Whether you’re a new creator with some podcast ideas you’d like to try or looking for a platform to host your podcast, we’re here to help!
When looking for the best hosting service for your podcast, it can be extremely easy to just choose the cheapest or free option such as Anchor, especially if you’re just starting your podcast journey and unfamiliar with the world of podcasting.
While the sound of a free hosting service that doesn’t require any fees or subscription may feel incredibly tempting, they aren’t necessarily always the best option.
Remember the saying: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Therefore, before you jump straight into Achor, consider the alternatives like Simplecast (see also ‘Simplecast Vs Buzzsprout‘). In this article, we will be exploring the differences between Simplecast and Anchor – to help you choose the best hosting service for you.
Longevity And Stability
Simplecast was released in 2013. While this may not sound like a long time, it does mean that we are provided with a sterling track record and a stable business model.
Since the explosion of podcast popularity, many podcast hosting services have gone out of business and shuttered.
If this were to happen, the best-case scenario would be to maintain control of your RSS feed and redirect your show to a new host.
Tragically, this isn’t always the option and some people’s shows are left in limbo, essentially trapped.
This typically happens with newer podcast hosting servers and isn’t something we’d want any podcast creators to deal with.
Grow Your Reach With Detailed Analytics
Monitoring your analytics allows maximum concentration of your outreach and obtaining the most from your content. When comparing podcast hosting services, using metrics to measure is the easiest way to do so.
Since Anchor is a free service, it’s not able to devote much of its resources to organizing and parsing podcast listener data.
When using Anchor, you can view your total plays by the number of downloads per episode and by the date; although, not much else.
On the other hand, Simplecast supplies a much more detailed insight into the performance of your podcast and the types of audiences it’s reaching.
Simplecast highlights the following analytics:
- Overall downloads
- Downloads per episode (separated by a custom time range)
- Comparison of listening methods (web browser, iOS, etc.)
- Listener demographics (e.g. location)
- Unique listeners
- Web-player analytics
- Percentage of variance in downloads by week
- And more!
Retain Your Ownership Rights
Not too long ago, Anchor received some negative attention regarding its Terms of Service.
Generally, most people simply skim over the Terms and Services; however, enough people closely read over Anchor’s to notice some alarming mentions of usage and advertising rights.
The Terms of Service demonstrated that while the creator would retain the rights to their work, Anchor would also have the right to remix, rework, reuse, or even distribute your content without permission or even compensation.
At first, this control was even exercised against podcasts that had been discontinued or even removed from the platform by the creators.
Since then, Anchor’s Terms of Service have been updated, featuring less oppressive regulations.
The most important change is that creators are now able to opt out of any of their material being used that they don’t agree with.
While this is definitely a progressive step, it’s important to remember how overreaching and broad the original TOS was.
Likewise, if you choose to stay with Anchor, there is no determining whether or not they change these terms yet again.
You shouldn’t be fooled by hosting servers that advertise complete rights over your content.
If you’ve provided a vendor with a broad enough license agreement, then ‘owning’ your content won’t matter much in these situations.
On the other hand, Simplecasts Terms of Service have been consistently trusted by thousands of content creators all over the world, and it is clear that they put their creators first.
Create The Perfect Site
Simplecast supplies you with a range of website customization tools. They provide you with an opportunity to create your own domain, which is custom-designed for a truly unique podcast.
On top of this, their domains are all SSL-enabled, enabling competent, yet safe, connections.
Broadcast With Confidence
Choosing the perfect podcast hosting service shouldn’t be a nerve-wracking decision; however, things can quickly change in the Internet age.
Simplecast supports all its users through Ask the Experts webinars, live support from a team of podcast creators, and members-only Facebook groups.
Which Is Better: Paid Or Free: Simplecast or Anchor?
There is no disputing that you will almost always receive a polished experience with more advanced features with a paid hosting service, as opposed to a free service.
Although, the decision ultimately comes down to individual requirements.
Ask yourself questions: are you trying to make a living with your podcast, or is it just for fun? Could your podcast potentially grow into something more?
If you’re looking to explore the world of podcasting without care, then a free service like Anchor (see also ‘Podbean Vs Anchor‘) would be great.
Although, if you’re looking to expand and have big plans for your podcast, then you will typically get what you paid for with a subscription-based service.
Taking your podcast seriously requires serious tools and features to help you do so. The key to any successful project is the investment made into it, this can either make or break your podcast.
Final Thoughts
When choosing a podcast hosting service, it’s important to choose the best one for your requirements. If you’re looking for something to play around with, then Anchor would be ideal.
On the other hand, if you want to take your podcast seriously, then Simplecast would be the better option.
Whichever option you choose, just remember to have fun when making your podcast as this is ultimately relayed to your audiences. Hopefully, this guide has informed you of all the differences between Simplecast and Anchor (see also our comparison of Simplecast and Podbean).
