There are many options for podcast hosting available, but not all these services will work for hosting your podcast. Some of the hosting services are also much easier to use than others. Check the different features as well as storage and download limits to see what will work for you. Keep reading for some of the best options and check which one will work for you.
Podbean Podcast Hosting
Podbean is one of the most popular podcast hosting services. Podbean is one of the most user-friendly and easiest services to use. Podbean also supports video podcasts that many of the other platforms don’t. If you will be doing a video podcast only or as an option this is the platform for you. You can also get a discount on Podbean from here. Podbean also makes it easy to get your content on all the major podcast directories and apps.
The free basic tier includes 5 hours of storage with 100GB of bandwidth every month. There are also great paid options if you need more storage or bandwidth. The monetization options for running ads or having premium content available to paid subscribers are also great.
Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting
Buzzsprout is another well-established and large podcast hosting platform. Listing your content on the different directories like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify is easy to do with clear guides. This platform is also known for a great and easy-to-use interface just like Podbean.
The free tier, unfortunately, deletes your files after 90 days, so opting for a paid plan will be needed to build a show archive. There are also bandwidth and download limits that you will need to consider when choosing a plan. Buzzsprout only hosts audio and not video podcasts.
Captivate Podcast Hosting
If you are looking for a paid solution this is a powerful option. The dashboard is well-designed and the embeddable podcast player is one of the best. Audio will also not get compressed when using this platform so if you need the highest quality audio this is a good option.
The free trial is unfortunately short, and then you will have to switch to a paid plan. Captivate can get a bit pricey, especially if you are just starting out. Paid plan storage is unlimited, but bandwidth starts at 12,000 plays per month depending on the plan you select. Captivate is another audio-only platform without support for video podcasts.
Transistor
If you are planning on hosting multiple shows then Transistor is worth looking at. Transistor is a newer podcasting host but has now proven itself as a good service. One of their best features is that you can host unlimited podcasts. Their analytics is also very good.
Transistor unfortunately has no free plan. The monthly downloads are capped and depend on which plan you choose. For one show this hosting platform can be expensive, but for hosting multiple shows the pricing is very competitive. Transistor only hosts audio podcasts.
Castos
This is a podcast hosting platform that works really well with WordPress. They own the “Seriously Simple Podcasting” WordPress plugin. If you have and know WordPress it should be straightforward. Castos hosts audio, but there are price tiers to add video as well. Castos has unlimited storage, unlimited bandwidth, and good analytics on paid plans.
If your website is not a WordPress website do give this one a miss. It is best paired with WordPress.
Libsyn
This is one of the older and established podcasting platforms that many older podcasters will recommend. Libsyn is a solid platform that started in 2004. They offer unlimited bandwidth, but with limited storage based on the different plans they offer. They have a WordPress plugin, analytics and integrate with most of the podcast directories.
Libsyn does lack some of the polish that some of the newer services bring to the field. While they used to be a top pick they are not the best at the moment. Their pricing is reasonable though, and it is a solid platform.
When choosing your podcast hosting platform check that it integrates with Apple Podcasts (iTunes), Google Podcasts, and Spotify as a minimum. See if they have a WordPress plugin if you have a WordPress website. Make sure the platform is easy to use. Lastly check pricing, storage, and bandwidth limits before making your final choice. In our view, Podbean offers the best value for money service that is also easy to use. Buzzsprout is our second-best pick based on storage and bandwidth options for the price.
