Podcasts have become more and more popular over the last few years and it’s no real surprise as to why.
All you need to do is load up your favorite podcast, plug your headphones in and you can listen to some incredible discussions, all while you’re getting on with your day.
If you are thinking about hosting your own podcast, then you’re probably trying to work out what the best website to use will be.
There are so many options out there, so we’ve made it a bit easier for you by putting a list together!
We’ll be going over a bit more detail about each of these podcast websites to help you make an informed decision about which one you want to use. So let’s get started.
While there are plenty of podcast-hosting websites out there, we really recommend that you choose one of the options on this list.
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Each of these websites has its own pros and cons and different things that make them stand out.
Let’s take a look at the list now so you can make the best decision for your podcast venture!
1. Buzzsprout
Kicking off this list, we have Buzzsprout. If you’ve started looking into websites for podcasting already, then you’ve no doubt heard of this website already.
Most people swear by Buzzsprout because it is super easy to use.
This is an excellent choice for beginners, but even experienced podcasters can get a lot of good use out of this website.
It’s so simple to use infact that all you have to do is upload your podcast onto the site and Buzzsprout will do the rest!
Buzzsprout also lets you get your podcast listed in all the top directories, which include Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.
There is a free plan on Buzzsprout too, but if you’re planning on regularly uploading, you will want to subscribe to one of the affordable plans instead.
- Buzzsprout is recommended by Podcasters from beginners to experts.
- Podcast Hosting made easy!
Pros
- A free plan is available
- Easy-to-use interface that is perfect for beginners
- Affordable pricing plans
Cons
- The analytics can be a bit difficult to comprehend
2. PodBean
PodBean is another popular podcast website that definitely deserves a place on this list.
On this website, you will have access to live streaming and podcast episode recording, which are both seamless in the way they work, so you’ll have your episodes uploaded in no time at all.
Podbean will also offer you a free podcast website that can be fully customized to fit your theme and brand.
You can also easily get your podcast listed on the top directories, such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!
- Easily start your own podcast today!
- There is a reason Podbean is used by 570,000+ Podcasters!
Pros
- The option for a free plan
- PodBean is mobile-friendly, having both iOS and Android apps
- Fantastic customization options
- The advertising marketplace makes monetization quite simple
Cons
- The cover art creation department has some missing features
3. SoundCloud
Though you might not think to use SoundCloud as a podcast hosting website, you’d be surprised by how effective it is! This is a fantastic option for beginners or anyone who isn’t quite ready to spend money on a payment plan.
It’s super easy and quick to upload your podcasts as well, it’s the exact same method as uploading music to the site.
With the free plan on SoundCloud, you will be able to upload 3 hours of content each month. This is a great number to start off with before you fully commit to any payment plans.
- SoundCloud is an online audio distribution platform.
- It allows artists to upload, promote, and share music.
- Offers both free and premium services.
Pros
- If you choose to subscribe to their payment plan, you get unlimited upload times
- Extremely easy to upload and share your podcast
- The paid subscription is quite affordable and worth it if you’re uploading regularly
- The free plan is great for beginners
Cons
- The only real con is that SoundCloud lacks in a lot of features that some of the other podcasting websites have
4. Anchor
Anchor is another great choice because it is completely catered to podcasting.
On this site, you get built-in recording and editing tools that make the whole process of publishing, monetizing, and promoting much easier.
One of Anchor’s big selling points is that it allows you to host unlimited podcast uploads completely for free.
It also helps you expand your audience with a quick one-step distribution that lets you share your podcast to streaming sites such as Spotify.
- Create, distribute, and monetize your podcast - all for free.
- User-Friendly Interface
- Advanced Insights and Analytics.
Pros
- Unlimited hosting, completely for free
- Seamlessly works well with Spotify
- Ability to record audio ads with your own voice
- Create your own subscription pricing for monetization
Cons
- Because the tool is free, you, unfortunately, don’t have rights or control over your own content
5. Audioboom
If you already have some podcast episodes that are published but you want to add them to a new site, then Audiboom is great because it lets you easily import an existing podcast through RSS.
You will also be able to have access to all the tools you need for creating, managing, and monetizing your podcast.
Audioboom’s best feature is its ability to let you manage multiple podcasts from one simple-to-use dashboard.
This reason alone is why lots of people regard Audioboom as the best podcast hot website.
Audioboom also lets you quickly distribute your podcast to other listening apps, such as Apple Podcast, Deezer, Google Podcast, and more.
Pros
- The ability to manage multiple podcasts from one single platform
- Dynamic advertisements to target audiences in real-time
- Ability to seamlessly integrate your podcasts into social media, blogs, and other websites
- Intuitive monetization tools
Cons
- If you have the Pro Plan with advanced features, they can help and benefit podcasts that have more than 10000 plays per episode.
6. Transistor
Transistor stands out for two very specific reasons: it has absolutely fantastic analytics capabilities and it also allows you to host private podcasts.
This ability to host private podcasts makes this the perfect platform to use if you want to keep your audience small or you are hosting a podcast for a business.
The analytics features allow you to have an in-depth breakdown and understanding of your listening audience.
It will give you breakdowns of everything from downloads per episode, to trends, and subscriber count in a simple but effective way.
You will also be able to create multiple podcasts from Transistor and embed your podcasts on your social channels, blogs, and website.
Pros
- Really simple to use podcast management system
- The ability to host multiple podcast shows from one place
- The ability to create private podcasts in which you control who can listen to them
- Fantastic analytic capabilities
Cons
- There is no option for a free plan
- If you have multiple shows, your downloads will be affected
7. Captivate
One of the biggest selling points of Captivate is its easy-to-use dashboard, which allows you to do lots of great things.
On this dashboard, you can launch your podcast, analyze each episode’s performance, and more.
Another great feature Captivate offers is the ability to add call-to-action prompts that you can use directly in your podcast.
The analytical capabilities are also quite advanced, but they are not complex to use, so you can use these advanced features without having to worry about them being complicated.
You will also have the ability to create private podcasts and make customizable links, and you also get transcription support.
Every tool you need to start, manage and monetize
your podcast
Unlimited Podcast Hosting
Pros
- Unlimited podcast storage and uploads
- IAB Certified Analytics
- All the popular podcast streaming apps are supported
- A dedicated International Customer Support
Cons
- There is no option for a free plan
- The customization options are very limited
8. Spreaker
Spreaker is extremely easy to use and navigate and has a simple interface.
This podcasting website is perfect for both beginners and veteran podcasters, regardless of their experience level.
You will be able to create, publish, manage, and monetize your podcasts with ease on Spreaker.
The interface itself is incredibly sleek and it also has a one-click distribution feature that allows you to share your podcast with all the popular streaming platforms.
You will also have access to an Ad Campaign Manager that will help you get your podcast out to a wider audience, and you will also have access to a customizable RSS feed.
While this website does offer you a free plan, you can only upload 10 episodes if you use it.
If you want unlimited uploads, you will need to subscribe to one of their paid plans, but they come in different, affordable tiers.
Pros
- Access to a free plan
- Ad Campaign Manager and customizable RSS feed
- Easy-to-use with a simple interface
- One-click distribution feature
Cons
- While there is a free plan, it is incredibly limited in how many episodes you can upload and what features you can use
Conclusion
Finding the perfect podcast website can be quite a challenge, especially if you don’t have any prior experience. Once you do know where to look though, the sky is the limit!
Give some of these websites a try for yourself and see which ones work best for you. Don’t commit to the paid plans until you’ve had a bit of experience with the websites first!
