Podcasts require a reliable hosting service to store data like your mp3s and podcast feed. Finding the right podcast hosting can be challenging because many great options exist, and new ones are constantly popping up.
Podcast hosting is essential for growing your audience and managing your files. This specific type of hosting optimizes your podcast for the user by adding cool features that convert casual listeners into long-term followers.
In this article
- What Is Podcast Hosting?
- The 7 Best Podcast Hosting Services
- 1. BuzzSprout
- 2. Podbean
- 3. Blubrry
- 4. Libsyn
- 5. Captivate
- 6. Transistor
- 7. Castos
- Wrap Up
What Is Podcast Hosting?
Podcast hosting services store and deliver various media files that are affiliated with a podcast. These hosting services are comparable to a web hosting service, the only difference being that they are geared to handle large media files.
While considering which podcast hosting service is the best option, you will also want to consider how to get those media files to your intended audience. Fortunately, most podcast hosting services will assist in getting your podcast distributed on major podcasting platforms such as Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts.
Essentially, the podcast host provides you with an RSS feed link. To distribute your content, you simply submit this link to any podcast distributors that you want to be associated with. Now, any time you upload new episodes to your podcast hosting service, your listeners automatically receive the content through the RSS feed.
Over time, and as your podcast evolves, it’s likely you will require more than just basic podcasting services. Knowing all the various features your podcast hosting platform offers ultimately makes your podcasting expansion and evolution easier.
The 7 Best Podcast Hosting Services
Check out these top 7 options for the best podcast hosting for beginners:
1. BuzzSprout
Buzzsprout is the ultimate podcast host for beginners. It has an excellent interface that is easy to navigate, letting you spend more time working on your content than fiddling around with settings. Don’t let the simplicity fool you; top podcasters use BuzzSprout.
BuzzSprout will automatically submit your episodes to the top directories, so all you have to do is upload your media file. Your podcast will be available on all devices and includes convenient integrations.
You can customize your website or easily add a WordPress plugin to an existing site. Browse the affiliate marketplace and integrate a monetization method so that you can get paid for all of your hard work.
Take advantage of the free podcast hosting option before you buy.
Pricing: Varies based on needs. Start with a free plan and work your way up to their top-tier package for $24 a month.
Special offers: 90-day free trial
2. Podbean
Podbean is an affordable option for new podcasters and offers unlimited hosting plans and bandwidth. Design your website with tools and customizable themes; let Podbean automatically send your podcast to the top directories where people can download and listen on any device.
Join the large community at Podbean who are monetizing their podcasts through the advertising marketplace. This hosting provider continuously makes strides in providing innovative tools and new ways to make money podcasting. Easily place ads on your media and grow your following.
Pricing: Plans include $9/month, $29/month, and $99/month
Special offers: Sign up for free and try before you buy.
3. Blubrry
Blubrry is an easy podcast hosting service with flexible plans for beginners and experienced podcasters. Blubrry is one of the first legitimate hosting services for podcasts and has a large community that continues to support them.
Its popular WordPress plugin, PowerPress, can easily be installed on your website, allowing you to manage your podcasts. Seamlessly upload your episodes to your provider, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.
Other helpful features from Blubrry include social sharing buttons, easy sponsorship, and monetization.
Pricing: The standard plan is $12 a month, and the advanced plan is $20 a month.
Special offers: A 30-day free trial when you sign up for the advanced plan.
4. Libsyn
Libsyn is a great option for both beginner and expert podcasters. Its platform is easy to use and provides quality, reliable service for your podcasting needs. This platform was created by podcasters, and it is one of the originals in the industry. You will be amongst a large community with many top influencers.
Libsyn has many helpful features:
- WordPress plugin
- Monetization options
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Analytics analysis
- Enterprise offerings.
Pricing: $5 to $150 a month (mainly dependent on how much storage you need)
Special offers: None at this time
5. Captivate
Captivate allows you to quickly start or move a podcast on their simple hosting service. Captivate has an excellent dashboard, making it easy to navigate the platform and focus on your unique content.
The creators behind this hosting service provide advanced analytics that is easy to understand. Enjoy features like websites, sponsor kits, calls to action, subscriber links, and private feeds. Captivate constantly adds new tools and monetization features; build your customized website or integrate the WordPress plugin.
Pricing: Between $17 and $90 a month
Special offers: Sign up for a 7-day free trial
6. Transistor
Transistor is an advanced, yet easy, podcast hosting service perfect for beginners and professionals who take podcasting very seriously. Corporations and government agencies are among some of the top podcasters on Transistor.
Uploading your media is simple, and Transistor will provide advanced analytics on every episode, so you know how well your content is performing. Quickly create a website or embed the plugin into your WordPress website.
Pricing: Starts at $19 and goes up to $99 a month.
Special offers: Enjoy a 14-day free trial
7. Castos
Castos is known for its seamless WordPress plugin, Seriously Simple Podcasting. You can manage your feed and uploads right from your WordPress website. You can also create unlimited podcasts and episodes no matter which plans you choose.
Castos offers a new way of monetizing your podcasts through direct listener support by integrating Stripe payment options. This platform believes that ad-generated revenue is dying out and that immediate payment from listeners is the best way to go.
Pricing: Starts at $19 and goes up to $499 a month depending on needs
Special offers: Start your 14-day free trial
Wrap Up
These top seven podcast hosting services are the best platforms for beginners. Many of them are great for expert podcasters and come with advanced features that are easy to understand.
If you are ready to start your podcasting journey but don’t want to invest money until you are sure it’s the right fit, check out free podcast hosting from BuzzSprout and Podbean.
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