If you’re looking for the best podcast hosting service then you’ve come to the right place! Podcasts are reaching a new height of popularity.
One of the main reasons for this is the wide variety of content available, ensuring there’s something for everyone!
There’s no better time to get into the podcasting community than now!
In this article, we’ll be putting Simplecast and Buzzsprout (see also our comparison of Buzzsprout and Anchor) up against one another to find out which one comes out as triumphant!
Buzzsprout
Buzzsprout is among the leading podcasting hosting services currently available.
Released in 2009, the hosting service has approximately 111 thousand active podcasts, 93 million monthly downloads, and 162 thousand new episodes.
Over 50% of its audience comes from Spotify and Apple Podcasts, with 87% of them listening with mobile devices.
Buzzsprout offers many attractive features for its podcaster, and one of the main benefits is that you can use it free of charge.
Top Of The Line Features
Buzzsprout boasts its ability to offer something for everybody when it comes to starting their own podcast, whether this is promotion, analytics tracking, and hosting. Below, we will be exploring these claims in more detail.
Listing
Buzzsprout provides its users with a wide range of networks for podcast directories. These include top applications like Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.
This is important to keep in mind if you’re looking to reach the highest audience possible.
Episode Optimization And Transcription
Automatic episode optimization is provided by Buzzsprout to its users.
If you’re unfamiliar with the technical side of podcasting, such as bitrate, ID3 tags, and file format, there’s no need to worry as Buzzsprout does all the hard work for you.
All you need to do is upload your audio file, then Buzzsprout does its magic!
Likewise, Buzzsprout offers transcription options to be as user-friendly as possible. Within the Buzzsprout service, users can easily transcribe their episodes to ensure they are accessible to a variety of listeners.
API Integration
On the other hand, if you enjoy the technical side of podcasting and want a more customized experience, then Buzzsprout supplies an API that easily integrates third-party applications into your podcast.
You can easily connect through the Buzzsprout API, and GitHub can be utilized to access the full documentation.
Magic Mastering
A premium feature supplied by Buzzsprout is their Magic Mastering. They describe this as an “Instagram filter for your audio.”
This helps to automatically elevate your audio files and enhances them to replicate industry standards for any music-heavy creation.
- Buzzsprout is recommended by Podcasters from beginners to experts.
- Podcast Hosting made easy!
Pros
- Free basic plan.
- Provides a variety of podcast directories, including the top platforms.
- Intuitive features include Magic Mastering, episode embedding, and transcription.
- Award-Winning Customer Care
- Buzzsprout API to integrate third-party software.
Cons
- 90-day basic plan.
- Complex pricing structure.
- Premium features require additional costs.
Simplecast
Next, we will be exploring Simplecast (see also ‘Podbean Vs Simplecast‘). Since 2013, Simplecast has been among the leading podcast hosting services.
It powers some of the world’s most popular brands and creators including Shopify, Twitter, Harvard, and Facebook.
The goal of Simplecast is to enable independent creators and podcasters with the same tools that are powering some of the world’s largest shows. Podcasters can start using services whenever they want, with an added bonus of a 14-day free trial on any plan.
Features
According to Simplecast, with a single click users can publish their podcasts and audio to their listeners – it’s that simple.
Listing
Similar to other hosting services, Simplecast also provides its users with a range of podcasts directory including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.
They provide a streamlined system that involves sending the user’s episodes directly from post-production to their audience’s ears; this remains one of the best features found in the industry.
Allowing creators to gain a larger audience from all around the world.
A Framework Built For Audio
Fundamentally, Simplecast is a podcast technology company.
This ensures that they operate under the most robust and best audio streaming framework available, providing millions of audio content to their listeners daily.
After seven years of perfecting this technology, Simplecast guarantees its creators peace of mind when it comes to outages and problems.
Simplecast API 2.0
Simplecast API 2.0 boasts the most advanced distribution and audio publishing that is available on the market.
Simplecast ensures that its creators are able to integrate and build their podcasts however they want.
One-Account, Multiple Shows
For some creators, managing various podcasts and shows can be a tedious task. However, with Simplecast this isn’t a problem; under a single account, creators can view all their shows easily.
Pros
- Extremely detailed analytics.
- Impressive tools including Audience and RecastⓇ.
- Easy to use.
Cons
- A high monthly cost for advanced features.
- Reviews state that there are some glitch issues.
Simplecast Vs Buzzsprout – Which One Is Better?
Taking into consideration everything we have discussed in this article and comparing the two podcast hosting platforms side by side, then Buzzsprout would come out victorious.
On multiple podcast hosting review websites, Buzzsprout is rated higher than Simplecast.
One of the most attractive features to elevate people towards Buzzsprout is its affordability when compared to Simplecast with a completely free basic plan.
While both hosting services provide extremely similar features and tools, Buzzsprout could be considered better due to its price point.
If you’re just starting your podcast journey, then Buzzsprout may be the way to go with its basic plan. If you’re looking to increase your creativity then you can simply upgrade your plan at any time.
Final Thoughts
Both Simplecast and Buzzsprout are great options if you’re looking to start out in the podcast industry.
With extremely similar tools and features, it can sometimes be difficult to choose between the two podcast hosting services.
Although, what makes Buzzsprout attractive is its free basic plan, which is great for beginners. Hopefully, this guide has informed you of the differences between Simplecast and Buzzsprout.
