Top Free Online Services for Podcast Hosting

When it comes to finding the best free online service for hosting your podcasts, the choice highly depends on your specific needs as a podcaster. This guide will explore some of the most popular options, including their features, benefits, and drawbacks.

Anchor: User-Friendly with Automatic Distribution

Anchor is a well-known free platform that offers unlimited hosting and automatically distributes your podcast to over 30 major platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts. It is especially appealing for its user-friendly interface that allows you to record, edit, and host your podcast all in one place. Additionally, it provides simple creation features and comprehensive statistics to track your listener engagement. However, the downside of using Anchor is the presence of ads, and you do not own your content in RSS format.

Buzzsprout: Simple and Easy to Use with Limited Storage

Buzzsprout also offers a free service, but with more restrictive features. Users are allowed to upload up to 2 hours of episodes per month, and these episodes are stored for only 90 days before being removed unless you upgrade. Despite these limitations, Buzzsprout remains easy to use and provides basic analytics. The free plan is ideal for beginners or those who do not need extensive storage services. For those who want more space or additional features, a premium subscription is available.

Spotify: Ideal for Existing Spreaker Users

Spotify has recently unveiled integrated podcast hosting through its subsidiary, Spreaker. For podcasters already utilizing Spotify, this could be an ideal setup to upload all your podcasts. Spotify provides in-depth analytics and data-driven listener insights, making it a powerful tool for those who care about engagement and growth. However, the distribution is primarily limited to the Spotify platform, rather than across multiple platforms.

Other Notable Free Podcast Hosting Services

Here are some other free online services that podcasters may consider:

Podbean

Podbean offers a basic free plan that includes essential hosting features. Users can easily upload episodes and have access to a dedicated podcast website. However, the free plan has storage limits, which may not be suitable for those with a large number of episodes.

Buzzsprout

Buzzsprout also has a free tier that allows you to host your podcast for 90 days per episode. After that period, your episodes will be removed unless you upgrade to a paid plan. Buzzsprout is very user-friendly and provides good analytics, making it a solid choice for smaller podcasts looking for basic features.

SoundCloud

SoundCloud, traditionally a music platform, allows users to upload podcasts as well. The free plan has limitations on upload time, but it can be a good option for those already familiar with the platform. SoundCloud offers a familiar and intuitive interface, and its large user base can provide additional exposure to your podcast.

Spreaker

Spreaker offers a free plan with limited storage and the ability to live stream your podcast. It provides basic analytics and distribution options, making it simpler and more accessible for those starting out.

RedCircle

RedCircle is a newer platform that offers free hosting, monetization options, and cross-promotion features for podcasters. This can be particularly beneficial for those who are looking to grow their audience and monetize their content.

Choosing the Right Podcast Hosting Service

When selecting a podcast hosting service, it is important to consider several key factors, including storage limits, ease of use, distribution options, and additional features like monetization and analytics. Each of the aforementioned services has its own strengths and weaknesses, so choose the one that best fits your specific needs. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced podcaster, there is a free service out there that can help you get started on your podcasting journey.

Feel free to ask any questions! If you need more detailed information or specific recommendations, don’t hesitate to reach out.