Ideally, these places provide an easy way to upload audio files, generate an RSS feed for these files, distribute that RSS feed, and provide a place where an audience can listen. Other features a hosting service might provide are analytics, ad integration, and a website for your podcast. There are a lot of options for podcast hosts, both free and paid. If you don’t want to spend money to host your podcast, here are some free podcast hosting options.

Essentially, where can I upload podcasts?

You can upload podcasts at a hosting service of your choice. Some are paid, but many offer free options so you can launch a test balloon of your show before committing money.

A free podcast hosting service acts as the home for your show. Just like a website needs a hosting provider, podcasts also need some way to help store and distribute the podcast audio files. Though most have cost tiers associated with them, and you can read about our favorite podcast hosting services here, several have more affordable options and some even provide free podcast hosting. Below is a list of the pros and cons and reviews of the best free podcast hosting services.

In general, podcast hosting services:

• Create an easy method to upload audio files
• Generate an RSS feed to describe the files as well as establishes file locations for download
• Distributes your podcast RSS feed to iTunes (Apple Podcasts), Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more
• Provides a server where listeners can go and find the audio files

Another way to look at hosting is it serves as a vehicle that transports the show from its upload to its storage to its distribution and finally to its analytics as well as potential money-making opportunities. The host helps simplify everything in the creation and management process.

Don’t want to read the entire analysis? Here’s our quick winner:

Buzzsprout —  a simple, intuitive, and feature-rich podcast host perfect for most podcasters.

What to Look for with Podcast Hosting Free of Charge

Best Practices and How to Start a Podcast

In addition to its means as a platform that stores your important mp3 files and data, free services are also geared toward startup shows and traditionally has a lot of extra features and resources. These services may provide valuable tutorials and other reading material to learn more about what makes a good podcast and how to improve the overall quality of the audio recording. If you’re just starting out, make sure to check out our guide on how to start a podcast.

Podcast Analytics

Though the analytics for a podcast are basic at the free podcast hosting level, they can still help deliver important information and where and how your generating an audience as well as build upon that audience. The goal is to eventually have enough listeners that you can turn a profit on the podcast, though many still do it simply for the hobby of podcasting.

Pitfalls of Free Podcast Hosting

There are many other advanced features that are sometimes included with a free version and other times only granted to podcasters with paid accounts. These include a blog or website for listeners to stop in and visit, methods for listener feedback, automatic uploads to popular directories (Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, etc.) and customer service for any questions or problems you run into regarding the hosting or RSS feed.

The same rule applies with podcast hosting with any product: you get what you pay for and once again the old adage is true, “if you’re not paying for the product, you’re the product.”

If after some time your podcast outgrows the free host tier,  there is always the opportunity to upgrade to a paid podcast hosting solution.

Many are reasonably priced between in $10 to $20 per month. Until then you can expect the upload time and bandwidth to be limited, which not only impacts the number of hours you can upload each month but also the playback speeds. Advanced metrics and potential money-making opportunities are usually restricted to paid subscribers as well.

In the end, free versions are basic means to an RSS feed and file hosting, but as your audience grows you’ll want to consider an upgrade. When you get to that point, make sure to read our best podcast hosting services review. For now a free account is sufficient for many new podcasts.

Compare Free Podcast Hosting

Best Free Podcast Hosting Services

Buzzsprout

Buzzsprout is a hosting service that features a basic, free podcast hosting plan along with affordable monthly options that require no contract or credit card to sign-up. Buzzsprout currently works with notable podcast directories like Apple/iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcast and Stitcher.

The website has worked to provide hosting for over 50,000 people since the website was launched in 2009. It boosts several 5 star reviews from satisfied customers.

Strengths

• Subscription includes your own custom website and ways to sync with popular directories
• 250 GB of bandwidth each month for paid plans, even less for the free version
• Supports multiple audio file types then optimizes the quality of the file
• Easily migrate a podcast from another source onto Buzzsprout with minimal effort

Weaknesses

• Unlimited storage for free plan, but can only upload 2 hours each month
• Only 90 days of hosting for a free podcast before Buzzsprout wants you to upgrade to a paid version

Buzzsprout is promoted as one of the easiest ways to host, promote and track a podcast. Like a lot of providers it includes detailed analytics to learn more about the audience tuning in.

The website is designed to make it easier to upload and publish once an episode is recorded. Publishing can take place within minutes of an upload, or even get scheduled days or weeks in advance.

It supports a number of different audio files. Not only that but the website optimizes the file based on if it’s more spoken word, or a show that also incorporates a lot of music. A purchasable add-on will event boost audio to 128k stereo.

One great feature on the dashboard is that it provides a notification of how much upload time is left in the current cycle, so you do not have to guess approximately how many more minutes you have left to upload each month.

Podcasters may learn everything about where and how listeners are connecting, what device or directory they are using to play the episode, and more advanced stats.

Buzzsprout helps get you listed on popular podcast directories and is also mobile-friendly. An embedded version is provided for your own domain. The hosting provider also includes your own website upon sign-up.

The free subscription delivers 2 hours of upload time each month and the episode is hosted for 90 days before its removed. The next step up costs $12 per month, and only one more hour of upload time each month yet is hosted indefinitely.

Deal: Get a $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up. Click here.

Spreaker

Spreaker is a well known provider for podcasters as it’s an all-in-one system for new as well as established shows. It provides a versatile program that helps you create, distribute, as well as potentially make money on your podcast.

Spreaker says they are “the one-stop-shop for recording, publishing, monetizing, and distributing your podcasts.” The free plan gives you basic stats, and the ability to store up to 5 hours of audio, and 10 episodes for the whole account.

The episode size limit is 300MB for all plans on Spreaker. You can host multiple podcasts on the same account, and they assist with distribution to iHeart Radio, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Spreaker does not offer monetization for their free podcast hosting plan, though it is available on their paid ones.

You don’t need a credit card to sign up for the free plan. Spreaker has an app you can use to produce your show, and even go live (no other free podcast plan allows for live broadcasting). The free plan has a 15 minute limit per live broadcast session.

Spreaker was launched in 2010, and now hosts thousands of publishers along with millions of active listeners. It includes apps for Android and iOS as well.

Strengths

• The best recording studio of any free hosting service for podcasts
• External tools like broadcasting software and mixers supported for advanced audio production
• Unlimited bandwidth on all subscriptions including the free version
• Live streaming, including up to 15 minutes per episode for users not paying a dime
• Podcast monetization program with dynamics ads, giving 60% of the revenue to the podcaster
• IAB certified podcast statistics
• Allows a single account to manage multiple podcasts

Weaknesses

• Monetization is only available on the paid plans

Spreaker is unique in that it also features an onboard recording and editing system on its platform. Users may record a podcast and post at a later date, or even broadcast live. Content may also get migrated from an existing service through its RSS importer. The studio app is extremely resourceful and easy to use.

After you record or upload an audio file, it’s time to distribute. Spreaker supports various forms of social media for uploads as well as mainstream directories like Apple Podcasts and YouTube. Like most podcast hosting services, you may also embed a widget onto your own website for immediate playback.

Analytics are crucial to the success of any new podcast and Spreaker provides basic statistics for its free and $5.99 per month plans, as well as more detailed stats for the higher priced monthly subscriptions. The analytics for the free plan is good but not great, about what you would expect as well as comparable to other free hosting providers.

The free plan also includes 5 hours of audio storage and 15 minutes of max live streaming (in a single session). However, the podcast monetization tool is not available with the free sign-up. Bandwidth is unlimited on every type of subscription.

Deal: First month free with code “discoverpod”. Click here.

Simplecast

Simplecast is taking a big and bold approach, with a modern design aesthetic that looks more like a high end gym or streetwear brand than a podcast hosting service. But, don’t be distracted by the bold fonts — with a $15 per month unlimited plan and two-week trial with no credit card required, they clearly mean business.

Simplecast also offers tools aimed at growing podcasts in their $35 per month Essential plan and $85 per month Growth plan, including more advanced analytics, collaboration tools and an increase in the number of included monthly downloads. 

Simplecast also offers Professional and Enterprise plans for larger volume shows, which is rare for some of the newer podcast hosting platforms out there. You have to contact Simplecast’s sales team for pricing, but working with a growing host could be a great option for a growing podcast network looking to get competitive pricing and lots of access to customer support. 

Podbean

Podbean is self-described as an “easy and powerful” way to podcast. The podcast hosting service provides four different plans for users, including one completely free version. As your podcast grows it also offers two paid versions.

Podbean currently hosts over 240,000 podcasters with more than 7.4 million episodes combined. The site also boasts around 6 billion downloads.

Strengths

• Provides excellent resources for sharing and building audience
• Features an app for Android and iPhone users
• RSS Feed and iTunes Support included even with free plan
• One of the largest podcast hosting platforms available
• Will scale as you grow

Weaknesses

• Free version is limited to 5 hours of storage
• Cannot use your own domain name for a podcast through free subscription

Podbean advertises as a service that presents everything you need to create, manage, and promote a podcast. The website features everything from custom domains to upload and publishing tools, methods to promote a podcast, as well as embedded players for the episodes.

The provider is like a lot of the podcast hosting companies featured in the article in that little programming knowledge is necessary to record, produce, upload and share your new podcasts. It is also mobile-ready which is a must for any podcast hosting service these days.

Though the three paid options do deliver unlimited bandwidth, the free version is capped at 100GB monthly, and five hours of storage space. The hosting is described as reliable with a robust network that is flexible based on where and how your viewers listen.

Podcasters may connect their own website to the hosting provider or embed a player on their own domain for easy playback. Sharing tools enable listeners to connect with you on social media, while other types of audience engagement like enabling feedback are nice additions.

Podbean presents a breakdown of how the podcast is performing, and also provides advertising sponsorship opportunities for its members. The website can help introduce premium subscription services to your podcast as well as crowdfund.

Related reading:

• Libsyn vs. Podbean Podcast Host Review
• Blubrry vs. Podbean Podcast Host Review

Deal: Get your first month free if/when you upgrade for a paid account. Click here.

Acast

Acast says they are “the world’s leading independent podcast company.” The free podcast hosting plan gives you basic analytics, unlimited episodes, and a basic podcast website. You can’t integrate with Patreon, customize your website, monetize with advertising, or distribute to Amazon Music, Spotify and Youtube using Acast on the free plan (as these features require a Pro account).

You’ll have to submit your RSS feed to listening platforms manually. There is not a limit to episode size for the free plan specifically, though the max episode size is 150MB for all plans on Acast to match the file download limit on Apple Podcasts. You don’t need to input any billing info to sign up on the free plan. Acast allows for multiple shows, but you are billed one plan per podcast – not an issue for using the free plan, but could potentially make upgrading costly if you have multiple podcasts on Acast.

Anchor

Anchor is self-proclaimed as “the easiest way to make a podcast.” When it started, Anchor had some controversy about who owns the content uploaded to it, but they have since clarified in their terms of service that “You retain ownership of your User Content. Using Anchor does not cause you to lose ownership of your content.”

Since being acquired by Spotify, Anchor has had numerous issues with the podcast community including producing podcasts in a non-compliant manner, making their podcasts unplayable in some podcast players, several large-scale bugs, deleting podcasts without cause, allowing pirated podcasts on their platform (and here) — and to be monetized, and many others. I would recommend staying away from Anchor.

They only offer a free plan, which allows for unlimited episodes, basic analytics, a simple website, and some monetization options, though the latter is available only to users in the US. There is no episode size limit, though you can only upload 250MB at a time (but multiple files can be combined into a single episode).

The biggest downside of Anchor is that you can only create one podcast per free podcast hosting account. If you want to use Anchor for multiple feeds, you’ll need multiple emails – but only a different email, as you don’t need a credit card to sign up. Anchor also assists with distribution to a number of listening platforms, and has an app that podcasters can use to make their show.

Castbox

Castbox is a podcast app (self-proclaimed as “the best free podcast app with over 95 million volumes of content”) that also allows podcasters to host their feeds for free. Their plan allows unlimited hosting, but they only offer statistics from people who listen using their app.

If you want additional analytics on your show, you’d have to use a third party service, and this can be a dealbreaker to many (especially because many third party services aren’t free themselves). You can host multiple feeds in the same account on Castbox, and you don’t need to input any billing info to sign up. The episode size limit is 400M, the second largest of all the free hosting services. There are no monetization options available through Castbox, and you’ll need to submit your RSS feed to other platforms manually – though it will automatically show up on the Castbox app.

Pinecast

Pinecast’s tagline is “podcast hosting made easy.” The free plan gives you basic analytics, up to two podcast feeds, and access to the tip jar (which lets you collect donations from your listeners). Pinecast also assists with distribution to a number of listening platforms.

On the free plan, you can upload an unlimited number of episodes, but only the ten most recent episodes per podcast are available to listeners – previous episodes are not deleted, and if you join a paid plan your full backlog will be available to all. If you’re making a serialized show with more than 10 episodes, this might be a dealbreaker, but if you’re doing topical episodes this might not be an issue.

The free plan has a 48MB episode size limit, which becomes 80MB on a paid plan (along with unlimited feeds instead of two). You don’t need a credit card to sign up for the free plan, and there are no monetization options available through Pinecast beyond the tip jar. 

Podomatic

The free podcast hosting plan gives you 15 GB of bandwidth per month and 500MB of storage a month, by far the most technical limits of any free podcasting plan. There is not a limit on the number or length of episodes beyond the available bandwidth and storage on your Podomatic account. The episode size limit for Podomatic is 350MB for all plans.

On the free plan, you cannot get any analytics for your show, integrate with Patreon, or get sponsorships with Podcorn using Podomatic, but they will help assist with distribution to a number of listening platforms. Like with Castbox, the lack of analytics is Podomatic’s biggest drawback.

You can manage multiple feeds using one email, but must have separate accounts with different usernames. Podomatic also offers a way to record your podcast directly on the podomatic website (though it does not support guest callers), and you don’t need to input any billing information to sign up.

SoundCloud

SoundCloud is not a podcast host. Do not use SoundCloud for podcasts.

The post The 9 Best Free Podcast Hosting Services in 2023 appeared first on Discover the Best Podcasts | Discover Pods.

But how are these platforms similar or different? And what are the advantages and/or disadvantages of each of them? Let this extensive podcast host review guide you and hopefully help you find the hosting platform that best suits your needs. 

Podcast Hosting Plan Options and Pricing

Most searches for a new hosting plan will start with pricing and storage options. 

Anchor is a podcasting platform owned by Spotify and one of the key selling points of the platform is that it is now and forever will be a 100% free platform for all and any podcasters. Along with being free to use, Anchor also offers unlimited storage for your feed for an unlimited time. 

Spreaker also offers a free option. However, the hosting platform also offers several different paid options depending on the needs of the podcaster. The On-Air Talent plan (USD$6/month), for example, offers multiple podcasts hosting, one-click distribution, customizable RSS feeds and programmatic monetization, while the Anchorman plan (USD $50/month) offers all of that plus additional features which include but are not limited to, paid subscriptions, full statistics, and customizable player colors. 

As media professional and audio expert Rachel Corbett eloquently states, that podcasters should be wary when using a free platform. Primarily because if podcasters are not paying for Anchor’s services with their money, then they need to make sure that they aren’t paying with anything else, like their content. If you do choose to host your podcast with Anchor, make sure that you thoroughly read their terms and conditions. In terms of Spreaker, who also offers a free plan, we would also recommend carefully reading exactly what you would get (and not get) with their free plan. 

Podcast Recording & Editing Options 

Both Spreaker and Anchor offer a modern and polished user interface, however, the main difference between the two is a lack of overall control. 

On the one hand, Anchor is a great tool and is very easy to use. It’s a fun tool to play with when you are editing your podcast. Anchor allows podcasters to add background music, intros, or create audiograms, but that isn’t unique to Anchor. Spreaker offers all of these features as well. Anchor also has a mobile app and recommends that podcasters record their episodes directly on their phone. 

The problem however is that although Anchor does allow you to edit your podcast episode, the podcaster has very little control in the editing process. You can drag and drop segments and add a little music, but that’s about it. Podcasters can’t edit effects or EQ, for example, and they can’t export the audio easily to third-party processing software. So in the end, the podcasters have very little control over the actual audio of their podcast. 

Yes, you can record the audio separately and then import it into Anchor on your desktop, but one of the main selling points of the platform is that podcasters can do everything from recording to editing to distribution on the mobile app. 

Finally, the file format that Anchor records in is an m4a, not a wav. file of an mp3 file. What does this mean? In short,  it is a low-quality audio file format. 

Spreaker also argues that it has its own recording, editing, and distribution app, called the Spreaker Studio App. Their free podcast software lets podcasters record, publish, distribute and analyze their podcast, whenever and wherever, easily. The unique in-app features give you total flexibility at your fingertips, making it ideal for podcasting on the go. 

The Spreaker app is different from Anchor as it allows podcasters to not only professionally record their podcast in the app’s audio studio, but it provides easy-to-use editing tools, live podcast recording, a Skype podcast recording integration, podcast listener statistics on mobile devices, and one-click distribution. 

Speaking of distribution, let’s compare how these two platforms distribute your podcast episode to major podcatchers.  

Marketing Your Podcast One-Click Distribution 

Anchor originally made it difficult to claim ownership over your podcast content. However, the platform recently updated its terms and services, which do allow podcasters to retain ownership, but not without jumping through a couple of hoops first.

What does this mean? When distributing your podcast with a platform like Spreaker, for example, to podcatchers (Apple Podcasts or Spotify), Spreaker shares your podcast with your email and account. This means you have complete control. It means that you can log into Google Podcast Manager, for example, to see podcast statistics by using your email address. 

However, by default, Anchor distributes your podcast using their email and doesn’t show your email address in the RSS feed. If you do want to use your email address, you can manually change the setting in your account, but it does take a couple of extra steps. Nevertheless, at the moment it seems as if you still can’t claim ownership of your account on Spotify. This means that you probably don’t have access to the analytics in Spotify for Podcasters. 

On the other hand, Spreaker has made distribution almost too easy. All podcasters need to do is click the distribution option in the Spreaker CMS dashboard, select the podcast distribution platforms of choice and click submit – Spreaker does all the rest. This also means that once it is set up it is good to go for all of your future episodes. Once a podcast episode is published on Spreaker, it will automatically and almost instantly be published on all the podcatchers that you previously selected. 

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s talk about making money with your podcast. 

Monetization Options

Spreaker has found a niche appealing to professional podcasters with straightforward monetization tools, as well as features like the ability to host multiple podcasts on the same account. 

Monetization is an area where Spreaker is pushing the boundaries and providing modern features. For example, they have integrated programmatic advertising, easy dynamic ad insertion, and other tools that make monetizing easy for podcasters of all sizes. Podcasters also can earn money even if they aren’t located in the US. Spreaker has opened up monetization for various countries like Canada, the UK, Portugal, and many more. This means that even if you are not located in the U.S., you can still make some money from your podcast if you have the right amount of downloads per episode. 

Anchor also does offer monetization, however, like many of their other features, it seems like it is quite basic and limited to Spotify-specific advertisements. You can activate Sponsorships for your podcast on both web and mobile from the ‘Money’ section of Anchor. However, let’s be clear. Anyone can ‘set up monetization’ on Anchor/Spotify, however, the protection or barrier to entry is that these are direct sponsors so the podcast has to be selected by the sponsor/Anchor. What does this mean exactly? Well just because you activate Sponsorships, doesn’t mean that you will get any. It is not an open marketplace programmatic monetization tool like Spreaker, it is more of a direct sales ad model. You can also activate Listener Support, which allows podcasters to collect monthly donations from their listeners. It seems also that Anchor only allows monetization options for individuals located in the United States, which can be quite limiting if you have a podcast anywhere else in the world. 

The Final Verdict

In the end, Anchor is a great option for people who are just starting their podcast. If you are a hobby podcaster and are not looking to grow, then Anchor might be the perfect solution for you. The platform does do everything, but at the same time, it doesn’t do everything well if you catch our drift. Anchor provides the basics, but if you want to expand your podcast, monetize your podcast or build your brand with your podcast then Anchor probably isn’t the right solution for you. 

That’s where Spreaker comes in. Spreaker is the perfect one-stop-shop for all of your podcasting needs. Whether you are just starting, or you have years of experience and multiple shows underneath your belt, Spreaker has something that is perfectly tailored to your needs. 

The platform also has a unique Prime Program for podcasters who want to monetize their content. The program helps maximize podcasters’ ad revenue,  increase their exposure, and streamline their publishing. If you are looking to monetize your podcast in any way, then there is simply no better place for your podcast. 

The post Anchor vs. Spreaker Podcast Host Review appeared first on Discover the Best Podcasts | Discover Pods.

Once down the rabbit hole, after podcast consumption is podcast creation. The types you can create are limitless and the barriers of entry are pretty low. 

While you don’t need much, one of the first and most important is a reliable podcast host. The best host that gives you flexibility and encourages your creative endeavors. Well, and gets your creation into people’s earholes with minimal friction. That’s a big one.

We’re going to take at two major contenders and break down what makes each unique. Today, it’s Podbean vs. Anchor for the title of the best podcast host.

Podbean

If you’ve been around podcasting for any amount of time, you’ve heard the name Podbean. They’ve been at it since 2006, and in that entire time, their name has been near the top of everyone’s best of lists.

It’s not hard to see why. Their free plan is a nice offering.  

Podbean Always Free

That free plan buys you 5 hours of audio storage along with 100GB of bandwidth each month. You get basic statistics on audience listenership and episode downloads. As well a free companion website that gives your podcast an accompanying blog.

This companion website might be Podbean’s killer app. Most people are multimodal learners. This means they learn by some combination of audio, visual, or written.

A companion blog with expanded commentary and show notes sets your show apart from the competition and does so seamlessly.

You don’t need to be any kind of techie to make any of Podbean’s services work for you either. Their podcaster first philosophy means they make the process transparent and get out of your way.

The basic plan also covers all of your distribution bases. Your show’s RSS feed is widely distributed to ensure listeners can find you on all major Android and iOS podcatchers. Your show will also be included in Podbean’s native apps as well.

Podbean Unlimited Audio: Unlimited Storage and Downloads, Plus Comprehensive Analytics and Customizable Monetization

While the free offering is nice, most hobbyists and beyond will want to look at their $9 a month plan. $9 a month is 30 cents a day… so, for all intents and purposes, that’s a very low bar.

Unlimited storage and bandwidth starts with the $9 plan. That’s true unlimited as well, so if an episode goes viral, you don’t have to worry about it costing you anything or going over budget. For someone with OCD about metered pay as you go versus unlimited, having unlimited available for $9 is a real comfort. I wouldn’t have thought you could put a price on peace of mind, but it turns out you can, and it’s nine bucks. 

Bandwidth and storage just isn’t something I want to spend time worrying about. I want to focus on growing my show’s reach and getting it to make money.

When it comes to monetization and reach Podbean really shines. The $9 tier is where you get true unlimited creative control. You get access to “pro” themes, comprehensive listener statistics, a mappable custom domain for your show. And, this is a biggie, access to the advertising marketplace and their dynamic ad insertion tool called PodAds (to run your own ad campaigns). That whole bundle is unlocked at the $9 tier. 

I actually had to double check that one twice. Four checks, because that’s just a tremendous value. All paid plans come with IAB-certified comprehensive statistics and Podbean offers easy-to-understand graphs that help you better analyze how your podcast is performing. Not only that, but Podbean also helps you tap into listener support to monetize. They have a built-in Patron program for ongoing listener support, where you can provide special Patrons-only content and you can also sell premium content directly through their app.

Podbean also has a $29 per month plan that is best for video podcasts. At that level you’re able to provide audio, written, and video content to your listeners that’s widely distributed and easily monetized. 

New features, like Podbean Live and their Podbean app for recording on the go have only made the service richer. Adding new features onto an already robust podcaster only platform.

Podbean has sought to be an all-in-one solution for every level of podcaster, and they’ve adhered to that philosophy since 2006.

Anchor.fm

Anchor is all about being the free solution for podcasters of all walks. Create, distribute, and monetize for free. That’s the deal. Which is, pretty much true. Once Anchor.fm became Anchor.fm by Spotify’s acquisition in 2019, there were some concerns about what would happen to the service. Thus far it seems to be on the up and up. 

There was a bit of uproar about who actually owned your content in early drafts of the Spotify TOS, but that seems to have been worked out. It does leave open questions about a long term relationship with Spotify. Your mileage and comfort level is going to vary. 

Recording a podcast with Anchor is pretty straightforward. You can use the website with your desktop setup as you normally would. That’s what we tend to recommend ensuring the audio quality is the highest possible. 

You can also record right from their native app. Recently our writer Tal gave that a spin and it worked well enough. He ran into some issues with plosives when he was holding the microphone away from his face while looking at the screen.

The app fared much better when you held your phone like, well, like a phone. As if you were having a conversation. This isn’t a deal breaker, but it’s worth noting.

Again you can record audio and upload it however you’d like, so the app wouldn’t be our go-to interaction anyway.

Anchor Unlimited Hosting, Analytics, and Monetization

Anchor offers unlimited storage and unlimited bandwidth. That sets them apart from other free podcast hosts and is likely the biggest reason new podcasters start out with Anchor. As I mentioned, metering OCD is a real phenomenon and a big selling point. 

Once you’ve created your episode, added your cover art and descriptive write up, it’s distribution time.  Anchor distributes to almost every podcast outlet under the sun. Which is handy, in getting your show out there.

Anchor’s plan also comes with some useful analytics tools to see where your listenership is coming from. The IAB 2.0 certified analytics dashboard will also tell you where and when you’re losing listenership over time. That helps figure out how to retain an audience and what segments or features may not be working.

Monetization works well on Anchor, but your monetization is where they’re monetizing their platform as well. Which is perfectly fine, as long as you know that going in. 

Monetization on Anchor works in two basic ways. First is a patreon type model called Anchor Listener Support where hosts can ask their fans for donations ranging from $.99 to $10. Anchor takes 4.5% of whatever is donated and Stripe has their 3% processing fee. This leaves hosts netting roughly 90% of their listener donations.

Which isn’t terrible, considering what you’re getting, but it isn’t exactly “monetizing for free” either. Who are we to split hairs? 

If your Anchor hosted show has 50 or more unique listeners it is eligible for Anchor sponsorships.

The second model will see Anchor match your show with appropriate advertisers from their database. They’re doing the legwork here on making the relationships, acting as an in house broker. And they’ll take a 30% brokerage fee based on a CPM (Cost per 1,000 listens) model. 

But everything else is free, so you have to expect them to monetize somewhere.

Conclusion

Which host is ultimately right for you, the nascent podcaster? If you’re going to dabble around and not take it too seriously, you might be okay with Anchor. But after testing and evaluating the offers, it’s hard not to like everything you’re getting with Podbean’s Unlimited Audio plan. 

Their commitment to ease of use and companion website is hard to beat. 

The post Anchor vs. Podbean Podcast Host Review 2021 appeared first on Discover the Best Podcasts | Discover Pods.

Founded in 2015 by Michael Mignano and Nir Zicherman, Anchor was initially launched as a social audio service for short-form content. The platform was updated in 2018 for the making and publishing of podcasts, and in 2019, Anchor was acquired by Spotify for a sweet $150 million. Not too shabby.

Anchor was made on the principle of democratizing audio, believing that everyone should have the option of a free podcast service without upload limits. This podcast host allows you to create an unlimited number of episodes without paying and has built in ad integration to help you earn income from your show. Anchor also offers an episode-builder function, allowing you to record and edit your podcast through their mobile app or desktop website. Their slogan is “Anchor – The easiest way to make a podcast,” and they provide a handful of additional features to aid in podcast creation, not just hosting.

Related reading: the best podcast hosting platforms, free podcast hosting reviews

Creating a Podcast in Anchor

It’s simple to get started on Anchor, and they provide you a roadmap for doing it. After you’ve made your account, you can create and upload a first episode before deciding on a title, description, and/or art, or go straight to finalizing the details of your show. They also offer the option to import your RSS feed if you’re switching to Anchor from a different hosting service. Currently, podcasts in Anchor currently can’t be private or password protected.  

When uploading your cover art, Anchor gives you the option of having the anchor icon in the upper right hand side of your cover art. This can be toggled on and off. If you don’t have cover art already made, Anchor will help you make one; you can upload a background or have one selected for you from Unsplash and add the text of your title on top of it. 

Once you’ve uploaded your first episode, Anchor will submit your feed to several listening platforms, which are: Apple Podcasts, Breaker, Google Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Radio Public, and Spotify. It’s important to note that when Anchor submits your show to Apple Podcasts, it’s under Anchor’s own account. If you want to access your Apple Podcasts analytics, you’ll have to do a few extra steps, which include contacting Apple to transfer ownership of the podcast to your Apple account. If you want to distribute your podcast to other platforms (such as Stitcher), you can still manually submit your RSS feed through their site.

Anchor provides a public website to go with your podcast. Episodes can be listened to on this website, and it gives links to other listening platforms (and an external website, if listed on the account). I especially like that one of the provided links is the RSS feed, which is often hard to find as a listener but often needed when a show isn’t coming up in search results.

However, this website is not particularly customizable. You can’t add information about the show beyond its standard description. If you wanted to display crew information, attach a press kit, or link to transcripts, the anchor-provided website is not sufficient.

The Anchor App

One thing that sets Anchor apart from most hosting services is that you can download the Anchor App and use it to record and produce your podcast. The interface is surprisingly easy to use. You hit a button to record, and you’re good to go, while a timer keeps track of the length and a simple waveform tells you if it’s picking up sound. You can also add a flag to mark instances in recording you want to go back to for editing later. The mobile app supports a recording time of 120 minutes. You can’t pause while recording your audio directly with Anchor, but you can record multiple segments and edit them together.

I tested out this mobile recording, and I found that the audio quality was best when holding my phone up to the side of my face as if I was on a phone call. Holding it out in front (like one might do when on speakerphone) allowed me to keep an eye on the length and flag moments faster, but the mic picked up more plosives. The audio quality is about what you’d expect for a phone mic – it’s not the best thing out there, but the speaker is clear and the words are discernable.

The Anchor App also supports smartphone mics and bluetooth podcast equipment for recording, though they note that they don’t recommend using headsets to record, “as they are typically for phone calls and might not work well when using Anchor.” 

Once you’ve recorded, the clips go into the library, and you can modify the start/end time of them as well as split them up into smaller clips from here. Splitting a clip will introduce two new files into the library (before the split and after the split). You can build an episode right on your phone using the clips you’ve recorded, in addition to transition music and a handful of SFX that Anchor provides. This takes place in an “episode builder” window, where each clip becomes a segment of your show. There is also the option to import audio from outside the app, though depending on what type of mobile phone you have, this can be difficult. 

The episode builder (left) and the library (right)

What editing a clip on mobile looks like. 

The episode builder is not a DAW. You can’t layer clips, which means putting your own music or SFX under dialogue isn’t an option. You don’t have the ability to modify clip volume, fade in or out of clips, or run noise reduction (though, Anchor does offer some background music you can select to run under segments). Using the Anchor episode builder means you’ve got what you got – but for a phone app, it isn’t bad. You can also save your episode as a draft and come back to it later, so you don’t have to create your entire episode in one sitting. 

Not only can you publish an episode from your phone, you can also create your whole podcast in the app, including making cover art and submitting your show to directories. And when not actively podcasting, you can also use the app to check your podcasts stats. 

This app is unlike anything I’ve seen for other podcasts hosts, and I think it’s great for accessibility. If your laptop can’t run Audacity? No problem! All you need to make a podcast is a smartphone. This is a great tool for beginners who aren’t set on investing in equipment or software, and want to dip their toes into podcasting.

The Anchor Website

Logging into your account on Anchor’s desktop site gives you the same options as the phone app. You can record directly through the website and build an episode using provided transitions and SFX, though you don’t have the same clip editing abilities. (You cannot trim audio outside of iOS and Android, so you’re limited to splitting it into a new clip and going from there). The maximum amount of recording time on the web is 30 minutes on Google Chrome and 5 minutes on Safari, different from the two hour limit on the mobile app. If this is a problem, Anchor suggests using an alternative program for recording (may I recommend Audacity?)

The podcast creator view on desktop.

What editing a clip on a desktop looks like.

If you upload an audio clip recorded outside of Anchor, you can still add their transitions; imported clips are treated as just another segment. You also don’t need to add anything to what you upload – you can make a single segment your entire episode without any issue. Though it should be noted, if you want to have an Anchor-integrated midroll ad, you’ll have to split your clip where you want that ad to go, making it into two segments (so that you can put a sponsored segment in the middle). 

A view of an incorporated sponsored segment in the episode builder. 

There is a 250 MB upload limit to each clip imported into Anchor. If your file is larger, you can split it and upload it in segments – the size of your final episode is not limited, and you can have as many clips and segments as you want. Anchor also suggests compressing your clips if they’re too large, using mp3 files instead of wavs.

Your Anchor Account

Clips recorded on a phone are still accessible from the website, and vice versa, as your library is the same across devices. You can also access episode drafts from one device to another, meaning that you can start building an episode on desktop and continue it on your phone.

You’re limited to one podcast feed per account. With different emails, you can have multiple shows, though I wouldn’t recommend this – if you’re planning multiple shows, it would be a good idea to use a hosting service compatible with more than one feed instead of juggling a handful of emails. However, it’s not a violation of Anchor’s terms and conditions to sign up multiple times with different emails. You can do so and even make money as one person running multiple shows. 

Unlike most free podcast hosting platforms, Anchor offers unlimited storage for your feed for an unlimited time. You can upload as many episodes as you want in any time frame. Additionally, published episodes can be edited – new segments can be added and individual clips can also be modified.   

Anchor also provides a healthy amount of stats: a chart of the number of plays each day (and what episodes they came from), a breakdown of your top episodes, the geographic location (what percentage of listeners are from which country), a pie chart of listening platforms, the gender breakdown of your listeners (sourced from Spotify, and includes Female, Male, Non-binary, and Not Specificed), and the age breakdown of your listeners (also sourced from Spotify). You can see these stats for any date range of your choosing. For a free service, these offerings aren’t bad at all. 

If you want to move to a different hosting platform, Anchor makes it easy with a “Redirect URL” at the bottom of the distribution page, where you can paste your new RSS feed in and have your show redirect. If, for example, you want hosting with more specific statistics, you’re not stuck where you started. 

Monetization – Ad Integration and Listener Support

For users within the US, Anchor has built in ad integration. You are matched with sponsors (as a new show, your first sponsor is Anchor) to record your own ads for. Anchor helps you with your ad read – when testing ad creation for myself, I was given a script with suggested talking points and a mandatory call to action to read out at the end. Anchor says that “New sponsors are first matched with shows who have a growing audience base and whose ads have performed well in the past — we currently aren’t able to guarantee you a sponsor at all times, and we recommend continuing to grow your show to qualify for new sponsors in the future.” You control where the ads show up in your show by placing them yourself, which means you don’t have to worry about being interrupted mid-sentence.

Anchor takes a 30% cut of revenue generated from sponsorships arranged via Ad Integration. If a sponsor offers a $20CPM (cost per thousand impressions) and you get 1000 impressions, $6 will be deducted for the Anchor fee. Users in the US can also activate Listener Support, which allows you to accept monthly donations from your audience. Anchor takes a 4.5% fee from donations through this feature. 

All payment is processed through Stripe. You need to have made at least $10 before cashing out, and there is a $0.25 processing fee to do so. If you leave a balance for more than 90 days, it will be automatically cashed out for you. 

Record with Friends

Record With Friends is a feature that lets you remotely record your podcast audio with up to five others. Guests can use the Anchor app or go to the Anchor website to join in on the call, which must be initiated via the app. You invite friends  from the recording page of the app, which allows you to send them a link to join. Audio is recorded locally, so the quality of the remote guests does not sound like a typical phone call.  There is a two hour recording limit when recording with friends, and Anchor recommends not using external podcast microphones when using this feature on the app. Currently there is no option to mute guests or pause recording. 

Related reading: detailed breakdown and reviews of podcast microphones, podcast headphones.

I think this is a really helpful feature for new shows that want to have guests on. It can be tricky working out how to record a phone call, and difficult to have a good quality remote recording. While there are certainly better options for having remote guests on your podcast, this is a free and relatively easy way to facilitate remote recording, and I think that’s great.

Spotify Music

Anchor allows you to create an episode using music from Spotify, though episodes that do so need to be reviewed and will only be available to Spotify listeners. Music tracks cannot be altered or talked over, and they are shown as separate segments in the episode builder. Additionally, only Spotify Premium users will hear the full-length versions of the songs (Spotify Free users will hear a 30 second preview). 

I think this feature might be useful for talk shows that reference or talk about specific songs and want their audience to be able to hear the music without the liscensing issues that usually come with sticking a song into your podcast. However, since including music makes an episode become Spotify exclusive, there are some pretty big downsides to this. Still, it’s a good option to have, and no one is being required to include Spotify Music in their podcasts. 

How Free is Free?

Having used Anchor myself, I can confirm that there’s no surprise fees hidden within Anchor, no special pay-to-play features down the line. It is truly a free hosting platform, monetarily speaking. But there’s that saying – if you’re not paying for something, then you’re the product (the 30% fee Anchor takes on sponsorship deals is perhaps indicative of this).

In 2018 Anchor fell under criticism for a section of their terms and conditions which implied that Anchor might own what you produce on the platform. Mignano tweeted in response, on June 21 2018, “First and foremost, when using Anchor, creators have, and always will, own their content. We’ve made this really explicit so there isn’t any confusion.” The terms and conditions were clarified to indicate a license to distribute (but not own) your content. The “Rights you grant to us” section of these terms now starts with “You retain ownership of your User Content. Using Anchor does not cause you to lose ownership of your content.” 

I spoke to Gavin Gaddis, podcast creator and critic, who said, “There’s a little bit in the ToS that gives Anchor permission to use your IP however they want. Functionally it means nothing to small podcasters, but if someone is serious about their creation and intends on going the distance, using Anchor might mean that some day they’ll turn on Spotify and hear an ad that cuts clips of their show in a quirky way to make it sound like the podcast is directly endorsing Anchor, all without having paid that podcast a cent or signed any sort of exclusivity deal. Anchor hasn’t done that and made efforts to clarify their ToS after getting in social media hot water a while back, but that little bit still sits there. Other hosts like Pinecast don’t have anything in their ToS reserving the right to use someone’s podcast IP however they see fit.”

In Conclusion

I’d recommend Anchor for those who are just starting out in podcasting. It’s an incredibly accessible service – you get a lot for the low price of completely free. However, as a free platform, it lacks some of the features more serious podcasters might want: multiple feeds, more thorough stats, dynamic ads, and no connection to Spotify (and possible IP use thereof). Users who desire these features should host their podcast elsewhere, but if your priorities for a podcast host are low cost and ease of interface, Anchor will likely work great for you! 

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