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Why use a podcast hosting platform?
A podcast hosting platform is an online service where creators can store and distribute their audio content.
These platforms offer tools for downloading, hosting, and sometimes even recording podcasts.
They also make it possible to generate RSS feeds to facilitate distribution on various listening platforms such as Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
The main purpose of these platforms is to provide a centralized location to manage episodes, get audience analytics, and sometimes monetize podcasts through ads or subscriptions.
What is the best podcast hosting platform?
1. Ausha
Premium Podcast Hosting
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Ausha is positioned as an essential solution for hosting podcasts.
Features
- Intuitive management: Simplified interface to manage your podcasts.
- Multiplatform distribution: Host and publish on a variety of platforms.
- Promotion tools: Resources to increase the visibility of your podcast.
- In-depth analyses: Detailed statistics to track auditor engagement.
Pricing
- Launch: €11/month (annual) or €13/month.
- Boost: €24/month (annual) or €29/month.
- Supersonic: €57/month (annual) or €69/month.
SEE MORE: Try Ausha Now
It offers an intuitive platform for managing, distributing, and promoting your podcasts. Its hosting feature includes unlimited storage and the ability to stream your episodes on 14 different platforms.
The pricing plans, tailored to a variety of needs, include options for detailed listener analytics and promotion tools to maximize the reach of your podcasts.
2. Buzzsprout
Simple & intuitive - you can start for free.
Buzzsprout is presented as a user-friendly podcast hosting platform that is ideal for beginners. It is easy to use, with a free plan to test its functionalities.
Features
- Easy download : drag and drop audio files.
- Advanced statistics : detailed follow-up of the auditors.
- Integration on the website : addition of a customizable podcast player.
- Support for various formats : compatibility with several audio file formats.
Pricing
- Gratuit : 2 hours per month, accommodation for 90 days.
- $12/month : 3 hours per month, unlimited hosting.
- $18/month : 6 hours per month.
- $24/month : 12 hours per month.
Buzzsprout
Buzzsprout is perfect for those entering the podcasting world thanks to its ease of use.
However, the limited storage in the free plan and the additional cost for overtime may be a constraint for more advanced users or users with greater needs.
3. Fusebox
Fusebox is a podcast hosting platform designed by podcaster Pat Flynn. It offers unique features to improve the integration of podcasts on websites. With advanced customization tools and an SEO-friendly transcription plugin, Fusebox stands out for its ease of use and flexibility.
Features
- Website integration: Easily integrated into any web page.
- Transcription plugin: Automatic transcripts for SEO.
- 3 Customizable Readers: Varied options for displaying podcasts.
- Player Customization: Colors and shapes of the adjustable buttons.
Pricing
- Free: 3 free podcasts, up to 10,000 views/month.
- Pro (Yearly): $15.83/month.
- Pro (Monthly): $19/month.
Fusebox
Fusebox is ideal for podcasters who want a careful integration on their website, with excellent reader personalization. However, the view limits in the free plan and the cost for the Pro plan could be factors to consider for users with a large audience.
4. Transistor
Transistor, launched in 2018, quickly established itself as a podcast hosting platform appreciated for its elegant interface and collaboration options. This platform makes it possible to create multiple podcasts at no additional cost, offering easy distribution on platforms such as Apple and Spotify, as well as robust analytics.
Features
- Multiple Hosting at No Extra Cost: Unlimited number of episodes per podcast.
- Facilitated distribution: Easy sharing on popular platforms.
- Detailed analyses: In-depth insights on downloads and engagement.
- Simple integration: Direct integration on websites and private RSS feeds.
Pricing
- Starter plan: $19/month, 15,000 downloads/month.
- Professional Plan: $49/month, 75,000 downloads/month.
- Business plan: $99/month, 200,000 downloads/month.
Transistor
Transistor is ideal for those looking for a platform that offers detailed analytics and the ability to manage multiple podcasts.
However, pricing can be a drag for newbies or smaller-scale podcasts.
5. PodBean
PodBean, active for fifteen years, is a versatile podcast hosting and distribution platform, offering solutions adapted to all levels of podcasters.
Features
- Unlimited podcasting: Offers unlimited storage and bandwidth in paid plans.
- Advanced analytics: In-depth understanding of the public with geolocation and usage data.
- Customization: Advanced options to customize the look of the site and the podcast player.
- Crowdfunding: Unique program to monetize and support creators.
Pricing
- Free: 5 hours of storage, 100GB bandwidth/month
- Unlimited audio: $9/month for unlimited storage and bandwidth.
- Unlimited Plus: $29/month, includes additional features.
Podbean
PodBean stands out for its customization capabilities and monetization options, making it appealing to podcasters of all levels. However, podcasters looking for more advanced features may need to opt for the paid plans.
5. Castos
Castos is distinguished by its unlimited podcast hosting offer, with no bandwidth or storage restrictions. Ideal for emerging creators, Castos also offers private podcasts for a small audience.
Features
- WordPress plugin: Seriously Simple Podcasting for easy management via WordPress.
- Automatic publication on YouTube: Automatic conversion and publication of audio podcasts into videos.
- Complete analyses: Detailed monitoring of listening time and engagement, with statistics based on geolocation.
- Publishing Services: Dedicated team for the production of podcasts.
Pricing
- Starter: €190/year for max. 100 private subscribers
- Growth: 490 €/year for 250 private subscribers max.
- Pro: 990 €/year for 500 private subscribers max.
Try Castos
Castos is ideal for those looking for WordPress integration and effortless YouTube delivery, but professional publishing services can be an additional cost.
6. Captivate
Captivate is presented as a podcasting platform focused on growth, combining stability and engagement tools.
Features
- Unlimited storage: Unlimited download space except for downloads.
- IAB analyses: Advanced analytics tools certified by the Interactive Advertising Bureau.
- Captivate Sync: WordPress plugin for easy podcast management.
- Captivate Sites: Allows you to create a website dedicated to the podcast.
Pricing
- Staff: $19/month for 12,000 downloads/month and a private podcast (150 subscribers).
- Professional: $49/month for 60,000 downloads/month and a private podcast (500 subscribers).
- Business: $99/month for 150,000 downloads/month and three private podcasts (1000 subscribers/podcast).
Try Captivate
Captivate is ideal for podcasters looking for a stable platform with analytics and growth tools, but download limitations might be a disadvantage for some.
7. Spreaker
Spreaker stands out as an integrated platform for podcasters, offering tools for recording, managing, distributing, and monetizing podcasts.
Features
- Spreaker Studio: Allows you to record and stream podcasts with audio mixing options and a library of sound effects.
- Corporate podcasting: Manage podcasts at scale, ideal for monetization and team management.
- Collaboration Management: Enables the creation and management of teams with prioritized permissions.
- Customization and Integration: API integration with CMS and private RSS feeds for exclusive content sharing.
Pricing
- Starter: Free, hosting several podcasts.
- On-Air Talent: Starting at $6/month, offering customizable RSS feeds and monetization options.
- Broadcaster: $18/month, with advanced stats and limited-access podcasts.
- Anchorman: $45/month (billed annually), includes comprehensive analytics and customization options.
- Publisher (Enterprise): $120/month, aimed at large businesses with advertising tools and priority support.
Try Spreaker
Spreaker is particularly suited to professional podcasters and businesses, offering a comprehensive range of services for managing and monetizing podcasts.
8. Acast
Acast is positioned as a versatile platform for hosting, monetizing, and growing podcasts, offering advanced features to attract and engage audiences.
Features
- Business Support: Acast helps the growth of podcasts with a dedicated team for account management, marketing, and promotion.
- Centralized Dashboard: Enables the complete management of podcasts and teams through a personalized interface.
- Acast Radar: Analysis tool compliant with IAB 2.0, GDPR, and CCPA standards for real-time revenue monitoring.
- Customisable built-in player: An aesthetic reader that is easy to integrate on websites.
Pricing
- Free Starter Plan: Offers a podcast RSS feed, basic analytics, and a podcast website.
- Influencer Plan: Starting at $14.99/month (billed annually), with advanced analytics, customizable podcast website, and Patreon integration.
- Ace plan: Starting at $29.99/month, includes publishing API and advanced support.
- Customized plans: For established podcasters, with a dedicated service from Acast.
Try Acast
Acast is ideal for anyone looking for a comprehensive solution for growing and monetizing their podcasts, with a range of features for creators of all levels.
9. SoundCloud.
The world's largest audio hosting service - It's more of a social media outlet for podcast listeners around the world.
SoundCloud is positioned as a major audio hosting platform, focused on a social approach to connect podcasters and listeners.
Features
- Extended Community: Over 135 million users, offering an excellent promotion opportunity.
- Social interface: Easy to use, allowing interaction between creators and audience.
- Advanced analytics: Detailed statistics available, including on the Pro account.
- Networking and Interaction: Thematic groups to connect similar creators.
Pricing
- Basic Plan: Free, with 3 hours of storage and basic stats.
- Repost Plan: $2.50/month (billed annually), includes premium services and promotional tools.
- Unlimited plan: $12/month (billed annually), for unlimited download time and monetization.
Try SoundCloud
SoundCloud is ideal for podcasters looking to connect to a large audience and benefit from a platform that is both social and analytical.
10. Anchor.
User friendly and 100% free podcast creation and hosting platform for beginners.
Anchor is presented as an intuitive and completely free platform for creating and hosting podcasts. Acquired by Spotify, it offers a reliable and easy to access service.
Features
- Free Unlimited Hosting: Access to unlimited hosting and distribution via the RSS feed.
- Commitment Analysis: Extensive analytics tools provided by Spotify that comply with IAB 2.0 standards.
- Flexible Design Tools: Recording from various devices, downloading existing audio.
- Intuitive Design and Collaboration: Clean interface, collaborative recording for several stakeholders.
Pricing
- Total free: Anchor is available at no cost.
Try Anchor
Anchor is ideal for podcasting beginners, offering a complete platform at no cost, backed by Spotify technology and resources.
11. Zencast.
Zencast is presented as a platform of choice for the distribution of podcasts on various platforms. It offers unlimited hosting and downloads with no ads.
Features
- Unlimited Hosting and Downloads: No restrictions on the number of episodes or downloads.
- Automatic Podcast Website: Automatic update of podcasts on the dedicated site.
- Integrated Reader and Multiple Distribution: Easy integration on sites and distribution on various directories like Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify.
- Analyses and Integrations: Performance monitoring with integration with Google Analytics.
Pricing
- Hobby: $12/month, unlimited episodes, automatic publishing, built-in player, standard analytics.
- Professional: $35/month, episode scheduler, review tracker, CDN, advanced analytics.
- Plus: $89/month, private podcasts, custom reports, unlimited contributors.
Try Zencast
Zencast is suitable for podcasters looking for a platform that is ad-free and offers advanced features for distribution and analytics.
Key Strategies for Publishing Your Podcast: Major Platforms and Submission Procedures
To publish a podcast, after choosing a hosting platform, you will need to decide where your audience can find you. Here are the steps for publishing on the main platforms:
- Apple Podcasts: Use an Apple ID to submit via iTunes Connect.
- Google Play: Sign in with a Google account and submit the RSS feed.
- TuneIn: Complete their contact form and wait for approval.
- Stitcher: Apply on their supplier page, add your RSS feed.
- Spotify: Use the Spotify for Podcasters beta program to submit the RSS feed.
These directories allow you to reach a large audience and automatically update your feeds after each episode.
FAQs
Is starting a podcast worth it?
Starting a podcast is worth it if you have all the necessary and unique skills for podcasting. You need to be a great speaker, entertainer, self-promoter, digital marketer, and be ready to put a lot of time into marketing your podcast and building your audience.
If you started a podcast for the sole purpose of Make money online, there are simpler solutions, such as learning To create a blog. However, you can succeed, but the chances of success are very low.
The vast majority of podcasts are not successful because podcasters don't have the
Knowledge in digital marketing or relationship building skills to make them successful.
Can you make money with a podcast?
Yes, you can make money with a podcast, but you need to build an audience first. Once you've built an audience, you can't make money with sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and product sales.
The main way to make money with a podcast is by selling sponsorships (advertising slots) to businesses that want to be mentioned on your show. You can sell these slots in increments of 5, 10, 20, or even an entire year to make sure your slots are filled.
Another good way to earn money is to participate in affiliate programs. By naming a web page to visit on air and linking to it in the program notes, you can boost sales for other businesses and earn a commission.
Summary.
The review of the best podcast hosting platforms convinced me that the noise around podcast hosting platforms is real - you just need to find what works for you to hit the right chord.
That said, podcasts require a lot of work, from naming to editing, storing, and monetizing.
The podcast hosting platform you invest in today can make a difference in your future success as a podcaster. So look at all aspects such as marketing, monetization, and support before choosing one.
If you have any other ideas or questions about the hosting platforms reviewed above, let me know in the comments. Please feel free to share this article.
Further reading: Check out my comprehensive guides to How to start a podcast and on the best software to create and edit a podcast to record and edit your shows.
You can also read my full review on Buzzsprout for more information.
And if you're looking to incorporate video into your monetization strategy, read my reviews on best online course platforms.
