Podbean Review: a Podcast Host with Detailed Analytics

Last updated on March 21st, 2019

In the crowded podcast hosting space, Podbean has emerged as a leading podcast host because of its easy-to-use interface, budget-friendly pricing and flexible options for podcast creators. While users may initially be drawn in by the free hosting option for limited uploads and $9 per month unlimited storage option, features like detailed statistics, video uploads, and integrated monetization also make Podbean stand out. In this review of Podbean’s hosting plans, pricing and benefits, we’ll go in-depth into these features and more to help you make a decision on which podcast hosting solution to go with.

Related articles: best podcast hosting services, Podbean vs. Libsyn review, Podbean vs. Blubrry review, best free podcast hosts.

While users may initially be drawn in by the free hosting option for limited uploads and $9 per month unlimited storage option, features like detailed statistics, video uploads, and integrated monetization also make Podbean stand out. In this review of Podbean’s hosting plans, pricing and benefits, we’ll go in-depth into these features and more to help you make a decision on which podcast hosting solution to go with.

Why Do Podcast Hosts Matter?

Anyone who has spent time looking for a podcast host to use knows that there are lots of options and it can sometimes be difficult to differentiate between the different hosts. At the core, the function of a podcast host is to take an uploaded audio file and create a link to it that can be distributed through RSS feeds and discovered on Apple Podcasts (iTunes), Stitcher, Google Play or other podcast platforms. However, podcasters will quickly learn that the real benefit of a great podcast host goes far beyond just the hosting.

When deciding between podcast hosts, in addition to price, storage space and ease of use, you will also want to consider additional features like listener statistics, user engagement intel or integrated monetization ability. While many hosts offer the ability to upload a media file and produce a distributable RSS feed from it, the competitive nature of the podcast holding field comes more from the added benefits that certain hosts are able to offer.

What Is Podbean?

Podbean has long been considered one of the best podcast hosting services and currently hosts several leading podcasts, including hit shows like True Crime Garage and those from the Telegraph UK.

Do not let that impressive list of shows scare you off though. Podbean is also one of the most widely used hosting sites for new and rising podcasts, partially thanks to the free trial month they currently offer and free “Podcast Starter” option. Some of the top podcasters that use Podbean swear by the $9 per month “Unlimited Audio” option, but there are also more premium plans priced at $29 per month and $99 per month.

In addition to the unlimited options and more advanced Business services, Podbean’s free, basic “Podcast Starter” option is no joke. While the monthly storage caps out at 5 hours of audio and 100 gigabytes of bandwidth, it is still a great place to start a new show without any risk. The most popular plan is likely the $9 per month plan, which remains one of the lowest priced unlimited hosting options on the market. The plans are all easy to use, with a simple backend that allows for scheduled publishing and automatic social sharing. Entry level podcasters can even use features like the ability to record and edit within the Podbean app to get started sharing audio right away.

Podbean’s website features a cohesive list of the shows hosted with the platform, which range from comedy and sports to true crime and religion. The list of shows and the Podbean podcast app are two great ways for your show to be found by new listeners, especially because Podbean has such a large user and listener base. As of March 2019, Podbean reported having 250,000 podcasters using the platform, 7,500,000 episodes hosted and almost 6 billion downloads.

Detailed analytics and user-engagement metrics

One of the common issues that podcasters run into is a lack of insight into who is listening to their episodes, which episodes are the most popular, and what their listener retention is. Unlike platforms like YouTube or Instagram that have statistics built in natively, podcasters know that distributors such as Apple Podcasts do not provide creators with sufficient statistics. Podbean tackles this problem by providing detailed statistics to users that include things like listener location, downloads by time of day, and listener engagement. Podbean’s free, limited plan comes with basic stats, but hosts hoping to grow a show or potentially find advertisers should opt for the comprehensive stats that come with all of Podbean’s paid plans.

User engagement intel is an optional add-on, but it is one of the things that makes Podbean truly stand out. Having the ability to know if listeners are finishing your episodes or ending early, or if ads at the beginning or middle of an episode cause listeners to drop off can be crucial for growing a show.

Customizable podcast site

Having a developed online presence is an essential part of building a podcast brand. Listeners love to find out more about the hosts, dig through show archives, or even read written content that can supplement audio episodes. Podbean makes it easy to quickly build out a website for your podcast with their free, customizable site feature and their ability to easily embed a Podbean player to an existing site.

The customizable websites, as well as the Podbean app and Podbean website itself, feature clean, simple designs. All plans offer this feature and paid plans provide more themes and the option for fully customizable design and to map or redirect your own domain.

Business options and integrated monetization

While not every podcaster dreams of eventually turning it into a career, that prospect is certainly on the mind of some users. Podbean makes the transition easy with numerous features that allow shows to be monetized. To begin, Podbean offers a Podcast Advertising Marketplace, which allows potential advertisers to discover shows that might be a good fit for their ads. Once you have ads, Podbean’s Dynamic Ad Insertion feature allows for targeted advertising based on certain listener demographics, and provides statistics that podcasters can bring back to their sponsors.

There are also capabilities to have paid content that can be protected behind a paywall and only distributed to certain paying listeners. Their “Patron” feature is similar to popular site Patreon, and allows creators to communicate directly with fans and provide premium content to them directly. “Patron” is tailored for podcasters and keeps all the funds, hosting and communication in-house, rather than with a third party. While these types of features may be less utilized in podcasting than some other forms of media, it does provide creators with another potential income stream.

Critiques

Podbean has truly mastered their craft and is one of the most popular platforms for hosting podcasts for a reason. Some users have commented that Podbean provides slower and less helpful customer support than their competitors. One criticism might be that some of Podbean’s more desired features only come included in their higher-priced premium plans, but even with these premium features included Podbean still remains competitively priced compared to its direct competitors.

Despite being a veteran in the podcast hosting industry, Podbean does seem to be consistently updating their features and adapting to the changing needs of the podcast community.

Podbean Competitors

You will have a hard time finding a list of the best podcast hosting platforms that does not at least mention Podbean as an option to consider. While some newer competitors like Buzzsprout, Fireside or Transistor may be a bit trendier, there is nothing wrong with going with one of the established industry-leaders when selecting your host. Podbean’s most direct competitor may be Blubrry, another hosting platform that has been around for over a decade and continues to be one of the most popular options.

Among these competitors, Podbean remains one of the most affordable. Blurbrry’s plan most comparable to the Podbean $9 per month unlimited option is their “Small” plan, priced at $12 per month. Libsyn is another popular hosting platform, but their most popular plan is priced at $15 per month.

Starter Plan Comparisons

If you are looking for a reliable, easy to use and fairly priced podcast host, Podbean remains one of the best bets. From the ease of uploading and widely distributing episodes to the more advanced features available in the premium plans, Podbean has done a great job finding out what podcasters of all sizes need.

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