How to Choose a Podcast Hosting Provider

Another podcast host provider is closing its doors permanently.

bCast announced last week that, “It has simply not been possible to sustain the amount of usage with the revenue generated”.

If you're in the market for a host provider, here are some insights from my podcast this morning, on ways to choose one that's best for you...

🤔 First, what's a "podcast host provider"?
Think of it as a distribution center for your podcast episodes. You give them your episode files and they store & distribute the episodes to various podcast platforms. (Apple, Spotify, etc)

🧐 Determine Your Commitment Level:
Hobby or serious? If it’s a hobby, free platforms like Spotify for Podcasters is a great fit. For serious podcasters, investing in Libsyn or Buzzsprout for robust features and analytics is key.

📈 Evaluate Analytics:
Detailed analytics are crucial. Platforms like Libsyn and Blubrry provide comprehensive insights, while 'Spotify for Podcasters' are limited. Choose what gives you the data you need.

🤝 Research User Experiences:
Connect with fellow podcasters. Join communities and forums to learn from their experiences. Consider speaking to podcasters who've used more than one platform.

💡 Consider Customer Support:
Reliable support can be a lifesaver. Goodpods, Buzzsprout and Disctopia are praised for their support, whereas Spotify has mixed reviews.

Have you switched podcast platforms? What factors influenced your decision? Share your experiences in the comments!

For more about this news story and to hear other podcasting news stories, check out episode 123: podpage.com/pmc/s1e123