Where to Publish Your Podcast? Explore Top Platforms and Hosting Services
Whether you’re a new or established podcaster, it’s crucial to publish your show on the top platforms to maximize wide reach, and to choose a hosting service that fits your needs. This guide evaluates the leading podcast platforms and podcast hosting services, including their pricing, features, and which are best for beginners or professionals.
Top Podcasting Platforms
The best choices are probably what you would expect. A 2024 survey shows YouTube is the most popular choice for monthly podcast consumers in the US, followed by Spotify and Apple Podcasts. However, globally, Spotify and Apple Podcasts together account for about 70% of podcast listening. Each of these platforms has advantages and disadvantages, and today we’ll look into how they all compare.
Spotify
Pros
Spotify has a massive international user base (used by ~37% of podcast listeners globally) and has rapidly grown to rival Apple.
It offers robust creator tools: Spotify for Creators, free hosting, audience analytics, Q&A/polls for listener interaction, and support for video podcasts.
Spotify also integrates monetization – creators can offer paid subscriptions or ads through Spotify’s programs, and hundreds of podcasters now earn $10K+ per month via its new Partner Program.
With over 6.5 million podcast titles on the platform, Spotify’s reach and content library are unmatched.
Cons
Some features are platform-specific – for example, video episodes and certain monetization tools work only within Spotify’s ecosystem. Outside Spotify, its impact is limited.
Analytics on Spotify are also separate from other platforms’ data.
Also, while Spotify auto-distributes your show on its app, submitting to other directories must be done separately.
Key Stat
Spotify is projected to reach around 42–46 million podcast listeners in the U.S. by 2025, outpacing Apple’s ~29 million.
Apple Podcasts
Pros
Apple Podcasts is a cornerstone of podcasting – historically the #1 app, now used by about 33% of listeners globally.
The platform’s reach in North America and other affluent markets is huge, and it boasts a vast content library – over 95 million episodes hosted as of 2025.
It’s the default podcast app on iPhones and a crucial directory: listing your show on Apple Podcasts connects you to the large iOS audience and many third-party podcast apps which often pull from Apple’s index.
It supports monetization via Apple Podcasts Subscriptions where you can offer premium episodes to subscribers, with Apple handling payments.
Cons
Apple Podcasts’ closed ecosystem means no native Android app – you’ll have to reach Android listeners through other apps/platforms.
The analytics are not as detailed as some competitors.
Apple’s monetization comes with a hefty revenue cut where Apple keeps 30% and charges a yearly fee.
There’s no built-in advertising program for independent creators, and you have to rely on your host for ads.
Also, Apple’s platform has no social features or video support – it’s audio-focused and traditional.
Key Stat
Apple Podcasts and Spotify are neck-and-neck, and Apple still slightly leads in share of podcast listeners (36.2% vs Spotify’s 34.0% in a recent analysis) thanks to its longevity. Ensuring your show is on Apple Podcasts is critical to tap into this one-third of the market.
YouTube
Pros
YouTube’s strength lies in video podcasts – creators can film their recordings or even just add a static image, tapping into viewers who prefer a visual element.
With YouTube’s introduction of a dedicated “Podcasts” section and availability via YouTube Music which in 2024 began supporting background play for podcasts, it’s easier for users to treat YouTube as a podcast app.
Monetization on YouTube is a big draw: podcasters can earn via the YouTube Partner Program (ads on videos), channel memberships, or sponsorships, potentially generating revenue once they meet the subscriber / view threshold.
Audience engagement is another plus – viewers can comment, like, and share episodes, creating community interaction that traditional podcast apps lack.
Cons
Unlike true podcast apps, YouTube does not use RSS feeds. You must manually upload content, which adds workflow.
The platform is ad-driven and subject to content ID / copyright rules, so podcasters must be mindful of using licensed music or clips.
Audio-only shows might need extra effort to create video versions, even if it’s just an audiogram or static image video.
Also, not all podcast listeners think to go to YouTube for podcasts, especially if they want audio in the background without video, though YouTube Music is addressing this.
Key Stat
The platform’s algorithm and search functionality help new listeners discover content; in fact, 34% of weekly U.S. podcast consumers now say YouTube is the platform they use most for podcasts. Its rise reflects the growing popularity of video podcasts and the convergence of podcasting with streaming media.
Note
Google Podcasts, once the default Android podcast app, was shut down in 2024. Google’s original listener sharehas largely transitioned to YouTube Music.
Amazon Music & Audible
Pros
Amazon has integrated podcasts into Amazon Music and Audible, making them readily available to Amazon’s customer base.
Publishing on Amazon Music puts your podcast on the default service for many smart speakers – for example, Alexa devices often pull podcasts from Amazon Music. This is a plus for reaching listeners who say “Alexa, play a podcast.”
Amazon Music/Audible also has some exclusive podcasts and a growing presence; they leverage Amazon’s huge user ecosystem, as Amazon Prime members have access to Amazon Music’s podcast library.
Global reach is decent where Amazon has a footprint, and some audiobook listeners now use Audible to find podcast content.
Cons
Amazon’s share of podcast listening is still relatively small – about 6% of U.S. podcast listeners cite Amazon Music as their preferred platform.
It’s one of many secondary platforms, so the audience size is modest compared to Spotify or Apple.
Monetization options for independent podcasters on Amazon are limited; there’s no self-serve ad program or subscription feature analogous to Apple / Spotify.
Additionally, Amazon’s apps lack the community features of YouTube or the deep podcast focus of Apple and Spotify.
Key Stat
23% of Americans own at least one Amazon Alexa device, giving your podcast access to their households. While not a top platform, it’s still worth distributing your podcast here to reach Amazon Echo users and others in Amazon’s ecosystem.
Popular Podcast Hosting Services
To get your podcast onto all these platforms, you’ll need a podcast hosting service. A good host will store your audio files, generate your RSS feed, and distribute episodes to directories like Apple, Spotify, and others. Hosts also offer varying levels of analytics, monetization, and support. Below, we evaluate some of the most popular hosting services in 2025.
Buzzsprout
Buzzsprout is a highly regarded host known for its user-friendly interface and strong community support. It’s great for beginners yet scalable for experienced podcasters.
Features
Buzzsprout offers one-click distribution to all major platforms.
It provides detailed analytics dashboards, including geographic stats and trend graphs, and even extras like a customizable podcast website and transcription services.
Recently, Buzzsprout introduced monetization options such as a built-in ads program where you can opt in to earn from automated ads, and it supports adding donation links for listeners. It also allows dynamic content insertion like outro messages across all episodes.
Pricing
Free plan – up to 2 hours upload per month, episodes hosted for 90 days.
Paid plans start at $12/month for 3 hours of uploads. All paid plans include unlimited storage, so your episodes stay online indefinitely, and unlimited bandwidth for downloads.
Mind that some advanced features like magic audio mastering or more detailed metrics may cost extra or require higher plans.
Spotify for Creators (Anchor)
Formerly known as Anchor, Spotify for Creators is a completely free hosting platform owned by Spotify.
Features
It offers a mobile app for recording and editing, making it easy to create episodes on the go.
Distribution is integrated with Spotify and can submit your show to other directories as well, though getting on Apple Podcasts via Anchor can be tricky, often requiring manual steps.
Anchor provides basic analytics, such as plays, audience demographics, but not as in-depth as some paid hosts.
A big draw is the built-in monetization: creators can activate listener support (monthly donations) and dynamic ad insertion for advertiser segments if eligible.
Monetization rates and advertiser availability are not fully under your control, as you’re limited to Spotify’s platform.
The analytics are relatively basic, lacking the depth of other platforms.
Pricing:
$0 – you get unlimited storage and bandwidth with no monthly fees.
This low barrier to entry has made Anchor one of the most widely used hosts, especially for new creators.
However, there have been concerns about Anchor’s terms and long-term sustainability.
Podbean
Podbean is a popular, full-featured host that offers unlimited hosting at a low cost.
Features
Distribution to all major platforms is straightforward.
Podbean shines in monetization tools: it supports dynamic ad insertion, has an Ads Marketplace to connect podcasters with sponsors, and allows listener donations or premium content sales. You can even set up a Patron program similar to Patreon through Podbean.
Another unique feature is Podbean Live – a live-streaming platform for interactive podcasting with live listener calls, chat, and even virtual gifting.
Podbean also supports video podcast hosting: you can upload video episodes and distribute them to platforms like YouTube.
Analytics are robust, and higher plans include advanced analytics and IAB-certified metrics.
They also offer a customizable podcast website and embed players for your site.
Pricing
It has a free tier with 5 hours total storage and basic stats.
Paid plans start at $9/month with unlimited storage & bandwidth, making it a very affordable option.
Libsyn (Liberated Syndication)
Libsyn is the oldest name in podcast hosting (est. 2004) and has a reputation for reliability and scalability. Many established shows and networks host here.
Features
Libsyn’s platform covers all fundamentals, including dependable media hosting and distribution to over 50 platforms.
There’s an advanced analytics dashboard with geographic data, user agents, and more, and Libsyn’s stats are IAB certified for accuracy.
Libsyn has strong monetization offerings. Its Ads Marketplace helps connect shows with advertisers, and it supports premium content subscriptions via a feature called Libsyn+ or Apple / Spotify integrations.
It offers rock-solid stability and an industry-leading reputation, reliably delivering episodes even if you have millions of downloads.
It’s highly scalable, so you can start small and upgrade as needed.
Pricing
$5/month for 50 MB or roughly 20-30 minutes of audio
$15/month for 250 MB
They now even have an Advanced plan with unlimited storage at higher price points.
Conclusion
If you’re just starting out, ease of use and low cost are key. Spotify for Creators is a fantastic zero-cost option – you can start publishing right away with no financial investment, and it handles basics like distribution to Spotify. Just remember to manually submit to Apple Podcasts and YouTube for wider reach. Its simplicity and mobile app are perfect for novices.
For those willing to spend a bit for more features, Buzzsprout is highly recommended. It offers a smooth onboarding, excellent tutorials / support, and makes the whole process from uploading to tracking stats very straightforward.
If you’re an experienced podcaster or planning to treat your show as a serious business, look for hosts with advanced analytics, monetization, and reliability. Libsyn stands out as a professional-grade solution, as its proven infrastructure can handle large audiences and its AdvertiseCast marketplace opens doors to ad revenue. You get control and flexibility backed by a legacy platform.