We review the best podcast hosts for 2021
Let’s admit it, podcasting is contagious. The gateway begins with tuning in, and as you get more and more hooked, you become inclined to start your own. And why not? Podcasts were a huge success in 2020 for both newbs and vets alike, and 2021 promises to be another outstanding year.
Deciding to start a podcast is one thing, but actually starting one is quite another. Where to begin? In a previous blog, we went over all the necessary steps to start a podcast. In this blog, we’ll hit the best places to host a blog.
Why do I need a podcast host?
After you record and edit your podcast, you’ll need a place to store it on the cloud from where your listeners can reliably stream it from. That’s why you need a host. And yet a host is different than a directory, that is, where your listeners can find your podcast. The host stores it, provides an RSS link, and then you spread your RSS link to as many directories as possible, from places like iTunes to Soundcloud. A good host will make the whole process a heck of a lot easier.
6 Best Podcast Hosts for 2021
Captivate makes it easy to embed your podcast into your website, whether you use WordPress, Wix, or SquareSpace. You can create private members-only podcasts, as well as have access to a complete suite of performance metrics. They also have great customer service, with responsive email and their podcasting team holds weekly Friday “office hours”. The different pricing schemes are based around your downloads per month and each level contains the same feature set.
Features:
- Easy analytics
- Embedding to WordPress, Wix, SquareSpace and Twitter
- Automatically matches your branding
- Built in calls-to-action
- Great customer service
- Monetization options
- 7-day free trial
Pricing:
- Podcaster – $17/month for 12,000 downloads/month
- Professional – $44/month for 60,000 downloads/month
- Business – $90/month for 150,000 downloads/month
With easy scheduling options, clear podcasting statistics, and automatic mastering algorithm, it’s easy to see why Buzzsprout is a favorite for many. It also allows for easy online editing, letting you easily add pre-roll and post-roll segments. They have an extensive library of YouTube videos and customer support to make sure you never get stuck.
Features:
- Automatic episode optimization
- Automatic mastering for a fee on plans above the free
- Automatic transcriptions for a fee
- Add/remove pre/post-roll segments
- Monetization options
- Great customer service
Pricing:
- Free – 2 hrs per month; hosted for 90 days; ads
- $12/month – 3 hrs/month
- $18/month – 6 hrs/month
- $24/month – 12 hrs/month
Transistor gives you no limits to how many podcasts you’d like to run, giving you the freedom to experiment with different formats, styles, and subjects while staying on brand with each show. They provide an extensive list of analytics that includes stats from various directories that you’ve listed your podcast (and they give you help listing your podcast). They also allow you to have members-only podcasts.
Features:
- Multiple podcasts
- Extensive analytics
- 1-click submit to 6 directories
- Members-only podcasts for Professional and Business subscriptions
- 14-day free trial
Pricing:
- Starter – $19/month for 15,000 downloads/month
- Professional – $49/month for 75,000 downloads/month
- Business – $99/month for 200,000 downloads/month
PodBean’s focus is on simplicity, from the main website to their mobile options. Their app allows your listeners to tune in on your show’s own personalized app. They feature unlimited podcasting, no matter how popular your show gets, with customizable branding capabilities and easy sharing options. Your podcast automatically lists on the iTunes directory.
Features:
- Unlimited podcasting
- Extensive analytics tools
- Easy monetization
- Personalized app
- 30-day free trial
Pricing:
- Unlimited Audio – $14/month; unlimited audio storage and bandwidth
- Unlimited Plus – $39/month; unlimited audio and video storage and bandwidth
Castos also offers unlimited content and bandwidth plans, while optimizing the interface with your personal WordPress website. They have transcription services for uploading your podcast to YouTube and provides extensive analytics from a variety of directories. They also allow you to have multiple shows to experiment with your styles and formats, and easy publishing to iTunes, Spotify, Sticher, and Google Play.
Features:
- WordPress integration
- Transcription services
- Automatic listing in top directories
- Unlimited podcast storage and bandwidth
- 14-day free trial
Pricing options:
- Starter – $19/month; unlimited podcasts and downloads; private subscriber limit – 100
- Growth – $49/month; private subscriber limit – 250; as above plus publishing to YouTube and Audiogram integration
- Pro – $99/month; private subscriber limit – 500; As above plus advanced analytics and video file hosting
One of the older podcast hosts, Simplecast makes distribution super simple, just a simple click to publish on a dozen or so directories. They provide some of the deepest analytics of any of the services, allowing you to see where your listeners are tuning in from, their geography, network, medium, and more. They make it easy to embed your podcast on WordPress, SquareSpace, and Medium, and they also provide a free web builder and offer you to host your page on their server.
Features:
- Unlimited storage and uploads
- Easy distribution
- Deep analytics
- Multiple shows allowed
- Free 14-day trial
Pricing options:
- Basic – $15/month; 20,000 downloads/month
- Essential – $35/month; 50,000 downloads/month
- Growth – $85/month; 120,000 downloads/month
No matter where you’re hosted, you should check directory options and do your own research on where you want to be listed. You might find the host that’s perfect for you but doesn’t make it easy to list on your preferred directory within their app. No worries, most directories are pretty easy to list on.
Nobody said it will be easy to have a successful podcast. But if you keep at it, and focus on what you’re interested and keep it interested, then success will surely follow. Good luck and have fun!
Also keep in mind that you shouldn’t stop with just having a podcast. Make sure you have engaging audio to match! Check out our service for great royalty free stock music and effects, which includes using an app that automatically adjusts the length and mix of the tracks to fit your needs.
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