With more than 500 million active listeners, the podcast industry provides lucrative opportunities for marketers and creators. It also offers an effective way to connect with your target audience. Based on statistical data, the typical podcast listener dedicates a minimum of 7 hours per week to their preferred podcast app.
If you are a creator who is thinking about taking it to a new level, a podcast hosting service is something you should strongly consider. A podcast hosting service is a vital tool that no podcaster may forego. Nowadays, irrespective of their names, podcast platforms do much more than just store your files. From distribution to growth, all the vital aspects of podcasting are addressed in the podcast hosting services. This post’s primary focus will be on the best free podcast platforms.
A podcast host – what is it?
A platform that protects all of the media files for your podcast is called a podcast host. Then, it is distributed to the podcast directors of your selection. It ultimately delivers your podcasts to the listeners.
The podcast hosting platform acts as a bridge between the creator of the podcast and the podcast directories that they prefer. Think of it as the virtual house for your show. Firstly, you will update the podcast to the hosting service, and it will be stored and distributed to the popular platforms where the listeners may find it.
Why do you need podcast hosting?
Even though practically it is not a must that you have to have podcast hosting services, it is still always beneficial to have free podcast hosting. This is because these exist to make podcasting simpler for the creators. If you are as yet not sold, here are a portion of the reasons why you want free audio and free video podcast hosting:
●Large file storage
If we are speaking practically, podcasting platforms are typically better equipped to safeguard and store your podcast media files. This is because podcast recordings are generally mega-sized files that require massive storage area and bandwidth. Both of these are something that podcast hosting platforms have.
● Analysis of your performance
The podcast hosts generally streamline the distribution of podcasts. And they do this by providing insightful analytics and data regarding the performance of your podcasts. It also provides insightful information on how your content is being interacted with by the listeners. This sort of information is invaluable for assisting in refining the content output.
● Effective podcast distribution
There are the number of podcast distribution platforms accessible. Generally, podcast hosting services allow easy distribution of your podcasts. And they do so by providing RSS feeds. Distribution is the release of your episodes to the podcast directories of your selection. From there, it channels out to your audience.
● Fine features
These days, podcast hosting services do way more than just store and distribute your podcast to your audience. The majority of the hosting services these days come with unmatched features and tools to elevate your experience as a creator and your audience’s experience as a listener.
Here’s how free podcast hosting operates:
For all the podcasters who are in the budget, we have the most popular podcast platforms that are free. But how do these free podcast hosting platforms work?
The main aim of these podcast hosting companies is to make your life easier with podcasting.
There are many free podcast platforms available. The whole procedure is very easy. Here’s how free podcast hosting operates:
● The first thing you need to do is to create an account with the podcast hosting service.
● Then go ahead and create your show on the podcast host side. You may do this by entering the needed details, such as the description, name, and other things.
● Upload the audio of each of the episodes to the podcast host. Everything will be stored in this place.
● The podcast host will often immediately build an RSS channel for your show.
● Go ahead and manually submit the RSS feed to the podcast directories that you prefer.
● Sit back and relax. Publishing the podcast will now be easier than ever. The RSS feed will deliver the new episodes to the listeners automatically.
Best free podcast hosting services
If you are someone who is looking for a podcast for free, you are at the right place. Here is a list of probably the best free podcast hosting services.
● OnTheFly
Versatility is the key when it comes to podcasts. OnTheFly is a platform that grants creators ultimate flexibility.
As there are no single restrictions on the platform, you may go ahead and create as many podcasts as you wish. With the help of OnTheFly’s services and capabilities, you may reach a larger audience with the content you create. You may also maximize engagement with the fans and followers by utilizing OnTheFly to stream the live podcast. Irrespective of the network situations, you may rest assured of quality and steady-flowed podcast streaming. All thanks to the OnTheFly platform, which is the preferred choice in the community for hosting podcasts.
● Buzzsprout
Buzzsprout is yet another popular podcast platform when it comes to podcast hosting services. From storing both audio & video media to offering a wide range of podcast analytics, it is also a strong choice. Even though there are more features in the paid platform, the free variant is good for the folks who are just getting started.
● Podbean
Unlike Buzzsprout, in Podbean, you can create and design a podcast website for free without signing up for the premium version. It is considered the ideal all-rounded podcast hosting platform with a lot of storage and other utilities.
● Spreaker
Speaker is a podcast hosting platform that iHeartRadio backs. It comes with utilities that go way beyond podcasting. From ads to creation, there are tools for many aspects. However, the majority of these premium tools come with the paid version. However, the free version is great for the ones who are just getting started with podcasting.
● Anchor
While many platforms are free but come with a paid variant, Anchor is a completely free platform. From storage space to monetization, there are many strong utilities available for this application. If you wish to start a podcast for free, Anchor is the best bet for you.
● Podomatic
Podomatic is one of the strongest podcast hosting platforms for you. It has rich features and allows you to record, modify, and easily publish your podcasts. The company generally offers two plans.
● Acast
The unlimited storage offering is the biggest feature of this podcast hosting platform. Other than that, unlimited bandwidth authorization is available.
● Soundcloud
While Soundcloud is known as a music streaming platform to many, you can host your podcast on this platform and even utilize the monetization tools for your podcast.
● RedCircle
With RedCircle, you can expect unlimited hosting and many rich features that are podcast-centric. Additionally, it offers advertisements. It is one of the popular podcast publishing platforms.
Wrapping Up
While hosting a podcast may seem something so simple from an audience point of view, if you are looking to perfect your podcast, there are many measures you need to take. One of them is podcast hosting services. Speaking of which, if you are looking for the best podcast hosting platform, check out OnTheFly.
