Are you dreaming of launching the next hugely successful podcast and sharing your audio content with the world?
That’s great! However, podcasting isn’t as simple as recording some audio and uploading it to iTunes – first; you have to host your audio files with podcast hosting.
I want to make your choice more accessible by providing information on the best podcast hosting to help you find the perfect fit for your new podcast.
BEST PODCAST HOSTING IN 2020
When thinking of podcasts, I’m sure you’ve heard of places like iTunes or TuneIn, but these are podcast directories. Your podcast needs a host first.
It’s crucial to understand the importance of a good podcast host when starting a brand new podcast.
1. BuzzSprout
THE BEST PODCAST HOSTING FOR BEGINNERS ($12/MONTH + $20 AMAZON GIFT CARD)
Buzzsprout is my #1 pick for many reasons.
They’re a host that’s been in business since 2009 and has no upfront costs or billing.
They also offer podcast hosting free as a great option for those just starting. Their free plan only allows you to upload two hours of content and hosts your files for 90 days.
Buzzsprout allows you to embed a podcast player right on your website – and you can feature just one episode or a whole playlist of episodes.
I recommend their $24/month plan, as you get up to upload 12 hours of content each month and save money on any additional hours you upload.
Plus, when you sign up for Buzzsprout, you get a free $20 Amazon gift card.
2. SimpleCast
INDUSTRY-LEADING FEATURES POWERING TOP BRANDS ($15/MONTH)
Simplecast has been around for over six years and powers some of the largest brands in podcasting, including Kickstarter, Nike, Facebook, and HBO.
They give their podcasters powerful tools at any stage of podcasting with one-click publishing, different web players, a fully-functioning website, and advanced analytics tools.
Another excellent feature is the ability to collaborate with multiple podcast managers in one account. You also get unlimited storage, unlimited uploads, and distribution to all major platforms.
They offer a 14-day trial and straightforward pricing starting at $15/month. Plus, you can get 50% off your first two months.
3. Podbean
PODCAST HOSTING POWERING OVER 225,000 PODCASTERS WORLDWIDE ($29/MONTH + 1 MONTH FREE)
PodBean is my #3 recommendation, with unlimited hosting services, distribution and promotion on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Amazon Alexa, and all the major apps, and 24/7 support.
PodBean has been in the podcasting hosting space since the beginning, starting back in 2006.
You can get started for free. On this tier, you can upload up to 5 hours of content per month, but are only allowed 100GB of bandwidth per month.
Their open plan gives you some basic stats, but you need to upgrade to their $9/month plan to get more detailed analytics.
CONCLUSION
When making your choice, first dig deep into the platform’s features. You should be able to upload as much monthly content as needed, be compliant, view analytics, and have enough storage space.
Second, decide if you want free unlimited hosting, or are willing to pay extra to get more features.
Third, do you need a new website? Look for options that couple web hosting and email marketing software with WordPress or Weebly so you can add show notes and blog posts. Ensure your hosting company works with the best podcast networks.
Finally, examine which hosts can promote you with marketing, crowdsourcing, ads, monetization, expert guidance, and support.
My recommendation for new podcasters is to get started with Buzzsprout and get a free $20 gift card.
So pick the best option tailored just for you and happy podcasting!