You want to select the host with the most. Hosting is a very important decision, but for the most part, it’s a backend function.
I had three perks that I was focused on when I was searching for a host:
- Free to use
- Unlimited storage
- IAB certification, (Interactive Advertising Bureau Tech Lab)
IAB certification is useful for having paid advertisements on your show. It is an independent organization that has set standards around play and download data collection.
Picking the Right Host
I wanted unlimited storage, so I looked at Podbean, RedCircle, and Anchor. RedCircle offered free unlimited storage but lacked strong analytics. Podbean was listed as very easy to use, but unlimited storage was a paid feature. Anchor, however, was free, had unlimited storage and robust analytics—but then I found it had been acquired by Spotify.
My Advice
Host on Spotify. It’s free, has strong analytics, and integrates seamlessly with podcast distribution. (In April of 2024, Spotify left the IAB Certification. There is speculation that they are so big that they don’t “feel they need it.” This has not helped their image.) The analytics at Spotify are great, and some say they are starting their own standard. If Spotify goes away, we have bigger problems than our Podcasts not playing anymore.
How to Host
- Go to https://creators.spotify.com/
- Set up a free “Creators” account with an email
- Enter basic show information
- Click the upload file button
Bottom line
People do not know, and they do not care where you host.
Make sure you pick a host that you are happy with. Try to find one you feel you will remain happy with. It is possible to switch, but you will need a backup of your episodes. You will lose the original post date if you ever switch to a new host.
Improvement Dave 