Key Takeaways
- Why podcast hosting matters: Free podcast hosting services make it easy to publish your show, distribute episodes to major apps like Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and track listener analytics—all without technical headaches.
- Top free options in 2025: Platforms like Spotify for Creators (unlimited hosting and built-in tools), RedCircle (unlimited hosting plus monetization), and Buzzsprout (great beginner experience with limited storage) stand out.
- How to choose the right host: Consider storage and bandwidth limits, analytics, monetization opportunities, and whether you want automatic or manual distribution.
- Pros and cons of free hosting: Free hosting makes podcasting accessible to everyone, but trade-offs include caps on storage, limited customization, ads you don’t control, and uncertain long-term reliability.
While you could try to self-host podcast files on your own website, that often leads to slow downloads and poor listener experiences. Thankfully, there are several free podcast hosting platforms designed to handle all the heavy lifting for you—so you can focus on creating great content.
In this article, I’ll break down the best free podcast hosting platforms available right now, explain their strengths and weaknesses, and help you decide which is the right fit for your podcasting journey.
Why Do You Need Podcast Hosting (and How Can It Be Free)?
You might wonder: Can’t I just upload audio files to my website or YouTube? Technically, yes. But podcast hosting does a lot more:
- Generates your RSS feed (required by Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.). This means you can’t self host easily and be seamlessly present in all the platforms that matter.
- Stores and delivers audio files reliably.
- Distributes episodes to major listening platforms.
- Provides analytics to track listeners. (Don’t underestimate the stats!)
Free podcast hosting works on a “freemium” model – basic hosting is free, while advanced features (like more storage, monetization tools, or customization) require a paid upgrade. Some platforms also monetize through ads, sponsorships, or ecosystem growth.
💡 Pro tip: Beyond hosting, think about how your podcast sounds. A custom intro, jingle, or branded voiceover can immediately set your show apart. Check out professional podcast intros from Music Radio Creative to give your episodes a polished edge.
Best Free Podcast Hosting Platforms
Here’s an in-depth look at the leading free podcast hosting options, including who they’re best for and what to watch out for.
1. Spotify for Creators (formerly Anchor)
Best for unlimited, truly free podcast hosting
Spotify for Creators remains the most popular choice for beginners because it offers unlimited uploads and is completely free. No trial periods, no hidden expiration dates.
Key Features:
- Unlimited episodes, storage, and bandwidth.
- Automatic distribution to Spotify (manual for Apple, Google, etc.).
- Free basic podcast website.
- Monetization via ads and listener support (eligibility required).
- IAB-certified analytics.
- Built-in creation tools via Riverside.
- Limited to one show per account.
- Ability to integrate full commercial music tracks in your podcast without a copyright strike.
Considerations (Full Review):
Spotify’s free model is unbeatable for starting fast with no limits, but there are trade-offs. Monetization is invite-only for ads and listener support requires a minimum of 100 unique listeners in 60 days (US-only). If your audience is outside the US, these features won’t apply. Distribution beyond Spotify requires manual setup, which can confuse new podcasters. Another downside: because the service is owned by Spotify, there’s always a risk of ecosystem lock-in – features can change without warning, and moving your feed later could be tricky.
👉 Best for: Beginners who want unlimited uploads and the easiest path to getting started.
2. Acast
Best for short-run series and monetization-focused shows
Acast has carved out a space as a serious hosting provider, and their free plan gives podcasters access to professional tools.
Key Features:
- Store up to 5 episodes for free – enhance to unlimited if you make your show available in Acast’s advertising marketplace.
- Unlimited bandwidth.
- Automatic distribution to all major platforms.
- Monetization through their ad marketplace (eligibility required).
- Analytics and a free podcast website.
Considerations (Full Review):
The 5-episode cap is a dealbreaker for ongoing podcasts, since only your latest five episodes remain visible unless you monetize or upgrade. This makes Acast best suited for mini-series or limited-run projects. The monetization opportunity is strong if you qualify, but Acast doesn’t publicly share its thresholds, so it’s not a guarantee for small shows. I hear from a good source that in order to make serious money from your podcast ads you need approx 100,000 monthly downloads – which is unatainable for most. The analytics and distribution are excellent, but the restrictions mean most podcasters outgrow the free plan quickly. It is worth to mention at this stage that the cheapest paid plan will cost you $14.99/month.
👉 Best for: Short, narrative-style podcasts or creators aiming for early monetization.
3. RedCircle
Best for ongoing shows and scaling with growth
RedCircle is one of the most generous free hosts, offering unlimited storage and downloads.
Key Features:
- Unlimited episodes (maximum 200MB per episode), storage, and bandwidth.
- Monetization via donations, premium content, and podcast ads (ads require 500+ weekly downloads).
- Clean podcast website and detailed analytics.
- Manual RSS distribution.
- Episode player.
- Dynamic Ad Insertion
Considerations (Full Review):
The biggest advantage is unlimited hosting with no expiry, which is rare for free plans. However, RedCircle monetization has significant thresholds – the ad marketplace requires a minimum of 500 weekly downloads, which rules out brand-new shows. Distribution is also manual only, so you’ll need to learn how to submit your RSS feed to directories yourself. On the free tier, RedCircle may also insert ads on your podcast website that you can’t control, which might not align with your branding. Paid plans start at $14.99/month. Still, if you can tolerate the learning curve, this is one of the strongest free solutions for podcasters in it for the long haul. I would even consider it above the Spotify For Creators solution. Why? Because Spotify doesn’t have options for you when your show has outgrown it. It’s great for beginners only – but what happens when you show has thousands of downloads each month?
👉 Best for: Podcasters planning long-term series who want unlimited hosting.
4. Pinecast
Best for hobbyists and experimental podcasts
Pinecast offers a minimalist free plan that works well for smaller shows or those testing podcast ideas.
Key Features:
- Host two podcasts per account.
- 10 most recent episodes visible on apps.
- Unlimited bandwidth (for those episodes).
- Monetization via Tip Jar (Pinecast takes no cut).
Considerations (Full Review):
The 10-episode visibility cap is restrictive – older episodes are hidden from apps unless you upgrade. File sizes are also capped at 48 MB, which limits quality for longer shows or high-bitrate audio. Analytics are very basic compared to competitors. However, the ability to host two separate podcasts for free is a nice perk, making it ideal for experimenting.
👉 Best for: Podcasters testing multiple concepts or hobbyists with smaller shows.
5. Buzzsprout
Best beginner-friendly dashboard
Buzzsprout has earned a reputation for simplicity, automation, and excellent customer support.
Key Features:
- 2 hours of uploads per month.
- Episodes expire after 90 days.
- Automatic distribution to major directories.
- Embeddable player, website, and IAB-compliant analytics.
- Dynamic audio insertion for free.
Considerations (Full Review):
The free plan is essentially a trial mode – after 90 days, your episodes disappear. This makes it unsuitable for long-term hosting but perfect for testing podcasting workflows. On the plus side, Buzzsprout’s interface is one of the easiest to use, making it great for beginners. Their paid upgrades are flexible and unlock permanent storage, so many podcasters start here before moving up. It’s important to note that unlike most podcast hosting platforms, Buzzsprout’s paid plans are dependant on how many hours of audio you upload each month. So their cheapest paid plan starts at $19/month but only offers 4h of audio per month. This is not a feasable solution for podcasters with frequent or long episodes.
👉 Best for: First-time podcasters who want a smooth entry point.
6. Spreaker
Best for live podcasting and instant monetization
Spreaker stands out with live podcasting tools and built-in monetization—even for new shows.
Key Features:
- Unlimited episodes but only 5 total hours of storage.
- Live broadcasting tools (browser + mobile app).
- Podcast stats (capped at 6 months)
- Immediate monetization via ad marketplace.
- One-click distribution to major platforms.
Considerations (Full Review):
The 5-hour storage cap means you’ll run out of space quickly, forcing you to delete episodes or upgrade. However, being able to earn ad revenue from day one is a big plus. The live broadcasting feature is unique and great for creators who want a radio-style experience. Analytics are fairly basic on the free plan. Overall, this is best for those who value monetization and live streaming over long-term storage. Paid plans start at $20/month – and include podcast subscriptions as well as Supporters Club (kind of like Patreon for your listeners).
👉 Best for: Podcasters interested in live broadcasting and monetizing immediately.
7. Podbean
Best for small-scale shows and experimentation
Podbean’s free plan offers a decent starting point for those testing podcasting.
Key Features:
- 5 hours total storage.
- 100 GB/month bandwidth.
- Free podcast website and basic analytics.
- Live podcast streaming included.
- Customizable podcast website with embeded podcast player.
Considerations (Full Review):
The 5-hour lifetime storage limit makes this a temporary solution. Once you hit the cap, you’ll need to upgrade or delete episodes. Podbean also limits your RSS feed to 20 episodes, which may not suit ongoing shows. That said, their live streaming feature is rare in free plans and could appeal to creators who want audience interaction. It’s also worth to add that paid plans start from as little as $9/month – making it one of the cheapest podcast hosting platforms available. They also started to make some handy AI integrations in their paid plans (such as auto converting audio to blogs).
👉 Best for: Podcasters running a small show or testing live features.
Pros and Cons of Free Podcast Hosting
Advantages:
- Completely free entry point.
- Easy setup and quick launch.
- Access to major podcast directories.
- Upgrade paths when you outgrow free plans.
Disadvantages:
- Storage, upload, and visibility limits.
- Ads you don’t control.
- Basic analytics only.
- Risk of sudden feature changes.
- Limited customization or support.
Choosing the Right Free Host
When deciding on a free podcast hosting platform, consider:
- Storage & episode limits: Do you want permanent storage or just to test podcasting?
- Analytics depth: Basic stats vs. IAB-certified data.
- Monetization options: Do you need ad revenue or listener support early?
- Distribution: Automatic vs. manual RSS submission.
- Extra features: Do you need live streaming, multiple shows, or editing tools?
💡 Pro tip: Hosting is just the beginning. To stand out, invest in audio branding. Music Radio Creative offers custom intros, jingles, and production services that instantly level up your show. Get professionals to edit your show – and stand out from the rest!
Final Thoughts
Starting a podcast doesn’t have to cost you anything. Spotify for Creators and RedCircle are the strongest unlimited options, while Spreaker offers immediate monetization and Buzzsprout provides the most beginner-friendly experience.
Free podcast hosting comes with trade-offs, but it’s a great way to start learning, building an audience, and testing your ideas. As your show grows, upgrading to a paid plan will give you more control, advanced analytics, and peace of mind.
FAQs About Free Podcast Hosting
What is the best free podcast hosting platform right now?
Spotify for Creators and RedCircle are the best for unlimited hosting, while Buzzsprout is best for beginners.
Is free podcast hosting really free?
Yes, but most free plans include restrictions like storage caps, basic analytics, or limited distribution.
Can I monetize my podcast on a free plan?
Yes. Spreaker and RedCircle offer monetization even for small shows, while Spotify requires eligibility thresholds.
Do I keep ownership of my podcast content?
Usually yes, but always check the host’s terms of service.
Can I switch hosting platforms later?
Yes. You can migrate your RSS feed to a new host, though it may require some setup.
How can I make my podcast sound professional on a free hosting plan?
Free hosting only affects distribution. To improve sound, use a quality microphone, consistent editing, and branded audio. Services like Music Radio Creative provide professional intros, jingles, and editing packages.