What is podcast hosting?

In order to submit your podcast to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube Music, you'll need a podcast hosting provider (like Transistor or Buzzsprout). A podcast hosting platform is where you'll create episodes, upload your recorded audio or video, add show notes, and publish your episodes. Your host will also generate an RSS feed for your podcast. Once you have a valid RSS feed, you can submit your podcast to directories and listening apps.

What is the best podcast hosting site?

Transistor and Buzzsprout are frequently cited as two of the top podcast hosting platforms. Many podcasters choose Transistor because you can host multiple podcasts on one plan (without paying extra). On Transistor, you also get audio and video hosting, unlimited uploads, advanced statistics, private podcasts, multiple user logins, dynamic ad campaigns, a free podcast website, and monetization tools. Many users also cite Transistor's excellent customer service.

Can you host multiple podcasts?

Many people want to create multiple podcasts. However, hosting platforms like Simplecast, Buzzsprout, and Libsyn charge you for creating additional shows. Spotify for Podcasters also only allows you to create one podcast. Transistor is one of the few podcast hosting apps that allows you to host unlimited podcasts from one plan. You can even invite different users to each podcast you create (perfect for people who are building their own podcast network).

Can I host a video podcast on Transistor?

Yes! Transistor supports both audio and video podcast hosting. You can upload your video episode once and distribute it to Apple Podcasts (via HLS), Spotify, YouTube, and other platforms that support video podcasts in the alternateEnclosure. Transistor handles the encoding and delivery so you don't have to manage multiple uploads across different platforms. Video episodes also appear on your free Transistor podcast website with a built-in player.

What is a video podcast?

A video podcast is a podcast that includes a video component alongside (or instead of) audio. Video podcasts have been part of the RSS ecosystem since Apple added video support to iTunes in 2005. Today, platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube all support video podcast feeds. With a hosting platform like Transistor, you can upload your video and distribute it to all major platforms through a single RSS feed.

How much does it cost to start a podcast?

If you already have a PC or tablet, the only equipment you'll need is a USB microphone. The Samson Q2U is a good choice, and only costs $60. Recording and editing software can be free (GarageBand or Audacity). And podcast hosting, like Transistor, is affordable on a monthly basis. It's possible to start a podcast for under $100.

How do I get my podcast on Spotify?

Every podcast should be submitted to Spotify's podcast directory. Using a hosting platform like Transistor, you can easily submit your podcast feed to Spotify with one click. After you've submitted your podcast, every episode you publish will automatically appear in Spotify's directory.

How do I get my podcast on Apple Podcasts?

If you use a hosting platform like Transistor, you can submit your podcast to Apple Podcasts with one click, no need to create a separate account on Apple Podcast Connect. Once submitted, every new episode you publish will automatically appear in Apple Podcasts. If you want to publish a video podcast on Apple Podcasts, you'll need to use an approved hosting partner like Transistor, Omny, or Podigee that supports HLS video delivery. Not all podcast hosts support Apple's video requirements, so make sure your hosting platform is an approved partner before you start uploading video episodes.

How do podcasts make money?

Podcasts can make money through advertising, but typically advertisers are looking for shows with more than 2,000 downloads/listens per episode. Many podcasters use listener support platforms like Patreon, PayPal, or Buy Me a Coffee. The most effective supporter perk we've seen is a 'listener shout out,' where you mention your supporters at the end of your episode, and in your show notes. Transistor also offers built-in monetization tools and dynamic ad insertion to help you earn revenue from your show.

Is Transistor podcast hosting free?

Transistor is free to use for 14 days. Once you sign up for a subscription, you can create additional podcasts for free (without paying an additional fee). If you sign up for an annual plan, you'll get two months free (compared to the regular price).

How do I get more listeners for my podcast?

The most important step is to make sure you have a trailer episode published in your podcast feed, and to make sure you've submitted your podcast to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Player FM, and Podcast Index. A podcast hosting provider like Transistor will help you submit to all the apps. To grow your podcast to thousands of downloads you'll need to understand what your audience wants and create content that engages them better than your competition. Also make sure you use distribution channels like social media, YouTube, and email newsletters.

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★★★★★

“The best podcast hosting tool I've used”

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Video Podcast Hosting

Publish your audio & video podcasts everywhere

Get your podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Overcast, Pocket Casts, and many more!

Learn about video podcasting

Distribution

Easy distribution for your podcast

Your simple dashboard for managing distribution of your podcast to apps & players.

Learn about podcast distribution

Private Podcasts

Create your private podcast

Host a members-only podcast for your company or online community.

Learn about private podcasts

Podcast Hosting

Host multiple podcasts on one account

We don't charge you for creating additional podcasts.

Unlimited podcast hosting

Website Builder

Build a website for your podcast

Choose a design and we'll automatically generate a website for your show.

See our website builder

Analytics

View detailed podcast analytics

See your average downloads per episode, popular podcast apps, number of subscribers, trends.

View our podcast analytics

Testimonials

Here's what podcasters are saying about Transistor:

Jason Cohen

Founder of WPEngine

I just had an excellent support interaction with Transistor over live chat, which made me realize how rare that is nowadays. Kudos to them!
Stephen Robles

beard.fm

I’ve hosted multiple shows with Transistor for years and it’s far and away my favorite podcasting platform. They continually add useful features, and now with HLS video I can distribute my shows in all the formats my audience desires from one place. It’s the best.
Ali Abdaal

YouTuber, Podcaster, Author

We’ve been recommending Transistor to everyone we know who’s interested in starting a podcast.
Jonathan Stark

Transistor has the best customer support of any service I use by a MILE, and you can quote me!
Nathan Barry

ConvertKit

When people ask me which podcast host I recommend, I say: 'Transistor is 100% the way to go.'
Michele Hansen

Geocodio

Transistor is a fantastic podcasting platform — it just works out of the box and includes lots of other useful things, like a professional-looking podcast website.
Andy Baldacci

Pod Avenue

After using Transistor for just a few minutes, I decided to leave Libsyn. I can say without a doubt, Transistor is the easiest to use podcast host on the market. On Libsyn you have to go through pages of confusing options to publish a single episode; Transistor is truly a breath of fresh air.
Rob Hardy

Ungated Creative

Transistor is the bee's knees: it's indie owned and operated, they let you host multiple podcasts/private podcasts for one price, and they have a nice simple design.
AJ Vens

The Confused Breakfast

Transistor is an amazing platform for hosting a podcast network. Great analytics, and most importantly, might be the best customer service you will find in the podcast hosting industry space.
Michael Koper

Nusii

I've been using Transistor for a month, and I'm impressed. By far the best podcast hosting out there! Super easy to use and has excellent customer support. It made launching my first podcast a lot easier!
Dan Schoonmaker

CasterKit

Transistor is incredibly easy to use, is very reliable, and has the best customer service! After starting my free trial, I immediately fell in love with how easy to use their interface was. I also like that they integrate with Zapier.
Bret Fisher

DevOps and Docker Talk

We love Transistor.fm and they never let us down; the team is awesome!
Gray MacKenzie

ZenPilot

I'm a big fan of recording with Riverside and then hosting on Transistor. Transistor has been amazing; you'll especially appreciate the UI, and it's very affordable.
Lindsay Harris Friel

The Podcast Host

Transistor lets you have multiple RSS feeds, whether public or private, for one price. For the majority of independent podcasters, this could be your podcasts' forever home.
Val Sopi

Blogmaker

Transistor.fm is the best podcast hosting platform I've tried. I started using them 6 years ago and love that it handles the nitty-gritty of publishing to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. I can create multiple podcasts on one plan. The dashboard is super intuitive, the analytics are robust, and they're a small team with a huge heart and incredible customer care.