If you are new to podcasting, there is a lot of considerations when choosing a media host to store and distribute your podcast’s audio files. There are more than 100 podcast hosting platforms worldwide, and many of them provide almost similar features, so it can be difficult to decide which one to go with.
Actually, a good podcasting platform needs to do 2 main things – store audio files of your podcast and provide you with tools to create an RSS feed to share files automatically with multiple distributors. Other important aspects you should consider are pricing, ease of use, and storage space allotment. But there is a variety of helpful features that podcast hosting sites differentiate themselves.
In this article, we compare Libsyn vs. Blubrry. Both hosting services have an excellent reputation and a huge following and offer a good service. So if you have narrowed your choice down to these 2 media hosts, which one should you choose – Libsyn or Blubrry?
We highly recommend both services, and the goal of this Blubrry vs. Libsyn comparison is not to determine which of them is better. Our article is about finding the differences between 2 platforms to help you choose the right service for your context.
Libsyn Podcast Hosting
Let’s start with Libsyn podcast hosting. Libsyn has been in business since 2004 and is one of the longest-running hosting providers out there. Some of its partners include such popular media companies as Pandora, RADIO.Com, and Spotify.
Platform’s Features
Although it’s not the easiest hosting platform to navigate, and the user interface is a little outdated, it’s worth becoming familiar with it. Libsyn has a ton of great features for podcasters, including different levels of reporting statistics, options to upgrade storage, options for monetization, and custom mobile apps. Besides, new tools and posting options are constantly being added.
With OnPublish feature, you can publish your podcasts to audiences on different platforms, including Pandora, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. You can connect with your audience on the most popular websites, services, and apps.
Each podcast host has an opportunity to build a custom Libsyn podcast app, and choose colors and graphics they want to display. You can offer your listeners premium content that can be delivered through MyLibsyn subscription management service.
Using highly-customizable, mobile-friendly Libsyn player with standard playback features, podcasters can easily publish content to their websites. You can make money with Libsyn through subscriptions and advertising.
Pricing Plans
Although there are no free options, Libsyn pricing is considered reasonable. Pricing plans begin at only $5/month, and if money is a top deciding factor for you, this platform is worth considering. But this price option has a limit of only 50MB, and that is not enough for most users. That’s why more likely, you’ll need a minimum $15/month plan that allows you to upload up to 250MB every month, and you get basic statistics.
Why Choose Libsyn
Many Libsyn reviews agree that it’s a great hosting site if you are looking for a simple stable platform with a long history and a strong community and don’t need unlimited storage space. This platform is the right choice for a beginning podcaster who can benefit from a huge user base and good customer support service. And it’s also a good choice for those who are really serious about podcasting and need a host that they can grow with.
Libsyn’s support staff is always ready to help, and there are a lot of resources for support on the site, including a knowledge base, community blog, support blog, and many options to upgrade. They also offer helpful webinars to tell you about the best tool to use for the production of your podcasts.
Blubrry Podcast Hosting
Now, let’s take a closer look at Blubrry podcast hosting. Blubrry first came into the scene in 2005, so it’s also a veteran in the hosting space. Some of Blubrry’s partners include Audioburst, Triton, Shopify, and DreamHost, so podcasters can establish useful links to monetize their content.
Best Features
The biggest advantage of Blubrry podcast hosting is the WordPress plugin called Powerpress. It allows your website to have seamless integration with their hosting platform, and you can upload podcasts directly from the WordPress dashboard. This process doesn’t require any logging into the Blubbry platform.it’s very convenient. Although this plugin works only on self-hosted WordPress sites and not on WordPress.org blogs, they provide a free WordPress website for new customers if you don’t already have one.
Another stand out feature is the analytics they provide. The platform is certified by the IAB (Interactive Advertising Bureau), which means they’re in compliance with podcast measurement guidelines. It offers exceptional professional stats on all packages, presenting graphs and charts in a simple, clean, and digestible layout.
Blubrry users have access to a podcast player that is compatible with WordPress and other websites and supports all MP3 RSS feeds.
Pricing Plans
Price-wise, Blubry podcasting hosting remains an excellent choice for podcasters as they offer a lot of pricing options ranging from $12 to $80 per month, and you can get your first month for free. The smallest plan in Blubrry pricing allows you to store 100MB and the largest one includes 1,000MB per month. You can change your pricing plan at any time, and there are no cancellation fees.
Even the cheapest pricing plan comes with unlimited bandwidth, so you don’t have to worry about the traffic. Besides, Blubrry offers no-fault overage, which means you are allowed to upload slightly more than is specified in your monthly limit, and you won’t be charged for that (actually, it’s 25% of storage). There is also a Pro Hosting plan starting at 100$ per month with unlimited monthly storage, free tech support, advanced statistics, and Dynamic Ad insertion.
Why Choose Blubrry
Blubrry podcasting hosting is the right choice if you are looking for simplicity and speed because you can upload and publish your content from the dashboard on your website. The company offers a comprehensive hosting service that is affordable and reliable. The hosting is optimized for WordPress and gives users access to accurate podcast statistics with all-inclusive data about their audiences.
The Bottom Line
Both Blubrry and Libsyn have all the features and great tools a professional or new podcaster would be looking for in a hosting service, including WordPress integration, audio podcast player. Both platforms are reasonably affordable and allow users to monetize their content quickly. There are slight differences in pricing, and Blubrry has more convenient service plans, offering a no-fault hosting system. Blubrry has also an edge over Libsyn in terms of providing advanced statistics. But Libsyn is great for beginners because it offers comprehensive support service and a great community of users. Still, whichever platform you select, you are sure to get a great hosting service.
We hope that this Libsyn and Blubrry review will help you make an informed decision about the right podcast hosting platform for your show. There are lots of fantastic options for hosting your podcast, but your choice should be based on your specific goals and needs. And if you want to learn more about other good podcast hosting sites, which you could use to try out podcasting for free, read this Buzzsprout review.