What is a podcast host? If you have been a guest on podcasts before, you might think of the host as the other person behind the mic. A conductor of conversation, creating a linguistic symphony by raising topics, questions, and prompts to spur you to share in the art of discussion.

But wait. Nope, we’re not talking about that kind of podcast host.

Even the best hosts need a host! That’s right, even if someone is the host of their own podcast, they still need a platform to host the podcast on.

Acting as a delivery system between them and your audience, the program hosts the podcasters' own audio files on their website. Along with audio, it saves the metadata needed and cover art so that it can deliver it to your listeners via platforms like Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Apples podcasts by means of an RSS feed.

Skipping the technical elements of syndicating a feed or having to store large audio files on personal servers, a podcast hosting platform takes these off the individual's plate and onto theirs.

Now, if you are a guest on a podcast, you might not feel that this is super important to you. However, understanding and learning about podcast host platforms can help you be more familiar with where your interviews will be shared. Down the road, you very well might enjoy podcasting enough to start your own show! So why not learn more now and be observant of the different options hosts use? Then if you do decide to create your own podcast, the decision on what is your preferred hosting platform will likely be an easy one.

If you have your own show already, the hosting platform that is best suited for your needs is much simpler once you have a basic overview of different options. The good news is, that there are a lot of options out there! In fact, at first glance, it can be slightly overwhelming, so we have whittled down the options to a top few free and paid-for options.

Free Podcast Hosting Options

Buzzsprout

Simple and straightforward, Buzzsprout hits many key elements you will want in a podcast host platform. They often add innovative tools to improve their services along with their existing features.

Buzzsprout’s free plan enables you to have two hours of audio each month and episodes are hosted for ninety days. From there, you can choose a paid-for package with more features that are around $12 - $24 each month. If you are creating a podcast each week, and averaging a thirty-minute episode, this platform will suit your needs within the free option. This platform also syncs with major podcast directories such as Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts.

Find out more here: buzzsprout.com

PodBean

Looking for an option with no difficult technology to learn and navigate? There is a reason why more than 600,000 podcasts are hosted on it, Podbean is a simple way to start! The free, basic subscription comes with 5 hours of storage per month, one of the highest of the free options. If you are looking to have video podcasts you can go up to their paid Unlimited option of $29 per month which includes unlimited hours and unmetered bandwidth. Or if you are looking just for their unlimited audio package, they deliver that for a tidy sum of $9 monthly.

A plus to Podbean is that your episodes will be submitted automatically to all of the top podcast directories and social media, as well as multiple tools to share your show. If you are looking to create your own podcast website with eye-catching themes and a simple comprehensive stats overview - then Podbean might be your go-to!

Find out more here podbean.com

Soundcloud

The pro of the free option Soundcloud is that its impressive history has let it be the world's leading audio discovery platform. However their free package only supplies you with three hours of free content per month, so if you have a bite-size show, it might be a great option, but if you are looking for longer episodes, then perhaps it may not be the host for you. If you do have shorter episodes though, SoundCloud is rich in tools, RSS capabilities, has an embeddable player, and lets you share your show to any website, blog, or podcast directory. The paid options for this program are $7.50 or $15 per month to add additional time and features.

Find out more here: soundcloud.com

Spreaker

If you are in search of a platform with great apps, then Spreaker is the choice for you. By using the appealingly designed Spreaker app you are able to record your episode on the go. You can make good use of sound effects and voice mixing tools that are simple and easy to use.

With a focus on distribution, Spreaker contains multiple features that can assist you in monetizing and growing your podcast. Check out its easy-to-use interface and more, but try out their free version, or 4 other options that go up to $120 for pro options.

Find out more here: spreaker.com

Paid Podcast Hosting Options

Simplecast

Advanced analytics and one-click publishing rule the day at Simplecast. A go-to for thousands of podcasters, Simplecast allows you to use team collaboration tools to easily include others in your program. Their listener analytics enable you to track the growth and improvement of your show, and with just one click of a mouse, you can share on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, and the like. These options make it popular for professional podcasters and networks to create their content.

While you can try out the program for a 14-day commitment-free trial, a basic membership runs at $15 per month, and an essential subscription is $35. As these options are for independent podcasters, they also offer plants for networks and shows.

Find out more here: simplecast.com

ZenCast

If you are a guest on a show that uses ZenCast as its podcast host, you will notice that the platform tracks hosts and guests who appear on the show. For podcasts that often have one or multiple guests, this can be extremely useful for hosts as it makes sure they have not interviewed someone on the same topic and helps to organize follow-up interviews. ZenCast also helps you schedule your workflow for optimized performance and grow audience numbers by showing ratings and reviews. You can schedule your show's release easily and use their speedy and unlimited hosting to simply import your episodes. You are also able to use a customizable podcast player on websites that are designed to enable you to draw in more subscribers.

Find out more here: zencast.fm

Audioboom

Boasting some of the biggest and most influential shows such as Redhanded and No Such Thing as a Fish, Audioboom is a professional option you don’t want to miss looking into. If you are focusing on monetization, you can team up with Audioboom and make use of its powerful advertising products on a global scale.

Find out more here: audioboom.com

we are podcast bookers

Who we are: Simply put we are expert podcast bookers. We have been busy for years now, booking guests on podcasts for business owners, podcast hosts, book authors, business coaches, financial advisors, retail brands, SaaS, Apps, tech companies, fitness and health professionals - really anyone who wants to tell the world who they are. We also work with marketing agencies who would like to offer podcast guest booking to their clients, but want to use our team. We are proud of our team - we have been around long enough to know that it takes hard work to book our clients on top podcasts - but when we see our clients successfully grow their client base and build a great online reputation - it is worth all the effort and more.

Email our team manager Michelle to see if you qualify to be a podcast guest. michelle@expertbookers.com