How to choose the right podcast hosting service

Creating a podcast has never been more accessible. However, knowing where to host it can often prove the biggest challenge. With podcasts rapidly becoming one of the most popular mediums for consuming content, choosing the right podcast hosting service is key for securing success. Hosting platforms not only syndicate your podcast across platforms, but they also gather and show you key insights into who is listening to your episodes.

What is a podcast hosting service?

Imagine a podcast hosting service as a digital library which stores and shares your episodes with various platforms where listeners can tune in. Podcasts need somewhere to be stored before they are then distributed to platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify and so forth.

Unlike videos, which you can share natively on platforms like YouTube, Instagram and TikTok, you need a central place to host your podcast before it can then be shared with platforms where people can listen. You can’t upload your podcast episodes natively to Apple Podcasts, for instance, they need to live elsewhere before then being linked to Apple Podcasts.

Hosting platforms don’t only store your audio files, they do two other very important things as well. They create an RSS feed for your show, which is an online catalogue of your episodes used by podcast directories to share your episodes with your audience. They also provide tools which help you to gather key analytics data on the performance of your episodes and allow you to monetise your podcast.

Choosing the right podcast hosting service for your show

Not all podcast hosting services are built the same. When picking the right platform to host your podcast there are a number of factors you may want to consider, many of which will impact the success of your podcast.

Ease of use

If you don’t find the hosting platform easy to use, then that could be a red flag. Look at the dashboard and general interface and decide whether it looks poorly designed, difficult to navigate or confusing to use. Make sure to also check how easy the process is to upload and syndicate your podcast to other platforms, like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you don’t find it easy to use, it might be best to look elsewhere!

Podcast analytics

One of the big benefits of using a hosting service are the stats they can provide you with about who is listening to your show. Expect to see information like geographical location, listener demographics, audience engagement and which platforms people are using to listen. This allows you to measure the success of your podcast and identify possible learnings to take forward into future episodes.

When choosing a hosting platform, you should be able to easily access the analytics data and find it presented in a way that you can identify the key information that you need. 

Storage limits

Depending on whether you choose to host on a paid-for or free hosting platform, you may be offered different storage allowances for your podcast. Some providers have storage limits or monthly upload limits which will impact the length of your episodes or how many you can upload.

If you can, you want to find a hosting service that has unlimited storage or, failing that, offers the option to upgrade once you’ve reached your limit. You don’t want to run out of storage space once you’ve got your podcast up and running!

Cost 

The cost of hosting your podcast is an important factor and will be influenced by your future plans for your show. If you are producing a show for fun or are looking at piloting a new idea, a free hosting platform might be the best option for you. Paid-for hosting will offer more functionality like increased storage capacity, customisation options and more distribution opportunities.

You can always switch

What’s important to remember is that once you sign up to a podcast hosting service, you aren’t tied to that one platform. You can always switch to another provider which is offering a better deal or service. Many of the different hosting platforms have advice as to how to do this, whilst minimising disruption. 

However, it’s important to point out that if you do choose to do this that you will most likely lose access to your previous analytics data. So make a record of this important data before switching if you choose to do so.

Podcast hosting services to choose from

There are a whole range of podcast hosting services available to choose from. Below we’ve picked out a couple of platforms to consider in your search:

Spotify for Creators

Spotify has been investing a lot of money in podcasts recently and as part of this they acquired a podcast hosting platform called Anchor, which they have now rebranded as Spotify for Creators.

Spotify for Creators is a free podcast hosting service, with a comprehensive offering that makes it easy to record, distribute and monetise your podcast. The interface and dashboard is user-friendly, with a range of features. They’ve also introduced new video options, so you can use short video clips to promote your episodes on Spotify.

Buzzsprout

One of the most popular podcast hosting services, Buzzsprout has been around for a long time and has a wide selection of features to pick from. Users highlight its ease of use and simplicity, making it easier to use for beginners whilst offering the tools and functionality needed by more serious podcasters. 

There are both free (limited up to 2 hours of audio each month) and paid-for packages with Buzzsprout, offering you a choice of subscription options. Buzzsprout also has an app, so you can manage your podcast on the go.

Podbean

Known for being a reliable and easy to use platform, with a range of features, Podbean is another option to consider. They offer all the tools and help you need to produce, share and make money from your podcast. A lot of these platforms also offer new AI features, one on Podbean is a blog to podcast feature where you can use AI voices to repurpose your existing articles.

Podbean offers both a free service (where you can upload up to 5 hours of audio) and paid plans. There’s also an app available from Podbean which allows you to record your podcast on the go.

Libsyn

Another platform known for its reliability, customer support and set of features, is Libsyn which is another popular choice amongst podcasters. Some reviewers have referred to it as a reliable, no-frills platform. The dashboard is very simple, making it easy to use, but you may need to pay extra to access additional features.

There isn’t a free plan with Libsyn, so you’ll need to pick from one of their paid-for hosting plans. 

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