10 Best Podcast Hosting Platforms

Are you always the conversation starter in a group? Do you love talking about exciting ideas? 

If yes, you need a podcast! 

Podcasts are the latest trending platform to share your knowledge, all while sitting comfortably and talking. Besides having fun and talking about what you love, it’s also a new way to grow your business. It has been a massive industry for the past few years, with 62+ million podcast listeners in the US alone.

Let’s just say podcasts are the new radio.

As per podcast statistics by musicoomph, over 30 million podcast episodes are available on the web, and 850,000 active podcasts are spanning over 100 languages. 

So, if you haven’t considered podcasts as a medium to generate income and grow your business, then think again. 

Podcasting includes recording audio and uploading. However, it is entirely different from merely uploading your recordings to iTunes. First, you must host your audio files with podcast hosting. 

You might be wondering why can’t I host the files on my website. The thing is audio files require a lot of storage space and bandwidth to stream. Choosing to host your recording from your website can make your website laggy and prevent it from functioning properly. 

What is a Podcast Hosting Platform?

Podcast hosting simply stores your audio files. It is similar to website hosting. When you start a blog or a website, you require a web host to store your data. Similarly, you need a media host to start a podcast.

The host provides an RSS feed- a list of links to each episode, including your title, description, and image. You can simply submit the link to podcast directories like Apple, iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, and others to display your podcast content.

Podcast hosting further provides analytics, WordPress integration, and other features to track your impressions, audience insights, social media interaction, etc.

What to Look for in the Best Podcast Hosting Platform?

All podcast hosting companies nowadays offer to help you record, edit, launch, and monetize your podcast. 

 A good podcast host should focus on three significant aspects:

• Host your audio file
• Create an RSS link
• Adequate bandwidth for seamless streaming.

However, there are some other things you must consider before deciding the best podcast hosting platform. Below are some pointers: 

Hours of Monthly Audio Hosting

Before you pick a podcast host, you must know how many hours of monthly audio hosting you require per month. Most podcast hosts provide you two hours of upload time per month while others come with unlimited uploads.

If podcasting for you is a serious business, then you require at least 2 hours of monthly audio hosting in your plan.

Server Reliability and Bandwidth Options

If scalability is an essential factor, you must look into server reliability, bandwidth options, and uptime guarantees. Bandwidth specifies how much data will be transferred to your listeners in a month or a year.

Most of the premium plans offer unlimited storage, upload times, and monthly downloads. Ensure your host has flexible plans and does not prevent your listeners from accessing an episode if you meet your bandwidth limit for the month.

Signup Prices and Renewal Prices

Sign up costs and renewal prices differ most of the time while purchasing a host. To avoid confusion, research sign up prices and renewal prices. Most of the hosts come with a discount if you choose to pay annually instead of monthly. To test the product, you can use a free trial.

Analytics

Analytics is vital for a podcast hosting business. It provides a full picture of the demographics of your audience and additional data. It further aids in making the right decision and coming up with a long term strategy essential for an excellent podcasting website. 

Website Player

To monetize your podcast, it is crucial to have an embeddable player. The website player spares you the additional step of launching a podcast app and allows people to discover your podcasts directly in your browser. 

Essential Features

Hosts come with a lot of essential elements these days. Look for functions such as a free podcast website, Video format support, API and Alexa integration, and Transcripts to reap more benefits.

10 Best Podcast Hosting Platforms

To help you choose the ideal podcast hosting platform, we have developed the 10 best podcast hosting platforms’ handpicked list. It emphasizes the ease of use, pricing, customer service, audio quality, player embeds, analytics, storage options, and more to help you choose the right host for your podcasts.

1. Podbean

Podbean is a powerful host for your first foray into podcasting. It is affordable and has zero limitations on storage or bandwidth. Plus, it comes with tons of unique features to help with monetization.

With Podbean, you can create professional podcasts and get access to podcast websites. You can customize your branding by personalizing fonts, colors, and layouts. It’s easy to use your own domain and embed players on your site.

Podbean is famous for its extensive monetization opportunities. You can get sponsorship opportunities through Podbean Advertising Marketplace. 

If you are not into ads, then publishing premium content with subscriptions or fees is feasible with the premium podcast function. 

Likewise, generating income from your listener’s support is also possible with Podbean’s crowdfunding platform.

This hosting platform features powerful analytics that provides extensive information on your podcast’s performance over time. You get to view audience numbers, performance trends, and downloads.

This podcast host is mobile-friendly, meaning your audience can get your content anywhere with Podbean iPhone and Android apps.

Podbean has been in business since 2006 and is trusted by over 300,000 podcasters around the world.

Key features: 

• Comprehensive statistics
• Social sharing tools
• Monetization opportunities
• iPhone and Android App
• Reliable media hosting

Bandwidth: Unlimited

Podcast analytics: Available

RSS support: Available

Website host: Available

Use your domain: Available

Free version: Available for a month

Cost: 

• Unlimited Audio: $9 per month if paid annually or $14 monthly
• Unlimited Plus: $29 per month if paid annually or $39 monthly

2. Buzzsprout

Buzzsprout is a fantastic podcast hosting platform for podcasters seeking a simple, quick, and easy-to-use platform. It features top-notch design, ease of use, good value, and a simple pricing scheme.

The free plan lets you upload 2 hours of content, which is hosted for 90 days. But you can also upgrade your plan based on how many hours of content you want to upload per month.

It comes with a dashboard focused on allowing you more time to create content rather than fiddling around with the uploads. It further allows you to embed a podcast player on your website. 

The standout feature is the import tool, which can transfer you from another host in no time. It also features episode chapter markers. This allows you to understand better where you left off. 

With this host, it is super easy to upload and schedule your podcast. It also helps you to make money with an affiliate marketplace embed. 

Buzzfeed has been in business since 2009 and is trusted by over 100,000 podcasters. Additionally, it is the only host offering a free plan with unlimited team member accounts.

Key features: 

• Unlimited storage capacity
• Podcast platform migration
• Promotion and engagement tools
• Comprehensive analytics
• Monetization opportunities

Bandwidth: 250GB/month

Podcast analytics: Available

RSS support: Available

Website host: Available

Use your domain: Available

Free version: Available (2 hours of audio per month. No ads, episodes are deleted after 90 days)

Cost: 

• $12 per month – 3hrs of audio per month
• $18 per month – 6hrs of audio per month
• $24 per month – 12hrs of audio per month

3. Castos

Castos is a feature-packed podcasting plugin for WordPress. It has top-notch features paired with an easy to use user interface.

This hosting platform comes with all the essential features like unlimited storage, unlimited podcasts, and unlimited bandwidth.

Another remarkable feature is the automatic transcription. Once you upload your audio file, it promptly returns a transcription to your Castos dashboard. Either copy and paste or download a PDF version of the transcript to add to your site.

Likewise, you can easily migrate all your shows and episodes from another platform with no charge. 

Castos allows you to publish to YouTube and customize your podcast player. You can also track your podcast’s performances with a detailed analysis of total listens, top episodes, audience demographics, etc.

It lets you control your brand with customizable podcast pages. It comes with a distinct responsive landing page for each podcast. This way, your audience can easily subscribe, search episodes, and connect with you on social media.

Key features: 

• Unlimited storage capacity
• Podcast editing services
• Audiogram and Youtube integration
• Built-in transcriptions
• Distinct landing page for podcasts

Bandwidth: Unlimited

Podcast analytics: Available

RSS support: Available

Website host: Available

Use your domain: Available

Free version: Available for 14 days

Cost:

Starter: $19 per month. 

Growth: $49 per month. 

Pro: $99 per month. 

4. Blubrry

Blubrry is the most flexible tool for podcasting. It offers a top-tier content delivery network within your website.

With Blubrry, you receive no-fault podcast hosting. This allows customers to increase their monthly storage at no additional cost. 

This flexible hosting platform provides you with longtail podcasting. It means you can easily edit and republish previous episodes without worrying about additional costs. 

If you wish to change your host, then migrating your content is absolutely free. 

Blubrry is optimized for podcast directories, like iTunes, Google Play, and Podcasting. Adding different media, such as audio, videos, artworks, and audiobooks, are easy with this hosting platform.  

Key features:

•  PowerPress plugin integrated
• Advanced Statistics
•  No-fault hosting 
• FTP or Web upload options
• Free migration
• Media integration

Bandwidth: Unlimited

Podcast analytics: Available

RSS support: Available

Website host: Available

Free version: 1-month trial available 

Cost: 

• Small: $12/month for 100MB
• Medium: $20/month for 250MB
• Large: $40/month for 500MB
• Extra Large: $80/month for 1,000MB (1GB)
• Professional: Unlimited Storage

5. Transistor

Transistor is an incredible podcast hosting platform that’s ideal for creative businesses and professional podcasters.

With this hosting platform, you can publish your podcasts to various podcasting directories such as Spotify, iTunes, Apple Podcasts, Overcast, and many more. 

Transistor features unique analytics that comes with detailed statistics, such as listener trends, average downloads per episode, and total subscribers. 

Using Transistor, you can embed podcast players on your website in a variety of ways.

This hosting platform offers top-notch features at an affordable price. It is very accessible to beginners and professionals alike.

Key features: 

• Podcast promotion tools
• Host multiple podcasts
• Embeddable podcast player
• Comprehensive analytics
• Easy to use

Bandwidth: Unlimited

Podcast analytics: Available

RSS support: Available

Website host: Available

Use your domain: Available

Free version: 4 days trial available 

Cost: 

Starter: $19 per month (unlimited podcasts, 2 users per podcast, 10,000 monthly downloads)

Professional: $49 a month (same as above with 5 users per podcast and 50,000 downloads)

Business: $99 a month (10 users per podcast and 150,000 downloads)

6. Captivate

Captivate is a perfect tool for podcasters to increase its audience and profile.

With Captivate, you can add/insert call-to-action buttons in the podcast. This way, you can grow your traffic and generate leads.

Captivate is Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) certified, which means their analytics are insightful and easy to understand. 

You get an unlimited team member board to highlight your team and focus on your show’s workflow. Additionally, it focuses on maximum exposure and includes all links to major podcast directories.

Key features: 

• Default publish time
• Full transparency mode
• Unlimited podcasts
• Growth-oriented

Altiu integrated

Bandwidth: Unlimited

Podcast analytics: Available

RSS support: Available

Website host: Available

Use your domain: Available

Free version: 7 days of free trial available

Cost: 

Podcaster plan: $19 / month, 12,000 downloads per month

Audio Influencer: $49 / month, 60,000 downloads per month

Podcast Brand: $99 / month, 150,000 downloads per month

7. Simplecast

Simplecast offers impressive features equipping podcasters with industry-leading publishing, distribution, analytics, and sharing tools.

Simplecast has powerful tools used on all podcasting stages, including a full-functioning website, different web players, one-click podcast publishing, and several advanced analytic tools.

With unlimited uploads, unlimited storage, and distribution features for all major platforms, it’s not hard to see why many major brands have chosen the hosting site.

One of the site’s standout features is the Recast™ tool, allowing users to schedule and share podcast clips to social media. Simplecast also allows for collaboration by multiple users with a single account. 

Key features:

•  Unlimited storage
•  Multiple users and access levels
• Embed player and Recast.

Bandwidth: Unlimited

Podcast analytics: Available

RSS support: Available

Website host: Available

Use your domain: Available

Free version: Available 

Cost: 

• Basic – $15 a month, or $13.50 a month if prepaid annually
• Essential – $35 a month, or $31.50 a month if prepaid annually
• Growth – $85 a month, or $76.50 a month if prepaid annually

8. Spreaker

Spreaker is a mobile-friendly hosting platform that works well on both desktop and smartphones.

With Spreaker, you can monitor all aspects of your podcasts. Be it scheduling episodes, managing multiple podcasts, or publishing on social media platforms, you can do it all from one podcast homepage.

Reach millions of listeners by distributing it with a click across all major podcasting directories.

Earning from your podcast is quite easy as it has a unique monetization program that provides complete control over your ads.

Easily know your audiences and evaluate progress with real-time statistics that include location, devices, demographics, and performance over time.

Key features: 

• Full-featured desktop and mobile apps
•  Easy to use
• Social media sharing
• Real-time statistics
• Monetization opportunities
•  Live chat

Bandwidth:

Podcast analytics: Available

RSS support: Available

Website host: Available

Free version: 1-month trial version available 

Cost: 

• Anchorman: $50 per month or $45per month if paid annually
• Broadcaster: $18 per month or $20 per month if paid annually
• On-air talent:$6 per month or $7per month if paid annually

9. Libsyn

Libsyn is a user-friendly hosting platform for beginners and professional podcasters alike. It features tons of useful tools arranged perfectly for easy navigation and learning. 

With Libsyn, you can host both video and audio and garner more audience. It comes with a podcast RSS feed generator and HTML5 audio and video player.

Your listeners can access your podcasts anywhere and anytime with a custom mobile app for iOS and Android. 

If you wish to earn money through your podcasts, Libsyn helps monetize via distribution and other monetizing tools.

Key features:

•  Full-service production
• Detailed audience statistics
• Monetization options
• Player and podcast pages
• Customized smartphone apps

Bandwidth: Unlimited

Podcast analytics: Available

RSS support: Available

Website host: Available

Use your domain: Not Available

Free version: Not Available

Cost: 

• Libsyn Classic 50: $5 per month.
• Libsyn Classic 250: $15 a month to add 250 MB of data monthly. 
• Libsyn Advanced 400: $20 per month for 400 MB of extra data storage per month. Additional 200Mb for $10 more per month. 
• Libsyn Advanced 800: $40 a month for 800 MB of extra data per month. 
• Libsyn Advanced 1500: $75 / month for near-unlimited data hosting.
• Libsyn Advanced 3000: $150 / month for even more storage (1500mb)

10. Audioboom

Audioboom is just the platform to host, distribute, and monetize your podcasts. It comes with two categories: one that caters to the starters, individual podcasters, and another for podcasters with a larger audience.

Your podcast is distributed to major podcast directories, like iTunes, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, etc.

If you exceed 10,000 plays per episode, the Audio boom also helps you with monetizing your site. With this hosting platform, you get advanced analytics classified according to apps, geography, audience demographics, devices, etc.

Key features:

•  Full-service production
• Unlimited episodes
• 10, 000 plays per month (25,000 with the Plus Plan

Bandwidth: Unlimited

Podcast analytics: Available

RSS support: Available

Website host: Available

Use your domain: Not Available

Free version: Available 14 day trial

Cost:  $9.99 per month or $99 per year

11. Fusebox

Fusebox is a seamless podcast hosting platform particularly designed for beginners and professional podcasters. It features many impressive functionalities, such as email capture, custom colors, speed control, custom sort, etc.

With Fusebox, you get a transcript plugin paired with SEO-friendly live text. You get to customize the colors of your podcast player and embed it to your site.

Visitors can easily share your podcast straight to the social media platform using social share. Similarly, you can easily track your audio from the exact moment you left with timestamps.

Key features: 

• Email capture
• SEO-friendly live text
• Custom colors
• Social sharing
• Timestamps

Bandwidth: 250GB/month

Podcast analytics: Available

RSS support: Available

Website host: Available

Free version: Available 

Cost: $8 per month

What Podcast Platforms Should I Publish My Podcast On ?

Once you choose your podcast host, where do you publish your podcast? 

It’s pretty easy.

 After you upload your files to your podcast host, it’s up to you to decide where your audience will find you.

 Many podcast hosting services allow you to automatically submit your recordings to different podcast directories and search engines.

 However, to help you, here are some of the most popular podcast platforms.

How to submit your podcasts to iTunes?

  iTunes falls amongst the most popular podcast apps. Here is how you can get your podcast uploaded. 

1. First, make sure you have an active Apple ID to submit your podcast.

2. Sign in to iTunes Connect.

3. Click on the top-left area of the podcast dashboard and enter your RSS feed into the text box.

4. All of your podcast’s information will load from your podcast host and show you a feed preview. Make sure that all of your text and artwork looks ready to go.

5. Click submit and wait for the approval.

How to submit your podcasts to Google Play?

Google Play music is one of the popular platforms to post your podcasts. 

• Visit the Google Play Podcast Portal (opens in new tab)
• Click the “Add A Podcast” Button
• Paste in your podcast’s RSS feed URL
• Click “Submit RSS Feed”
• Verify Ownership (uses email in RSS feed)
• Review your podcast info
• Click “Publish Podcast”
• Wait For Approval

How to submit your podcasts to TuneIn?

Submitting to TuneIn is effortless. Within a few minutes, you can ask Alexa to play your podcast.

• Go to TuneIn’s podcast submission page
• Fill in the required feed details
• Wait for approval

How to submit your podcasts to Stitcher?

• Create a Content Provider profile here
• Once you’re logged in to your newly created account click the “Add Show” button
• Add your RSS feed and show details and submit
• Wait for approval

How to submit your podcasts to Spotify?

• Verify your podcast meets Spotify’s requirements. …
• Create a Spotify account. …
• Agree to the Terms & Conditions. …
• Enter your RSS feed link. …
• Verify you own the podcast. …
• Enter details about your podcast. …
• Review and submit your podcast.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Conclusion

While choosing the best podcast hosting platform, first evaluate the platform’s features. The host you select must cater to all your requirements.

If you want a generous free plan full of top-notch features, BuzzSprout and PodBean are the best ones. But, if you are looking for hosts compliant with WordPress, you should go for Castos or Blubrry.

Likewise, choose Transistor for multiple shows under the same account and grow professionally. However, if ease of use is your primary focus, PodBean is an excellent option.

And of course, don’t forget to examine which hosts can promote you with marketing, ads, monetization, crowdsourcing, expert guidance, and more. 

So, pick the best podcast hosting platform that best suits your needs. Feel free to let us know your feedback, comments, and podcast hosting suggestions below!