The Best Sites for Hosting Your Podcast 2020
Trying to figure out which site is best for hosting your podcast can be tricky. Especially with the number of options offering seemingly similar services at competitive rates. As such, it's worth spending some time learning more about your different options to find the the perfect hosting fit. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with a few of our favorites.
✴ What is Podcast Hosting?
If you need a short reminder, podcast hosting sites or podcast hosts allow users to upload and manage their podcast episode audio files and show notes. The host site will help you generate an RSS link, which is what you use to distribute your podcasts to directories, such as Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, and Stitcher.
Some podcast hosting websites are free, offering basic features, whilst others will set you back a few bucks in return for more advanced functionality. Without further ado, we introduce the first hosting platform on our list.
✴ SoundCloud
You’ve probably heard about SoundCloud before. After years of being a major player in the music industry, SoundCloud now offers a well-rounded podcast hosting service. In addition to being a hosting service, people can also listen to content directly on the platform.
✴ Main Features
Free plan that allows 3-hours of podcast content per month for free.
Listeners can comment on the podcast at specific timestamps. This makes it easier to see what exactly the comments are referring to.
Embedded player that offers on-demand or download capabilities
Scheduled releases
Full statistics
✴ Price Plans
SoundCloud Basic – Free with limited features
SoundCloud Pro Unlimited – $8 monthly with access to full features including advanced stats and monetization features.
Related: Should You Put Your Podcast on YouTube?
✴ PodBean
PodBean is a user-friendly site that allows you to publish and manage your podcasts with ease. PodBean’s key selling point is its crowdfunding options. This allows loyal listeners to donate to their favorite creators. If you publish with PodBean, your podcast is discoverable on their network, so it can boost your exposure.
✴ Main Features
Crowdfunding and monetization
Alexa integration
Free plans
Ease of use
✴ Price Plans
PodBean offers 4 different price plans, though the first two are adequate for most podcasters.
Basic – Free with 5 hours of storage space with 100GB of monthly bandwidth and basic stats.
Unlimited Audio - $14 monthly including unlimited storage and bandwidth, plus all the features of the free plan, paid monetization and more.
Unlimited Plus - $39 monthly in addition to unlimited storage and bandwidth. It also includes all the features from previous plans plus an additional PodAds service, which offers further monetization.
Business - $129 monthly plus all the features from previous plans. It also includes multiple podcast channels, removal of PodBean branding, multiple admins and live chat support.
These rates are offered at a discounted price if payment is made annually.
✴ Lisbyn
Lisbyn is a popular podcast hosting site that comes with some great features at competitive prices. There’s no free plan on offer but the basic plan is very affordable.
✴ Main Features
Video and audio hosting
iTunes and Apple Podcasts compatible RSS feed
Your very own webpage for your podcast
YouTube publishing
Advanced analytics on premium plans
✴ Price Plans
Lisbyn has 4 premium price plans:
Classic 50 - $5 monthly with 50mb storage, basic tools, and no statistics.
Classic 250 - $15 monthly including 250mb storage, basic tools, and statistics.
Advanced 400 - $20 monthly plus 400mb storage, advanced tools, statistics and monetization features.
Advanced 800 - $40 monthly including 800mb storage, advanced tools, statistics, and monetization features
✴ Buzzsprout
Much like the sites already listed, Buzzsprout is a well-respected podcast host. It is often credited for its ease of use including a well-designed dashboard. This makes it incredibly straightforward for a podcaster to publish their content.
Buzzsprout offers scheduling features in addition to a savvy mobile app that provides you with detailed statistics on the go.
✴ Main Features
Free plan available
Mobile optimized dashboard
No advertising
Unlimited storage
Ease of use
✴ Price Plan
Buzzsprout offers simplified price plans based on the amount of content you upload monthly:
Free – Upload 2 hours each month and episodes are only hosted for 90 days.
$12 per month – Upload 3 hours each month with unlimited storage.
$18 per month – Upload 6 hours each month with unlimited storage.
$24 per month – Upload 12 hours each month with unlimited storage.
✴ Spreaker
Spreaker is relatively new to the podcast hosting scene compared with its competitors above. Spreaker’s main selling point is its approach to live services. It allows you to interact with audiences as they Livestream your content. It’s excellent for instant feedback from listeners.
Spreaker is marketed as a trendy platform and primarily hosts podcasts based on celebrity news and pop-culture.
✴ Main Features
Live engagement with your audience
Access to analytics
Multiple shows
Alexa compatible
Embedded player
✴ Price Plan
Free Speech – Free with up to 15 minutes per live broadcast.
On-Air Talent – $7 monthly including up to 45 minutes per live podcast, custom RSS feeds and programmatic monetization.
Broadcaster – $20 monthly plus up to 3 hours per live podcast, custom RSS feeds, programmatic monetization, and advanced statistics.
Anchorman - $50 monthly including up to 5 hours per live podcast, custom RSS feeds, programmatic monetization, full statistics, and customizable player colors.
✴ Conclusion
Choosing a podcast host isn’t as daunting as it might seem. First, identify your preferred features and then compare price points. This will leave you with a short-list that’ll make your final decision that much easier. Remember, there’s no harm in trying any of the free plans first before you commit to paying any fees.
There are many other great sites for hosting your podcast in addition to those included above. If there are any specific ones you feel should have made the list, let us know about it in comments.
Hosting is just one part of the production process. Download our complete production checklist here.
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