9 Top Podcast Platforms (2023)
For your convenience in researching Our team has prepared a short introduction, highlighted some of the key features and provided pricing choices for the top nine podcast platforms. The platforms have been evaluated in terms of the cost, upload speed and bandwidth limitations along with monetization tools, as well as other features. Let's get started!
Our top list of 9 of the best podcast hosting platforms:
PodBean
With more than 10 years of experience, PodBean boasts an impressive 650,000 users on their platform. PodBean offers users easily-to-read data like downloads sorted according to date and time as well as trends, the most popular episodes, demographics of listeners, and retention of users. The platform lets you live stream live to your viewers and allows listeners as well guests to join your stream to take part or listen to your broadcast.
Important aspects
- Free plan available
- Podcast websites that are personalized for each plan.
- A player that can be embedded and customised to your website
- Native tools make it simple to generate revenue from your podcast
- Auto-sharing for connected social media accounts
- Live streaming is available, and includes the possibility to call and listen
Price price range:
PodBean is among the few platforms that offer a free plan. Its free plans are compatible with the mp3 format and includes five hours of storage (500MB) as well as 100GB of monthly bandwidth.
Alongside the standard package, PodBean provides three paid plans including Unlimited Audio ($9) Unlimited Plus ($29) in addition to Network ($79). Unlimited Audio and Unlimited Plus plans provide unlimited storage space in addition to bandwidth while the Network plan restricts bandwidth to 3TB with the option of paying for additional bandwidth.
Buzzsprout
Buzzsprout is the host platform that is used by over 100,000 podcasters. The platform provides advanced analytics that allow users to see how many listeners download your shows, the countries they're from, and how users access your podcast. They also give you access to a range of tools , such as an embeddable player that can be embedded on websites, and the option of a transcript for the episode in addition to "Dynamic Content" which allows you to modify episodes and pre-roll segments once the publication of your.
Once you have uploaded your podcast to Buzzsprout it'll allow the podcast to be featured across the most popular directories including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Alexa, Castro, Podchaser, as well as many others. The service will also enhance uploads to help ensure that your podcast is as good as it can be.
Key qualities
- Plan available for free
- A podcast site that is customizable on all plans
- Podcast player which can be embedded on your website
- The ability to design chapter markers to mark episodes
- Advanced statistics to monitor your progression
- Dynamic content lets you modify the pre- and post-roll segment immediately after you have published
Price Band:
Buzzsprout is among the very few podcast platforms to offer a free plan. With regards to their paid subscriptions, they have three choices: $12 $38, $18, or $24 per month. The company doesn't have an annual price at the moment, so you'll be confined on with the monthly prices. The only difference between their paid plans is the amount of upload time each plan provides.
RSS.com
RSS.com features a user interface that is renowned for its ease to usage. The platform provides users with access to features including comprehensive analytics, episode scheduling as well as an embeddable player for episodes and social media sharing and even a podcasting website included.
A bit different from other platforms hosting podcasts, RSS.com offers a donation button which you can activate or disable. This donation button allows you to get funding along with traditional methods for advertising and sponsoring. However, if ads and sponsorships are what you prefer, they can be purchased. Podcasters are able to find sponsors through RSS.com's Podcorn marketplace.
The main characteristics
- Unlimited audio and episode for each plan
- Podcast websites that are personalized to fit all plans.
- Embeddable podcast player for your website
- Native episode scheduler
- Optional donation button
- Ability to create chapter chapters, soundbites and transcripts within the platform
Price range:
The website appears to offer three plans. RSS.com provides 3 plans but, most customers will be able to take advantage of an All in One Podcasting plan at $12.99 each month. Students and Non-government Organizations can avail a special plan for them for $4.99 each month. The Student plan has all the features of those in the All in One plan, however, you'll need be certified. If you download more than 10,000 times daily will be able to subscribe to the Podcast Networks plan, but it's also required to connect with the service first.
Captivate
Captivate is a fantastic choice for those who are just starting out as podcasters. The host dashboard in Captivate is well-known within the industry for its simple interface. Captivate lets you publish your episodes on all major podcasting directories, and promote your show using built-in marketing tools, and earn money for your podcast by private broadcasting.
Key Features
- Podcasting site can be customized to suit your needs on any plan
- Unlimited uploads, podcasts and storage for all plans.
- Podcast embeddable, customizable player for your website
- Extra Features: Captivate Sync(tm) WordPress Plugin for flexible control of hosting
- Podcasting Premium and private available on all plans
- Unlimited team members , with adjustable roles
Price range:
Captivate has three plans available: Personal ($19) as well as Professional ($49), and business ($99). If you don't want to pay for a plan, there's no free one that you can avail, but there is seven days of trial for free for each plan. The major difference between paid plans lies related to the quantity of networks-connected podcasts and private podcasts and subscriber to private podcasts they allow. In addition to these diverse attributes, both plans work the same.
Transistor
Transistor is an excellent podcast hosting platform , which includes big-name podcasts like Cards Against Humanity. Transistor has extensive analytics and private shows and the ability to distribute your podcasts via 1-click for each of the most popular directories. The company also provides 1-click distribution via Listen Notes and The Podcast Index two well-known search engines that are dedicated to podcasts.
Transistor is a good choice for podcasts with multiple episodes. It offers unlimited show for every plan. The platform doesn't limit podcasters on bandwidth, storage (or downloads per month), however, rather it is based on monthly downloads that allow you to see limitations in a much simpler way.
The key characteristics
- A podcast website that you can customize for all plans.
- Unlimited podcasts on every hosting plan
- Dynamic Ad Tool to permit intuitive and automatic ad insertion
- Automatically upload every episode on YouTube. YouTube
- Exclusive RSS feeds for every show you own
- Embeddable podcast player for your website
Price Band:
Transistor has three price plans including Basic ($19) along with Professional ($49)) and as well as Business ($99). Three features are the only ones that differ between plans plan. These are the number of guests you can invite to join the team with, and the number of personal podcast listeners you are able to include in addition to the limit per month for downloading. The good news is that the Starter plan allows up to 10,000 monthly downloads and is enough for the majority of podcasters just starting out.
Audioboom
Audioboom is an incredibly standard service for the vast majority of users that is distributed through directories of all kinds as well as unlimited episodes. The capacity to download 15,000 monthly files for their basic plan. The way the platform approaches revenue generation is what makes the platform different from others. Podcasters can access the marketplace for monetization once they've reached the 10000 monthly listeners. If you have a large following, it shouldn't effect the quality of your podcast. If you're a lesser show, this could result in not having the chance to cash in until you've hit that crucial point.
The most important Features
- Unlimited episodes per month
- 15,000 downloads per month on entry-level plan
- Distribution to the most well-known directories
- IAB compliant analytics dashboard
- The ability to access the worldwide marketplace for advertisements after you've reached 10,000 monthly downloads
Price price range:
The pricing options offered by Audioboom are straightforward! The company provides two plans per month including the Standard Plan ($9.99) and the Plus Plan ($19.99). The Standard plan allows for the possibility of up to 15,000 downloads each month. If you require more it is possible to change up to the Plus Plan allows up to 10,000. If you're still insufficient, it's time to inquire for a custom Podcast Pros Account.
Resonate
Resonate is a great podcast hosting platform that is ideal for users who are looking for a full solution. While their hosting plans provide a variety of standard features, they're missing an adjustable site, premium or private podcasting, and support for their less expensive plans. But, if Resonate does not have the standard features of hosting but it could be able to make up any gap with additional features.
Resonate has a broad range of services for podcasts, such as production, launch and video production along with podcast marketing and enterprise services. The additional features allow podcasters to create a high-quality and professionally produced podcast on Resonate, which is the exact same software.
Important Features
- Automatically produced podcasts on microsites
- Embeddable podcast player for your website
- Comprehensive analytics and statistics taken from embedded players
- The built-in Dynamic Ads insertion feature includes specific time-sensitive announcements, timed campaigns and even timed announcements.
Price price range:
Resonate offers two month-long plans The Basic ($25) and Premium ($49). Both of these include unlimited episodes, downloads and users of the show. However, the microsite is available only with the Premium plan, which is what separates Resonate against other companies which offer websites as part of their lowest plans. If you are not sure if the basic or the Premium plans meet your needs You should look into the Professional plan that gives you more microsites and aid options.
Castos
Unlike other podcast hosting platforms, Castos is a WordPress plugin. It's designed to be integrated to Seriously Simple Podcasting and allows podcasters to control the hosting of their podcasts directly on their WordPress site. Castos will also permit users to design custom podcast sites as well as detailed statistics.
Comparatively to Buzzsprout and Buzzsprout the transcription services offered by Castos are considerably less expensive in comparison to Buzzsprout which costs $0.10 every minute. If you're considering starting an audio podcast on YouTube, Castos will also instantly upload your podcast episodes to YouTube when you subscribe to specific plans. The platform is focused on improving and creating new features to provide analytics reports that are tailored to potential advertisers, as well as metrics on playback duration that let you know how long people are watching your podcast.
The key attributes
- Customizable podcast website on every plan
- Unlimited podcasts episode uploads
- Private podcasting feature for premium content
- Web page templates that were pre-designed
- Automatic podcast transcriptions (optional)
- YouTube republishing
Price Band:
Castos provides four price plans comprising Basic ($19), Growth ($49) Professional ($99) in addition to Premium ($499) every month. By paying annually, you'll save around 17% over the duration of the contract. Although the basic plan offers the basics however, just the Growth plan and the higher levels include YouTube publishing.
Libsyn
From 2004 to the year 2004, Libsyn is an established player in the realm of podcasts. It's a great option for creators who are new or hosts who have short episodes with a small number of episodes, or monetized podcasts. It's important to note that the platform restricts uploads as well as bandwidth. It can create issues with podcasts with a large amount of content or have a large number of viewers. If you'd like to grow storage or bandwidth then you'll have to pick larger plans, which is the reason this is the ideal option for small audiences, or shows that earn a profit.
The most important attributes
- Customizable podcast website on all plans
- Ads-based monetization built-in as well as podcasting in private
- Visual-builder integrated with Canva
- Custom iOS as well as Android applications for your shows
- Distribution to all of the most popular directories for podcasts
Price range for price:
Libsyn offers a grand total of six plans. Three are designed for audio podcasts and three to support videos-based podcasts.
Audio Podcasts
Audio pricing starts at $5 , and goes up to $20 or $15 for a month. But, Libsyn limits the number of hours of audio you can upload each month as well as the total amount of space available for storage, which is different from other platforms on this list. If you choose to go with a higher-priced option, it will provide the highest amount of both.
Video podcasts
The video podcast plan starts at $45 before increasing to $150 and $75 per month. When you pay this amount, the statistics remain the same. Only the bandwidth and upload limitations are increased as the cost increases.
Final Reflections
This is it! Nine of the top podcasting platforms. Selecting a platform isn't the only decision you'll have to make as an experienced podcaster. While you're researching for the right platform, be sure to consider your specific needs when it comes to podcasting. Take into consideration your most important needs including the upload process, bandwidth downloading and your financial budget. Think about things like the strategy to monetize your site and social media connectivity once you've narrowed down your list down to three options.
Are you looking for more information on how to start an audio podcast? Take a look at the previous posts on podcasting:
Article was first seen on here