Hello there Sea Changers. Welcome back to my series of program lists to assist those of you looking to work online with my 10 best podcast hosting sites to hit the airwaves with this year. And of course, as with anything to do with software, there are a lot of options to choose from.

Hence, choosing which one is the best for your needs can be quite a daunting process. So to assist you here is a list of the 10 best online graphic design tool options that I have found. Let’s check them out.

Before we start however, let’s have a look at what I mean by the term ‘podcast hosting tool’ and how it can assist you with your online endeavours.

What are online podcast hosting tools?

In something that perhaps heralds back to the world of radio, a podcast is an audio recording that allows users to download and listen to at a later time such as in the car, on a walk or so on. When it comes to an online business, podcasts are effective as a means to :

• Provide value add such as extra coaching or information
• Market a new product
• Tell a story
• Run a series of expert information sessions

And in order to develop and publish these, you will generally need a good podcast hosting suite that will allow you to:

• Record, store and distribute audio files
• Create episode lists
• Market and monetize podcast episodes
• Podcast analytics

Many of these platforms also allow marketers to upload directly to podcast ‘stores’ such Apple Podcast, Spotify and Stitcher etc. as well as social media platforms too.

10 best online podcast hosting platforms

Ok, so keeping the above in mind, let’s now have a look at the 10 programs I have found and run through them by looking at:

• What they offer
• Features
• Pricing

And for those of you working within the affiliate marketing space I will highlight program details too.

1. Buzzsprout

Let’s start with Buzzsprout, a platform that “gives you everything you need to host, promote, and track your podcast”. It offers a good free option that includes the following features:

• Recording
• Auto optimisation of recordings
• Dynamic content to all the addition and removal of pre and post roll segments
• SEO and accessibility transcriptions

And once this has all been completed, Buzzsprout can assist you in reaching “millions of potential listeners” via listing in:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Google Podcasts
• Stitcher
• iHeart Radio
• TuneIn
• Alexa
• Overcast
• PocketCasts
• Castro
• Castbox
• Podchaser

There is also a great blog and step by step ‘getting started’ guide on the site as well.

Pricing

As above, Buzzsprout offers a free option for those looking to either get started or release basic podcasts. For more feature rich options however, pricing is as follows:

Affiliate program

The Buzzsprout affiliate program pays $25 for every paid account referred (as well as a $20 Amazon Gift Card to your referree). Application is via the website.

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2. Spreaker

Our next option, Spreaker, promotes itself as being the “one-stop shop for podcast hosting, creation, distribution and monetization”. It is a feature rich program that includes:

• Distribution
• Monetization
• Analytics
• Enterprise podcasting
• Recording and podcasting apps

And for those getting started (or even for more experienced podcasters) the ‘Create a Podcast’ section runs you through every step of the process including:

• Concept
• Software
• Equipment
• Cover Art
• Introduction
• Planning

Pricing

As with many of the platforms in this list, Spreaker offers a permanent free option with limited functionality and episode upload limits. For more options, pricing is as follows:

Affiliate program

Spreaker’s affiliate program offers a 20% commission for each new referral to the platform. Application is via Impact Radius.

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3. Simplecast

Simplecast is another comprehensive podcast hosting program offering “powerful tools to manage, distribute, share, and grow your podcast — from your first listener to your first million”. It offers all of the podcasting tools of any professional platform including:

• Unlimited storage & uploads
• Distribution to everywhere your audience listens including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Overcast and more.
• Analytics (that increase based on plan)
• Customizable show website with custom domain
• Manage multiple shows with one account
• Embeddable episode web player
• Recast for you (and your listeners)
• A secure (HTTPS) site and RSS feed

And as with most programs listed here, there is a great blog to assist you in getting started as well.

Pricing

All plans Simplecast offer a 14-day commitment-free trial then pricing as follows:

Affiliate program

I was unable to locate any affiliate program information for this platform.

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4. Podbean

Podbean is an all-inclusive option for those looking to record, stream and monetize podcasts for users of all levels. It contains a great ‘free forever’ option for beginners and base podcasters with a full suite of functions under paid plans for larger users such as:

• iPhone/Android App
• Embeddable players
• Your own podcast site
• Distribution to all major podcast apps
• Podcast themes
• Advanced, IAB certified stats
• Custom design
• Map your own domain
• Multiple podcast channels
• Ads marketplace
• Premium sales
• Patron program
• PodAds – The SaaS for podcast advertising

The site boasts over 600,000 podcasters that “trust Podbean podcast hosting for all the services they need to start their podcast and achieve their goals”.

Pricing

As above, Podbean offers a limited function free option suitable for beginners and basic podcasters. For greater functionality however their ongoing costs are as follows:

Affiliate program

Podbean offers an affiliate program that pays the equivalent of 1 month’s pricing for each referral who signs up. Application is via the website.

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5. Blubrry

Our next site, Blubrry, is another that offers a good suite of features to allow new and experienced users to get their podcasts recorded and out there for the world to hear. They offer a “smooth publishing platform” with features including:

• Podcast recording and distribution
• Comprehensive analytics
• Monetization
• Custom embed player
• Free WordPress Site
• Blubrry sub domain
• Essential themes and plugins

And whilst this list really doesn’t do the site justice, there is certainly enough there to meet the needs of all podcasters.

Pricing

After a 30-Day free trial, Blubrry offers the following pricing options:

Affiliate Program

Blubrry offers an affiliate program with Commissions equivalent to the plan purchased. Application is via the website.

6. Anchor

For those of you in the bootstrapping phase, Anchor is a free platform containing tools that allow users to:

• Record and edit audio
• Arrange recordings into episodes
• Publish podcasts to listening platforms
• Monetize content via listener contributions
• Adding advertisements into episodes

Hosting is unlimited and users retain the rights to all of their own content as well as being able to do all of the above via their own cell phone app too.

Pricing

Free

Affiliate Program

N/A

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7. Castbox

Castbox is another free podcast hosting option that offers services on both sides of the fence meaning they offer the ability to record and publish podcasts for listeners to access all within the same site. As far as podcast creation is concerned, they offer a comprehensive range features including:

• Free audio upload
• Analytics
• Commenting, sharing and other social features
• Submission processes for feature on site lists

As with the site above, this is a great option for those getting started on their podcasting journeys with the ability to be ‘discovered’ as well all in the one place.

Pricing

There is a pro version for listeners for access to greater content however for publishers, the creator studio is free to operate.

Affiliate Program

N/A

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8. Soundcloud

SoundCloud is another all encompassing podcast suite with a complete set of features to rival any other program in this list as well as a place to host your podcasts for discovery. As per the programs above, they offer a full suite of options to record, publish and track podcasts as well.

And for those starting out, the platform contains a fantastic training and instruction guide to get those new to the process uploaded, discovered and paid for their podcasts based on listener attraction.

Pricing

For content creators, SoundCloud offers a free option with limited functionality. For more options however, pricing is as follows:

Affiliate Program

From what I can tell, SoundCloud does not offer an affiliate program.

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9. Libsyn

Libsyn offer podcasting for “beginners to experts” with a full suite of tools for every need. To be honest, their list is huge and maybe even too much to list here but does include:

• Unlimited audience
• Apple podcasts compliant RSS
• Podcast page mini site
• Libsyn directory listing
• Podcast source app listing
• Custom HTML5 Media Player
• WordPress publisher hub
• Show color swatches
• Secure RSS feed available
• Audio, video, PDF & text hosting
• Advanced episode scheduling
• FTP upload support

There is so much more as well. And in keeping with most sites in this list, there is also a great set of blogs and instructions for those starting out too.

Pricing

From what I can tell, there is no free trial option with pricing as follows:

Affiliate Program

Libsyn offers a 100% commission on the hosting plan users sign up for. Application is via the website.

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10. Captivate

And finally we finish up with Captivate. This site is another great option for those working within podcasts at all levels with a complete set of features to create, publish, host and monetize your material.

And again for those starting out, the site offers a full instructional set outlining their “practical 5-step framework to go from zero to podcast with no alienating jargon or imposter syndrome” as well. For those on a paid plan, access to captivate Growth Labs with any subscription plan is also included which provides training in such areas as:

• Podcast marketing
• SEO
• Sponsorship attraction
• And more.

Pricing

After a no obligation 7 day free trial, pricing is as follows:

Affiliate Program

The Captivate affiliate program offers a 25% recurring payout for the lifetime of every podcaster that you refer. Application is via the website.

FAQ

Conclusion

So… There are 10 best podcast hosting sites to hit the airwaves with this year. I hope it has been helpful for you and as usual, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, need some advice or have any experiences to share. Oh, and especially comment if you have any experience with these, or any other platforms as well.

Until next time

Have fun

Paul

Note: If you make a purchase from this page, there is a very good chance that I make a commission from it – these commissions do not increase your sale price. This may include sales made via wealthy affiliate or any of the podcast hosting programs listed above.

Do you want further assistance with any of the above or need help to build your own online marketing website?

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