Hey, what’s up, podcasters?
Joe here from RSS.com, and I’m about to drop some real talk about starting your own podcast.
Let’s face it, diving into podcasting can feel like you’re shelling out a ton of cash and effort.
You’ve got to think about gear, like a solid mic and headphones, maybe even an interface, and other bits and bobs. Plus, there’s your online vibe – gotta have that slick website, right? And let’s not forget the biggie: finding a home for your podcast, a.k.a. podcast hosting.
Now, if you’re on the fence about podcasting, or not sure if it’s your long-term jam, those free hosting plans can look pretty tempting.
But today, I’m gonna break down why those free plans might just be a teaser, and why throwing down some cash for hosting could be the smart move if you’re serious about your show.
BuzzSprout’s Plans
Alright, let’s get into it with Buzzsprout. Their plans range from the tempting price of “free” to about 24 bucks a month, each tailored to one podcast. Say you’ve got multiple shows? You’re paying per podcast – it adds up fast. These plans also cap you on how much audio you can upload each month. For instance, the $12 plan gives you just three hours a month. So, if your show runs over, you’re coughing up more cash.
On the upside, if you’re paying, your episodes are hosted forever, and there’s no stress over how big your files are. But here’s the kicker with their free plan – you get two hours a month, but your episodes vanish after 90 days. Plus, there are a bunch of other limitations, like needing to upgrade for a hosted website, and missing out on cool features like subscriptions and AI tools.
Buzzsprout does offer some nice perks like ad insertions and AI assistance, but again, these cost extra. I’ve personally tried their Buzzsprout ads, but found the audience match wasn’t great. And, you’ve gotta remember that free plan episodes are deleted after three months. So, if you’re passionate about podcasting and want to keep your content, these limits are something to think about.
RSS.com’s Plans
Now, let’s talk RSS.com. Our plans start at just under five bucks for students and non-profits. Our all-in-one plan at $12 a month gives you unlimited episodes and audio, transcripts, monetization options, a website with a custom player, and tons more, including Apple podcast subscription support. Hosting multiple shows? We’ve got you covered for just under 15 bucks a month.
The big thing to consider is how predictable RSS.com is with your budget. You’re not worrying about audio limits or losing your episodes. We’ve even got a feature to hold onto your shows if you need a break.
RSS.com Features
- Unlimited episodes
- Unlimited audio
- Audio-to-video conversion
- Episode transcripts
- Cross-platform analytics
- Monetization via sponsors
- RSS feed for your podcast
- Website for your show
- Custom embedded player
- Episode scheduling
- Auto submission
- Automatic distribution
- Apple Podcasts Subscription Support
- Social media sharing
- 24/7 Customer support
🚀 Need a free RSS.com account? Click here to sign up for free.
🔍 Looking for more info? Check out our 2024 Podcast Hosting Comparison guide for side-by-side comparisons of the top hosting platforms.