Switching Podcast Hosting Companies

As a podcast consultant, I like to try all sorts of technology to stay informed with what is going in the space. Today I'm going to talk about things to keep in mind when you move, how to move, and why or why not you should move. I also have a resource if you're moving your entire website without learning any code. 

First the disclosure. I was a customer of Libsyn.com for 10 years before becoming an employee almost two years ago. So when I talk about Libsyn competition, I do my best to keep my Libsyn employee hat off, and keep the Dave Jackson School of Podcasting hat on. I also have taken extra effort to base my comments on what happens. Now what I think should happen. I will be sure to tell you when something is an opinion and when something is a fact (as I know it). 

Here are my Updated Criteria for Podcast Media Hosting

1.  Don't mess with my file name*
2. Don't mess with my file format (bit rate, ID3 tags)
3. Give me the ability to have an unlimited back catalog (unlimited storage)
4. Don't limit my audience size (unlimited bandwidth)
5. Don't control my feed, and make it easy to leave if I choose to do so. I need to be able to put in a 301 redirect.
6. Give me support. Preferably within 24 hours.
7. Charge me for your service so you can stay in business
8. Give me stats so I can see what's working. It would be nice if they were accurate.
9. Support the iTunes Serial, Episodic, Season, and Episode Numbers
10. Be IAB Compliant (please note as of 1/2017 certification is not in place, when it is, I want me Podcast Media Host Certified)

*Some media hosts offer to inject your mp3 file with an advertisement and in those instances, they get a pass on this criteria.

So if I look at the following media hosts

Amazon S3 
Buzzsprout.com 
Podomatic.com
Libsyn.com
Blubrry.com
Podbean.com
Spreaker.com
Soundcloud.com
Simplecast.com
Podmio.com
Pinecast.com
Whooska.com 

Here are the ones who made the cut

Libsyn.com

Blubrry.com

Podbean.com

Use the coupon code sopfree to get a free month at any of these services.

Full show notes at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/602