The podcast market has been upward in the last few years. As of January 2024, there are roughly 3.2 million active podcasts online. One of the biggest reasons for this popularity is that consuming podcasts is an extremely flexible activity. Podcasts can be consumed while driving, exercising, working, etc. 

This gives one enough reasons to start a podcast. But running a successful podcast requires a lot more. If you’re about to start a podcast or are new to the trade, one important question that might haunt you is where to post podcasts. This blog will answer that for you. 

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Understanding podcast hosts & directories

As a podcaster, you will stumble upon the terms ‘Podcast Host’ and ‘Podcast Directory’. Don’t worry, we’ll just explain the two to you.

Podcast host 

A podcast host provides the necessary space on the internet to store and manage your podcast's audio files. It helps distribute your podcast to various listening platforms or ‘podcast directories’. It also updates these directories whenever you release a new episode. Podcast Hosts come with the following features: 

Storage & bandwidth 

Podcast hosts provide the necessary space needed to store your audio files, which can be quite large if they're high quality. They also ensure that these files are sent to listeners all over the world. This is crucial as more people start listening to your podcast. A good host ensures that your episodes can be accessed and downloaded smoothly, without any interruptions, no matter how many people are tuning in.

RSS feed creation & management

When you upload a new podcast episode, the host automatically updates your podcast's RSS feed. The RSS feed contains all the important details of your episode, like the title, description, and the direct link to the audio file. Automatic RSS feed updates keep your podcast listings fresh everywhere, saving time and reducing access errors for listeners.

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💡Related read: How to Start a Podcast Channel on YouTube for Free

Distribution support 

Podcast hosts help you distribute your podcast to podcast directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. This simplifies things for creators to a large extent. Many hosts also offer marketing support, such as SEO tips, customizable websites, and social media integration, to help you reach a wider audience more effectively.

Analytics 

Podcast hosts offer analytics about your listeners, such as where they're from and how they access your podcast. You can see how many times each episode is streamed or downloaded, where your audience is located, and which devices they use. Analytics can also tell you when listeners tend to drop off and when they are most engaged. 

Using this data, you can tailor your content to better suit your audience's preferences, decide the best times to release new episodes and enhance your marketing efforts to attract more listeners.

Podcast directories

Podcast directories are platforms where people can find, subscribe to, and listen to podcasts. These directories categorize and list podcasts, making it easy for listeners to discover new shows based on their interests. Listeners receive automatic updates through podcast directories about the shows they’ve liked or subscribed to. Podcast directories offer the following services: 

Search & discovery

Podcast directories, like 'The Yellow Pages', make it easy for listeners to find new shows. They organize podcasts in a user-friendly way by grouping them by genre, popularity, and how recently they've been updated. This helps listeners quickly find podcasts that match their interests. Irrespective of the genre you’re searching for, podcast directories have you covered.

Subscription management

Podcast directories allow listeners to follow and subscribe to their favorite shows. Once subscribed, these directories automatically send updates about new episodes. Podcast directories ensure that listeners never miss out on a new episode. 

User experience 

User experience is very important for podcast directories. Directories want to ensure that the best podcasts reach more listeners and hence they come with review and rating features. Feedback helps other listeners decide whether a podcast is worth their time or not. Most or many directories allow listeners to share their favorite podcasts on social media. This helps podcasts gain a wider audience. 

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💡Related read: 75 Podcast Topics from vidyo.ai for Instant Inspiration

What is the difference between a podcast hosting platform and a podcast directory?

Podcast hosting platforms work behind the scenes. They store, distribute, upload, and send them out to directories like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Podcast directories, on the other hand, are the libraries where listeners browse, subscribe, and listen - the stores where your podcast gets discovered.

5 best podcast directories to post your podcasts

Some of the known podcast directories include:

1. Apple Podcasts

Apple Podcasts is one of the largest and most popular podcast directories, featuring millions of podcasts across various categories like news, comedy, and education. It has a user-friendly interface that allows for easy subscription, downloading, and streaming of episodes. The app is available on iOS devices, Mac, and via iTunes on Windows.

Pros 

• User-friendly interface: Apple Podcasts is known for its simple and intuitive interface, making browsing and searching for podcasts easy.
• ‍Extensive library: With over 2 million podcasts available, users can access one of the most comprehensive collections of podcasts.
• ‍Integrated ecosystem: Apple Podcasts is seamlessly integrated across all iOS devices, allowing users to sync their listening progress and preferences.
• ‍Personalized recommendations: The platform offers customized podcast suggestions based on your listening habits, enhancing content discovery​.

Cons 

• ‍Limited customization: Users have minimal options to customize the appearance or layout of the app.
• ‍Platform restriction: Apple Podcast is primarily available on iOS devices, limiting access for users of other operating systems.
• ‍Basic discovery features: While there is a large library, the platform could improve its discovery mechanisms beyond the basic recommendations.
• ‍Few social features: The app lacks robust social features, such as community interactions or in-depth sharing options​.

2. Spotify

Spotify, originally a music streaming service, has become a major player in the podcast world. It hosts a vast collection of podcasts, including exclusive content. Spotify’s algorithms provide personalized recommendations based on your listening habits. The platform is accessible on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers.

Pros

• Extensive library: Wide range of podcasts, including exclusive content.
• ‍Personalized recommendations: Algorithms tailor suggestions to your listening habits.
• ‍Cross-platform availability: Accessible on smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers.
• ‍Integration with music: Seamlessly combines music and podcasts in one app.

Cons

• ‍Ads in the free version: Free users experience ads during podcasts.
• ‍Limited offline listening for free users: Offline downloads are restricted to premium subscribers.
• ‍Subscription cost: Premium features require a monthly subscription.
• ‍Complex interface: Some users find the interface crowded and complex.

3. Google Podcasts

Google Podcasts provides a clean, easy-to-use interface, making searching for and discovering new podcasts simple. It integrates well with other Google services like Google Assistant and Google Home. It is available on Android, iOS, and web browsers and allows for convenient cross-platform listening.

Pros

• Easy to Use: Straightforward and clean interface.
• ‍Google Integration: Seamless integration with Google services.‍
• Cross-Platform: Accessible on Android, iOS, and web browsers.
• ‍Free to Use: No subscription is required for core features.

Cons

• Limited Advanced Features: Lacks some advanced features found in other podcast apps.
• ‍Basic Discovery Tools: Limited options for discovering new podcasts beyond basic recommendations.‍
• Minimal Customization: There are few options to customize the user experience.
• ‍No Exclusive Content: This does not offer exclusive podcasts.

4. Amazon Music

Amazon Music has come up the ranks as a podcast directory. It offers a broad selection of podcasts to its users. It integrates well into the Amazon ecosystem and provides a seamless experience for users who already utilize Amazon services and devices.

Pros

• Wide Reach: Having a large and diverse user base, Amazon Music helps reach a broad audience for your podcast.
• ‍Amazon Integration: It works like a dream with Amazon devices, providing a seamless listening experience with voice controls.
• ‍Exclusive Content: Amazon music is second to none when it comes to content. It features exclusive podcasts and special deals, attracting unique listeners.
• ‍Cross-Platform Access: Amazon music is available on iOS, Android, Echo devices, and web browsers. You can stream its content on literally any device. 

Cons

• Less Established: Compared to Apple Podcasts and Spotify, Amazon Music is relatively new in the podcasting arena. This could, at times, be a drawback.
• ‍Limited Discovery Tools: Amazon Music’s podcast discovery features are not as sophisticated as those on some other platforms.
• ‍Advertising: Listeners on the free tier may encounter ads, which can interrupt the listening experience.

5. Castbox 

Castbox is another great podcast directory known for its vast library and user-friendly interface. It offers a clean layout and easy navigation, making it a favorite among podcast listeners. By 2019, Castbox hosted one million podcasts and around fifty million episodes. Along with hosting, Castbox also produces its own podcast shows. The platform is available on Android, iOS, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, CarPlay, and Android Auto, ensuring accessibility across multiple devices

Pros

• Wide Coverage: Castbox supports podcasts from over 70 countries, making it a versatile choice for international listeners.
• ‍Vast Library: Castbox has a vast collection of podcasts and audiobooks, offering extensive content.
• ‍Award-Winning Interface: The app is optimized for an excellent user experience, helping users find and listen to what they want easily.
• ‍Advanced Features: Features like adjustable playback speed (0.5x to 3x) and "Trim Silence" enhance the listening experience by cutting out dead air.‍
• Frequent Updates: Castbox offers regular app updates, adding new features and improvements to maintain its high quality.

5 exceptional podcast hosting platforms for creators

Once your podcast is ready to go out into the world, choose a proper host. Choosing a proper host is extremely important as a lot of things depend on your host. Look for a host that offers enough storage and bandwidth to handle your content and audience size, and fits within your budget. The host platform should be user-friendly, support easy distribution to major podcast directories, and provide detailed analytics to help you understand your audience. 

If you wish to monetize your podcast, choose a host that offers tools for making money from your podcast. Also, consider the host's customer support, scalability, and integration options with other tools. Finally, read reviews to gauge the host's reputation and reliability.

Some of the best podcast hosts are as follows: 

     1. Anchor 

Anchor is a great host for beginners. It does not drill a hole in the pocket and offers free, unlimited hosting and a user-friendly interface. It provides monetization options through sponsorships and automatically distributes your podcast to major platforms.

Pros

• Free hosting: Anchor does not empty your pocket and offers unlimited hosting for podcasts, making it an excellent choice for beginners or those on a budget​.
• ‍User-Friendly interface: Anchor is extremely easy to use. It also allows users to record, edit, and publish episodes directly from their mobile devices or desktops.
• ‍Monetization options: Anchor provides opportunities for monetization through sponsorships and listener support, helping podcasters earn revenue from their content.
• ‍Automatic Distribution: Anchor automatically distributes your podcast to major platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. This saves time and effort in managing multiple accounts. 

Cons

• Basic Editing Tools: Anchor's editing tools are easy to use but lack advanced features like multi-track editing and noise reduction compared to other audio software.‍
• Single Podcast Limitation: Each Anchor account can host only one podcast feed, which can be limiting for users wanting to manage multiple shows.​
• ‍Ads on Free Tier: Listeners using the free tier may experience ads, which can disrupt the listening experience.
  

     2. Buzzsprout

‍Buzzsprout, as a host, is easy to use and has clear pricing. It has a free plan with limited upload time and affordable paid options with more features. Buzzsprout offers great customer support, detailed analytics, and effective promotional tools for podcasts.

Pros

• User-Friendly: Buzzsprout’s interface is easy to use. This makes it an excellent choice for beginners. The setup is straightforward, and the platform provides helpful tutorials.‍
• Comprehensive Analytics: Buzzsprout offers detailed analytics, including listener statistics and geographic data. This helps podcasters understand their audience better.‍
• Free and Affordable Plans: Buzzsprout offers a free plan (with limitations). The paid plans are also priced reasonably, starting at $12/month. Paid plans include features like unlimited storage and advanced statistics.

Cons

• Lacks Advanced Features: While Buzzsprout is easy to use, it lacks some powerful features. If you want super in-depth analytics or very specific customization options, you might need to look elsewhere.‍
• Storage Limits on Paid Plans: Buzzsprout’s paid plans have storage limits. This is something that users do not like at all. If you have long episodes or a large back catalog, you might find yourself needing to upgrade to a higher-tier plan as your podcast grows.

     3. Libsyn 

Libsyn is a reliable podcast host with numerous distribution options. It has different pricing plans to suit various budgets and storage needs. Its analytics game is second to none. Libsyn is also very well-reputed in the industry making it a great hosting option. 

Pros

• Reliability: Libsyn is quite a stable and dependable hosting service. It ensures that your podcast is always accessible to listeners.‍
• Advanced Analytics: Libsyn provides detailed analytics to track your podcast’s performance, including download numbers and listener demographics.‍
• Wide Distribution: Libsyn offers extensive distribution options. It publishes your podcast to major platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more effortlessly.

Cons

• User Interface: Libsyn’s interface can seem outdated and not as user-friendly compared to other platforms.
• Limited Free Features: Libsyn does not offer a free or trial version. This means that users cannot try it out before opting to pay and use it. 
• Additional Costs: Some features, such as advanced publishing options and monetization tools, might incur extra costs, which can add up depending on your needs.

    4. Podbean

Podbean is another great podcast host with a user-friendly interface, affordable pricing, monetization options, detailed analytics, and wide distribution. It's suitable for both beginners and experienced podcasters.

Pros

• Easy to Use: Podbean's interface is intuitive and great for those new to podcasting.
• Free Plan: You can start a podcast with a free plan that offers basic features.
• Decent Storage and Bandwidth: The free plan provides enough storage and bandwidth to get started.
• Monetization Options: Paid plans allow you to add advertising and subscriptions to your podcast.

Cons

• Limited Features on Free Plan: The free plan restricts storage and advanced features.
• No Custom Domain on Free Plan: Your podcast won't have a custom website on the free tier.
• Analytics Can Be Basic: Paid plans offer more in-depth analytics compared to the free option.

    5. Transistor 

Transistor is known for its robust features and user-friendly interface. It caters to podcasters looking for reliable hosting with advanced analytics and ease of distribution.

Pros

• Unlimited shows: Transistor allows users to host multiple podcasts under a single account. This is ideal for creators managing several shows.‍
• Advanced Analytics: Provides detailed analytics, including listener trends, episode performance, and geographic data, helping podcasters understand and grow their audience.‍
• Easy Distribution: Transistor simplifies the process of distributing podcasts to major directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts, ensuring wide reach.

Cons

• Cost: Transistor's pricing is slightly higher compared to some other hosting platforms. This is a drawback for beginners or those on a tight budget.‍
• Limited Customization: Transistor’s customization options are somewhat limited compared to dedicated website builders.‍
• No Free Plan: Unlike some competitors, Transistor does not offer a free hosting plan, which might deter new podcasters looking to start without initial costs.

Once you’ve chosen a host of your choice, it’s time to upload your files, select a date of release, and send your podcast for distribution. You do not need to individually distribute your show to each podcast directory. Your host will do this for you. 

Share your podcast on social media 

We all know the power of social media. It's a great tool to market your podcast. As soon as you upload your podcast on your hosting platform, start promoting it on social media. You need to build up some hype around your new episode or show. Here are a few places to promote your podcast:

1. Podcast Communities

Podcast communities are a great way to promote your podcast. These communities are often enthusiastic about discovering new content and can help spread the word. Apart from promoting your podcast, you can also connect with other podcasters, gain insights, and receive valuable feedback. Here are some popular communities where you can promote your podcast:

• Reddit 

Reddit holds within it a vibrant podcasting community. Dive into r/podcasts for discussions on everything from launching your show to getting feedback. Plus, explore genre-specific subreddits to connect with a targeted audience who share your podcast's niche.

• Facebook

Facebook groups offer a great way to connect with the podcasting world. Join the Podcast Movement Community for a lively mix of podcasters and listeners, or explore She Podcasts, a supportive space specifically for women in podcasting. Don't forget to search for niche groups focused on your podcast's theme for even more targeted interaction and community building.

• Discord

Discord is a versatile platform that can greatly assist podcasters in finding and engaging with podcast communities. Originally designed for gamers, Discord has expanded to host a variety of communities, including those focused on podcasting. Podcast channels on Discord like the Fiction Podcast Silliez are a great way to go and promote your podcast. 

2. Podcast Newsletters  

Podcast newsletters are a powerful tool to connect with potential listeners and keep your existing audience engaged. Beginner-friendly newsletters like Podnews, Podcast Gumbo, Buzzsprout Newsletter. 

• Podnews

Podnews is a daily newsletter offering industry news, new podcast recommendations, and tips for podcasters. It’s easy to subscribe to and highly informative, making it an essential resource for anyone in the podcasting world.

• Podcast Gumbo

Recommends three podcasts weekly, keeping it simple and focused. This approach ensures your podcast gets highlighted without being overshadowed by numerous other recommendations.

• Buzzsprout newsletter

Offers a weekly roundup of tips, tech reviews, and helpful links for podcasters. It's especially beneficial for newcomers, providing essential information to help them succeed in podcasting.

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💡Related read: How to Start a Podcast and Repurpose it With vidyo.ai

Why use vidyo.ai to repurpose your podcasts?

vidyo.ai is an AI-powered content repurposing platform. Apart from adding subtitles and transcribing videos, it is also an efficient online video editing platform. Here’s how you can use vidyo.ai in your podcasting journey:

1. Create teasers

With a single click, vidyo.ai can generate 30-40 clips from your long videos, which can be further customized using the platform's templates and tools. These shorter videos can be used as trailers or teasers for upcoming episodes. 

2. Add subtitles

vidyo.ai is great at automatically and accurately adding subtitles to videos. This makes the podcast more accessible to people. For example, people with hearing difficulties or who consume content in restricted environments can seamlessly consume your podcast. Subtitling also pushes your SEO. Google is great at scanning through text for keywords but cannot understand what’s being said in a video. Adding subtitles allows Google to pick up keywords and push your content to more people. 

3. Get video transcription

vidyo.ai is great at seamlessly transcribing videos i.e., converting audio in a video to text. This is great because these transcripts can be used to find great bits and use them as social media posts or captions. 

Check out this wonder tool which has helped numerous creators in their content journey. 

💡Related read: Podcaster Gains 75,000 Views on Facebook Reels With vidyo.ai

Thus, starting a successful podcast is about more than just making great content. It also involves the knowledge of where to post podcasts. Choosing the right podcast host is important as it helps distribute your podcast smoothly and provides useful insights about your listeners. Podcast directories are also important as they make it easier for people to find and follow your podcast. Also, using tools like vidyo.ai can help you share your podcast on social media more effectively. Together, the right host, directories, and promotional strategies can greatly boost your podcast's success.

FAQs 

1) What is a podcast host?

A podcast host provides space on the internet to store and manage your podcast's audio files. It also helps distribute your podcast to various listening platforms or podcast directories.

2) Why is choosing the right podcast host important?

Choosing the right host is crucial as it affects your podcast's accessibility, quality of distribution, ability to scale, and the insights you gain about your audience through analytics.

3) What are podcast directories?

Podcast directories are platforms where people can find, subscribe to, and listen to podcasts. 

4) Which podcast directories should I consider?

Some of the most well-known directories include Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. These platforms are popular and can help increase your podcast's visibility.

5) How do podcast hosts work with directories?

Podcast hosts distribute your podcast by updating the RSS feeds that podcast directories use to pull the latest episodes automatically. This means when you upload an episode to your host, it appears on all linked directories.

6) What should I look for in a podcast host?

Look for a host that offers sufficient storage and bandwidth, a user-friendly interface, robust analytics, effective distribution options, and good customer support.

7) Can I monetize my podcast through these platforms?

Yes, many podcast hosts and directories offer monetization tools such as sponsorships, advertisements, or subscription models. Check if the host supports these features.

8) How does social media integration help in promoting my podcast?

Social media integration allows you to easily share podcast episodes or snippets on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, increasing your podcast’s reach and listener engagement.

9) What is the role of analytics in podcasting?

Analytics provided by hosts help you understand your audience better, such as knowing where they are from, what devices they use, and their listening behaviors, which can guide content and marketing strategies.

10) How does a tool like vidyo.ai assist podcasters?

vidyo.ai can repurpose your podcast content into engaging video snippets perfect for social media, enhancing your promotional efforts with tools for subtitling, captioning, and creating teasers that attract a wider audience.

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