Choosing between the many podcast hosting platforms can be challenging, especially if you have a large number of podcasts to host.
Some businesses have been in operation for a long time, while others are springing up regularly.

We’ve got you covered if you want to start a podcast, save money, or upgrade your current hosting platform. To create a podcast, you’ll need to join up with a podcast hosting business that will store your.mp3 files and allow you to build a podcast feed for your audience to hear. For example, when you create a website or blog, you will require a web host, so you will need an audio host when you start a podcast.

Alternatively, if you’re seeking a better place to host your podcast, the finest podcast hosting providers make it quite simple to convert your content into their system…
We have investigated, evaluated, and spoken with representatives from every company to determine which platform is the most appropriate for your requirements.

The Best Podcast Hosting Companies As Of May 2022 Are:

  1. Buzzsprout
  2. Captivate
  3. Transistor
  4. Castos
  5. RSS.com
  6. Podbean
  7. Resonate
  8. Simplecast
  9. bCast
  10. Spreaker
  11. Blubrry
  12. Podcast Websites
  13. PodServe.FM
  14. Podcast
  15. PodcastGIANT

1. Buzzsprout

Buzzsprout was created to make podcasting easy, although it is not restricted. They offer one of the most well-designed dashboards I’ve ever seen, which allows you to spend more time developing content rather than fiddling with uploads and other administrative tasks.

I particularly enjoy them because they regularly release updates and new features.
They have recently added or updated the following:

  • a built-in transcription integration
  • Magic Mastering to make your episodes sound perfect
  • an affiliate marketing integration for your Buzzsprout site
  • a brand new embed player
  • the publishing workflow
  • the text editor for show notes
  • And much more!

They also provide outstanding statistics (which were just updated in 2020) and a mobile-friendly podcast website.
In addition, Buzzsprout has launched an affiliate marketplace (to assist you in making money from your show) and the opportunity to add team members to your account (admin or editor access levels).

A lifelong free plan is available (no credit card is required to sign up). However, your episodes are erased after 90 days, after which their options begin at $12 per month. This is an excellent value!

1. Captivate

Because it was created by the same team running Podcast Websites for years (as indicated further down the page), Captivate is an excellent podcast hosting platform. Their knowledge of the podcast industry is evident.

You can see they spent a lot of time thinking about everything on the dashboard:

  • The analytics is advanced yet easy to understand
  • The podcast player and website look amazing
  • There are built-in CTA’s (calls to action) to help direct people anywhere you want
  • Add as many team members as you need (no limits)
  • Private podcasting on every plan

Here’s A Little Preview Before You Try It Out:

1. Captivate Dashboard Works On Any Device

It also includes numerous other essential features, including bulk uploads and clever user interface elements like a default scheduling time, WordPress integration with their proprietary plugin, and many different functions.

One useful feature that they recently released was a professionally designed and simple to create podcast sponsorship kit PDF that allows you to showcase current episodes while also showing vital download numbers:

2. Captivate Sponsor Kit

Without a doubt, you will receive an exceptionally designed mobile-friendly website that will automatically use your colors – or you can choose your own:
Included is a podcast website that is optimized for mobile devices.

One aspect of the new podcast procedure that I didn’t care for was modified, demonstrating that they listen to criticism and make changes quickly. That’s fantastic!
With a monthly subscription of $19 for 12K downloads, you can host an infinite amount of podcasts, which is more than adequate for 97 percent of all podcasters.
As a bonus, they do not restrict essential functions based on the plan you choose, which is something that cannot be stated for several competitors.

3. Transistor

With a solid crew behind them, Transistor is one of the more recent podcast hosting and analytics companies. They are primarily interested in brands (one of their early customers was Cards Against Humanity) and individuals passionate about podcasting (vs. those just dabbling or as a hobby).
You can get all of the following for a single price:

  • Host as many different shows as you want
  • Add and manage team members (producers, editors, etc.)
  • Get great podcast stats
  • Have an excellent podcast site
  • And more.

One feature of the offered website that I particularly like is that you may browse around while an episode is being played uninterrupted (check out their podcast about building Transistor).
The ‘Your Podcasts’ Page is a transistor.

They also have a fantastic private podcasting capability, which they have recently enhanced further. Because you may host numerous episodes under the same account, you can make both private and public podcasts without purchasing a separate hosting plan for each one.

4. Transistor Podcast Statistics

Pricing starts at $19 a month for 10,000 downloads per month, more than enough for most users. They offer higher tiers that include more downloads and additional team members if you require more than that.

4. Castos

Castos Podcast Hosting offers several valuable features and interacts seamlessly with the WordPress content management system. They are the creators of the Seriously Simple Podcasting WordPress plugin, allowing you to manage your feed and publish new episodes directly from your WordPress site.

For $19/month, you’ll get unlimited upload and download bandwidth and a fantastic customized player that you can embed on your website. A 14-day free trial is available on Castos, but by using coupon code PI2018, you’ll receive an additional month of service for free! Furthermore, if you pay for the entire year in advance, you will receive two months free.

5. RSS.com

RSS.com has been providing podcasting tools and resources since 2005, making it one of the industry’s pioneers.
The first episode of your podcast is free, and you will not be required to choose a subscription plan until after your first episode is published.
The most popular plan costs $12.99 per month (or $99 per year if you pay in advance) and contains the following features:

  • Unlimited episodes
  • Cross-platform analytics
  • Personalized RSS feed URL
  • A free website
  • Tons of bandwidth

And, of course, it is super easy to use!

6. Podbean

For beginner podcasters, Podbean offers affordable prices and programs. There is a free 5-hour limited upload plan that includes basic statistics. On the other hand, you will not be able to utilize your domain name on this tier.

A service with unlimited uploads starting at $9/month (when paid annually) is also available, including comprehensive statistics, a website, custom domains, and other features.
Podbean also offers its podcast app for iOS and Android devices and an Alexa skill, which allows you to listen to your favorite podcasts using your voice.

7. Resonate

Resonate Recordings has been one of my favorite podcast production firms for several years, and they just expanded their offering to include a podcast hosting service.
You can use a single platform to acquire professional editing and production and easily present your show on the same platform.

You can, of course, utilize Resonate Hosting on its own or in conjunction with other services.

You’ll get your podcast website, a great-looking embed player that allows you to track how many people are listening, extensive analytics, and other goodies as part of your subscription.
Unlimited shows, episodes, and bandwidth are available for as little as $25 per month.

8. Simplecast

Simplecast was one of the companies I had to mention because they are doing some very cool things.
Their embeddable players, for starters, are among of the best-looking (and smoothest) that I’ve seen in the industry. Aside from that, you’ll obtain full analytics on anyone who uses the service. A brief overview of the many formats available to you is provided below:

You’ll get unlimited uploads, stats, a website, the opportunity to have different individuals manage your podcast, and more for as little as $15 per month.
With a monthly subscription of $35, you get a slew of other features like more team members, extensive statistics, the ability to utilize your domain, 50K downloads per month, and much more. Here’s a sneak peek at the types of metrics you’ll see in the future:

They broadcast podcasts for companies such as Slack and Shopify and a variety of various podcasts, both significant and minor.
They have just revamped the appearance and feel of their entire platform and brand and added a slew of new features.

9.bCast

bCast is a marketing platform created “for marketers, by marketers.”
Audio Inserts, for example, allow you to include call-to-actions (CTAs) to encourage people to sign up for your email list, webinar, or whatever else you want.
Other interesting characteristics are as follows:

  • A unique email opt-in feature
  • automatic transcriptions
  • automated guest notifications when their episode goes live
  • Headliner integration

Things like this show demonstrate that they have given serious consideration to the experience of marketers who are using podcasting as a platform to develop and create income.
Pricing starts at $15 per month, but plans are available for $35 and $75 per month.

10. Spreaker

Spreaker has been active since 2010, and it offers several unique features and software for podcasters that are not available anywhere else.
One particularly noteworthy feature is the availability of a Live Podcasting option. With the inbuilt chatbox, you may allow listeners to communicate with you, and more connectivity options are available.

This is something that many people have asked me about, and Spreaker makes it very simple.
They feature a desktop application (for Windows and Mac) and a mobile application (for iPhone and Android) that can be used for recording, live streaming, viewing statistics, and other functions.

They both come with your account for no additional cost and differ based on your device. A free plan is available for testing purposes. However, the $20/month Broadcaster package is the most affordable alternative.

11. Blubrry

I conducted extensive research before selecting Blubrry as my first podcast host (many years ago). The company emerged as the clear winner, even though more “famous” names suggested or utilized other podcast hosts.
Much has changed since then, and they would not be my first choice today, but they still deserve recognition for their contributions.
The following were the primary reasons I chose them at the time:

  • “no-fault” coverage – due to the ease with which their PowerPress plugin for WordPress may be integrated and the advanced, industry-leading statistics offered free with your hosting package. You are not charged additional fees if you upload more than your monthly limit.

The plan is available for all budgets starting at $12/month for 100MB of audio storage per month. Depending on the length and quality of the episodes, that should be sufficient to produce at least one episode per week.

12. Podcast Websites

All-in-one platform for podcast websites includes a WordPress website, web hosting, limitless podcast hosting, a domain name, email address, etc.
You will have no trouble growing your email list because they are connected to several top email service providers.

They have also just included their Academy membership, which will assist you in learning through their video library, in their package. Having been podcasters for a long time (and well-known), the creators of this resource have a thorough understanding of what novice podcasters require.

13.PodServe.fm

PodServe.FM allows you to host an unlimited number of podcasts while also receiving 2,000GB of bandwidth each month. That’s enough to support over 60K downloads each month, which should be sufficient for most users.

It distinguishes them that you will receive free marketing on PodParadise, a podcast directory that receives thousands of visits each month.
They also make it quite simple to have everything up and running and be listed everywhere.

Pricing starts at $19/month, and if you chance to download a lot, you can pay $20 for 3,000GB of data transferred.

14. Podcast

Podcast “makes it exceedingly easy to start and expand a podcast” – and it does it for just $12.99 per month, including unlimited storage.
Some of the characteristics are as follows:

  • Website with blog posts and pages
  • Podcast analytics
  • Auto-posting to YouTube
  • Dropbox connection
  • Social sharing

15.PodcastGIANT

The podcast hosting platform PodcastGIANT is ideal for anyone looking for a platform that can manage podcast hosting and website hosting and meet their demands whether they are just starting or have thousands of listeners.
If you don’t want to waste time dealing with website hosting and technical issues, this is your option.

Conclusion

When making your decision, take the time to investigate the platform’s features thoroughly. You should be able to upload as much monthly content as you need while remaining compliant, viewing analytics, and having adequate storage capacity to store it all on your computer.

Second, consider whether you want free limitless hosting or if you are willing to pay a little more for additional features. Third, do you require a whole new website? Look for packages that include web hosting and WordPress or Weebly so that you may post show notes and blog articles on your website. Make sure that your hosting firm collaborates with the most reputable podcast networks.

Finally, consider which hosts can help you promote yourself through marketing, crowdsourcing, advertisements, monetization, expert coaching, and customer care services.
These firms take the worry out of storing your podcast, delivering your audio content to the appropriate locations, and helping you throughout your podcasting adventure, among other things.

People Also Asked

Is starting a podcast worth it?

Starting a podcast is a worthwhile endeavor if you possess all of the necessary and distinctive capabilities for the medium. You must be an excellent public speaker, entertainer, self-promoter, and digital marketer. You must be willing to devote a significant amount of time to marketing your podcast and growing your following.

Some simpler alternatives are available for those who launched a podcast exclusively to make money online, such as learning how to establish a blog. On the other hand, you may be successful, though the odds are stacked against you.

In most cases, podcasts fail to succeed because their creators lack the digital marketing understanding and relationship-building skills necessary to make them popular with listeners.

Where can I host a podcast?

There are various services to select from for those who want to host their podcast. You must host your podcast with one of the best podcast hosting businesses available. Here are some of my favorites:

  1. Buzzsprout.
  2. Spreaker
  3. Transistor.
  4. PodBean.
  5. Simplecast.
  6. Captivate.

Where can I host a podcast for free?

Yes, it is possible to host a podcast for free. Although they are often less restrictive than their paid counterparts, free services still have limitations. As soon as you begin producing a podcast and need a place to save your audio recordings, it would help if you considered investing in a high-quality service rather than a free, less feature-rich alternative.

Do I need podcast hosting?

Yes, you must use one of the podcast hosting services I offer to save your files and distribute them on platforms such as iTunes and Stitcher. Because you cannot simply record an audio file and send it to iTunes or Stitcher, you will need to hire a podcast hosting firm to take care of the technical aspects of the process for you.

Can you make money podcasting?

Creating a podcast can be lucrative, but establishing a following requires time and effort. Once you’ve found a following, you won’t be able to make money through sponsorships, affiliate marketing, or product sales.

One of the most profitable ways to make money from a podcast is to offer sponsorships (ad spots) to businesses that want to be recognized on your show. To ensure that all of your available places are occupied, you can sell these slots in increments of 5, 10, 20, or even a whole year.

Participating in affiliate programs is yet another excellent technique to earn money. By mentioning a website to visit on the air and including a link to it in the show notes, you may help drive sales for other companies and earn a percentage of the sales generated.

How often should you publish a podcast?

The frequency with which you publish should be defined by your niche, your target audience, and the length of each episode in your series. The most important thing is to present your listeners with the most satisfactory possible experience and ensure they keep returning for more.

For example, if your episodes are only 15 minutes long, you might want to consider publishing a podcast every day. You can get away with a weekly podcast if your episodes are longer (60 minutes or more). In the end, it all comes down to your industry, issues, and target audience demographic.