your podcast successfully.
Key Features of RSS.com:
- Automatic Distribution: Seamlessly publish episodes to major directories, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.
- AI-Powered Transcriptions: Generate accurate, automatic transcriptions to improve SEO and accessibility.
- Dynamic Monetization Options: Unlock revenue with ads, sponsorships, and listener donations, including cryptocurrency payments.
- PodViz Technology: Convert audio episodes into YouTube videos, making growing your presence on YouTube Podcasts easy.
- Advanced Analytics: Track detailed insights, including listener geolocation, device usage, and platform performance.
- Podcasting 2.0 Features: Enhance your podcast with chapters, soundbites, and Value 4 Value integration.
- Multi-User Access: Collaborate with up to 10 team members using role-based permissions.
RSS.com provides a free website for every podcast, social sharing tools, donation integration, and robust hosting with 99.99% uptime across 47 countries. For podcasters focused on accessibility and audience growth, tools like transcription and PodViz ensure your content reaches listeners wherever they are.
The platform also provides a customizable and embeddable player that can be added to any website, including those built on WordPress.
Who is RSS.com Best For?
RSS.com is ideal for podcasters seeking an easy-to-use hosting platform to launch and grow their podcast. It’ has automatic distribution to top listening platforms and those looking to publish on YouTube with little effort. Podcasters who value detailed analytics to understand and expand their audience will appreciate its robust insights. Additionally, it’s well-suited for podcasters looking to monetize through ads, sponsorships, subscriptions, or donations via platforms like PayPal, Patreon, or Bitcoin.
Pricing
RSS.com pricing plans start at $11.99 per month when billed annually.
7. Transistor
Transistor is a podcast hosting platform that is designed for teams and businesses. It allows you to manage multiple shows from a single account and gather data on them to grow your listener base, making it an excellent tool for creating larger-scale podcasting networks. Additionally, it provides team management and collaboration features, making it easy for multiple team members to work on a podcast. It allows users to add multiple hosts and guests to their accounts and assign different roles and permissions for each person. It’s all about collaboration with Transistor.
It also connects with various third-party tools, including social media platforms, email marketing services, and website builders. This makes it easy for users to promote their podcasts and reach a wider audience.
Key Features of Transistor:
- Advanced analytics and distribution tools
- Integrations with popular podcast directories and apps
- Team management and collaboration features
Transistor is an excellent choice for businesses and teams looking for a professional podcast hosting platform. Its advanced analytics and distribution tools, as well as team management and collaboration features, allow you to run and manage your podcast as a team effectively.
The platform also provides a customizable and embeddable player that can be added to any website, including those built on WordPress.
Who is Transistor Best For?
Transistor is ideal for businesses and teams managing multiple shows from a single account. Its collaboration features, such as assigning user roles and permissions, make it perfect for team-based podcasting efforts. Creators who want advanced analytics and integrations with third-party tools like social media platforms and email marketing services will find Transistor particularly useful. It’s also great for those building larger podcasting networks and aiming to scale their reach.
Pricing
Transistor’s pricing starts at $19 per month, and it does not provide a free tier.
8. SoundCloud
SoundCloud is a popular platform for hosting and sharing music and podcasts. Its simple interface and the large community of users make it easy to upload and share your podcast with a broad audience. Users on the free plan are limited to uploading a maximum of three hours of audio per month, while the least expensive paid plan allows for twice that amount, with a cap of six hours.
Using SoundCloud is an excellent idea because it’s one of the largest social audio platforms available, but its free plan does limit you.
Key Features for SoundCloud:
- A large community of users
- Analytics and distribution tools
- Embed player
SoundCloud is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a popular platform to host and distribute their podcast. With over 76 million registered users and 175 million monthly active users, it offers a large audience for creators to share their work. They also have a built-in promotion feature that allows users to share their podcast easily with other SoundCloud users, which is a great way to increase the visibility of your podcast.
Who is Soundcloud Best For?
Soundcloud is perfect for podcasters looking to host and distribute their content on a platform with a massive built-in community. It’s a great choice for creators who want to reach a broad audience quickly and take advantage of Soundcloud’s social sharing features. Its free plan suits hobbyists or those just starting out, while its paid plans are better for podcasters who need more storage and analytics.
Pricing
Soundcloud has a free plan, with paid options starting at $16 per month.
9. Spreaker
Spreaker is a podcast hosting platform that offers a range of features to help you create, distribute, and monetize your podcast. It allows podcasters to interact with their audience through live streaming. This can help increase engagement and build a stronger connection with listeners.
Spreaker also provides a wide variety of music and sound effects that can enhance the production value of a podcast. Like the other solutions on the list, it has a customizable and embeddable player that can integrate with any website, including WordPress ones.
Key Features for Speaker:
- Built-in music and sound effect library
- Live streaming
- Integration. with popular apps and directories (Apple, Spotify, etc.)
- Monetization options, such as merchandise sales and donations
This platform is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a comprehensive podcast hosting platform. It integrates with popular podcasting apps and directories, such as Apple, Spotify, and Google, to help increase a podcast’s visibility and reach.
Who is Spreaker Best For?
Spreaker is ideal for podcasters who want a comprehensive hosting platform with built-in tools for creating, distributing, and monetizing their shows. Its live-streaming feature makes it perfect for creators who want to interact with their audience. Spreaker is also a great choice for podcasters looking to enhance their production with music, sound effects, and a customizable embeddable player. It’s particularly appealing to creators who want to monetize through ad revenue, merchandise sales, or listener donations.
Pricing
Spreaker’s paid plans begin at $12 per month, with no free plan offered.
10. Acast
Acast is a relatively new podcast hosting company making waves, especially in digital content creation. With a focus on monetization, Acast provides both the tools to create, edit, and distribute your podcast and the ability to monetize it. With Acast, you get free access to Podcastle, a browser-based podcast editor. Acast also provides tools to promote your podcast across social media, making it easy to transform your episodes into video content. Acast’s insights are also an area where this podcast hosting company excels. Not only can you see stats for your podcast across platforms, but you can also track your monetization and advertising efforts. To monetize your podcast to the next level, consider using Acast as your podcast hosting company.
Key Features:
- Distribution to 100s of podcast listening apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more
- Multiple monetization options, including advertising, sponsorships, and member subscriptions
- Native audio-to-video converter to share your podcast on social media and beyond
- Deep analytics and insights for growing your audience, podcast revenue, and more
- Customizable web player
An exciting feature of Acast is its native website builder. From one simple interface, you can change the color, add your Facebook Pixel, connect your social media accounts, and more. You can also add comments from Disqus or Facebook and include links to your other podcast platforms.
Have all your latest episodes listed in a simple format that gets updated every time you upload a new podcast episode. You can also add an About page to share more about your podcast with your listeners.
Who is Acast Best For?
Acast is ideal for creators focused on monetizing their podcasts through advertising, sponsorships, and member subscriptions. It’s perfect for podcasters who want deep analytics to track audience growth and revenue performance. Acast’s integrated tools, such as its native audio-to-video converter and customizable web player, make it a great option for creators who want to promote their shows on social media and across multiple platforms. It’s especially suitable for those with an existing podcast following who want a seamless transition to a more feature-rich platform.
Pricing
Acast includes a free plan, while its paid subscriptions start at $14.99 per month.
11. Streamyard
Streamyard is more than just a podcast hosting platform. With Streamyard, you can live stream, create video podcasts, and record your podcasts remotely. Unlike other platforms that focus on only audio podcasting, Streamyard wants to give you the ability to add video to your listeners’ podcasting experience. It prides itself on being able to add up to 10 guests from anywhere in the world to join each recording session. Streamyard also allows you to edit your audio files for each guest if you upload your audio podcast to other platforms. If you’re looking to host live-streamed podcasting recordings, you have a variety of places to stream your podcasts, like Twitch, Twitter, and Facebook, to name a few. If you’d only like to have Streamyard handle the audio aspect of your podcast, it comes with adequate tools to enable you to be still able to edit
Key Features:
- Live streaming functionality with branding and engagement capabilities
- Create video and audio podcasts from one convenient location
- Add logos, lower thirds, and green screens to your visual podcasts
- Stream pre-recorded clips and download recordings for external editing
- Interact with listeners and viewers, showcase comments on screen
Streamyard stands out from other platforms on our list because it takes video very seriously. While it is a decent audio recorder and editor, you can also live stream your podcast recording to multiple destinations across the web.
The Streamyard studio allows you to add guests, banners, and logos and allows for listener interaction. For a fully immersive podcast experience, Streamyard beautifully combines video, audio, and live streaming capabilities to your podcast.
Who is Streamyard Best For?
Streamyard is best for podcasters who want to combine video and audio podcasting with live-streaming capabilities. It’s ideal for creators looking to host interactive podcasts with multiple guests from anywhere in the world. Streamyard’s visual customization options, such as logos, lower thirds, and green screens, make it a great choice for podcasters who want to enhance their video content. Additionally, it’s perfect for those who want to engage with their audience across platforms like Twitch, Twitter, and Facebook.
Pricing
Streamyard’s pricing starts at $25 per month, and no free tier is available.
Podcast Hosting Platforms Price Comparison
With our top picks listed, let’s look at how each stacks up to each other in terms of price. You may be surprised to know that some of them come with free versions or trials, helping you to start your podcast today for little investment:
| Plugin | Price | Free Option | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | Buzzsprout | $12/mo | ✔️ | Visit |
| 🥈 | Blubrry | $12/mo | ❌ | Visit |
| 🥉 | Podbean | $14/mo | ❌ | Visit |
| 4 | Libsyn | $7/mo | ✔️ | Visit |
| 5 | Simplecast | $15/mo | ❌ | Visit |
| 6 | RSS.com | $11.99/mo | ❌ | Visit |
| 7 | Transistor | $19/mo | ❌ | Visit |
| 8 | Soundcloud | $99/yr | ❌ | Visit |
| 9 | Spreaker | $20/mo | ❌ | Visit |
| 10 | Acast | $14.99/mo | ✔️ | Visit |
| 11 | Streamyard | $49.99/mo | ✔️ | Visit |
What are the Best Podcast Hosting Platforms?
Regarding the best podcast hosting platforms, we believe all the ones we’ve included on our list will help you with your podcast. For our overall best pick, choose Buzzsprout. WordPress users or bloggers with podcasts can use Blubrry’s WordPress plugin, which makes adding your podcast episodes to your blog easy. Lastly, for the user focused on making money with their podcast, choose Podbean as your podcast hosting platform.
If you’re using WordPress, we’ve made an article about podcast plugins to help you find the right plugin to work with your podcast platform. Check it out today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Before we wrap up, let’s answer some of your most common questions regarding the best podcast hosting platforms. Did we miss one? Leave a question below, and we will respond!
What is the best podcast hosting platform?
What is the best free podcast hosting platform?
What is a podcast hosting platform?
How can I choose the best podcast hosting platform?
Can I host a podcast on multiple platforms?
Can you host a podcast for free?
What is the best podcast hosting platform for beginners?
Does Spotify offer podcast hosting?
Which platform hosts the most podcasts?
Should you host your podcast on multiple platforms?
Do you have any podcast hosting tips? Let us know in the comments section below!
Featured Image via Evgeniia Sergeeva / shutterstock.com
Buzzsprout
Blubrry
Podbean
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