Podcasting is one of the fastest-growing forms of media in the world. And
over 300 million people listen to podcasts monthly. So, podcasts are a great way to share your message with the world.
They can also help you build an audience and generate leads. But to succeed in podcasting, you must choose the right podcast hosting platform.
So, how do you select the best and most popular podcast platform? This article will review some things to consider when selecting podcast hosting sites.
What is a Podcast Hosting Platform?
A podcast hosting platform is where you can upload podcast episodes. It makes your episodes available for listeners to download. They also have tools that allow you to manage your podcast. These include analytics and social media integration.
Some podcast hosting sites offer only these essential features. But the best podcast app will have more robust offerings. They'll provide
monetization options, live-streaming capabilities, video hosting services, and more.
Why Do You Need Podcast Hosting?
For your podcast listeners to access your content, you need to host the episodes somewhere. This is where podcast hosting sites come in.
The most popular podcast platform allows you to upload your podcast audio files. You should also be able to upload other content, like images or video files related to the podcast. That's how listeners can access them.
There are free and paid options. And you can find various services supporting different media types. The best podcast app will be one that is easy to use and offers a wide range of features so you can meet your needs.
Features to Look for in a Podcast Hosting Site
Below are some features you should look for in a podcast hosting platform.
Storage and Bandwidth Limits
The
storage space refers to the amount of data you can store on your account. This includes audio files and other media, such as images or video files.
You will also want to determine how much bandwidth you are given per month. You should know whether there are limits on what types of content can be uploaded.
The most popular podcast platform will allow users to upload unlimited audio files. Others may restrict the number of episodes you can publish per month.
Price
The price of the hosting platform is vital to consider. You should look at how much it will cost per month and how many people you want to be able to listen to your podcast. Also, consider what kind of features are included in the pricing plan.
The best podcast app will offer free and paid plans. These will have varying storage space, bandwidth limits, and other features.
Ease of Use
Is the podcast hosting platform easy to use? You’ll want to look at how the software is designed. Can you find your way around easily, or is it confusing? Is there a
tutorial or guide to help you set up and learn how to use all the features?
If so, paying more for a podcast app with a strong support team may be worthwhile. This is beneficial if you run into problems setting up your account or uploading files.
Support
Speaking of support, what kind of customer service does the podcast app offer? Is there a live chat feature you can use if you need assistance? Can you get in touch with a human being, or will you have to rely on automated responses?
Look at how other users rate the support team. The best podcast app should offer responsive customer service. They should get back to people quickly when they have questions or concerns.
Even if you're a technology expert, things can still go wrong when trying to figure out how to use a new app. It's nice to know that if you run into difficulties, there's someone available to help fix them quickly.
Compatibility
Any podcaster interested in creating a podcast website should prioritize compatibility. You don't need a website to start a podcast, but having one may help people find it when they look for it. A website is also a strategic place to engage with listeners. It helps you monetize your podcast and provide more information for them.
Ensure you can integrate your chosen podcast host with your existing website if you have one already. You'll be able to release your episodes faster due to this. We advise using
WordPress if you plan on building your site.
Use a podcast hosting provider that provides website design if you don't already have a site. Besides hosting your podcasts, some podcast hosting sites can also help you set up a podcast website. These come with professional design elements, pre-made pages, and technical assistance.
Features
Different podcasters have different goals and different needs. For example, some podcasters want their podcasts to be available on iTunes and other podcast directories. This helps their audiences find them easily. Others are more concerned with reaching new listeners through social media platforms.
Some podcasters don't care about any of that. They want a place to host their episodes where they won't get hacked. These creators want complete control over the design and functionality of their websites.
Other creators might be more concerned with monetizing their podcasts. They want to sell ads on their podcasts. Some want sponsorship from companies that want to partner with them. Some podcasters want to sell merchandise related to their shows.
The
most popular podcast platform is the one that can offer you the most flexibility and freedom. These features allow you to create a website that fits your needs. If you're unsure what you want, it's best to start with something simple and expand from there.
Analytics Reporting
Without analytical features, how can you measure the success of your podcast? You need to know where you stand to make intelligent decisions about your plans.
The best podcast app should provide analytics. They should show how many people download and listen to your show. You should see how long they stay tuned in and which episodes are most popular.
This will help you determine what topics are drawing the listeners' interest. That helps you focus on those areas while expanding into new ones.
Analytics can also help if you monetize your podcast. Analytics can help you keep track of your earnings, so you know how much money you've made and where it's coming from. This information can help you determine which
advertisers are generating the most revenue. You'll know those you should work with.
Media Player Capabilities
As you grow your podcast, you'll want to ensure that your media player is up-to-date. It should allow listeners to listen on their preferred devices.
The more versatile your player, the better it will serve you. The most popular podcast platform will offer a sleek, customizable player that works on all devices. It should also be able to handle multiple formats, including MP3 and AAC files.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a podcast hosting platform is essential and will affect your podcast's success. The best podcast hosting sites provide a wide range of features. These include stats and analytics for improving your show and tools for promoting on social media. Choosing the right platform can also save you money in the long run. This is because it will reduce hosting costs while making podcasting easier overall.