The best website builder for a podcaster depends on where you want the site to live: inside your podcast host, in a dedicated podcast site tool, or in a general builder. Most hosts include a website, so the real choice is whether to use it or build your own.
Someone hears you on a friend's show, likes what you said and searches for your podcast. Where do they land? If the answer is a directory page with your artwork and a list of episodes, you've lost the chance to show them who you are, capture an email or point them to the episode that'll hook them.
That's why podcasters end up looking for a website, not only hosting. Below are eight options, in no particular order and with no crowned pick. Most are built for podcasters, either as a dedicated podcast site tool or as a host with a website built in. One is a general builder, and I've said so.
Eight routes to a show website at a glance
| Tool | Route | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Buzzsprout | Host with a built-in site | A dedicated show website on your own URL |
| Captivate | Host with a websites product | Keeping the site and hosting with one company |
| Castos | Host with a WordPress route | Running the show site on your own WordPress |
| Fireside | Host with a site builder | Pages, a blog and host and guest profiles |
| Pinecast | Host with a site in the plan | A simple site that comes with hosting |
| Podpage | Podcast-only site builder | A separate site that imports each new episode |
| Squarespace | General website builder | A site that isn't tied to any podcast host |
| Transistor | Host with a one-click site | A website for one show or a whole network |
Your host's site or one of your own?
Here's what most comparisons skip. Most podcast hosts already include a website, so you may have one waiting that you've never switched on. The decision isn't really which builder is best. It's whether to use the site that comes with your host or build one separately.
Each route has a trade-off. A site tied to your host is easy, because new episodes appear without you lifting a finger. But it moves with your host, so if you ever change host, you're rebuilding the site too. A dedicated podcast site tool or a general builder keeps the website separate from your hosting, so you can switch hosts without starting again, but you'll be the one keeping it updated.
So before you commit, check two things: where your domain will point, and where your show notes will live. If both sit with your host, that's fine, as long as you know that's the deal. If you'd like to own them outright, build the site somewhere you control. For the hosting side of the choice, our guide to podcast hosting platforms compares hosts in more depth.
Three ways to give your show a home
Use the site that comes with your host
Transistor lists a one-click website builder plus a network website option. Buzzsprout gives a podcast a dedicated website on your own URL. Fireside's builder uses your own artwork, pages, a blog and host and guest profiles. Pinecast lists a podcast website among its plan features. Captivate names websites as one of its product areas. These are all built for podcasters, and they're the quickest route if you're happy with your host.
Build a separate podcast site
Podpage is a podcast-only website builder that imports new episodes to your site with a page, player, show notes and transcript. It sits apart from your host, which suits you if you think you might move hosts one day.
Run it on WordPress or a general builder
Castos is a host whose navigation lists a WordPress plugin route, so your podcast can live on your own WordPress site. If you're going that way, our list of WordPress podcast plugins covers the options. Squarespace is a general website builder, not a podcast tool, though its menu lists podcasts among its audiences. A general builder is the better fit when the show is one part of a wider business site, with services, a shop or a newsletter alongside it.
Eight podcast site options, in no particular order
Buzzsprout
Best for: Shows hosted there that want a dedicated website on their own URL; the vendor says every site is SEO optimised.
Captivate
Best for: Podcasters already on this host, which lists websites as one of its named product areas.
Castos
Best for: WordPress users, since the host's navigation lists a plugin for running the podcast on your own site, beside private podcasting and analytics.
Fireside
Best for: Interview shows wanting a site with their own artwork, pages, a blog and host and guest profiles, with automatic SSL according to the vendor.
Pinecast
Best for: Independent shows happy with the podcast website listed among the plan features, next to a tip jar.
Podpage
Best for: Creators who want a separate website where each new episode arrives with a page, player, show notes and transcript; the vendor says it also handles SEO, social posts and email.
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Squarespace
Best for: Hosts who want a wider website beyond the show; it's a general builder whose menu lists podcasts among its audiences.
Transistor
Best for: Networks and single shows alike, since the page lists a one-click website builder and a network website option.
Questions to answer before launch day
- Where will your domain point? Decide whether it points to your host's site or a site you run separately.
- Where do show notes live? If they only exist on your host, they'll move or vanish if you switch.
- Do new episodes appear on their own? If not, set a reminder, because a stale site looks like a dead show.
- Can listeners find you by guest name? Guest pages and transcripts help people searching for a guest find your episode.
- How will you capture listeners? Decide where an email sign-up or contact page goes before you design anything else.
- What else does the site need to do? If it's also selling services or products, a general builder may serve you better.
If you're still at the very start, our step by step guide on how to start a podcast covers the decisions before the website, and our wider list of podcast hosting tools is useful if you haven't picked a host yet.
Straight advice for podcasters
If you're starting out and you've already chosen a host, switch on the website it gives you. It's the fastest way to get a home for the show, and you can always build something bigger later. Just know that it's tied to the host, so put your domain somewhere you control from day one.
If you think you'll change hosts, or the podcast is one part of a bigger business, keep the website separate. A dedicated podcast site tool suits a show-first site, and WordPress or a general builder suits a business site with a podcast inside it. Either way, the site that's kept up to date beats the clever one that isn't.
Do you make website tools for podcasters? 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
Do podcasters need their own website?
It helps. A website gives listeners somewhere to land, find older episodes, read show notes and sign up for updates. Most podcast hosts include one, so you may not need a separate builder at all.
Should I use my podcast host's website or build my own?
Use your host's site if you want speed and you're happy with your host. Build separately if you might switch hosts or the podcast is part of a wider business, because a host site moves with the host.
What happens to my podcast website if I change host?
If the site is tied to your host, you'll usually need to rebuild it somewhere new. Keep your domain under your own control so you can point it to the new site.
Can I run my podcast website on WordPress?
Yes. Some hosts offer a WordPress plugin route, so episodes appear on your own WordPress site. It gives you more control, but you look after the site yourself.
Is a general website builder good for a podcast?
It's a good fit when the podcast is one part of a bigger site with services, a shop or a newsletter. For a show-only site, a host's site or a dedicated podcast builder is usually quicker.
What should a podcast website include?
Episode pages with a player and show notes, a way to subscribe, an about page, guest information if you run interviews, and an email sign-up or contact page.
