Free Podcast Hosting: Our 9 Favorite Platforms

Key takeaways:

• If you already have a Riverside Pro plan for recording and editing, you can also host your show at no extra cost.
• The best free podcast hosting services include Spotify for Creators (unlimited storage), Buzzsprout (detailed analytics), and Riverside (all-in-one workflow).
• Key factors when choosing a host include storage and bandwidth limits, analytics capabilities, and additional features, like monetization options.

If you’re new to podcasting, don’t spend your budget on a hosting platform. Several platforms let you distribute your show for free. Some even offer unlimited storage and built-in analytics.

Here’s my rundown on the top free podcast hosting platforms to try. I’ll share what each one does best, so you can choose the right fit for your show.‍

What is a podcast host? 

A podcast host is a platform that stores your podcast’s media files and distributes them to podcast directories (like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music). It ultimately delivers your podcast to your listeners.

Just create an account, create your show, and upload each episode. Your podcast host will provide an RSS feed that you can submit to each directory. Every time you add a new episode to your podcast hosting platform, voila! It’ll be available on all directories where you submitted your RSS feed.

Best Free Podcast Hosting Services

If you’re wondering where to host a podcast for free, you’re in the right place. Here are some of the best podcast hosting platforms (all free!) out there:

1. Riverside

Podcast hosting is now included in all Riverside paid plans. So, if you’re recording and editing your podcast on Riverside, you won’t have to pay for a separate hosting service.

Instead, you’ll have an all-in-one podcast package. Record in up to 4K resolution, edit in minutes with the AI video editor, then publish in one click to Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and other directories. And, you won’t need to download or re-upload any files across platforms!

Riverside supports videos, and you can also upload episode covers for an extra touch. This doesn’t even require any extra effort. Just prompt your new AI agent, Co-creator, to generate assets like a thumbnail, summary, title, and description. You’ll also get automatic show notes and a transcription. 

To keep track of everything, Riverside offers analytics for demographics, watch time, and downloads.

Riverside features

• Unlimited cloud storage with no limit on episode uploads.
• One-click distribution to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, etc. 
• All-in-one recording, editing, repurposing, and publishing under one roof.
• Create custom artwork and thumbnails, or polish your episode in minutes with Co-Creator’s chat-based editing.
• Generate social-ready clips, reels, and shorts with a click using Magic Clips.
• Track your show’s performance and listener data (demographics, listening apps, downloads) from your analytics dashboard.
• Full support for video podcast hosting and distribution.

2. Spotify for Creators

Spotify for Creators (formerly Anchor) is a free hosting platform that’s all about making podcasting accessible. It offers audio and video podcasting, free hosting with unlimited uploads, advanced analytics, and monetization options.

Spotify for Creators also provides content creation tools through Riverside. This means you can access all of Riverside’s features through the Spotify platform for free. Record your podcast in high quality, add captions, clean up audio, and more. Then, send that high-quality content straight to Spotify and other podcast directories.

Overall, it is, hands down, one of the best places to start your podcasting journey. However, experienced creators may find it to be a bit too Spotify-centric, so you might eventually want to push out of its walled garden model. 

User review: I use Spotify for Creators, and I’ve found their analytics not very reliable. When I try to use third-party analytics apps, I’m finding they all support every host site except Spotify. Other than that I love it! — Erin Carlson, Host of the Stars of the Golden Age Podcast

Spotify for Creators features:

• Unlimited storage and no limit on the number of episodes you upload.
• Limited to one podcast per account. 
• You own the rights to all of your content. 
• One-step distribution to Spotify and other major platforms. 
• Detailed, IAB-certified metrics and engagement insights.
• Ability to monetize your podcast by including promotions and getting matched with viable sponsors.
• Ability to include full musical tracks from Spotify in your podcast to enhance your content. 
• Seamless audio and video recording and editing through Riverside.

Read More: Riverside + Spotify: Everything You Need to Record, Edit, and Publish Your Podcast

3. Buzzsprout

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Buzzsprout has been around a long time and is one of the more popular podcast hosting options. The platform provides detailed analytics that I find really useful for growing your show.

Its free plan only allows you to add new episodes for a maximum of 90 days. If you have an existing content library you’d like to import, you’ll need a paid plan.

Also, although the paid plans offer many more features (including a podcast website), you must pay for each show separately. So, it’s best to think about your options in advance (or at least before the 90-day trial is over).

Buzzsprout’s free plan features 

• Upload 2 hours of content per month. (Note that audio files are automatically removed after 90 days.)
• Advanced, IAB-compliant podcast analytics.
• Unlimited team members for collaborative work. 
• Accepts almost all file formats.
• WordPress plugin allows you to publish your podcast directly to your WordPress site.
• Mobile app allows you to fix typos, check analytics, or even publish a new episode.

Read More: Everything You Need to Know about Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting

4. Acast

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For a free plan, Acast offers quite a lot of features. Thanks to its partnership with Podcastle, this includes higher-quality recording and editing features than other competitors (besides Riverside, obviously), allowing you to do it all from one platform. This includes multitrack recording, unlimited editing and mixing, and advanced audio processing. 

And if you’re looking to switch podcast apps, Acast lets you move all your episodes over for free. You also get detailed analytics, just like the paid plans.

All in all, Acast is a great pick, especially if you’re planning to move to the paid plan at some point. 

Acast’s Starter Plan features:

• 1 show, up to 5 episodes. (But you’ll get unlimited episodes if you make your show available in Acast’s advertising marketplace.)
• Unlimited bandwidth.
• Relatively detailed analytics that are fully IAB-compliant.
• Basic podcast website.
• Embeddable web player.

5. RedCircle

RedCircle offers so much for free that it almost sounds too good to be true. You get unlimited hosting and distribution, monetization, analytics, and more. This is because RedCircle’s business model is different. Rather than making money through subscriptions, it makes money through advertising and listener payment products. 

What you don’t get on RedCircle is video. This platform is audio-only unless you upgrade to a paid plan (which may be a good idea anyways). But if you don’t need video, RedCircle is an excellent option. 

User review: “RedCircle’s free option allows you to do so many things and get your podcast in most directories. I couldn't be happier with that. Still, the analytics on the free version are limited, so I can't really know much about my listeners” — Lindokuhle M., Digital Content Creator

RedCircle’s core plan features

• Unlimited hosting and distribution.
• Unlimited bandwidth and episodes.
• Ability to accept listener donations.
• RAP programmatic/host-read ads (but you can’t customize ad categories).
• Standard analytics.
• Podcast webpage (with “Related Shows” at the bottom.)
• Embeddable episode player.
• Customer support within 72 hours.

6. Pinecast

Pinecast is a lesser-known podcast host with some solid features, and it’s committed to customer satisfaction. It allows you to create up to 2 shows for free, something I haven't seen in other free options. You also get unlimited storage and uploads. 

As a newer contender among podcast hosts, you won’t find as much information or reviews about it. But you can’t beat its price for the features it offers. If your podcast is noncommercial in nature, Pinecast provides a free Community Plan as well. I say it’s definitely worth a try for new podcasters. Note that it does not support video podcasts.

Pinecast’s Free Plan features:

• Ability to create up to two podcasts, each with its own feed.
• Host up to 10 episodes for each podcast.
• Unlimited uploads, but individual episodes are capped at 48MB.
• Basic analytics, including listener statistics and trends.
• Monetization via a “tip jar” feature. (Individual tips are limited to $10, and a 30% service fee applies.)
• Customizable embeddable players for sharing your episodes.
• Free podcast search-optimized website.

7. Podbean

Podbean is another popular free podcasting platform that offers audio and video content hosting, a reasonable amount of storage, and a free podcast website. 

I don't like its analytics as much: it’s bare bones on the free plan. However, Podbean does provide a free podcast website, which is a nice feature. 

Overall, If you can get past Podbean’s somewhat clunky interface, it’s a solid free podcast hosting platform with a lot of storage, a mobile app, and good distribution.

​​Podbean’s basic plan features

• 5 hours storage space per month; publish up to 3 episodes per day.
• 100GB monthly bandwidth. 
• iOS and Android apps let you record, publish, and manage podcasts on the go.
• Dedicated podcast website and several themes (but with Podbean branding). 
• Embeddable player for your podcast website.
• Limited number of team members.

Read More: How to Upload Video Podcasts to Podbean

8. Podomatic

Podomatic is a great basic platform for beginners. It allows you to record and publish episodes from your desktop or mobile device and efficiently distribute them to major platforms. One thing that stands out about Podomatic for me is its social sharing features. You can easily share directly from the platform to your social media. What you don’t get on Podomatic is video - or any stats or analytics. It’s pretty bare bones, but the platform is simple and easy to use - and it’s free!

Podomatic’s basic plan features

• Up to 500 MB or 10 episodes of storage.
• 15GB of outbound bandwidth per month. 
• Podcast app allows you to record and publish from your device.

9. Spreaker

Spreaker is a podcast hosting platform from iHeartRadio. It offers tools for more than just podcast hosting, including tools for creation, live podcasting, ads, and more. Most notably, its free plan now includes the ability to monetize with programmatic ads. This is relatively rare for free podcast hosting, and I would have jumped at something like this when I was starting out!

That said, Spreaker’s free plan is a bit limited in terms of uploads. The free plan analytics are also limited, providing only downloads and listener statistics. But if you’re just starting, this could be enough for you.

Spreaker’s free speech plan features

• Online recording studio.
• Ability to upload unlimited episodes and store up to 5 hours of content at a time.
• Unlimited bandwidth. 
• Free podcast app to create and publish podcasts.
• Basic podcast statistics.
• Monetization through programmatic ads.

Why do you need podcast hosting?

Podcast hosting isn’t strictly necessary to start a podcast, but I would never recommend going without one. These services make podcasters’ lives easier, and we all need that, right? You can use them to: 

Store large media files 

Podcast recordings are typically huge files that require substantial storage space and bandwidth. Most podcast hosting platforms also provide automatic backups to ensure your content stays safe.

Simplify podcast distribution 

Podcast hosts significantly streamline podcast distribution by providing you with an RSS feed. Without it, you’d have to upload each new episode to each podcast directory manually!

Monitor your podcast’s performance 

Podcast hosting services provide podcast analytics that detail your show’s performance, how listeners are engaging with your content, and more. This information is essential for refining and improving your episodes. 

Grow your podcast 

Most major podcast hosting sites have features to help you grow your podcast, including marketing tools and monetization options. While there are lots of ways to make money podcasting, it’s nice to have some simple, built-in options to get the ball rolling.

How do I choose between free and paid podcast hosting? 

Free podcast hosting services can be an excellent solution for creators on a budget. But there are disadvantages too. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons.

Advantages:

• Affordability: You can’t beat free! A lack of upfront costs makes podcasting accessible to hobbyists and new podcasters.
• Easy setup: Limited features typically mean a streamlined experience. You can have a podcast up and running in minutes.
• Exposure opportunity: By allowing your podcast to appear in major podcast directories, you automatically increase its exposure. 
• Community support: Many free platforms have active communities or forums where beginners can interact with other podcasters and learn from their experiences.
• Ability to upgrade: Although most free podcast hosting has limits on storage and bandwidth, you can always upgrade to a paid plan if your needs change. That means you don't need to move as long as you like your host!

Disadvantages:

• Lack of choice. Opting for a free hosting platform means choosing from the small selection of hosting services that offer a free plan. 
• Upload limits: These are common on free plans and may restrict the amount of content you can upload. 
• Episode duration limits: Some podcast hosts limit the length of your audio, which can be frustrating or even a dealbreaker. 
• Third-party ads: Some free hosting services advertise on your content without compensating you for the ad space.
• Copyright issues: Always read the fine print. Some podcast hosts stipulate ownership claims over the content stored on their servers. 

Despite the drawbacks, free podcast hosting offers the essentials and great flexibility (not to mention affordability). Most allow you to upgrade, so go for a service you think you can live and grow with for a while.

How to choose a free podcast hosting service

Here are the factors to keep in mind when choosing between free (and even paid) podcast hosting services:

Bandwidth, upload, and storage limits 

Some free podcast hosting services limit your uploads and storage allowances. This could affect how many hours of audio you can upload or the length of your episodes. 

Opt for a podcast hosting site that offers unlimited bandwidth and storage if you can. At the very least, look for one that gives you the option to upgrade when you’re ready.

File format 

Be sure to check which file formats your chosen podcast host accepts. MP3 is the most universally supported audio format and is generally recommended. Some podcast hosts will also let you upload uncompressed WAV files. 

Learn more: WAV vs MP3: What’s Different and What’s Better for Podcasters.

Podcast analytics 

You should be able to easily access stats and data regarding listener engagement, as well as the performance of your content. 

Look for analytics that are IAB-certified and compliant. IAB stands for Interactive Advertising Bureau, an organization that sets globally consistent standards for metrics collected by the podcasting community. 

Usability 

You need a podcast host that you find easy to use. Assess the interface and dashboard design, whether you find the site clunky, and whether the features are easy to implement. Also, consider how easy it is to distribute your podcast to other platforms. With Riverside, you don’t even need to leave your dashboard to distribute your podcast!

Additional features 

Depending on your podcast and goals, certain additional features may be incredibly valuable. Marketing tools, such as a website, embeddable player, or social sharing functionality, could be some options to look at.

FAQs about free podcast hosting

Still need information? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions.

Can you podcast for free?

Absolutely. You can get started by recording your first episode with just your phone if you want to. Podcasting costs as much or as little as you want it to. So, if you’re on a tight budget, don’t worry; you can easily start a podcast for free.

Does it cost money to host a podcast?

Strictly speaking, no. As we’ve seen in this article, plenty of free podcast hosts offer all the functionality you need. That said, ambitious podcasters may outgrow their free podcast hosting service after a while. 

If you think this is the case for you, some podcast hosts, such as Libsyn, offer extensive services for a very nominal fee. Alternatively, you could give some more premium podcast hosting sites a test run using their free trial period. For example, Transistor has a 14-day free trial, and Captivate has a 30-day free trial. Lastly, you can simply opt to host your show in the same place where you record and edit it by using Riverside.

What is the best free podcast hosting site?

The best podcast host site depends on your needs, but Riverside and Spotify for Creators offer a pretty sweet deal. With Spotify, you get free hosting, unlimited storage, monetization opportunities, advanced analytics, and the ability to use Riverside to record and edit your podcasts. 

Riverside is a great fit for creators who want a unified workflow to record, edit, repurpose, and publish their show. You got unlimited storage space and you can even create custom artwork and thumbnails just by prompting Co-Creator.

Is Podbean really free?

Yes and no. Podbean offers a basic free plan that includes 5 hours of storage space and 100GB of monthly bandwidth. If you require more storage or bandwidth, you can consider upgrading to a paid plan. 

Is Buzzsprout free?

Buzzsprout offers a free plan. However, uploads are limited to 2 hours per month, and files are automatically deleted after 90 days. 

Is it free to host a podcast on SoundCloud?

Yes! SoundCloud has a free plan that you can use to host your podcast, but it’s limited to 3 hours of audio. Because Soundcloud isn’t strictly a podcast hosting platform, setting up your RSS feed to share your podcast to popular directories is also more of a hassle than on other podcast hosts. I’d recommend looking elsewhere if you’re looking for a free platform.

How do I transition from a free podcast host to a paid one?

If you are moving away from a free service, I recommend upgrading your plan from free to paid without moving to a different host. But, even switching from a free host to a paid platform is a very straightforward process. 

You just need to import your existing RSS feed into the new platform, and all your past episodes will be pulled automatically. Then, you must update the new RSS feed from your paid host inside the major listening apps. Many platforms, like Riverside, let you do this with a single click.

Check our guide to find out which is the best paid podcast hosting platform for your show.