The Best Podcast Hosting Platforms for Your Company's Podcast

Whether you’re launching a podcast and looking for the best hosting platform or you already have one and aren’t entirely satisfied and thinking of switching – we have you covered. 

We know there are countless podcast hosting platforms out there and it can be challenging to pick the best one for your show, so we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. 

What is a podcast hosting platform?

But let’s start at the top – what exactly is a podcast hosting platform? 

A podcast hosting platform is a service that allows anyone with a podcast (from individuals to organizations) to upload, store, and distribute their podcast audio files on the internet. 

When you create a podcast, you need a place to store and manage your audio files while making them accessible to listeners. This is where a podcast hosting platform comes in. 

Using a podcast hosting platform is essential as it ensures that your podcast episodes are accessible and can be distributed to all podcast directories and platforms effectively. Additionally, hosting platforms handle the technical aspects of managing your podcast's RSS feed, which simplifies the process, allowing you to focus on creating content and engaging with your audience. 

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What companies should look for in a podcast hosting platform

While there are free podcast hosting platforms available, many creators opt for paid hosting services due to the additional features (such as analytics and podcast marketing tools), storage capacity, and reliability they offer. 

As with any service you’re looking to bring on for your company, research is essential. Some critera and areas that you and your team might explore are: 

• Depth of analytics offered
• Management tools 
• Podcast marketing features 
• Storage capabilities 
• Price 
• Customer support 
• Scalability 

Migration offers 

Now, let’s dive in and learn about the 7 best podcast hosting platforms for your company. 

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1. CoHost 

Built for: Brands and podcast agencies 

By equipping brands and agencies with sophisticated tools to boost podcast reach, growth, and revenue, CoHost empowers users with insights to make an impact and measure ROI. 

Created by award-winning podcast agency, Quill, CoHost was launched out of a need in the podcast industry - tools for branded podcast growth and measurement. 

CoHost offers a seamless podcast solution that provides agencies and brands with in-depth podcast analytics, audience insights, and hosting capabilities in order  to succeed in audio.

Key Features:

• Analytics Dashboard: Consumption rate, growth rates, top episode vs. latest episode insights.
• Audience Profile: Listening app breakdown, download data by time of day, and downloads by location.
• Downloads and Unique Listener Performance Metrics: Downloads over time, episode launch comparison, and episode breakdown data all with segmented downloads or unique listener dashboards.
• Audio Insertion: Pre- and post-roll insertion, audio quality, dynamic editing, and streamlined file organization.
• B2B Analytics: Company breakdown, listener engagement, individual episode breakdown, and exportable downloads list for lead generation.
• Automatic Transcriptions: In-app AI-powered transcription tool for effortless editing, distribution, boosted SEO, and accessibility.
• Podcast Hosting: Custom media player, multi-show management, collaborative team settings, and one-click publishing capabilities.
• Tracking Links: Consolidate listening app links with the ability to track download sources, individual link analytics, and single tracking links.
• Podcast Website: Automatic, SEO-optimized podcast websites with complete customization and automatic episode and transcript uploads.  

‍Pricing:

Contact our team at CoHost for pricing.

User-friendliness:

CoHost ranks amongst the highest for user-friendliness because it offers a seamless podcast solution, with tools for growth and measurement all in one place. Hence, making it the perfect choice for brand new or seasoned podcasters who value efficiency and access to high-level tools. 

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2. Libsyn

Built for: Indie and pro podcasters

Libsyn is one of the oldest podcast hosting platforms and is known for reliable hosting with unlimited bandwidth. Libsyn offers a comprehensive set of features tailored to meet the needs of both beginner and experienced podcasters. Their platform is designed to simplify the process of creating, hosting, and distributing podcasts, as well as providing tools for podcast monetization and marketing. 

‍Features:

• Advanced statistics and audience metrics to track your podcast's performance.
• Scheduled publishing and automatic social media sharing for ease of promotion. 
• Customizable podcast website and an embedded player for your website or blog.
•  Monetization options, including sponsorship opportunities and a paid subscription model. 

Pricing:

Libsyn offers multiple plans based on monthly storage requirements, starting from around $5 per month for 162 MB of storage. 

Higher-tier plans with more storage and advanced features can cost up to $150 per month. 

User-friendliness:

Libsyn is generally considered user-friendly, especially for beginners, due to its straightforward interface and good customer support. 

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3. Podbean

Built for: Beginner and intermediate podcasters

Podbean has become a popular podcast-hosting service within the industry. It’s a great option for podcasters who are either just starting or indulge in podcasting as a side hobby.

Features:

• Unlimited hosting and bandwidth, making it suitable for high-volume podcasters.
• A user-friendly website builder to create a custom podcast site.
• Built-in monetization options like patron support and a marketplace for finding sponsors.
• Supports video podcasting in addition to audio podcasts.
• Allows you to record and publish episodes directly from your mobile device.

Pricing:

Podbean offers a free plan with limited storage and Podbean branding. Paid plans start at around $9 per month, and more advanced plans go up to $79+ per month.

User-friendliness:

Podbean is known for its ease of use and offers a simple interface for both beginners and experienced podcasters.

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4. Buzzsprout

Built for: Beginner to pro podcasters

Buzzsprout has been around since 2009 and has built a strong community of podcasters, which includes some of the best out there. It is one of the easiest podcasting hosting providers for beginners. 

The platform provides all the necessary tools for podcasters to succeed, including easy-to-understand reporting and analytics, distribution to all major podcast directories, and monetization options like listener support and Buzzsprout Ads. 

Features:

• Intuitive and easy-to-use interface, making it ideal for beginners.
• etailed podcast statistics to track audience growth and performance.
• Automatic episode optimization for different directories and social media platforms.
•  WordPress plugin for seamless integration with your website. 
• Various monetization options, including affiliate marketing opportunities. 

Pricing:

Buzzsprout's plans are based on monthly upload hours. The plans range from 3 hours (free plan with limited features) to 12 hours and 24 hours, with prices ranging from around $12 to $24 per month.

User-friendliness:

Buzzsprout is highly regarded for its user-friendly interface, making it a popular choice for podcasters who are just starting.

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5. Anchor

Built for: Beginner podcasters 

Anchor has made waves in the podcasting space in the past few years. They offer tools to create as well as distribute your podcast. If you’re just wanting to test out podcasting as an individual, Anchor can be a great free resource but if you’re a brand or a more seasoned podcaster, we recommend checking out some of the other hosting platforms we’ve listed.

Features:

• Free podcast hosting platform, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious podcasters.
• Recording and editing tools within the platform, making it easy to create episodes.
• Distributes your podcast to multiple directories automatically.
• Basic analytics to track your podcast's performance.
• Monetization options through listener support and sponsored segments.

Pricing:

Anchor is entirely free to use, but it might insert occasional ads into your podcast to support the platform.

User-friendliness:

Anchor is extremely user-friendly, with its all-in-one approach for recording, hosting, and distribution.

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6. Transistor 

Built for: Intermediate podcasters and brands

Transistor is a powerful yet easy-to-use podcast hosting service for professionals and beginners. It is a comprehensive podcast hosting platform that aims to make podcasting accessible and less confusing, particularly for newcomers to the medium. 

Features:

• Unlimited podcast hosting plans (don’t charge you for hours of upload as some other hosts do)
• Easy to upload your podcast media and publish it
• Podcast analytics
• Dynamic ads
• YouTube auto posting
• Many integrations including Hubspot and Mailchimp, 

Pricing:

Starting from $19 / month for up to 20,000 downloads each month, and up to $99 / month for businesses. Note: Their plans do limit the number of downloads which means you need to upgrade your plan as your podcast grows.

‍User-friendliness:

Transistor is generally considered user-friendly for both seasoned users and beginners, especially with its unlimited podcast hosting plans. 

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7. Blubrry

Built for: Beginner to pro podcasters

Blubrry offers flexible podcast hosting plans for new and experienced podcasters alike.

Features:

• WordPress podcasting plugin called PowerPress which makes it super-easy to manage a podcast directly from your WordPress website.
• Using Blubrry with PowerPress makes it easy to upload your podcast episodes directly to your podcast hosting provider. You to submit your podcast to Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. This makes your podcasts easily discoverable on Google Home, Assistant, and Google Podcast app on Android devices.
• Monetization options, podcast statistics, social sharing features, and more.
  

Pricing:

Starting from $12 per month with 125 MB of storage each month, up to $100 per month for professional hosting and unlimited storage. 

User-friendliness:

Blubrry provides podcasters with a straightforward and intuitive interface, making it easy for both beginners and experienced podcasters to use the platform effectively. 

8. Castos

Built for: Beginners to pro-podcasters

Castos makes it easy to build, grow, and monetize your show, whether you’re a seasoned podcaster, or are just getting started. They are known for having a great Wordpress integration and not limiting downloads on any of their plans. Additionally, they offer specific tools for private podcasts, so they’re a great option to look into if you plan on producing exclusive content.  

Features: 

• Custom podcast website 
• Wordpress Integration
• Video republishing to YouTube 
• Video file hosting
• Automatic podcast transcriptions 
• Dynamic ads 
• One-time and recurring listener donations 
• Podcast analytics including episode-specific, device, location, and app-based insights 
• Private podcasting 
• Multiple team members 
  

Pricing:

Castos offers four pricing plans that range from $29 -  $699 per month with annual billing options available. They also have a 14-day free trial, so you can see if the platform’s right for you before committing. 

User-friendliness: 

Castos provides users with a straightforward and easy-to-navigate interface. All of their plans also come with a 1:1 onboarding call, so you can run through any questions with their team then. 

What podcast hosting platform is best for your brand?

Each podcast hosting platform mentioned here has its strengths and weaknesses. The right choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and technical expertise.

It's essential to evaluate your podcast's goals and your comfort level with the platform's features before making a decision. Always check for the latest information on features and pricing, as the podcasting landscape can change rapidly. 

If you’d like to learn more about CoHost, feel free to get in touch.