The best podcast hosting platforms are sites that help you to start a podcast, move to a better, secure hosting platform and save money.
If you ever dream of starting or launching a successful podcast, you’ll need to sign up with a podcast hosting company to share your audio .mp3 files and podcast feed with the world.
There are over 100 million podcast listeners in the United States alone. That’s a huge market and audience to share your audio content with.
But there is a problem for beginner podcasters.
You’ve to start by choosing the right and the best podcast hosting provider.
Today, you’ll discover best podcast hosting sites that help you build your audience fast, market your podcast, store files, manage bandwidth, improve audio, get sponsors & generate ad revenue on complete autopilot.
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It’s a frustrating task and time-consuming to read through a ton of options and similar features provided by the best podcast hosting sites.
You have to compare account prices, technical support, and monthly storage and upload volume, monthly bandwidth, reliability, uptime guarantees, compliance, ease of use, storage, marketing features, monetization, integrations with podcast apps and other basic features.
If you’re searching for the best options to host your podcast, I’ve curated the best podcast hosting sites and platforms just for you.
I’ve vetted each podcasting tool based on research. I’ve reached out to 1000 companies that are running successful podcasting business to find out which platform is the best for effective launching and running a new podcast for beginners or experienced podcasters.
Further Reading:
Best Podcast Hosting for Beginners
Best Podcast Hosting for WordPress & WP Plugins
Best Podcast Hosting for Churches
What Is Podcast Hosting?
Podcast hosting is a platform that stores and allows users to download your podcast’s audio content.
Podcast hosting companies can help you upload your audio .mp3 files, show note details and generate RSS feed for your podcast.
They send the media audio files for users who subscribe to your podcast.
It consists of a web server to allow .mp3 file downloads and an RSS feed that describes your audio content file.
Additionally, they provide streaming compliance, unlimited bandwidth, 24/7 support, social sharing, marketing tools and advanced analytics reports and more options to help you grow your audience.
It’s important to understand that iTunes or Tuneln are podcast directories and not podcast hosting sites.
Whereas podcast hosting provides you with a podcast RSS feed that list all of your episodes which you need to submit to Apple and other podcast directories (networks).
See Also: Best Wireless Earbuds for Podcasts
A podcast hosting is different from a web hosting that helps you start a WordPress blog with a free download and website builder.
What Is The Best Podcast Hosting Site?
There is no hosting services that provide all-in-one features for different podcasters.
To start a new podcast, create the podcast episodes, buy equipment, record your episode audio files and share your podcast with the world, you have to choose a platform.
I’ve curated the best options from each of the hosting sites below so that you can focus on delivering great podcasts to your audience.
Here are my top picks for the best podcast hosting in 2020 and beyond.
1. Buzzsprout
The best podcasting hosting platform for new podcasters ($12/month + $20 Amazon gift card)
Buzzsprout is my #1 pick most popular podcast platform that provides the easiest way to host, promote and track your podcast downloads.
They provide a free trial with no billing and you can receive a $20 Amazon gift and whenever you sign up and upgrade to any paid plan.
Buzzsprout is the best way to publish your podcast online on a secure and reliable hosting with full iTunes support. They provide HTML5 plays, statistics, app, analytics, directory, migration tool, free starter website optimized for mobile, listing services with no advertising and no contracts.
Buzzsprout comes with a forever free plan that requires no credit card billing during sign up.
With its simple, feature rich and intuitive podcast hosting, Buzzsprout is perfect for new podcasters looking for free unlimited podcast hosting to get started.
However, their free plan removes your episodes after 90 days.
You can get your files hosted indefinitely with any of their three paid plans starting from $12 – $24 per month.
It comes with unlimited storage, 250GB bandwidth monthly that covers 20,000 to 50,000 episode plays per month.
As one of the best platforms, Buzzsprout allows you to feature a playlist of episodes and embed a podcast player on your website with just few clicks.
They offer a 128k stereo optimization for better sound that outsmarts soundcloud podcast hosting effectively.
They also offer super easy to upload interface that helps you schedule your podcast.
You can upload your audio file in .mp3, change your episode title and description and submit your podcast to a ton of directories with just one click.
An important benefit is an easy-to-use analytics dashboard that shows statistics of episode listeners and downloads within the first 90 days each episode receives. You can view per countries basis where listeners are tuning in from. This gives you a helpful insight to understand your audience.
Another benefit is the ability to add episode chapter makers to help listeners get quick details about your episodes.
When you sign up for Buzzsprout month-to-month pricing, you get a free $20 Amazon gift card which you can use and buy podcasting equipment from Amazon with a free shipping option available.
I recommend their $24/month plan that gives you 12 hours of content upload each month with no extra cost for any additional hours you upload.
Buzzsprout is my #1 choice for 2020 because it saves you money and provides all-in-one features from an intuitive dashboard.
Get Started With BuzzSprout.
2. PodBean
PodBean remains the #2 recommendation for the best podcast platforms with ultra-simple podcast publishing solution.
Podcast Publishing & Hosting Solutions with 225,000+ podcasters ($29/month + 1 month free)
Podbean was launched in 2006 and has dominated the podcasting hosting space with reliable unlimited hosting storage and bandwidth, promotional and distribution tools, podcasting advertising and premium content on Google Play, Amazon Alexa, iTunes, Spotify and podcast apps with 24/7 support.
Additionally, as one of the most popular podcast platforms, Podbean boasts a large number of podcasters, hosted episodes and over 7 billion downloads on its platform.
You can monetize your episodes by adding your sponsored ad campaigns. One of the benefits allows you to accept recurring revenue from listeners for a Patron support program.
For beginners you can get started with a free plan. With this, you can upload 5 hours of content with 100GB bandwidth per month. On this plan, you only have access to basic stats whereas a detailed analytics comes with a $9/month upgrade plan.
For serious podcasters who want to run a successful show, I recommend their $29/month PodBean Unlimited Plus Plan.
It is better than free plan because you get unlimited video storage and audio hosting. A free YouTube version of their podcast auto-uploaded to their channel, that automatically sync with YouTube channel during publishing is also available.
With unlimited plus plan you get analytics reports, mobile app, automatic pasting to Twitter and Facebook.
Finally, PodBean is my #2 choice because you get one month free on paid plans.
Get Started Today & Try PodBean
3. Transistor
Transistor is a newer podcast hosting and analytics platform with a high-quality, intuitive, professional service and functionality.
Best Professional Podcasting Hosting and Analytics Starting $19 – $99/month
Transistor.fm provides the best hosting for podcast, analytics, and distribution for Drift, Cards Against Humanity, and Honeybadger that helped build their brands and grow their audience in millions of listeners worldwide.
They provide tools including advanced analytics, distributing of podcast, unlimited hosting shows or episodes, managing multiple users, your own domain name with a branded website.
As your audience grows, you can scale your podcast and upgrade to the right plan that fits your budget.
Transistor Starter Plan starts at $19 per month and comes with unlimited podcasts and episodes, 2 users and 10,000 downloads per month.
Their Professional Plan is $49 per month and supports up to 5 users and 50,000 monthly downloads.
The Business Plan is great for experienced and successful podcasters and is $99/month with up to 10 team members and 150,000 downloads per month.
If you’re using Libsyn, Spreaker or Anchor podcast hosting platform, you can quickly import your existing feed into Transistor with just few clicks.
If you are a new podcaster that wants to grow unlimited audience, I recommend Transistor Professional Plan.
Get started with a 14 day free trial and also get 2 months free when you pay annually.
Try Transistor Today
4. SimpleCast
SimpleCast remains the easiest way for top brands to publish their podcast and episodes on the modern podcast hosting, analytics and distribution platform.
Best Podcast Hosting Platform with Industry-Leading Features used by Top Brands ($15/month)
Simple Cast was launched in 2013 and has helped creators published their podcast audio to the web and distribute on the internet.
They are the industry leading podcast platform that powers shows from the largest brands in podcasting and well-known creators, including Facebook, Nike, McAfee, Politico, FastCompany, Twitter, Kickstarter, Medium, Shopify, and TechCrunch.
An industry leading features with SimpleCast is the plugin that connect your WordPress website to your simplecast podcast hosting account.
Their lowest plan starts at $15 per month and simplecast provides great tools to manage, distribute, share and grow your audience with your podcast.
They offer a one-lcik publishing intuitive web players to choose from advanced analytics tools and functional website.
Their Recast TM tool allows you to schedule and share your podcast clips on social media.
They also have a powerful feature to collaborate with multiple podcast managers on one account.
You get unlimited storage, uploads and distribution to the best podcast directory and platforms.
Simplecast offers a 14-day trial and pricing starting at $15/month.
Try Simplecast Today
5. Captivate
Captivate is a podcast host that specializes in marketing and growth. The team and brain behind Captivate are industry-leading heavy weights and experienced podcasters.
Best Podcasting Hosting Service for Marketing and Growing Your Audience ($19/month)
Captivate Podcast Hosting is a brand new podcast host that help creators to grow their podcast audiences.
The team that runs PodcastWebsites, Rebel Base Media created Captivate based on years of podcast experience.
Their plans come with unlimited bandwidth, unlimited team members, advanced analytics and marketing tools and unlimited number of podcast upload and plan-based downloads.
Captivate offers automatic podcast website with built-in calls to action that can help you build email list and generate targeted new leads into your sales funnel.
Each plan comes with a customizable, user-friendly mobile website with built-in donation support.
Their podcast marketing tool enables you to auto-generate links to Pocket Casts and Over Cast to help new subscribers find your show.
With a simple import tool, you can import your show from podcast hosts like Blubrry, AudioBoom, SoundCloud , Spotify or Spreaker easily.
Based on the number of downloads per month, Captivate pricing plans range from $19/month to $99/month.
They include:
- Podcaster: $19/month with up to 10,000 downloads.
- Audio Influencer: $49/month plan comes with 50,000 downloads.
- Podcast Brand: $99/month allows 120,000 download
Captivate is making in-roads into the space among the best podcast hosting sites as a new player in the podcasting industry.
If you’re looking for lots of built-in features and simple pricing based on monthly podcast downloads, give Captivate a test.
Try Captivate
6. Spreaker
Spreaker offers you the required tools you need to launch a podcast and distribute it on Spotify, iTunes and more with analytics, vast podcast catalogue and monetization features.
Rated Best Monetization and Storage Podcast Hosting ($16.50/month + One Month Free)
Discover the best on-demand and live podcast home that allows you to create, distribute and monetize your podcast.
Creating and listening to podcasts is super easy with Spreaker and can be done on Spreaker’s mobile apps and website.
Podcasters who are looking for the best podcast hosting; from beginner to experienced, can now create, distribute, analyze and monetize their professional sounding audio files.
Spreaker is a mobile-friendly site with its powerful speaker studio tool available for mobile and desktop devices.
Their free podcast hosting plan is basic and limited with a single 12 minutes session and 5 hours of storage.
To enjoy free unlimited podcast hosting, you will need to upgrade to any of the three plans starting at $5.50 – $41.25 to get unlimited streaming and more storage.
Spreaker’s On Air Talent, Broadcaster, and Anchorman plans have features like the ability to schedule episodes, embed widgets on your site, order mobile app, private episode sharing, ad revenue sharing for monetization, show intro insertions for ads, and excellent storage capacity.
Spreaker most popular plan is Broadcaster Plan at $16.50/month and you get 500 hours of audio and 3 hours per live podcast.
If you’re looking for a great storage capacity with above built-in features, try Spreaker and get one month free on any of their paid plans.
Try Spreaker
7. Smart Podcast Player
Smart Podcast Player is the best podcast player plugin for serious podcasters. It makes your podcast looks beautiful.
Best Podcast Player Plugin Made by Podcasters for Podcasters
Pat Flynn of Smart Passive Income is the creator of Smart Podcast Player.
Pat is a famous podcaster with years of experience in podcasting industry and created the best podcast player for your website to inspire your visitors and listeners.
Smart Podcast Player comes pre-built with powerful features including email lead capture, custom colors, social sharing, speed control, timestamps and custom sort.
It’s the only podcast player to offer email capture and other top-notch features.
How to Install Smart Podcast Player
Its installation is a breeze and simple.
- Simply install the Smart Podcast Player WordPress plugin and add your RSS feed.
- Enter your subscription URLs to push your show to the major podcasting directories.
- Customize the colors of your podcast player and add the player to your pages and posts.
If you want to host your podcast audio files, push them to podcast networks and free podcast hosting sites, and display them on your WordPress website, then try Smart Podcast Player.
Try Smart Podcast Player
8. Castos
Castos is the best podcast hosting for WordPress with analytics platform that enables you to build, grow, and monetize your podcast with ease.
If you are looking for podcast hosting sites and a platform that is simple and powerful check out Castos.
Best WordPress Podcast Hosting Solution ($19/month)
Castos is an integrated podcast hosting platform that allows you to upload podcast audio files directly to a dedicated media host. It’s a full-featured podcasting plugin for WordPress websites.
How Castos Podcast Hosting Works
- Sign up for your 14-day trial at Castos website.
- Download and install their WordPress plugin on your site.
- To host your episodes, simply add them into the new podcast section below your post/page editor inside of WordPress dashboard.
- Upload your audio files, type in your title and description, and show notes. The podcast goes live in your site with a customized media player.
- Get your URL and add your podcast to directories or publishers you like.
Castos offers a flexible pricing plans starting at $19 to $49 per month.
The higher price plans give you the ability to republish your podcast to YouTube and get podcast video hosting too.
Additionally, there is an excellent automatic transcription feature that returns a transcription to your Castos dashboard when you upload your audio file.
You can copy and paste your audio transcription into WordPress, or download its PDF version and add it to your site.
Castos is an excellent choice if you’ve a WordPress site.
You can save 2-months free on annual plans when you get started with a free 14-day trial.
Try Castos
9. Podcast Websites
Podcast Websites is all-in-one WordPress podcast themes and websites with integrated podcast media hosting.
Best Podcast Hosting Sites & Platform for Website Developers & Builders ($67/month)
Podcast Websites is a high quality podcast hosting site that comes with everything you need to create, grow, and monetize your podcast.
This podcast platform features
- A simple drag and drop design interface.
- Fully responsive website creation and development.
- Built-in statistics.
- Unlimited podcast hosting.
- Daily backups and hosting security.
- 24/7 one-on-one personal support via live chat.
- Built-in mobile-friendly WordPress podcast themes.
- They provide podcasters access to simple, powerful and scalable features to grow your own online platform with your own voice, on your own terms.
What’s Included with Podcast Websites Membership
- Podcast Success Academy – As a podcast websites member, you get the skills and digital marketing support to promote your podcast and ads.
- Professional podcasting advice from successful podcasters and digital experts.
- Personal support is unbeatable – Podcast Websites’ academy provides video tutorials, media and helpful and engaging community forum for other podcasters.
You can get $10 off per month for life if you use my link below to sign up with Podcast Websites.
Try Podcast Websites
10. AudioBoom
AudioBoom is a business-to-business service with on-demand audio and podcasting distribution platform that provides services to the media, radio and podcast industries.
Audio Boom boasts of over 4,000 broadcasters, podcasters and content creators around the world.
Best Podcast Host for Dynamic Ads & Monetization ($9.99/month)
With AudioBoom, you can host, distribute, and monetize your podcast with dynamic ads.
AudioBoom provides you with simple hosting distribution, and an embedded podcast player.
They provide excellent support with podcast monetization for podcasters who hit 10,000 plays per episode.
AudioBoom provides you the tools to create dynamic ads and sponsorships for your show once you reach 10k plays per episode.
Their standard and plus plan offers great features including:
- Unlimited episode uploads monthly.
- Embeddable players for social media interaction and your website.
- Up to 25,000 plays and 10,000 plays per month for their Plus and Standard plans respectively.
- Support mobile apps and devices.
- Advanced analytics that gives you insights into the geographic area of your listeners.
Try AudioBoom
What is the Best Free Podcast Hosting?
Free audio podcast hosting services are available with limited functionality.
They are a great way to test out podcast hosting features if you are in a limited budget.
In this section of the best free podcast hosting, there are low cost and free options or free plans available for starters on a low budget in the podcast industry.
Here are my top picks for the best free podcast hosting in 2020 that you can choose from.
1. Buzzsprout
Buzzsprout’s free podcast hosting option offers excellent features compared to iTunes podcast hosting and every other platform.
The Buzzsprout free plan gives you two hours of upload time, a podcasting dashboard and hosted episodes for 90 days.
Buzzsprout is the easiest way to start podcasting because you can upload your audio content files quickly, push them to podcast directories and track your listeners with their advanced analytics.
Pricing starts from free plan to $24 per month.
Visit Buzzsprout website: buzzsprout.com
2. Libsyn
Libsyn is one of the most visited podcast upload sites that help you to monetize your work.
Originally launched in 2004, Libsyn now boasts over 35,000 hosted podcasts, 62 million+ audience members, and 4.6 billion podcast downloads as at 2016.
Libsyn gives you up to 50MB to 1500MB of storage monthly. They provide RSS link generation, mobile and web apps, premium content and advanced analytics reports.
Their pricing plans start at $5, almost free for value they offer their users compared to soundcloud podcasts.
Pricing starts at $5 – $75/month.
Website: www.libsyn.com
3. SoundCloud
Soundcloud hosting platform was launched in 2015. It is the world’s largest audio and music hosting site for podcasters.
Soundcloud podcasts download very fast. They receive 175 million unique visitors monthly.
With a free basic account you get 3 hours of content upload and basic reporting monthly.
Soundcloud hosting services offers their users access to timed comments, Twitter cards and embedded podcast players which you can integrate on your website.
I recommend the advanced soundcloud Pro Unlimited account that gives you embed controls, ability to pin five podcasts to your profile. Scheduled releases and unlimited upload time.
Price starts from free to $16 per month and $12 when you pay annually.
Visit www.soundcloud.com website
4. Podomatic
Podomatic provides you with easiest way to create your own podcast.
With an all in one dashboard, you can easily create your own podcast website and share your audio content with the world.
They allow anyone to listen, share and download MP3’s of your episodes.
Podomatic dashboard allows podcasters and creators to record, upload and promote their new audio content quickly.
Additionally, they have excellent social sharing options that allow your podcast to be played on Twitter and Facebook feeds directly.
They help you develop your podcast crowdsourcing and advertising with Patreon and Advertisecast.
Weebly partnered with Podomatic to help you create a website and get a free podcast app for Android and iOs.
Podomatic offer free plan and four pro plans starting from $9.99 to $24.99 per month.
Pricing ranges from free to $60+ per monthly subscription.
5. Blubrry
Blubrry podcast hosting offers a great service with managed WordPress hosting that integrates PowerPress, the #1 rated WordPress plugin for creators and podcasters.
Blubrry boasts over 75,000+ active installs. Blubrry PowerPress plugin is free to use, offers MP3 tagging and SEO options and is consistently updated and maintained.
If you are on a limited budget you can go for a $12/month option that offers 100MB of storage.
Their unlimited hosting service comes with a professional plan upgrade for expert podcasters with a larger audience.
They also offer custom pricing and four paid plans starting $12 to $80 that include the 100MB to 1000MB monthly storage space.
Their customer-fist approach and IAB compliant has made Blubrry a top rated choice in the podcasting industry.
Try Blubrry
How Do I Choose from the Best Podcasting Hosting Sites?
There are some questions you need to ask yourself when choosing the best podcast host.
How do I choose a podcast host? If you’re a new podcaster running monthly one hour storage, you’ll not need an unlimited storage. You need to consider other options and answer the following questions.
- What is the lowest podcast hosting storage for a minimal weekly or monthly show?
- How much audio content file size will you upload monthly?
- Does a new WordPress site necessary?
- Can each episode align with a blog post?
- Does the hosting platform support any video format for video podcasts?
- What types of analytics is best fit for your show?
- Can you add sponsorships and advertisement dynamically while your podcast episodes are played by users?
- What is your budget you want to spend on podcast hosting services?
- Can I host a podcast on my website instead of paying for a separate podcast hosting account?
- How much does podcast hosting cost and where can I host a podcast for free?
Because millions of people listen to podcast daily there is need to deep dive into the growing market and pick the best hosting platform for podcasts.
Considering these questions will help you finalize your podcast hosting platform and how to choose the best option.
Here are exclusive tips for choosing the best podcast website to power your show
1. Research Signup prices and renewal prices
Signup prices and renewal prices may be different. Do your homework and test their free trial to know how the platform works before payment.
You can save money by paying annually vs. monthly.
2. Cross check Bandwidth options, server reliability and uptime guarantees
If scalability is crucial, double-check their upgrade options for unlimited storage, monthly download and upload times.
3. Go for a host with lots of essential features
Check for features like FTP uploading, ID3 tagging and no-fault overages.
4. Get to know hours of monthly audio hosting
Some podcast hosts give you unlimited uploads, while others offer two hours of upload time per month. So you will need to know how many hours of monthly audio hosting you need per month before you sign up.
What Are Podcast Directories?
Podcast directories are podcast hosting services that receive your podcast files and RSS feeds and enable your audience to find your show with their iPhone, Android device, computer or a podcast app.
Podcast directories include podcast hosting service providers like Google Play, Spotify podcasts, Stitcher, and iTunes.
For example Stitcher is a popular podcast directory and podcast app with over 8 million members and over 65,000 podcasts.
Podcast directories are a place you would love to get your podcast listed so that podcast listeners can easily find your show and bookmark your episodes.
Top 22 Best Podcast Directories
- Stitcher
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- Google Podcasts App
- TuneIn
- Blubrry
- PodBean Podcast App
- Radio Public
- Castbox
- iPodder
- Spreaker
- Audio Boom
- Player FM
- Acast
- Pocket Casts
- Overcast
- Podchaser
- Beyond Pod
- iHeart Radio
- The Podcast Source by Libsyn
- Castos
- Breaker
The best podcast directories and top podcast hosting companies (networks) allow you to submit and promote your show.
Submitting your podcast to a variety of podcast directories should be your number #1 top priorities after creating your audio files and publishing a few episodes.
Because the web is a big entity and having your podcast only on your website will prevent you from growing your audience.
How Podcast Directories Work
Here’s how podcast directory works when you upload your audio content and publish your podcast episode.
- You simply upload your audio file.
- The podcast directory will detect a new file in your feed.
- It downloads the file and displays the latest episode to its users.
What Podcast Platforms & Networks Should I Publish my Podcast on?
Your next strategy is to market and advertise your podcast. How do you get your podcast to a larger audience apart from your website visitors?
You need to decide where else you want to grow your audience after you’ve chosen a podcast host company and upload your podcast audio files.
There are popular podcast directories that help you get in front of millions of listeners on their platform. They ensure your feeds are automatically updated after each episode.
Here’s a list of top podcast platforms and how to submit your podcast to them.
1. How to Submit Your Podcast to iTunes
iTunes boast an impressive numbers in march 2018 with Apple podcasts that passed over 50 billion all-time podcast downloads and over 550,000 shows. Itunes is rated as one of the most popular podcast apps in the podcasting industry.
Here’s how to upload your podcast on iTunes.
- Create an Apple ID account.
- Sign in to iTunes connect.
- On the podcast dashboard, click on the top left area and type in your RSS feed into the text box.
- Your podcast’s details will automatically load from your podcast show.
- Check the feed preview and ensure that your text and artwork look great.
- Click Submit and wait for the approval.
2. How to Submit Your Podcast to Google Play
Google Play is a popular app with over 1 billion monthly active users. It recently launched Google podcasts that showcases free and trending podcasts.
Here’s how to submit your podcast to Google Play.
- Sign up for an active Google account.
- Go to Podcasts in Google Play Music.
- Click the Publish button, sign in to your Google account and accept their terms of service.
- Enter the URL of your podcast RSS feed.
- Click Submit and check your inbox and verify your email address to confirm you own the podcast.
- Click Publish and wait for Google Play approval.
3. How to Submit Your Podcast to TuneIn
TuneIn is a podcast directory with over 75 million listeners and over 120,000 live radio streams. They also have music, news, live sports and global internet radio stations running on their platform.
Here’s how to submit your podcast to TuneIn:
- Submit your podcast information via TuneIn contact form.
- Accept their terms and condition.
- Click Submit and wait for the approval from TuneIn.
4. How to Submit Your Podcast to Stitcher:
- Enter your podcast information on their content provider page to apply.
- Add your new show once you’re logged in and approved.
- Enter your podcast’s RSS feed.
- Click Submit.
- Wait for the approval.
The best podcast hosting providers are secure, fast, and reliable and have customer support that can completely support your podcast to grow and attract a sizable audience for monetization.
5. How to Submit Your Podcast to Spotify
Spotify is one of the largest podcast sites. They boast of 191 million active listeners and over 87 million paid subscrbers.
For their $9.99/month premium plan, users can download music, listening ad-free, play songs and feature higher-quality podcast audio.
Here’s how to submit your podcast to Spotify:
- First, sign up with Spotify for Podcasters beta program.
- Upload your podcast to Spotify using their podcast upload wizard.
- Login to your spotify account via Facebook or Spotify.
- Submit your RSS feed.
- Wait for Spotify to complete the rest.
What is the Best Podcast Equipment?
Podcast equipment is required to record your episodes.
Basically, to start a podcast you need to have a computer and a microphone, but there are lots of options to choose from.
Here are my best picks for the best podcast equipment.
1. Blue Yeti
Best Podcast Microphone
Use a USB microphone instead of your computer’s built-in microphone for quality voice output.
Blue Yeti is ease to use and affordable. All you need is to plug in your microphone into your laptop computer, set your audio input and record your podcast’s episodes.
Additionally, you need to consider either condenser mic or a dynamic mic for your microphones. A condenser mic is the best option for a one-man shows, and dynamic mics are great for group recording.
- Blue Yeti is a quality-rated condenser podcast microphone.
- Audio-Technica ATR2100 is a great dynamic mic for podcasting recordings.
2. MacBook Air
Best Laptop for Podcasting
To start a podcast, MacBook Air is the best laptop for podcasters that can handle your audio software.
3. Logitech C920S
Best Webcam for Podcast Video Streaming
You need a webcam to record video podcasts and upload to YouTube.
To look professional with a video podcast you need to have a solid microphone and clear video with a perfectly-designed background.
So if you intend to meet other podcasters via zoom or skype with interviewees, sponsors, and influencers, you need a webcam that can stream in at least 1080p.
Logitech C920S supports 1080p and even 4k and are affordable.
Don’t spend hundreds or thousands of dollars for an expensive DLSR camera or camcorder.
4. Audio-Technica ATH-M50X
Best Headphones for Podcasting
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50X professional headphones can listen for distortion, P-pops, feedback and ensure that one of the sound coming through the headphones get picked up by your microphone in order to produce quality audio.
This the most critical aspect of your podcast show – go for quality audio sound.
5. Mackie Profx8v2
Best Mixer for Podcasting
Mackie PROFx8v2 is the best, favorite mixer for podcasting. It helps manage inputs, effects, levels, and outputs to eliminate delays, flanging, echos, reverb and other effects. This will give your podcasting show a professional sound that your listening audience loves.
What is the Best Podcast Software to Record My Episodes?
What are the best software for podcasting?
You’ve purchased the best podcast hosting and ready to publish your show, but you wonder what podcast software to use to record your audio.
You also have a quality microphone and with podcast recording software, you can record your media, edit and launch your podcast show.
Here are my top picks for the best podcast software options to record high quality audio content files.
1. Anchor
Anchor recording software is the easiest way to start a podcast.
The free podcast recording software helps you to record excellent quality audio files.
With Anchor, you can record countless episodes and distribute your podcast on all industry-leading directories with just one click.
You can drag and drop audio clips to rearrange your episodes into different segments. You can get a free landing page with a custom URL for your show.
Anchor is the best podcast software because they provide you with unlimited free hosting, ability to record from anywhere, and one-click distribution to all major podcast networks.
Give Anchor recording software a try today.
2. Zencastr
Zencastr is professional studio quality podcast recording software that allows you to record yourself and your remote guest right from a web browser.
Zencastr helps you collaborate and share your audio files via Dropbox & Google Drive.
VoiP connection allows you to record live and connects users through your microphones. A podcast guest in another location can get a link from you during live recording and then you receive a separate audio track.
As the podcast host, you need to press “Record” to log the audio from the web browser.
Zencastr free plan gives you up to two guests, 8 hours of audio recording monthly. You only pay per use in post-production.
With their professional plan priced at $20 per month, podcasters have access to unlimited guests and recordings, 10 hours of automatic post-production and a live editing soundboard per month.
I recommend you try this podcast recording software Zencastr.
3. AVID Pro Tools
Avid Pro Tool is a high-end digital audio work station (DAW) product that allows you to mic up and record a live podcasting show.
Avid Pro Tool is developed as studio quality podcast software by Avid Technologies.
It costs $299 for a yearly subscription with a $850 bonus gift that includes rpyal-free music, tutorials and pro sound effects.
You can order Avid Pro Tool on Amazon and try the audio software for your podcast show recording.
24 Tips to Maximize Your Podcasting Results
To become successful with your podcast here are some tips for new, experienced and professional podcasters.
Podcasting is an ease medium to create audio content and distribute it on the web.
It’s a marketing strategy to reach your audience, move your listeners, help people and create a positive change in your niche and industry.
You can create a powerful fan base and get recognized as an authority in your area of specialization.
In order to maximize your results and generate revenue from your podcasting here are great tips to follow.
1. Put your best effort in the first episode
Make sure your first recording is the most interesting episode in your podcast. Your content should be compelling for listeners to know the show’s premise.
Pre-record your episodes and release them in quick succession.
Your first episodes will have the most number of downloads and listens. This is because listeners will listen to it as they find and like your show.
2. Build momentum with your email list
Use your email list to build and ignite your podcast shows. Run Facebook ads if you don’t have a previous show and send people to your most controversial episode.
Make sure you bank on your previous episodes or appearances or interview the most famous influencers you can and let your email subscribers know.
3. Use the iTunes market platform
Make sure you submit your audio interviews to iTunes and retrocast previously recorded audio content as iTunes episodes. iTunes is an influential, best free podcast hosting service that broadcasts or syndicate your episode to social media. They also automatically push to your listeners’ devices if they have subscribed to your podcast.
4. Promote your podcast shows through multiple channels
To get your audience’s attention to your live events, add your podcast to your email P.S. signature. Always include your podcast link in your P.S. signature whenever you send an email out to your mailing list.
5. Create podcasting as a digital product
Podcasting should also be where your business is built. It should become the medium of choice for publishing. You can monetize your podcast through ads and sponsorships by featuring a sponsor on the show.
6. Use podcasting as a traffic source
This is the concept of podcast marketing to generate traffic and grow an audience to your other online properties.
Publish your audio content through different sites, media types and networks to lead people back to your website.
7. Podcasting as SEO backlinks
The quickest way to gain authority backlinks from high domain authority sites is to appear on influencers podcasts and also interview top influencers in your niches.
You’ll always get backlinks on the show notes. Encourage your interviewees to include the interview on their home page or about us page as social proof and link back to your show.
8. Choose the right business model
You need to choose the best business model for your podcasting show. Podcasting can be a piece of content, a promotion channel, a traffic source, a product, a lead magnet or generator and more. Always decide the purpose or business model before starting a podcast.
9. Turn your listeners into customers
Direct your listeners to your website, move them to take action, become your subscribers so they can explore the solutions you offer on your platform.
10. Sponsor your own podcast
Promote your own services and products rather than other people’s businesses. Make sure you cross promote your own podcast episodes within your current episode. It’s the quickest way to increase your rankings as your listeners will check your catalogues and download your previous episodes.
11. Create a relevant opt-in lead magnate
Every podcast episode should have a specific and unique opt-in to leverage from your market. It’s one way of collecting emails from your listeners.
12. Product irresistible premium content
Offer your audience great content to encourage them to listen to your episodes and visit your website for more. Make sure you create high value content through transcriptions, videos, information graphics, or PDFs.
13. Get the word out about other content you produce
Spread your content so people can find it. For example, let people know about a podcast that talks about how to use Twitter, or how to publish a book, gaining more audience on Instagram, and other topics of interest.
14. Invest in good quality production
Provide your listeners with quality audio. Produce a show-like podcast show that is easy for people to listen to. Make sure you include an introduction bumper and an outro bumper. Quality mic (with a call to action) can boost your ads sponsorship revenue.
15. Update your email list
Let people know that new episode has been uploaded. This will drive more traffic to your site, which leads to more downloads for your episode.
16. Have a premise for your show
Create a highly entertaining show with character that stand by its principle throughout the show.
17. Leverage the time you spend on your podcast
Create a by-product from the same podcast content and appear on other people’s show. This will help you get the most out of your podcast’s time.
18. Invite famous guests on your podcast show
- Use the flattery promotion technique to find people with big audience.
- Make sure you build momentum toward the live episode date to gain more audience.
- Create an agreement with your podcast guest and publish it.
- Provide conducive environment and make your guest to feel comfortable throughout the interview.
19. Update your audio content
If there’s any significant update to a topic you discussed in your podcast, edit the episode and re-upload the new version. Provide a reliable and high quality content that is up-to-date with the latest happening or trends.
20. Optimize your podcast
Be sensible about optimization and don’t create a podcast that appears spammy.
Avoid keyword stuffing in the titles and episodes.
Make sure to provide an accurate and fair description of your show.
21. Syndicate your episodes
Use different channels to syndicate your episodes including:
- Tweet about it.
- Email your customer list.
- Create buzz and mention it on your Facebook page.
- Talk about it on your LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, Medium, Reddit, etc
22. Always be controversial
Create a sensational content to get more comments and tweets on social media channels. Boring content won’t go viral or get shared on Twitter. Be controversial as a way to get people’s attention and grow your audience.
23. Deep dive into the market
- Find out the pain point discussion in the field.
- Take note of all the problems and solutions that are newsworthy.
- Address these questions and topics using your own voice and point of view.
- Pose a contrarian view points to others in the marketplace.
24. Consider other factors that get attention
Make sure to accompany every episode with a readable image or picture. Using visual platform can effectively create engagement building platform with your audience. Beautiful pictures are easier to share on social media sites. To get more attention, use widgets to get your show to pop up in social media streams.
16 Things That Separate Good Podcasts From Average Podcasts
Podcasting is a powerful marketing strategy for getting your audio content out in your niche and marketplace.
So far you’ve gain access to this guide that can improve your podcast skills and maximize your results.
The previous sections, you’ve learned how to make your podcast one of the most important business building tools.
In this section, here are the factors that separate good podcasts from average podcasts.
- Do the podcast in person.
- High audio quality.
- Do the research.
- Take notes.
- Ads.
- Listen and remember.
- Imagine the listener is in the room.
- People listen because of you not the guest.
- Get personal but professional in talk.
- Go on lots of other podcasts.
- Be raw and truthful – don’t be spammy.
- Always experiment.
- Process > outcomes.
- Your best new guests are your old guests.
- Make it a story.
- The 20:3:1 ratio.
Frequently Asked Questions about Best Podcast Hosting
Here are some commonly asked questions from new, and beginner podcasters.
What are the top 3 podcast hosting comparison?
| Company | Buzzsprout | SimpleCast | PodBean |
| Best for | Beginners | Brands | Video Podcasts |
| Starting Price | $12/mo | $15/mo | $9/mo |
| Bandwidth | 250GB | 20k plays/mo | Unlimited |
| Storage | 3 hrs/mo | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Supported File Types | Audio | Audio | Video & Audio |
| Website Included | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Use Your Domain | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Promo | Free $20 Gift card | 50% off first | Free month |
How much does podcast hosting cost?
An average pricing for podcast hosting ranges from $5 to $50 per month. Podcast hosting prices vary and depend on how many episodes you upload, how many downloads, the bandwidth and the podcast hosting company you go for.
Where can I host a podcast?
Podcasting is not just about recording some audio episodes and uploading to iTunes. You’ve to decide where to host your podcast. My favorite, best podcast hosting companies are the top 5:
- Buzzsprout
- Anchor
- RedChoice
- PodBean
- Captivate
Can I host a podcast on my website?
Podcasts are audio or video files that consume lot a data. Many web hosts providers offer unlimited disk storage and bandwidth. But storing a podcast on your website is not the best option. However, yes you can host podcast episodes on your website if you are not looking for high quality podcasts.
Can WIX host a podcast?
Can WIX host podcasts? The wix podcast player is not the best web hosting for podcast. It’s a stylish way to showcase your podcast on your website irrespective of where your host is.
You can host your podcast on your site with WIX podcast player. Simply connect a podcast from anywhere and set up your player to automatically create a main feed with your entire content page for each episode.
What are the other best websites for podcast hosting?
Here are few of the best value for money podcast hosting that I recommend.
- Podsere.fm
- Podiant
- PodcastGIANT
- Backtracks
- Megaphone
- Whooshkaa
- Fireside
- Pippa
- RedCircle
- Podcasts.com
What is the Best Podcast Hosting for Churches?
- OmnyStudio
- Squarespace
- Anchor
The best podcast hosting for WordPress that actually works with WP plugin
There are some best cheap podcast hosting that support WordPress platform.
These include:
- Podcast blastoff
- Zencast.fm
- Acast
- Libsyn
- Podcast websites
Can I get the best podcast hosting platform free?
You can choose to use the best shared hosting for podcast if you’ve website is running on such platform.
Few of the best shared hosting for podcast includes:
- Pinecast
- Shout Engine
- Podigee
Which podcast hosting is the best?
If you value your money when it comes to the best podcast hosting options, I recommend Podmio because it has valuable features for affordable pricing.
What is the best free online service for hosting podcast?
The best place for podcast hosting that is free is archive.org. Though you’ve to mess around it, upload your podcast, get a page for your item created. Copy the download MP3 link and remove the https to make it http. RSS feeds don’t like https links as a rule. It’s free but you’ve to take sometimes to figure out how to use it yourself.
What is the best podcast hosting service on the web? Why?
One of the most recommended best podcast hosting services is offered by the podcast hosting company PodBean. Here’s why.
With Podbean, you can create professional podcasts in minutes and comes with these features:
- Reliable cloud hosting.
- iTunes and play store support.
- Your own domain and hosting.
- Website builder and full-featured podcast site.
- Unlimited storage and bandwidth.
- Search engine optimized.
- Powerful analytics tools.
- User friendly interface.
- Podbean is considered the best podcast hosting for iTunes and it’s the easiest way for beginners to start a podcast show.
What are the best options for podcast hosting for DJs?
A great podcast hosting service options for DJs gives DJs the ability to create professional podcasts without any programming skills. A user friendly interface is the best option to allow DJs to upload, publish, manage, distribute and promote their podcasts in minutes with few clicks.
What are the best but reasonably priced podcast hosting services?
The best reasonably priced podcast hosting services include:
- Soundcloud
- Podbean
- Simplecast
- Omnystudio
You should always go with the best sites for podcast hosting that offer website builder and full-featured podcast site, unlimited storage, cloud hosting and bandwidth, iTunes and play store support, branding, your own domain and search engine optimized pages.
What are some best practices for starting a podcast?
There are some best practices for individual or organizations need to think about before launching a podcast. Here are my 10 best practices every new podcaster need to know.
- Create a consistent publishing schedule.
- Invest in quality microphones.
- Do your homework on iTunes.
- Promote consistently.
- Go in with a plan.
- Be realistic about time.
- Do a few trial runs first.
- Be prepared to edit and add production value.
- Make sure you’re passionate about your topic.
- Create a website or dedicated web page for your podcast.
Conclusion
There are many different, best podcast hosting sites and to pick one is difficult.
Now you’ve my best pick of the best podcast hosting for beginners in 2020.
These podcast hosting companies allow you to pick the best option with flexible pricing based on your budget.
First, you need to investigate the platform’s features. Can you upload much content, view analytics, be compliant, and have enough storage space?
Are you looking for free unlimited hosting or ready to pay for extra features?
Are you creating a new website? Does the best podcast hosting websites offer web hosting and email marketing with WordPress?
Can you add show notes and blog posts?
Does your hosting company distribute episodes across the best podcast networks?
Examine all these features and get to know if they promote your podcast with crowdsourcing ads, marketing, expert guidance and support, monetization, and social sharing options.
So pick the best podcast web hosting that is tailored based on your budget.
Finally, getting the best hosting service for podcast that stores your podcast, distribute your audio content to the best networks, and taking you by the hands to succeed on your podcasting journey.
