There are dozens of platforms where you can host and distribute your podcast and in this article, I’m going to simplify things for you and give you my top pick.
It’s easy to fall victim to analysis paralysis because podcast hosting platforms primarily serve the same function – they store your episode files and distribute them to podcast-listening apps via RRS feed. That’s why we’re not going to give you a ‘top ten list’. Because then you’re still going to have to figure out which of those is best!
So, out of the many platforms we and our clients have tested, we’re going to recommend our choice for the best platform overall. We’ll then offer one other recommendation for those with a small budget who might be posting episodes less often.
At the end in case you’re not convinced, I’ll let you know which hosting sites that I absolutely don’t recommend.
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The Best Podcast Hosting Site
Captivate is our overall number-one pick for the best podcast hosting site in 2024, based on the many that we’ve tested, our investigations and feedback from our clients.
Captivate goes above and beyond with a complete feature set. From robust analytics to advanced monetisation and private podcasting options. The website and players you can build are customisable and are included in all subscriptions. Captivate also offers the ability to import your podcast and analytical data from another host as well.
Captivate’s ad insertion feature, AMIE, allows you to seamlessly insert ads into past episodes, maximising your revenue potential without disrupting the listener experience.
Captivate also has an attractive and easy-to-use user interface. Navigating the platform is a breeze, making it effortless to upload episodes.
That’s not to say that other hosts don’t have these features. What sets Captivate apart from some is that everything is included and seamless, and the customer service is super reliable in our experience. It’s worth giving the trial ago, and seeing what else is out there to ensure it suits your preferences.
However, Captivate isn’t the cheapest option out there. At time of writing, if you’re paying monthly, you’ll be investing £19/$19 per month. This gets you up to 30,000 downloads per month and allows you to spread that across multiple podcasts if you have more than one.
If you’re looking for a podcast host, and don’t mind paying the premium, we recommend giving Captivate a try. You can sign up using our affiliate link and get 7 days free to test out its features.
Alternative Budget Pick
If you’re only publishing 1 or two episodes per month, and your budget doesn’t cater for a premium option like Captivate, Libsyn is a solid, low-cost alternative.
For just £5/$7 a month (at time of writing), you can access Libsyn’s tried-and-tested hosting platform. This plan comes with some limitations, such as basic stats and a cap of 3 hours of new uploads per month. But if you’re just starting out or posting episodes less frequently, these limitations shouldn’t be an issue.
Libsyn’s clean user interface makes it easy to upload and manage your episodes. Plus, features like one-click ID3 info-grabbing streamline the process. Libsyn also includes dynamic ad insertion and a customisable website and podcast player.
With two decades of experience under their belt, Libsyn knows their stuff.
Libsyn provides a scalable and affordable option for beginner podcasters. So if you’re looking to get your podcast off the ground without breaking the bank, give Libsyn a try.
Platforms We DON’T Recommend
When it comes to choosing a podcast hosting platform, it’s essential to make an informed decision that aligns with your goals and budget. While some platforms may seem enticing at first glance, there are reasons why we don’t recommend some of them. Let’s take a closer look.
Spotify for Podcasters
While Spotify is undoubtedly a popular platform for consuming podcasts, its hosting offering raises some concerns.
We don’t recommend free hosting platforms, particularly ones that are biased towards certain podcast apps. By hosting your podcast on Spotify for Podcasters, you essentially become part of their content ecosystem, potentially sacrificing control of your content. It’s feature set it also quite limited.
If you’re looking for a free hosting option, Acast provides a better alternative.
Buzzsprout
While Buzzsprout may seem like an attractive option with its popularity and seemingly affordable pricing, there are some drawbacks to consider.
One significant limitation is the platform’s automatic audio processing to mono audio, which can negatively impact the listening experience for your audience. While Buzzsprout offers a “Magic Mastering” feature bypass this, it comes at an additional cost. When you factor in the cost of upgrading to a plan that supports enough storage for a weekly hour-long podcast without compromising audio quality, you’re looking at a monthly fee of around $27. There are more cost-effective options available, such as Captivate, that offer a comprehensive feature set without the hassle.
Buzzsprout does offer a free tier, but it’s more or less useless, as episodes are deleted after 90 days of publication.
In any case, before you commit to a hosting platform, be sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully to find the best fit for your podcasting journey.
