The Best SoundCloud Alternatives for Podcasting [2024]
Since 2015, SoundCloud has been a popular podcast hosting platform because of its large creator community and the ability to easily share and discover new content.
Although SoundCloud still offers podcast hosting, it's been a while since its podcast-specific features were updated. This has led many podcasters to seek out alternative hosts that can offer more advanced functionalities.
If you’re currently using SoundCloud and are wondering if you’re missing out, this guide will introduce you to alternative hosting sites tailored to meet your podcasting needs.
How to Choose a Podcast Host
A podcast host is more than just a platform for storing and distributing your episodes. The right podcast host can help the overall management, growth, and success of your podcast by providing essential tools and features!
If you want to change your podcast host, we recommend considering the needs of your podcast to find the best fit:
- Features you value most: Prioritize platforms that offer features that are most important to you, such as detailed analytics, monetization options, or private podcasting.
- Support and community: Consider the level of support you might need and whether the platform provides a strong podcaster community or remarkable support!
- Your budget: Ensure the platform fits your budget, considering both current needs and future growth.
- Long-term needs: Think about scalability and whether the platform can grow with you as your podcast evolves.
There isn’t a single best host for every podcaster, so it's important to find a podcast host that aligns with your goals to make your podcasting journey that much easier!
If you’re looking for painless distribution:
When evaluating the needs of your podcast, distribution is usually at the top of the list! Effective distribution ensures that your podcast is available across multiple podcast directories like Apple Podcasts (formerly iTunes), Spotify, and Amazon Music.
Here's how these hosts get your podcast to listeners:
- SoundCloud: SoundCloud has integrated distribution for listeners to find your podcast on SoundCloud, but if you’re looking to distribute your podcast to popular podcasting directories like Apple Podcasts or Spotify, you would need to submit it manually.
- Buzzsprout: Buzzsprout provides one-click distribution to all major directories, and has extensive resources to help you get listed on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more!
- Libsyn: Libsyn offers extensive distribution options with built-in support for most major directories.
- Podbean: Podbean features an easy distribution process to major directories, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
- Transistor: Transistor offers similar streamlined distribution to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major platforms. They also have easy-to-follow videos to help in the process!
While SoundCloud can distribute to their platform, they do not integrate with other podcasting directories where you might want to list your show. If you’re looking for straightforward podcast distribution, we recommend Transistor and Buzzsprout!
If you’re looking for a host that’s easy to use:
An easy-to-use hosting platform can save you time and frustration, allowing you to focus on creating great content instead of dealing with technical issues!
When it comes to ease of use, every podcast host has their strengths:
- SoundCloud: SoundCloud's interface is very basic with just a few pages. It's easy to see all of your episodes when you log in, but navigating to find the features that apply to podcasting can be a challenge.
- Buzzsprout: Buzzsprout offers a straightforward interface that's easy for beginners to navigate. With a clean dashboard and intuitive episode management tools, Buzzsprout streamlines the entire process from upload to publication.
- Libsyn: Libsyn's design is more technical and can have a steeper learning curve for some podcasters. However, it does offer extensive customization options that other hosts don't provide!
- Podbean: Podbean offers a lot of great features, and while it's very powerful, Podbean's interface can be overwhelming for beginners.
- Transistor: Transistor offers a user-friendly interface with a simple, clean design that makes it easy to navigate your account!
If you're moving away from SoundCloud and want a host that is easier to use, we recommend Transistor and Buzzsprout!
If you’re looking for more support:
Reliable customer support can make a big difference in your podcasting journey, especially when you encounter technical issues or have questions about the platform's features!
Here’s how each of these podcast hosts can help:
- SoundCloud: SoundCloud has an online help center with resources and the option to chat with customer support.
- Buzzsprout: Buzzsprout’s champion is the remarkable, hands-on customer support. You get quick and thoughtful responses via email, a community group on Facebook, and extensive help articles!
- Libsyn: Libsyn provides email support and a large library of online resources to help you if you get stuck.
- Podbean: Podbean offers email support, live chat, and a comprehensive online help center!
- Transistor: Transistor provides excellent, quick customer support via email and chat.
For many podcasters moving from SoundCloud, customer support sticks out as a helpful new addition. On Buzzsprout, we've heard from these podcasters who made the transition from Soundcloud:
"I'm loving your platform and customer support!" - Dev
"Thank you! I wasn't sure about migrating my show, but with your support, the process went smoothly." - Ryan
If you’re making the switch because you want better customer support, we recommend switching to Buzzsprout!
If you’re looking for advanced monetization options:
Monetizing your podcast can transform it from a passion project into a profitable one, whether that’s helping cover your hosting costs or even generating monthly revenue!
Monetization features from different podcast hosts can help you get there:
- SoundCloud: SoundCloud is unique in that offers fan-powered royalties where podcasters can get paid for how long their episodes are listened to! However, this is designed for musicians, so it can take a long time for podcasters to see meaningful returns.
- Buzzsprout: Buzzsprout is best for the hobbyist podcaster looking for listener support. Buzzsprout provides dynamic ad insertion through Buzzsprout Ads for podcasts with 1,000 downloads per month, an affiliate marketplace, listener subscriptions, and monthly support on all paid plans.
- Libsyn: Libsyn is a great option for podcasts that are looking to go pro! Libsyn has invested in platforms like Libsyn Ads for podcasters with 2,000 downloads per episode per month, premium subscription services through Glow, and a merch-selling partnership with Pair.
- Podbean: Podbean has several monetization features including an ad marketplace, premium subscriptions, and listener support features. These features can help both beginner and seasoned podcasters!
- Transistor: Transistor supports premium content through its integration with Apple Subscriptions! They also offer dynamic content, but podcasters will need to find sponsors and advertisers to fill those spots.
If you’re looking into SoundCloud alternatives because you want more robust monetization features, our top recommendations are Libsyn and Buzzsprout.
If you’re looking for in-depth analytics:
With advanced analytics, you can optimize your content strategy and make data-driven decisions to grow your podcast.
When considering a new podcast host, we recommend looking for a host that is IAB certified and provides valuable stats:
- SoundCloud: SoundCloud was built for musicians, so they only provide download stats from SoundCloud itself. If you're looking for stats from Apple Podcasts or other directories, you will need to create accounts with each directory and track analytics separately.
- Buzzsprout: Buzzsprout offers detailed, IAB-certified analytics on all plans! The user-friendly interface shows a podcast overview, episode downloads, listener locations, apps and devices, and achievement badges.
- Libsyn: Libsyn provides comprehensive, IAB-certified analytics with customizable reports on download stats, devices, apps, and locations! They offer great information, but you will need to be on the premium plan to access your stats.
- Podbean: Podbean has a consistent analytics offering that shows basic stats with insights into listener behavior, locations, and download trends!
- Transistor: Transistor provides analytics for downloads, estimated subscribers, listener locations, devices and apps, and episode comparisons.
If you're moving from SoundCloud because you want comprehensive reporting, we recommend Buzzsprout and Transistor for their in-depth analytics!
If you’re looking for more robust features:
The features a podcast host offers can have a big impact on the amount of work and management you're doing each week. Taking a look at features and their functionality can help you determine which podcast host is the right fit:
- SoundCloud: SoundCloud has a large community of creators and listeners, making it easy to share and discover new content. They also offer private podcasting if you want your podcast to be hidden. However, many of the features on Soundcloud haven't been updated and lack functionality for today's podcaster.
- Buzzsprout: Buzzsprout is packed with features like Magic Mastering for great sounding audio, Cohost AI to help with podcast publishing and transcriptions, Team Members for multiple users, Fan Mail to receive messages from listeners, a mobile app for iOS and Android, a WordPress plugin and more!
- Libsyn: LibsynPro provides enterprise-level solutions, including private podcasting, dynamic stitching tools, user management, and a full SLA. Libsyn also offers extensive distribution options and a customizable HTML5 player, but they are lacking transcription services.
- Podbean: Podbean takes the cake for video podcasters or beginners because it includes a podcast studio app, premium content, and live streaming!
- Transistor: Transistor is known for its private podcasting, excellent analytics, and team collaboration, making it a strong choice for professional podcasters. Transistor doesn’t have a mobile app, but its UI is mobile-friendly for podcasters who are on the go.
SoundCloud has great features, but they’re not all geared towards podcasters. If you’re looking for a more podcast-centric host that has new features, we recommend taking a look at Buzzsprout and Podbean.
If you’re looking for an updated embed player:
An embed player allows you to easily share your episodes on websites, blogs, or social media, making your content more accessible outside of traditional podcast directories.
SoundCloud offers an embed player for an episode or a playlist of episodes! Their current player has color customization options and a background image option and provides an iFrame code or a WordPress code for embedding.
If you’re looking for alternatives to SoundCloud because you want a different embed player, several options include more robust podcasting features:
- Buzzsprout: Buzzsprout offers a single-episode player or a multi-episode player. Both players can show your most recent episodes or can be customized to show specific episodes. For the single-player, Buzzsprout has two design options, and podcasters can further customize the player with play button color, sharing settings, and artwork!
- Libsyn: The Libsyn player has a long list of customization options, including colors, font, size, artwork, and sharing options! The player can be customized to include one episode or a playlist.
- Podbean: Podbean offers both a video embed player and an audio embed player. If you’re working with the audio embed player, you can embed either the single episode player or a multitrack episode option. Podbean also offers color, font, and height customization for the player!
- Transistor: Transistor’s player allows you to embed a playlist, your most recent episode, or a specific episode from your backlog! You can also customize the background color so the player matches your website.
Our favorite players are Buzzsprout and Podbean because they offer the most customization with a modern look.
If you’re looking for a more bang for your buck:
Pricing often dictates the range of features available to you, and not all pricing plans are equivalent. Each host will offer unique features with every plan.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s included in free podcast hosting plans:
- SoundCloud: SoundCloud has a free plan with 3 hours per month. Though this plan allows for a lot of upload time, it does lack some basic features like scheduling episodes or replacing audio files.
- Buzzsprout: Buzzsprout provides a free plan with 2 hours per month and 90 days of storage. The Buzzsprout free plan still has access to stats, soundbites, and several other features!
- Libsyn: Libsyn doesn’t offer a free plan, but it does occasionally have promo codes that offer two months for free.
- Podbean: Podbean has a free plan with 5 hours total storage and 100 GB bandwidth per month! However, this does not include video podcasting, team members, or monetization features.
- Transistor: Transistor doesn’t have a free plan, but you can try their hosting for free for 14 days.
Higher-tier plans generally come with more advanced capabilities, which can enhance your podcast's quality and reach. These are some features you can expect on paid plans:
- SoundCloud: SoundCloud’s paid plans start at $8.25/month and can be billed annually for $99/year. This includes unlimited upload time, monetization features, and the ability to schedule or replace episodes!
- Buzzsprout: Buzzsprout has paid plans starting at $12/month for 3 hours. All plans include unlimited file storage and paid plans include dynamic content, a podcast website, fan mail, and more!
- Libsyn: Libsyn plans start at $7/month for 162 MB of storage, but you must upgrade to $20/month to access advanced stats and greater file storage that other hosts include in their basic plans.
- Podbean: Podbean has paid plans starting at $9/month for unlimited uploads, but the costs will go up to $29/month for unlimited audio and video podcasts, and $79/ month to include team members.
- Transistor: Transistor has plans that are based on episode downloads, starting at $19/month for up to 15,000 downloads, $49/month for 75,000 downloads, and higher tiers for more downloads each month.
Understanding the pricing landscape will help you choose a hosting platform that balances cost with the features you need. If you’re making the switch from SoundCloud, Podbean and Buzzsprout are our top picks.
Choosing the right podcast hosting platform is an important step that can influence the direction and growth of your podcast. While SoundCloud offers a straightforward and music-focused hosting solution, exploring alternatives can help you find a host that better aligns with your podcasting goals!
Frequently asked questions:
What is the best podcast host for getting on podcasting directories?
Several podcast hosts can get you on all of the major podcast apps! And no matter where you go, you can always submit your podcast to directories manually. But for the easiest distribution, we recommend Transistor or Buzzsprout.
What are some other hosts I should consider?
There are several awesome hosting sites out there! In addition to the ones mentioned in this blog, we recommend also taking a look at Captivate, Blubrry, Spotify for Podcasters (formerly Anchor), and Spreaker.
How do I transfer my podcast episodes to a new host?
To move between hosts, you will start by creating a new hosting account and importing your episodes there! Then, you will place a 301 redirect on your RSS feed to redirect listeners, subscribers, and podcast directories to your new feed.