Podcasts can attract millions of listeners, effectively becoming the contemporary equivalent of radio. What makes podcasts so impactful? A key factor is the collaboration between creators who seek to share their voice and audiences who are eager to be inspired by fresh ideas and solutions to their challenges.
Since the internet offers numerous options for storing and sharing your work, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of what you can anticipate from the podcast hosting site you opt for. To assist you in this process, we have compiled a list of the top 15 podcast hosts available and assessed the distinctive features of each platform, enabling you to pick a host that effectively showcases your storytelling abilities.
What Is Podcast Hosting And Why You Need It
Podcast hosting services store and distribute your content, preventing your website from experiencing any performance issues or delays caused by heavy audio files, while also enhancing accessibility.
Once you upload your content to a hosting platform, your podcast becomes instantly accessible to your audience on your website via their integrated web application. These hosts also facilitate easy sharing of your audio content to external streaming services like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Top Podcast Hosting Platforms
is a platform for hosting podcasts at no cost, designed for creating, sharing, and earning from your podcast, with the aim of giving everyone's stories a global audience. The service is operated by Spotify, a renowned audio streaming application, ensuring a reliable experience for users.
This free podcast hosting platform offers user-friendly tools for content creation, enabling you to record audio directly from your phone, tablet, or computer. Additionally, it provides intuitive editing features that simplify the editing process. Once your podcast is ready, distribution is straightforward. Through a dedicated section on the platform, you can efficiently manage your RSS feed and distribute your podcast across various directories and platforms.
One of the greatest features of Anchor is that it enables users to monetize their podcasts by incorporating a donation button for listener support. Moreover, you can generate revenue each time your audience listens to ads that you can personally record in your own voice. Finally, in April 2021, Anchor unveiled their introduction of paid subscriptions, providing creators with a simple method to offer exclusive paid content to their audience.
Plans:
If you choose Anchor to host your podcast, it's completely free. However, there is a file size limit of 250MB for uploads, typically affecting files longer than 15 minutes.
Key features:
Access to built-in uploading, recording, and editing tools
Effortless distribution to all major listening platforms
Possibility of monetization through sponsorships and listener donations
Podcast Websites was established by a team of podcasters who aimed to provide all the necessary tools for success to others. This solution can be seen as a comprehensive service that covers website creation and podcast hosting.
Their offerings include website hosting, round-the-clock support, and various educational resources to support your growth in the podcasting field. For instance, opting for their hosting service gives you access to an extensive video tutorial library, a supportive community, and monthly educational sessions through the Academy.
Available Plans:
There are two options for podcast hosting plans: one at $97 per month, billed monthly, and the second at $77 per month, billed annually. The latter plan includes your first RSS feed for free, while both plans offer unlimited monthly visits, a free domain name, and access to their video tutorial library.
Key Features:
Learning tools
24/7 support
Drag and drop page design
3. SoundCloud
SoundCloud is widely recognized as a prominent platform for music, yet its role as a popular podcast hosting service may not be as well-known. This expansion into podcasting aligns seamlessly with the company's core mission. Despite its music-centric focus, SoundCloud has organically evolved into a reputable host for podcasts.
Benefiting from its established reputation in the music industry, SoundCloud holds a distinct advantage in terms of brand recognition that sets it apart from other competitors. With a vast existing listener base, content creators can readily engage with a supportive community. SoundCloud's appeal also lies in its interactive features, enabling creators to connect with fans and receive real-time feedback. Additionally, their Pro Unlimited subscription offers valuable tools such as release scheduling, episode promotion, and detailed analytics.
Subscription Plans:
SoundCloud offers a streamlined selection of three subscription plans: a free option with a monthly three-hour upload limit for podcasts, and a premium plan priced at $135 per year, providing unlimited uploads, scheduled releases, and more.
Key Features:
Free podcast hosting plans
Direct fan interaction
Scheduled release capabilities
4. Megaphone
Megaphone is renowned not only for its podcast hosting services but also for its collaboration with advertisers. Their technology seamlessly brings together both aspects, catering particularly to enterprises and larger podcasters, ensuring success for all parties involved.
The platform offers a comprehensive range of services within the podcasting ecosystem, enabling users to not only publish content but also monetize it and track its performance. Their monetization strategies leverage cutting-edge targeting techniques to ensure that advertisements and content remain highly relevant. Users also have complete control over the placement and sequencing of ads and promotions in their shows, maximizing revenue potential.
Plans:
While pricing information is not currently available on their website, interested parties can request a quote through their contact page. Industry experts have noted that Megaphone maintains a minimum threshold for network participation and is primarily tailored towards larger publishers.
Key features:
Dynamic ad insertion and audience targeting
Responsive live chat customer support
Intuitive workflows
5. Blubrry
Blubrry takes pride in providing a seamless experience for individuals looking to embark on their podcasting journey. In addition to offering hosting and plugin capabilities, the platform boasts a diverse range of comprehensive statistics that are highly valued by users. Through their analytics feature, users can effortlessly stay informed about their metrics and gain valuable insights beyond mere listener numbers. For instance, users can pinpoint the geographical locations of their audience and identify the platforms through which they access the podcast.
Moreover, Blubrry transcends the conventional business-to-consumer (B2C) model by offering private podcasting services. This feature enables users to leverage the platform's secure audio and video functionalities for internal corporate communications, training purposes, interviews, and hosting guest speakers.
Plans:
Blubrry presents a range of tiered subscription plans tailored to varying monthly storage needs, with prices starting at $12 per month for 100MB of storage and scaling up to $100 for unlimited storage. All plans include professional statistics, unlimited bandwidth, a custom embedded player, and complimentary file migration services.
Key features:
Robust analytics for monitoring progress
Private podcasting capabilities
User-friendly plugins
6. Captivate
Captivate was developed by a team with a proven track record in the podcast industry, showcasing the platform's innovative approach. This podcast hosting service is focused on fostering growth, providing a diverse range of unique features aimed at empowering creators and equipping them with the necessary tools to establish a successful online presence.
Among the growth-oriented features of Captivate are a customizable mobile-friendly website, integration with mailing lists for effective email marketing campaigns, trackable attribution links, editable web player CTAs, a unified subscribe promotion link, educational resources in their growth labs, and a downloadable PDF report containing the latest statistics that can be utilized in a press kit or when engaging potential sponsors. Moreover, Captivate simplifies podcasters' workflows with tools such as a guest booking tool, dynamic show notes builder, dynamic ad and content insertion tool, episode planning section, and more. These innovative tools complement traditional podcast features like cross-platform distribution, comprehensive IAB certified analytics, custom plugins, and more.
Plans:
Captivate offers three pricing tiers ranging from $19 to $99 per month (with discounted rates for annual payments). Monthly downloads determine these tiers, with the Personal plan supporting up to 30,000 downloads, while the Professional and Business plans extend the limit to 150,000 and 300,000 downloads, respectively. All features in Captivate's lineup are available across all plans.
Highlighted Features:
Access to unlimited podcasts and team members, complemented by network functionalities
Incorporation of marketing resources like integrated calls-to-action, attribution links, sponsor kit, and more
Streamlined workflow tools including guest booking, dynamic show notes, as well as research and planning utilities
Intuitive analytical dashboard and IAB certified analytics, recognized in the industry
Personalized web player and SEO-optimized podcast website
Dynamic ad and content insertion tool (AMIE) with four comprehensive bulk editing options for managing pre, mid, and post rolls across the complete episode archive
Dedicated 24/7 customer service team with a reputation for excellence
7. Castos
Castos stands out for its exceptional feature of providing unlimited storage and bandwidth space across all plans, without any restrictions or limitations. This unlimited storage capacity is particularly beneficial for users looking to create longer episodes, experiment with new styles, or launch additional channels without the need to be mindful of recording time constraints.
Moreover, Castos excels in offering advanced functionalities such as the ability to automatically republish content on YouTube and generate podcast transcriptions, positioning it as a top choice for cross-platform publishing among podcast hosting platforms. These features not only enhance search engine optimization (SEO) but also elevate content visibility, crucial for expanding audience reach.
Plans:
subscription options are categorized into three tiers: Starter, Growth, and Pro, each catering to distinct user needs. The package names alone provide clarity in selecting the most suitable plan. Notably, all plans include unlimited podcasts, episode uploads, and downloads.
The primary differentiation among the plans, ranging from the $19/month Starter tier to the $99/month Pro tier, lies in the maximum number of private subscribers allowed. The Starter plan permits up to 100 subscribers, while the Pro plan extends this limit to 500 subscribers. For users uncertain about their growth trajectory, Castos offers a complimentary 14-day trial, enabling seamless upgrades at any point.
Key features:
Unlimited podcasts, episodes, and downloads across all plans
Automated YouTube republishing and transcription services
Consolidation of data from various listening platforms into a single dashboard
8. Audioboom
If you are interested in monetizing your podcast online, Audioboom emerges as a promising platform to fulfill your requirements. Positioned as a leading podcast hosting site specializing in content monetization, Audioboom operates under the motto "Host, distribute, and monetize your audio." The platform offers two distinct tiers: Podcasters and Podcaster Pros. The initial tier caters to content creators with an audience of fewer than 10,000 listeners per podcast episode, offering benefits such as unlimited episode hosting, cross-platform distribution tools, embeddable players, and advanced analytics.
Upon exceeding the 10,000 listener threshold per episode, podcasters are granted access to Podcaster Pros, along with a suite of monetization tools. Audioboom provides opportunities for established podcasters, including sponsorship avenues, a targeted ad network, branded content partnerships, premium sales services, live stream collaborations, and more.
Subscription Plans:
Audioboom provides a variety of tiered plans based on the monthly play count of your podcast. The foundational Podcasters plan starts at $9.99 per month for up to 10,000 monthly plays, with the option to upgrade to the Podcast Pros plan for unlimited plays per episode. Both plans include unlimited episode hosting, cross-platform distribution, analytics, and embeddable players. The platform's professional plan, designed for podcasters surpassing 10,000 listeners per episode, offers an array of monetization tools at a subscription cost that is not publicly disclosed.
Key Features:
- Monetization tools
- Multi-platform distribution
- Embeddable player and social media integration
9. SoundCloud
SoundCloud is widely recognized for its music platform, but it may come as a surprise to some that it also serves as a popular podcasting host. This strategic move by the company aligns seamlessly with its core focus on music, inadvertently establishing itself as a prominent player in the podcast hosting sphere.
Benefiting from its established reputation in the music industry, SoundCloud enjoys a significant "mindshare" advantage that sets it apart from other competitors. With a vast existing listener base, users have the opportunity to engage with a ready-made community. Noteworthy features that attract users to SoundCloud include the ability to interact with fans and receive immediate feedback. Additionally, the Pro Unlimited plan offers advanced functionalities such as scheduling releases, highlighting popular episodes, and accessing detailed analytics.
Subscription Plans:
SoundCloud offers a straightforward selection of three plans: a free podcast hosting option with a three-hour monthly upload limit, and a $135 annual plan providing unlimited uploads, scheduled releases, and more.
Key Features:
Free podcast hosting plans
Interactive fan engagement
Scheduled releases
10. Transistor
Transistor was introduced to the market just a few years ago and has rapidly established itself as one of the most prominent podcast hosting platforms available. Offering a comprehensive range of robust and user-friendly features, this platform caters to both major brands and aspiring content creators venturing into podcasting for the first time.
One of the standout features of Transistor is its provision of unlimited storage for an unlimited number of podcasts for all users. Additionally, users benefit from embedded code capabilities, professional website integration, distribution tools, and the option to customize domains. However, the real differentiator for Transistor is its sophisticated analytics dashboard, empowering users to monitor crucial statistics such as average downloads per episode, preferred listening apps, trends, and historical performance.
Plans:
Transistor presents three distinct subscription plans, priced between $19 and $99 per month, with the flexibility of monthly or yearly payment options. Opting for an annual plan entitles users to two months of complimentary service. All plans include unlimited podcast hosting, live customer support, detailed analytics, and the ability to personalize websites. Variances among the plans lie in the monthly download limits, additional users per podcast, and the quantity of private subscribers allowed.
Key features:
Advanced analytics
Multi-platform distribution
Unlimited podcasts
Key Features to Consider When Evaluating Podcast Hosting Platforms
Selecting the appropriate podcast hosting platform is essential for the prosperity of your podcast. Given the abundance of choices in the market, it can be daunting to determine the ideal starting point. Here are some fundamental attributes to prioritize in order to foster the growth of your podcast:
Storage and data transfer
Considerable storage capacity: When selecting a platform for hosting your podcast episodes, it is important to ensure that there is ample storage space to accommodate your current and future requirements. It is advisable to opt for plans that offer a minimum of 10GB of storage, with the flexibility to upgrade as your podcast expands.
Adequate bandwidth: Bandwidth plays a crucial role in determining the number of concurrent listeners for your episodes. It is recommended to choose a plan with sufficient bandwidth to support your anticipated audience size. While unlimited bandwidth is optimal, pay-as-you-go options can be cost-effective for emerging podcasts.
Audio quality and features
High-quality audio: Listeners expect good audio quality. Choose a host that supports high bitrate encoding (at least 128 kbps) for clear and professional-sounding episodes.
ID3 tag editing: Edit ID3 tags like title, artist and episode number to ensure your podcast displays correctly on podcast directories and players.
Chapter markers: Allow listeners to easily navigate through long episodes by adding chapter markers.
Distribution and analytics for podcasts
Automatic submission to directories: Choose a host that automatically submits your podcast to major directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts.
Detailed analytics: Track your podcast's performance with in-depth analytics, including downloads, listener demographics and playback locations. This data helps you understand your audience and refine your content strategy.
Embeddable podcast player: Easily share your podcast episodes on your website or blog with an embeddable player.
Supplementary functionalities
Monetization options: Certain platforms provide integrated monetization features such as podcast advertisements, subscription services, or listener contributions. If your primary objective is monetization, it is essential to verify that the platform you select aligns with your preferred method.
Website builder: Some hosting services offer website building tools to establish a basic landing page for your podcast. This can be advantageous for promoting your episodes and engaging with your audience.
Mobile app: Having a mobile application for managing your podcast and engaging with your audience can be a valuable resource, particularly for creators who are frequently on the move.
Podcast hosting FAQ
What are the key factors to consider when selecting the most suitable podcast hosting platform?
When selecting the optimal podcast hosting platform, it is essential to take into account various key factors. While cost is undoubtedly a significant consideration, it should not be the sole determining factor.
Other crucial elements to evaluate include tracking analytics, integration with a landing page or website, embeddable media player, audio quality, and monetization opportunities. Additionally, factors such as storage capacity, upload bandwidth, and download limits should be carefully considered. Depending on the scope of your podcasting endeavors, these factors can be prioritized to identify the most suitable hosting service for your specific requirements.