E-commerce Podcast Hosting 101 ( + Best Hosting Platforms)

Overview of Podcasting

In today’s content-driven world, podcasts have emerged as a popular and engaging form of media. With abundant online information, podcasts offer a unique and convenient way to consume content on the go. Over the past few years, podcasts have gained significant popularity and have become a top choice for individuals seeking entertainment, inspiration, and information. In fact, there are more than 5 million podcasts and over 70 million podcast episodes. 

Podcasting is a digital audio broadcasting format that allows individuals or groups to produce and distribute audio content over the Internet. This new format has allowed content creators to reach audiences (there are more than 464.7 million podcast listeners worldwide, which will reach 504.9 million) in a personalized way. 

Podcasts can cover various topics, including 

• News, 
• Politics, 
• Technology, 
• Entertainment, 
• Education, and more. 

Furthermore, podcasts are generally monetized through sponsorships, advertising, or crowdfunding. This allows content creators to generate income while producing content their audience loves.

As technology advances, it’s safe to say that podcasting will only continue to grow in popularity, providing listeners with a new form of entertainment and information.

Benefits of Podcast Hosting Platforms

• Time-saving multitasking

Podcasts offer the advantage of hands-free, eyes-free entertainment or education on the go, making tasks such as commuting, chores, and errands less boring. They allow multitasking in a busy world, adding a leisurely element to your daily routine. 

• Audio vs. screens

Podcasts offer an entertaining alternative to screen time and can reduce the strain on the eyes and the brain. Unlike videos, podcasts require little energy and stimulate the imagination, making the brain more active. 

• Boost small businesses

Listening to podcasts provides education and entertainment and supports small businesses and independent creators. Millennials prioritize socially responsible businesses and boycott unethical ones. Podcasts are often small startups, so listeners can support hosts directly instead of big corporations. 

• Diverse podcast perspectives

Podcasts offer a wider range of perspectives on various topics, unlike traditional news sources, which are often limited and biased. With the sheer volume of podcasts available, you can discover new voices and opinions that challenge mainstream media narratives.

• Easy access

Podcasts offer free education from experts across various industries. With dozens of podcasts available, anyone can easily learn about their interests without the need for mainstream media. For example, small business owners can gain marketing advice from top experts through podcasts. The variety of topics and accessibility of podcasts make them valuable educational tools.

• Rediscover storytelling

Podcasting has revived the fading art of verbal storytelling, which was once a centuries-old tradition of passing down epic poems like The Odyssey. Although written and visual media have diminished this art, podcasting has brought it back to life, with storytelling comprising a significant portion of podcasts today.

• Podcasts and success

Podcasts are a powerful tool that can benefit anyone, regardless of background or education level. The largest podcast audience consists of highly educated, wealthy adults, but that doesn’t mean the medium is exclusive to them. In fact, podcasts are a great way for anyone to learn about new topics, get inspired, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and news. Approximately 74% of individuals who listen to podcasts do so with the intention of learning new things.

Types of Podcast Hosting Platforms

Podcasters can post their content and attract customers through different podcast hosting platforms. Some of the most popular podcast platforms also have different features. These include – 

Free platforms

Free podcast hosting platforms are online services that allow individuals or organizations to upload and publish their podcast episodes online without paying for web hosting or server space. Some of the features offered by these podcast platforms include:

• Customizable RSS feeds, 
• Analytics, 
• Distribution to popular podcast directories and more. 

The platforms mentioned below have made it easy for anyone to start a podcast, regardless of their technical expertise or budget. Examples of the most popular free podcast platforms include 

• Anchor, 
• Buzzsprout, 
• Podbean, 
• Spreaker. 

Paid platforms

Paid podcast hosting platforms are services that require a fee to use their podcast hosting and distribution services. While free hosting platforms often have limitations in terms of storage, bandwidth, and features, paid hosting platforms typically offer more advanced features such as advanced analytics, ad insertion, custom branding, and more storage and bandwidth.

Some examples most popular podcast hosting platforms that are paid include –  

• Libsyn, 
• Buzzsprout, 
• Podbean,  
• Blubrry. 

Self-hosted platforms

Self-hosted podcast platforms allow podcasters to host audio files on their web server or third-party hosting service. With self-hosted platforms, podcasters can completely control their podcast and customize their podcast website and RSS feed.

The self-hosting option can be more affordable than paid hosting platforms but requires additional technical skills and effort to set up and maintain. Some most popular podcast hosting platforms that are self-hosted include –  

• WordPress, 
• Libsyn,  
• Podbean.

Multi-hosted platforms

 Multi-hosted podcast platforms allow multiple users to manage and upload their podcasts onto the platform. These platforms offer a range of features and pricing plans, allowing podcasters to choose the plan that best fits their needs. They typically provide analytics and distribution tools and the ability to monetize podcasts through sponsorships or advertising. 

Some of the most popular podcast hosting platforms that are multi-hosted include 

• Buzzsprout, 
• Libsyn, 
• Podbean, 
• Blubrry. 

Using a multi-hosted platform can benefit podcasters who collaborate on a show or have a team working on different aspects of their podcast.

Features to Look For in a Podcast Hosting Platform

Before choosing a podcast hosting platform, one must look at certain features that will allow them to host in a manner of their choice – 

Unlimited episodes & bandwidth

Podcast hosting platforms can make or break your podcasting experience. One of the most critical factors to consider when choosing a podcast host is the amount of storage and bandwidth offered. 

Think of storage as your podcast’s digital storage room. It determines how much content you can upload and store on your host’s server. As your podcast grows and evolves, you’ll need more storage space to accommodate new episodes while keeping the old ones. Thus, choosing a platform with enough bandwidth to store everything you want is necessary. 

However, bandwidth, on the other hand, is the amount of data that can be transferred between your host’s server and your listeners. Simply put, bandwidth affects how many people can download or stream your podcast simultaneously. Therefore, as your audience grows, your bandwidth requirements will also increase. You must select a platform that offers a good amount of bandwidth.

Advanced analytics & statistics

Analytics provide essential insights into your podcast audience’s behavior and preferences. Understanding this data is crucial for the success of your show. Advertisers and media networks have used analytics for years to make informed decisions about their programs and advertising budgets.

Even if you don’t consider yourself a “numbers person,” basic knowledge of your podcast’s performance can help you create more engaging content. Reliable analytics can also reveal which platforms your audience uses to listen to your show.

Make sure your podcast hosting platform provides IAB-certified or compliant analytics for accuracy. If you plan to analyze data frequently, consider if your hosting platform offers the option to download and export analytics for more in-depth analysis.

Embeddable player & customizable branding options

Customizable branding options and an embeddable player are important features to consider when selecting a podcast hosting platform.

Customizing your podcast’s branding, such as adding your logo, choosing colors, and creating custom artwork, can help your show stand out and create a strong visual identity.

An embeddable player allows you to easily share your podcast on your website or other platforms, making it easy for listeners to access your content. This feature is especially useful if you want to embed individual episodes or create a dedicated page for your podcast on your website.

Unlimited team members & storage space

Unlimited team members and storage space can also be valuable assets for growing your podcast. If you’re working with a team to produce and promote your show, adding unlimited team members can help streamline your workflow and ensure everyone is on the same page. And with unlimited storage space, you can upload as many episodes as you want without worrying about running out of space or deleting old episodes.

Overall, automated submission, customizable branding, and unlimited team members and storage space are important features to look for in a podcast hosting platform. Choosing a platform that offers these features saves time, builds your brand, and grows your audience more quickly and effectively.

Automated submission to major podcast directories

Submitting your podcast to major directories can be a laborious and time-intensive task. However, with the right podcast hosting platform, you can automate the submission process and save time and hassle. By delegating the task of submitting your podcast to major directories, you can free up your time to create high-quality content and expand your reach to a larger audience.

In addition to automated submission, customizable branding options can help build a brand and make that show stand out. Customizing your podcast’s logo, color scheme, and other elements allows you to create a professional and cohesive brand that your listeners will remember for longer.

Criteria for Choosing the Best Podcast Hosting Platform in 2023

Before choosing the best podcast hosting platforms, creators must check their criteria which can include the following –

Free trials & subscription plans

Free trials and subscription plans are common among podcast hosting services. Free trials typically offer limited access to features for a certain period of time, after which the user must subscribe to continue using the service. Subscription plans vary in price and features, ranging from basic plans with limited storage and features to more advanced plans with more storage and customization options.

Experienced podcasters’ reviews

Experienced podcasters’ reviews provide valuable insights into a hosting service’s strengths and weaknesses. These reviews can offer an unbiased perspective on the platform’s features, user experience, and customer support. It’s important to read reviews from multiple sources to get a well-rounded understanding of the hosting service. 

Support for audio files, customization, and more

Support for audio files and customization are key features of podcast hosting services. These platforms should support a range of audio file formats and allow for customization of the podcast’s artwork, metadata, and RSS feed. 

Best Podcast Hosting Platforms

What are the most popular podcast platforms? 

This is a question that bothers every new content creator. Thus, we have created a list of some of the most popular podcast platforms for you to choose from – 

Buzzsprout

Buzzsprout is widely recognized as one of the most popular podcast platforms. It claims to make the process of getting your material online simpler. With the assistance of the solution, you may submit your podcast to all of the major directories, including Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. This platform also has a fantastic range of tools to satisfy all your needs. 

Pros – 

• A convenient setting.
• An abundance of assistance from the squad.
• Both pre-and post-roll portions and chapter markers.
• Elements for automation for podcast publication.

Cons – 

• Restrictions for the free plan.
• Ads are present on the free plan.

Captivate

Captivate is one of the finest methods to develop your internet presence since it provides professional podcasters with endless alternatives for podcast hosting. It comes in the list of the most popular podcast platforms. The platform has a wonderful, straightforward design that makes it simple to access a number of often-used functions with just a few clicks.

Pros – 

• Available on every plan, all features.
• Choices for unrestricted hosting and storage.
• Support for transcription is offered.
• Access to links for your podcast’s lead-generation campaigns.

Cons – 

• It can be expensive over a long period of time. 

Transistor

With Transistor, businesses and individuals may produce unlimited podcasts for just a monthly fee. It is one of the most popular podcast platforms. The hosting tool has a built-in website builder, so you can also give your podcast a striking internet presence. 

Pros – 

• Every bundle includes unlimited podcasts.
• Built-in tool for building websites
• Individual podcast player
• Entry to dynamic advertisements and show notes
• Appropriate for teams

Cons – 

• The downloads within the game are expensive. 

Castos

With Castos, an all-in-one platform for today’s audio content producers, you can almost automate every step of creating a great podcast. With audio, you have all the resources required to expand your audience, engage your neighborhood, and create new prospects.

Pros – 

• Every package includes unlimited podcasts
• Excellent service for transcribing
• Republishing on YouTube included
• In-depth knowledge of the audience and listeners
• A user-friendly environment

Cons – 

• It can be expensive over time. 

Simplecast

For businesses looking to gain as much insight as possible into their target audience, Simplecast is one of the most sophisticated podcast hosting options available. To help you with your publication plan, the business combines hosting alternatives with in-depth statistics and insights.

Pros – 

• Several basic features that are straightforward to utilize
• Fantastic for easy and limitless uploads
• Dedicated website and domain
• In-depth analytics and information

Cons – 

• Can be pricey 
• Learning how to use all the reports takes time.

bCast

With their podcasting service, bCast assists businesses in increasing social engagement and income. They are marketed as podcast-hosting solutions for high-growth organizations. The business is fantastic for marketing businesses that use podcasts to advertise.

Pros – 

• Automated transcription
• Posting directly to other channels
• Detailed analyses and insights
• Audio inserts and messages

Cons – 

• The most costly package is required to get rid of the branding.

Spreaker

Speaker, a practical hosting option for podcasters with access to a specialized “live podcasting” capability, promises simplicity and adaptability. With the help of this function, you may enable real-time user listening, commenting, and chatting.

Pros – 

• Upload material to directories automatically
• Many people support live broadcasting
• Simple-to-use distribution tools
• Advanced statistics and analytics

Cons – 

• Costly to purchase all the features

Blubrry

Blubrry, unquestionably one of the market’s most adaptable podcast hosting services, will make it simple to introduce your new podcast to your listeners quickly. PowerPress, a podcasting WordPress plugin, is also available if you already have a WordPress website, and it makes it simple to manage your podcast right inside your website.

Pros – 

• Excellent amounts of bandwidth and storage
• Strong WordPress website plugin
• Embeddable podcast player with customizable features
• Outstanding insights

Cons – 

• All features are accessible but expensive

RSS.com

One of the greatest ways to launch and expand your podcast is by using RSS.com, which is likely our list’s most well-known podcast hosting option. You receive built-in sponsorship options, automated distribution to the major directories, and limitless audio storage.

Pros – 

• Excellent distribution and scheduling
• Features for customization and a free website
• Comprehensive listener analytics
• Options for earning money with devoted partners
• Reasonable prices

Cons – 

• More basic features than other alternatives

PodServe.fm

PodServe.fm provides full-service podcast hosting in addition to larger storage capabilities. The site makes the claim that it would “do all the work” for you, including spreading your material across the top podcasting platforms.

Pros – 

• Dependable platform
• Easy to use with a good interface.

Cons – 

• It can be more expensive than other platforms. 

Podiant

Podiant’s focus is simplicity, but it also provides advanced podcast functionality for users in the UK and beyond. As said, despite having headquarters on Ludgate Hill, its qualities are well-known worldwide.

Pros – 

• Offers unique production consultation and migration services.
• They have flexible payment plans to suit different needs.
• A diverse global community covers various podcast genres.
• Listings on all major directories are included.
• Customer service is excellent, with quick and friendly support via phone.

Cons – 

• Podiant has fewer editing features compared to larger hosting services.

PodcastGIANT

Instead of only hosting your podcasts, Podcast Giant also creates your website. Choose a custom theme from our selection, submit your material, and sit back and watch as we create your full website.

Backtracks

Backtracks are the world’s most sophisticated platform for podcast analytics and hosting. By decoding spoken words, Backtracks reveal meaning and insights. We enable the discoverability, quantification, and monetization of spoken word content like podcasts.

audioBoom

Another highly regarded podcasting platform is Audioboom, particularly because it is one of the few websites that makes it simple to import an existing podcast through RSS. The website provides you with all the resources necessary to start, run, and profit from a podcast.

Pros – 

• Manage multiple podcasts on one platform
• Monetize with intuitive tools
• Integrate podcasts with websites and social media
• Target real-time audiences with dynamic ads.

Cons – 

• Pro plans with advanced features require 10,000+ plays per episode.

Anchor.FM

Anchor.FM, a product of Spotify, claims to streamline the publishing of your content online. You may produce and publish episodes in one location using the solution’s integrated uploading, editing, and recording capabilities.

Pros – 

• Excellent selection of user-friendly features
• Online hosting service with limitless space and speedy delivery
• Utilize advertisements to monetize your content by gaining insight into your target market.
• Import immediately from other podcasting services

Cons – 

• Few opportunities for monetization
• There are hardly many features at all.

SoundCloud

Soundcloud is a well-liked music and podcast hosting service, making it one of the most well-known methods for getting your podcast online and onto your own website. The application enables users to integrate their Soundcloud audio episodes into their current websites by inserting a URL into a page or WordPress post.

Pros – 

• Access to monitoring and analytics tools in a very user-friendly environment that connects with your website
• Features for monetization and dissemination

Cons – 

• Player freedom for podcasts is limited
• Not many cutting-edge features

Squarespace

With its impressive capabilities and some of the greatest template designs we’ve ever seen, Squarespace is a potent website builder. It is a capable all-arounder that offers both website tools and ecommerce functionality. 

Conclusion

Choosing a podcast hosting service is critical in launching a successful podcast. With so many hosting options available, it’s important to consider factors such as pricing, features, support, and customization. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced podcaster, finding the right hosting service can help you reach your audience, grow your brand, and monetize your content. With the options mentioned in this article, you can select the best hosting platform fit for your needs!

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