Steep learning curve
Libsyn helped pioneer the RSS Spec in the early 2000's, but their background has lead them to focus on a much more technical audience. Each podcast has multiple feeds to configure and dozens of options that only apply to 1% of podcasters.
You have to do the technical work
Episodes need to be properly encoded, tagged, and artwork added before upload. Make one little mistake and your episode could sound terrible or not play for your listeners. If you want to add transcoding or stats to your account that's an additional charge.
Complicated pricing
Plans start at $5/month, but podcasters quickly see their bills increasing. Since Podcast Storage is measured in MB it's difficult to know whether your show will fit until you upload it. And then there are additional costs for things like media transcoding and statistics.
The Buzzsprout Advantage
- Modern and easy to use
- No technical expertise needed
- Customizable web players match your brand
- Clear and fair pricing - no surprises
- Fast and helpful customer support
Music first platform
Soundcloud is the best way for artists to share music since Myspace. But that means their focus continues to be on features and developments for music creators rather than podcasters.
Could shutdown any day
They're are serious concerns about SoundClound's stability. Despite raising over $460 million in venture capital, they have never been profitable. They recently fired 40% of their staff amid rumors that they would be filing for bankruptcy.
Customer support is non-existent
Have a question about your podcast? Don’t look to SoundCloud for help. Their response time ranges from slow to never and have no podcasting expertise.
The Buzzsprout Advantage
- 100% Podcaster Focused
- No VC. Answer only to our customers
- Profitable since launch
- Hosting podcasts since 2009
- Fast and helpful customer support
You're not in control
With many hosting platforms you aren't in control of your podcast: they might insert advertisements, the pricing model might change, and when you've had enough you might not be able to leave.
Might not be around for long
More people are listening to and creating podcast than ever before. This has attracted a lot of new companies to the podcast hosting space. You'll want to make sure you select a company that will continue developing their platform for years to come.
Missing critical features
There are a few things you need your podcast host to do. Make sure they provide RSS feed generation, assistance getting listed in iTunes, customizable embed players, WordPress Plugin, podcast statistics, and social media share tools. It will save you lots of time if you don't have to piece these features together from different places.
The Buzzsprout Advantage
- We never put ads into your podcast
- You're in control - move or cancel at any time
- Hosting podcasts since 2009
- All inclusive plans = no surprise bills
- Fast and helpful customer support
