In order to start your podcast, you have to have a place to host your podcast. Additionally, in order to get your podcast out to listeners, you have to share it. So, selecting a podcast host and locations to share your podcast are vital decisions that you have to make in order to get your podcast going. To help you with these decisions, we've explained what exactly hosting and sharing means and we compiled a list of locations for hosting and sharing your podcast.
Hosting
You need somewhere to host your podcast because you have to have somewhere that your podcast lives. Having somewhere to host your podcast is what allows you to publish it to the internet. There are a lot of options for hosting, but generally speaking, you either host your podcast on your own or on a podcast hosting platform. Keep in mind that while it is possible to host your podcast on your own, such as on your website, we would recommend that you only host it on your own if you have the technical skill and knowledge to do so. A lot of issues can arise, so you need to be able and willing to resolve anything that comes up when you host on your own. Podcast hosting platforms are reliable, easy to use, and have extra features, so they tend to be the best option overall.
Locations to Host Your Podcast:
- Your website
- You can host your podcast on your current website or a newly created podcast website. Whether the website is designated for the podcast or not, you can host your podcast on it. Again, keep in mind that you need to be very knowledgeable to do so. And, you can run into a lot of technical issues as well as problems with your web hosting service provider if you aren't 100% sure of what you are doing.
- Podcast Hosting Platforms
- These platforms usually have different plans for different needs. Some even offer a free, minimal plan as well as paid plans that are more advanced. Generally speaking, some of the biggest factors for selecting a hosting platform are: price, bandwidth, storage, support, automatic RSS feed, and extra features (websites, directories, mobile apps, statistics, monetization options, video capabilities, embeddable players, podcast transfer tools, etc.).
- Some examples of podcast hosting platforms are: Acast, Audioboom, Blubrry, Buzzsprout, Libsyn, PodBean, Simplecast, SoundCloud, Spreaker, and Transistor.
- A simple Google search will provide you with many different options as well as reviews for those options. So, consider your requirements for your podcast hosting service and do some research to find the right fit.
If you are just starting your podcast and you are looking for a way to make your podcast public without investing into podcast hosting yet, you can use Archive.org or Google Drive (using a new folder with public access). These are obviously free options, however we highly recommend only using these temporarily because you aren't able to get your podcast on directories when using these options and there are large limitations, especially as your podcast grows.
Sharing
In order for anyone to listen to your podcast, they have to know about it. This is where sharing comes in. So, hosting is the publishing part of your podcast, but sharing is how listeners ultimately find your published podcast. Without sharing, your podcast would be out there for people to listen to, but they would never be able to find it. With sharing, think about making your podcast as visible and as easily accessible as possible. The more visible and easily accessible it is, the more likely it is that you will gain listeners. That being said, submit your podcast to as many directories as possible. There are really large, commonly used directories, such as Apple Podcasts and Google Play Music, and there are smaller, niche directories, but submitting to both kinds is important. And, for the most part, it is a quick and easy submission process for each directory, so get submitting!
Locations to Share Your Podcast:
- Apple Podcasts (aka iTunes)
- For a tutorial on how to submit to Apple Podcasts, read our article here.
- Google Play Music
- Spotify
- TuneIn
- Stitcher
- Podknife
- RadioPublic
- Pocket Casts
- AnyPod
- Podchaser
- iHeartRadio
- Email help@iheartradio.com to inquire.
- Plazoo
- Miro
- Digital Podcast
- Acast
- Blubrry
- Overcast
- Your podcast will automatically be listed here once it is submitted to Apple Podcasts.
- Deezer
This is by no means a complete list as there are tons of directories, so some Google searches will provide a lot more options that you can submit to. In fact, there are many specified directories, so if your podcast fits into some different categories, look for directories that are aimed at those categories. Also, keep in mind that these are directories so that listeners can find your podcast and listen to them directly. Therefore, sharing does not fully encompass promoting your podcast. It is a factor in promoting your podcast, but promotion also involves social media, networking, and your podcast website. For some information on promotion, read our How to Create Your First Podcast article.
As you can see, hosting and sharing your podcast is extremely important. You absolutely have to host and share your podcast in order to ever have a successful podcast. You do have a lot of options for where you want to host and share though, so consider your needs and select what is best for your podcast. Happy podcasting!
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Article Image: kreatikar via Pixabay.
