Pick a new podcast host by the job you want it to do next: earning from your show, reaching more apps, or getting started with help on hand. Then check how each one publishes episodes, what stats and website come with it, and how it imports your back catalogue before you move anything.
People rarely leave a podcast host on a whim. Usually it's one of these:
- You want to earn from the show and your current set-up doesn't help much.
- You want your episodes in more places, including video apps, with less effort.
- You want clearer stats, a simple show website or a person to talk to when something breaks.
If you're looking at Castos and wondering what else is out there, this list covers ten podcast hosting platforms, in no particular order, grouped by the reason you're most likely to switch. Every description reflects what the vendor says about its own service.
Three things to check before you move a show
Your current host describes itself on its own homepage as a host with private podcasting, monetisation and analytics built in, and it offers free migration to new customers. That last part is the clue: moving a show is the risky bit, not choosing a host. Whatever you pick, look hard at three things.
First, how episodes reach the apps. Every host gives you an RSS feed, but some push to the main directories for you and some leave the submissions to you. Second, what comes with hosting: stats, a show website, transcripts and any earning tools. Third, how imports work. If you've got a long back catalogue, a host that pulls your old feed in and redirects it cleanly will save you days of fiddling and keep your subscribers in place.
Private podcasting is worth a separate thought. If you use private feeds for staff training or paying members, check each host's own site for that feature before you shortlist it, because it isn't standard across the category.
Podcast hosts by what you want next
If you want to earn from the show
Acast leads with advertising and matching shows to advertisers. Captivate and Podbean both put earning tools next to hosting, so you can keep things in one account. These make most sense once you've got a steady release schedule.
If you want more reach with less effort
Simplecast and Libsyn focus on distribution and stats for shows that already have an audience. Transistor stands apart for video podcasts, since it pushes one upload out to audio and video apps.
If you're starting out or want support
Buzzsprout, Fireside and RSS.com all speak to newer podcasters, with an emphasis on simple publishing and human help. Spreaker sits slightly to one side, because its homepage is built around listeners discovering shows rather than around hosting features.
Ten podcast hosts side by side
| Tool | Type | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Acast | Podcast hosting with ad income | Shows that want advertisers matched to them |
| Buzzsprout | Beginner-friendly podcast host | First shows that need hosting, promotion and stats |
| Captivate | Growth-focused podcast host | Several shows under one account with earning tools |
| Fireside | Podcast host with personal support | Hosting with clear stats and a person to ask |
| Libsyn | Hosting, distribution and monetisation | Detailed stats with distribution and earning tools |
| Podbean | All-in-one podcast platform | Starting, promoting and monetising from one account |
| RSS.com | Podcast host with a free start | Unlimited episodes and an RSS feed from day one |
| Simplecast | Podcast hosting and analytics | Publishing to the big apps in one step |
| Spreaker | Podcast host with a listening app | Shows that like sitting where listeners browse |
| Transistor | Audio and video podcast host | Publishing one upload to audio and video apps |
Every host, A to Z
Alphabetical and in no particular order.
Acast
Best for: Creators who want to earn from their show, since the vendor presents itself as a monetisation platform that connects podcasters with advertisers.
Buzzsprout
Best for: New podcasters who want hosting, promotion and tracking in one place, plus a vendor promise of help when you get stuck.
Captivate
Best for: Podcasters running more than one show; the vendor says you can host unlimited podcasts and earn from them through its own advertising tools.
Fireside
Best for: Independent shows that value personal support alongside publishing, distribution and analytics, which is how the vendor describes its service.
Libsyn
Best for: Established shows wanting detailed stats with distribution and monetisation in the same account, as the vendor describes it.
Podbean
Best for: Anyone who wants to start, promote and earn from a show without stitching tools together; the vendor names a free plan.
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RSS.com
Best for: Hobby and early-stage shows; the vendor says you can start free with unlimited episodes, an RSS feed, analytics and growth tools.
Simplecast
Best for: Teams who care about clean analytics and quick distribution, with the vendor pointing to one-click publishing to Apple Podcasts.
Spreaker
Best for: Podcasters who like the idea of a host that also courts listeners; the vendor's homepage leads with discovering shows and trending lists.
Transistor
Best for: Brands and creators publishing both audio and video shows, where the vendor says one upload reaches the main apps and includes a free podcast website.
My advice for podcasters switching hosts
Don't let the earning tools make the decision for you. They only pay off once a show has listeners who come back every week, so if you're still building, the host that makes publishing painless and gives you honest stats will do more for you. If you already have a loyal audience, that's when it's worth comparing how each host handles ads and listener support.
Brands publishing a company show have a different set of needs. Look for team access, clean stats you can share with your boss and a show website that matches your brand. If video matters to your marketing, a host that handles video episodes alongside audio saves you a second workflow. For a wider view, see my guide to the best podcast hosting platforms and my list of video podcast software.
Moving your feed without losing listeners
- Download a full copy of every episode, its artwork and its show notes before you start.
- Import your existing feed into the new host rather than uploading episodes one by one.
- Set up the redirect from your old feed so apps follow your show to its new home.
- Check that your show appears and plays in the main podcast apps within a day or two.
- Keep your old account open until you've confirmed new episodes arrive everywhere.
Do you make podcast hosting software? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
Want your tool on this list? Featured spots and reviews here are paid partnerships. Here's how to partner with me.
Frequently asked questions
Will I lose subscribers if I change podcast host?
Not if you redirect your old RSS feed to the new one. Apps follow the redirect, so listeners keep getting new episodes without doing anything.
Can I move my old episodes to a new host?
Usually, yes. Most hosts can import an existing feed, which brings episodes, titles and show notes across. Keep your own copies too, just in case.
Do I need a separate website for my podcast?
Not always. Many hosts include a simple show website. If your podcast is part of a business site, you can embed episodes there instead.
What's private podcasting?
It's a feed only invited people can hear, used for staff training, courses or members. It isn't offered by every host, so check before you move.
Can I host a video podcast on a podcast host?
Some podcast hosts now handle video episodes and send them to video apps as well as audio apps. Check each host's own site, since support varies.
How do podcast hosts help me earn from a show?
Some match your show with advertisers, some offer listener support tools and some do both. Rules on ad disclosure vary by country, so check your regulator's guidance.
