25 Best Podcast Hosting Platforms (Plus Free Options)

Podcasts have become essential for individuals to express their ideas and become celebrity influencers for the better of a decade. Whether it's news, sports, or entertainment, a podcast is unquestionably one of the best ways to share your thoughts with the rest of the world. These 25 Best Podcast Hosting Platforms of 2023 (Plus Free Options) will help you make a better choice for your podcast hosting platform and help you with hands-on tips to optimize your podcasts.

However, you can't just wake up one day and start a successful podcast. It will necessitate extensive planning and diligence on your part. The most important decision you will make in the early stages is selecting a podcast hosting provider. Podcasters can use these services to upload their audio episodes.

After RSS feeds are automated, a podcast hosting service will send these uploads to directories like Google Podcasts, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc. Because of this, you should only choose a hosting provider that does both of these things well. Of course, this is easier to say than to do since there are so many podcast hosts.

What is a Podcast Host?

A podcast host is a website that stores the media files for your podcast sends them to the podcast directories you choose, and then sends your podcast to the people who want to listen to it. It is a specialized service that offers to store and deliver media files associated with a podcast.

Podcast hosting platforms connect the people who make podcasts to the directories where they want their podcasts to be listed.

Why Do You Need a Podcast Hosting Platform

Just like you need a website hosting service to store all your website files, podcast hosting offers the same service but for your podcast's media files.

- To store large media files

The best podcast hosting platforms can better store the media files that make up your podcast. This is because podcast recordings are usually huge files that need much storage space and bandwidth. A podcast hosting site has both of these things.

- To simplify podcast distribution

By giving you an RSS feed, podcast hosts make it much easier to share your podcasts. Distribution means sending your episodes to the podcast directories (or listening platforms) of your choice and then to your listeners.

●    To monitor your podcast's performance

Podcast hosting services give you helpful information about how well your podcast is doing, how your listeners interact with it, and more. This kind of information is beneficial for improving the content you put out.

- To grow your podcast

Now, podcast hosts do much more for you than just storing and sharing your podcast. Most big hosting sites have different tools to help you grow your podcast.

Related: 15 Best Audio Editing Software ( Best Audio Editing Software for Podcasts )

25 Best Podcast Hosting Platforms

1. Buzzsprout

Buzzsprout is one of the best podcast-hosting platforms for podcasters just starting. Since 2009, Buzzsprout has built a strong community of podcasters, including some of the best podcasters.

The podcast hosting platform will be more straightforward for you as a beginner. Just upload your file, and the rest will be taken care of. In addition, Buzzsprout will automatically send your episodes to the best podcast directories, ensuring that your podcast is available on all devices and apps.

Their podcast player can be embedded and looks excellent, and works well on all sizes of screens. It shows the cover art, buttons for sharing on social media, controls for skipping forward and backward, and more.

They also have a free plugin for WordPress that makes it even easier to embed. Buzzsprout can create a site for you if you don't want to do it yourself. You can change the way it looks and use your domain name. Even their paid plans limit how much space you can use and how much data you can send.

Features

- Customization: Buzzsprout gives you absolute control over the design of your podcast website. You can also insert your website into your custom URL.

- Advanced Statistics: This feature provides data on your performance and listeners.

- Automatic Episode Optimization: This feature takes the stress off your hands by automatically optimizing your episodes.

- Dynamic Content Tool: This feature allows you to edit segments in your podcast episodes.

- Get your podcasts listed in all major directories, such as Spotify, Google, Apple, and others.

- Pre-roll and post-roll segments with dynamic content can be added or removed.

- Inside Buzzsprout, you can transcribe your episodes.

- Other features include social media sharing, custom embedded players, multiple podcast management tools, promotion tools, unlimited team members, and more.

Pros

- There is a free plan available.

- Pricing plans are also very reasonable.

- Very simple to use and great for beginners.

- Allows for an unlimited number of team members.

Cons

- The analytics presented can be difficult to understand.

Pricing

The free plan has a few options to host each episode for up to 2 hours a month or 90 days. $12/month – Can upload 3 hours each month, unlimited hosting

$18/month – Can upload 6 hours each month, unlimited hosting

$24/month – Can upload 12 hours each month, unlimited hosting.

What We Think of Buzzsprout

Buzzsprout provides a podcast hosting platform that is simple to use, includes free learning materials, and offers excellent customer support. This, along with its numerous features, makes the platform one of the best podcast hosting platforms currently in use.

2. PodBean

PodBean has a simple, intuitive, and user-friendly interface that enables you to upload, supervise, publish, and promote your podcasts in minutes.

This hosting site is unique as it offers crowdfunding options for creators using its site. With PodBeans, you have a variety of ways to make money.PodBeans allows you to sell virtual tickets for your live streams, and it also allows you to receive virtual gifts. In addition, podBeans enables the conversion of these virtual items to cash.

It also has lovely design tools for hosting your website with customizable themes. You can also easily incorporate the Podbean podcast player into your WordPress posts and pages.

They also have podcast promotion tools that automatically submit your episodes to all top podcast directories. This promotion tool lets your audience listen to and download podcasts using their preferred devices.

Podbean also provides an advertising marketplace where podcasters can monetize their content. They also have a sizable podcasting community that already uses Podbean as their podcasting platform.

Features

- Obtain statistics on downloads, listener demographics, and so on.

- PodBean's live streaming application lets you chat and interact with your audience in real-time.

- Schedule your podcast posts for timely publication.

- Create stunning podcast cover art with many font, image, and template options.

- To find sponsors, list podcasts on PodBean's unique advertising marketplace.

Pros

The dedicated advertising marketplace simplifies monetization.

The possibilities for customization are truly fascinating.

The no-cost plan.

Apps for iOS and Android are available.

Cons

- Some features are lacking in the creation of cover art.

What We Think of Podbean

PodBean is one of the best podcast hosting platforms because it caters to podcasters who want to make a career out of their podcasting. It accomplishes this by providing simple monetization tools and many branding customization options.

Pricing

- Free Plan: 5 hours of storage space with a monthly bandwidth of 100 GB

- Paid plan for $9, $29, and $99 per month with Unlimited storage space and bandwidth for per month

3. Libsyn

Libsyn is yet another trustworthy and best podcast hosting platform. They provide an easy-to-use platform that puts your brand in the spotlight and assists you in promoting your podcast across various platforms, apps, and devices.

Libsyn was founded in 2004, making it one of the first podcast-hosting service providers. It was developed by podcasters for podcasters and had a large user base that includes some of the most influential podcasters.

This podcast service provider has an excellent user interface, making it simple to navigate and understand - even for inexperienced users. In addition, they provide a wide range of features ideal for new and experienced podcasters. For example, Libsyn Studio allows you to create and record a podcast using only your computer and no additional equipment. Because no other equipment is required, anyone can start podcasting right away, which is a massive advantage for Libsyn.

They also provide various options for offering subscriptions, running ads, and monetizing your podcast. So if you want to share your knowledge about a topic while also building a community around your show, Libsyn is a great option.

Features

- You can upload as many episodes as you want without worrying about exceeding your bandwidth limit.

- Advanced statistics provide in-depth information about your audience and their interaction with your show.

- The ad-free podcast website provides a professional appearance and feels without the hassle of dealing with advertisements.

- Monetization feature that enables you to run advertisements on your show and earn money from your episodes.

- The social promotion scheduler simplifies sharing your episodes on social media and reaching a larger audience.

- You can personalize the look and feel of your podcast player to match your brand.

Pros

- Libsyn is easy to reach and eager to assist with prompt customer service.

- Analytical reporting per the Advanced Advertising Industry Standard.

- Audio, video and PDF files can be hosted and distributed.

- RSS feed is 100% compatible with all major podcast streaming platforms.

- iOS and Android apps are tailored to your podcast's brand identity.

- Access to a variety of monetization tools.

- There are several ways to share and schedule your content in terms of posting options.

Cons

- Unlimited bandwidth and reach.

- Customer service is dependable.

- There is no free trial to try out the platform before purchasing a paid plan.

- Custom HTML5 media player.

Pricing

Pricing starts at $5 per month for 3 hours of new uploads and 162 MB of storage per month.

Based on the number of hourly uploads per month, you can choose from the following plans:

- 3 hours: $5

- 6 hours: $15

- 10 hours: $20

- 14 hours: $40

- 27 hours: $75

- 55 hours: $150

4. Spreaker

Podcasters can do everything on Spreaker. Spreaker has a way for everyone, from podcasters just starting to publishers making a lot of content to make their journeys smooth and profitable.

Spreaker is a podcast hosting platform where podcast listeners, podcast makers, and advertisers can meet (web and mobile apps). It makes it easy for any podcast creator to make money from their whole collection of podcasts.

Spreaker is another best podcast hosting platforms that distributes, hosts monetizes, and tracks your podcasts. With Spreaker, you can earn money from every audience stream. This platform is excellent for creators who aspire to take their podcast hosting career to the next level. It is also suitable for large brands.

Features

- Content management system enables podcasters of any "level" to automatically distribute new episodes to the major listening platforms (Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, iHeartRadio, Alexa, Deezer, etc.)

- Manage and schedule multiple podcasts from the same account, and set your monetization (via dynamic ad insertion) at the episode and show level.

- Team management features and collaborators are available

- Spreaker Has the IAB certified statistics.

- Multiple Podcast Distribution

- Analytics and Podcast Recording App

- Unlimited bandwidth and reach to millions of listeners

Pros

- Spreaker's fantastic set of features makes it simple to create and share a podcast with the rest of the world.

- Because of the All-in-One platform's simplicity, you won't need multiple tools to get your podcast online.

- Customer service is prompt and always willing to assist.

- Other shows are easily found and sorted by category and topic, making it simple to discover new content.

Cons

- When you reach a certain number of downloads, you start paying a higher rate, which may be a turnoff for some people.

- A few times, technical difficulties prevented a show recording from being uploaded.

Pricing

The free plan enables you to host 5 hours worth of podcast recording)

- The On-air- talent plan costs $8/month and allows for 100 hours of storage.

- The broadcaster plan costs $20/month and allows 500 hours of storage.

- The Anchorman plan comes at the price of $50/month and offers 1500 hours of storage.

- The publishers' plan offers unlimited storage and comes at the cost of $120/month.

5. RSS.com

RSS.com has been a hosting platform in the podcasting space since 2005. It's a podcast hosting site that's easy to use with its creative tools and resources. If you want your podcast to grow, RSS.com is the best way to do it. This service has unlimited storage and bandwidth, which is excellent for popular podcasts.

RSS.com also has a lot of tools, like the ability to schedule episodes and connect to social media, that makes it easy to manage your podcast and talk to your audience. Podcasters who use RSS.com seem to like how easy it is to get started with their platform. Most users can be up and running in just five minutes.

Podcasts can use RSS.com's partnerships to grow their audience, aside engaging online forum platforms, and find the right sponsor for their needs. Setting up a podcast is quick and easy.

RSS.com makes it easy for users to grow their podcasts, even if they only have a few episodes and end up with hundreds or thousands of regular listeners. Users can download and record as many episodes as they want and do this as often as they wish.

Detailed data and analytics help you tune and change your podcast to reach the most people. This kind of information is the key to taking your podcasting to the next level because it lets you change and focus on content that is relevant to your audience.

Features

- Create custom embedded platform-agnostic players, allowing you to showcase your podcast uniquely.

- Distribution to significant podcast directories such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts is automatic and guided.

- RSS.com provides several options for monetizing your podcast, including adding a donation button.

- Podcasters love RSS.com's service, with an NPS (net promoter score) of 63 and an average star rating of 4.9.

- Sponsorship opportunities through Podcorn and a donate button on your free public podcast website are two options for monetization.

- A professional-looking podcast website will lend legitimacy to your content, while episode transcription will make it easier for fans to follow along.

- Using another platform provider, you can easily export your current podcast to RSS.com and start using their service immediately.

Pros

- You get statistics on how well your podcast is doing and where your listeners are coming from are easily accessible.

- You can efficiently distribute content to various social media platforms with just a few clicks.

- Integrates with leading podcast distributors to ensure that as many people hear your show as possible.

Cons

- It can be challenging to keep track of your subscribers at times.

- The free version is quite limited in terms of what you can do and the number of shows you can have.

6. Simplecast

Simplecast allows you to record podcasts for Apple, Spotify, iTunes, and multiple directories. In addition, top brands like Facebook, Bazaar, Shopify, Medium, and Hollywood reporters use Simplecast for their podcasts.

Simplecast is known for its industry-leading features, which start at $15 per month. "From your first listen to your first million, Simplecast provides powerful tools needed to manage, distribute, share, and grow your podcast," they say on their website.

Simplecast podcast hosting platform has been in business for over six years and powers some of the most well-known podcast brands, such as Kickstarter, Nike, Facebook, and HBO.

Features

- Unlimited storage and uploads

- Podcasters can publish content across multiple audio-uploading channels with a single click. Includes a custom web domain and a "managing team" feature, which is ideal for multi-member podcasting teams.

- Multiple web players and podcast players.

- Integrated social media platform-sharing tools

- Recast tool that lets you schedule and share podcast clips on social media.

- Listener Report and Advanced Analytics

Pros

- Excellent customer service

- A fully-functioning website.

- User-efficiency

- Packages that are reasonably priced

- One-click publishing.
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