• E-Commerce
    • eCommerce
    • Amazon FBA
    • Dropshipping
  • Marketing
    • Digital Marketing
    • Social Media
    • Email Marketing
  • Blogging
    • Blogging & Niche Websites
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • SEO
    • Monetization
    • Affiliate Marketing
  • Make Money
    • Side Hustles
    • Self Publishing
    • Start a Business
    • Make Money Online
  • Stories
    • Podcasts
    • Success Stories
  • Help & Guides
    • Start Here
    • Community
    • Tools
    • About
    • Archives
    • Contact
    • Advertise On Niche Pursuits
Monetization

Best Podcast Platform for Monetization? 9 Tools To Help You Make More Money

<a class="txt-link" href=https://www.nichepursuits.com/best-podcast-platform-for-monetization/Ashley Simpson</a>" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%2060%2060'%3E%3C/svg%3E" data-lazy-srcset="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7262733b8ec0088d4bfe699b9ee21120?s=120&r=g 2x" class="avatar avatar-60 photo" height="60" width="60" decoding="async" data-lazy-src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7262733b8ec0088d4bfe699b9ee21120?s=60&r=g" />

By Ashley Simpson

Last updated: February 14, 2024

best podcast platform for monetization.

When you buy something through one of the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

 

Podcast hosts need a clever way to make money from their episodes, but this can be challenging to do completely on your own. Instead, your podcast hosting platform may be able to pull its weight when it comes to making you a mint from your content creation. If this is the route you decide to go, what is the best podcast platform for monetization? 

We have you covered if you need the best podcast hosting to supplement your income and offset the production costs of running your show. 

Let's get started to see what move you should make next!

Contents

  • What is the Best Podcast Platform for Monetization?
    • Podbean: Best Overall Monetization Opportunities
    • Castos: Great All-In-One Runner-Up
    • Buzzsprout: Great For Beginners
    • Acast
    • Spotify for Podcasters
    • Transistor
    • Libsyn
    • Captivate
    • RSS.com
  • What to Look for in Podcast Hosting to Make More Money
    • Expanded Distribution to Reach More People
    • Metrics to Monitor Growth
    • Monetization Features
    • Affordable Pricing 
  • Final Thoughts: Best Podcast Platform for Monetization

What is the Best Podcast Platform for Monetization?

You have your podcast websites up and running, and you have a nice backlog of shows that have taken off with your audience. Now, it's time to see how you can scale your income by doing the same things you are doing right now. As the podcast host, making money is ultimately up to you. 

Which one of these options will be the best podcast platform for monetization for you? 

Podbean: Best Overall Monetization Opportunities

Podbean is absolutely one of the best options for podcast hosting if monetization features are your top priority. The first thing to consider is their Ads Marketplace, where content creators can find new advertising opportunities.

But how does it work, and is it the only way you can make money from their hosting platform? 

Companies can set up an ads campaign (including how much they are willing to pay) and then scan the marketplace for matching podcasts. You get to include ads that are targeted to the types of listeners you have - and you can even turn down offers if you feel they aren't a great match. 

Other monetization tools included on Podbean are:

  • Patron and paid content
  • Apple Podcasts subscriptions
  • Dynamic ad insertion (known as PodAds)

Pricing: Starts free

For a more detailed Podbean review, see our complete guide here to determine if it's the right platform for you. 

Try Out Podbean Today!

Castos: Great All-In-One Runner-Up

Castos is another option that made our list of the best podcast software tools to grow your audience and for good reason. Their podcast hosting platform allows you to create your own podcast website, upload to YouTube, and even automatically transcribe your episodes. 

For those who want to make money from their podcast hosting, you won't find as many options as you do with Podbean. That being said, there are still some solid options here. 

Castos allows you to accept payments straight from your audience. They can choose whether they want to make a one-time donation to fund an upcoming project or schedule a recurring donation for podcasts that make it into their regular rotation. 

They also permit dynamic ad insertion with a single-click feature. You don't have to edit your content or find your own sponsors. You can even update old episodes with new ads. 

Pricing: Starts at $19 per month

Check Out Castos Here

Buzzsprout: Great For Beginners

Buzzsprout may be one of the more well-known podcast hosting platforms, and it's especially useful for anyone who is serious about monetizing their episodes. Like Castos, they offer listeners the chance to make a recurring donation in exchange for your content. 

They brag that setting up their payment system takes less than two minutes. And once you have some experience, you might be ready to scale your content creation by producing exclusive subscriber content through Buzzsprout. 

Like Podbean, you can also choose to run advertisements on your episode, including the ability to accept or decline offers so you never have to promote something that doesn't resonate with your audience. 

Pricing: Free plan for up to two hours per month

Compare Buzzsprout vs. Podbean in our head-to-head review here. 

Learn More About Buzzsprout Here

Acast

Acast  may be another solid pick for the best podcast platform for monetization. They offer the same type of dynamic ad insertion as the other podcast hosting platforms. 

They market their monetization platform as offering "ads with integrity." In other words, content creators won't be expected to sacrifice the quality of their show just to cash in on advertising dollars. You decide where the ad breaks go, and Acast fills the slot. 

However, Acast also presents some unique options for making money. Listeners can sign up for monthly memberships, one-time purchases, or benefits like ad-free listening, early listening, or even extended episodes. 

Pricing: Starts as a free podcast hosting service


Spotify for Podcasters

Formerly known as Anchor, Spotify for Podcasters is a great option to get your podcast hosting up and running. This free podcast hosting platform allows you to connect with the millions of listeners who flock to the streaming service every week for episodes of their favorite show. 

Plus, their monetization tools are streamlined and easy to implement. You can choose to use all of their options or just some of them, mixing and matching until you land on the sweet spot for your audience. 

Select from automated ads or fan-supported subscriptions to make more money. All you have to do is tell them where you want them to position the ad or how much you want to charge for a subscription fee. The podcast hosting platform will do the rest of the heavy lifting on your behalf. 

Pricing: Free podcast hosting platform


Transistor

If you're looking for the best podcast hosting and you don't want to be exclusive to Spotify, you may want to consider Transistor. Their main draw is the dynamic ad insertion, which functions in much the same way as many podcasts we've already covered here. 

Tell them when you want an ad to be played for your audience, and they make it happen. You can choose between pre-roll, mid-roll (at a point you determine), or post-roll audio files. Then, they include all ads seamlessly for the best listening experience. 

Another great feature is their Dynamic Show Notes, which allows you to easily insert text and links into the text file associated with your episode. This makes it easier for people to click on affiliate links and earn you some great financial rewards. 

Remember that this is a paid podcast hosting platform, but they sync unlimited podcasts to Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts. 

Pricing: Starts at $19 per month


Libsyn

Libsyn is another great option for the best podcast hosting platform if you want something low-cost but efficient. As a podcast host, you can keep tabs on your audience engagement and enroll in their ads program when you have 2,000 downloads per episode. This means it might not be right if you are a new podcast. 

If you qualify, then you have some flexibility and freedom when it comes to the ads run. You choose the categories your listeners would be interested in and mark the time slot (before, during, or after your episode) where you want the ad to run. 

That said, you don't get to hand-select which ads run through this podcast-hosting site like many of the other options on this list. 

Pricing: Starts at $7 per month for three hours


Captivate

Out of all the major podcast directories, Captivate might offer the most flexibility for each podcast episode that you want to make money from. Instead of dynamic ad insertion, they take a different route to connect you with monetization tools within their podcast network. 

For example, you can offer these paid options for listeners:

  • Monthly memberships
  • One-time tips 
  • Exclusive content
  • Early access content

They also have some seriously advanced analytics that allow you to approach brands with your personalized media kit. This living document is updated with your demographics and engagement metrics so they can decide if working with you is right for them. 

Pricing: Starts at $17 per month


RSS.com

RSS.com offers everything you need to run a successful podcast. Their podcast apps are known for having advanced analytics that keep you informed on just how your show is growing. Plus, it handles episode scheduling and distribution to all major podcast players. 

In terms of their monetization options, you can earn three main ways: donations from your dedicated fanbase, dynamic ads, and sponsors. Sponsors allow you to read the ads as the host of the show. They partner with the site Podcorn to connect you with advertisers. 

If you want something that can grow with you over time, then RSS offers you one of the best podcast-hosting platforms around. 

Pricing: Starts at $4.99 per month

What to Look for in Podcast Hosting to Make More Money

The best podcast hosting platform may not be the most straightforward thing to find. Depending on the features you want it to have and your monthly budget, you might find that some just aren't the right fit for your show. Here are our top tips to find podcast hosting that works for you. 

Expanded Distribution to Reach More People

Where do you want your podcast to be available? Some hosting platforms might only allow one or two options (like Spotify for Podcasters listed above).

Some have expanded distribution to Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Samsung, and Amazon Music. 

The more places where your episodes are available, the more downloads you can get -- and the more money you can earn!

Metrics to Monitor Growth

The best podcast hosting platforms give you the analytics to know exactly who listens to your podcasts, when they tune in, and even where they are from.

Some even allow you to export those metrics into a spreadsheet to have them at your fingertips and study them closer. 

Your metrics matter when it comes to monetizing your podcast. Sponsors and advertisers want to pay for ads that will be put in front of their target audience. And you might find that they require a certain download threshold before they permit you to advertise their products or services. 

Without detailed analytics, you may not know when you qualify for these lucrative ad spots.

Monetization Features

Of course, this is the entire reason you're here right now. Expanded distribution and detailed metrics are great to have, but how do you actually start making money from your podcast? There are lots of ways that a platform might offer you an opportunity to earn, but the best podcast hosting options have some variations on the following:

  • Monthly subscriptions
  • Dynamic ad insertion
  • One-time tips or donations
  • Sponsorships
  • One-time purchases
  • Payment for access to exclusive content or early access

Get creative with what you think your audience may want, and plan to use a hosting platform that provides you with the flexibility to grow and even change strategy as your podcast gains traction. 

Affordable Pricing 

Last but not least, you need to ensure that you can earn back what you spend on the hosting platform you decide to use. There are tons of options if you need a free plan, and they tend to start with the very basic framework of what you will need.

However, you may not be happy here in the long term. 

As your podcast grows, you could scale to a paid hosting platform that gives you access to advanced features like hosting unlimited podcasts and tapping into some of these monetization tools. You may want to look for hosting platforms to grow with you before deciding where to start. It could save you a lot of headache in the long run! 

Final Thoughts: Best Podcast Platform for Monetization

Are you ready to start making more money from the episodes you have been investing your time and money into? These top nine podcast hosting platforms pave the way for you to earn a decent living from your shows. 

Be sure to see what features each one offers so that you can lay the groundwork for a successful podcast that will earn more as you grow! 

Related Posts

how much do apps make from ads.
How Much Do Apps Make From Ads? Get Inspired To Earn More Today
how to get ads on your website.
How To Get Ads On Your Website: 5 Proven Strategies To Try Right Now
youtube rpm.
Rev Up Your YouTube RPM: Grow Your Profits In 5 Easy Steps
selling ad space.
Selling Ad Space: 3 Profitable Options You Can Try Today

Teachable vs Podia: Which Online Course Platform Is Better?

Posted in

Monetization
<a class="txt-link" href=https://www.nichepursuits.com/best-podcast-platform-for-monetization/Ashley Simpson</a>" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%2060%2060'%3E%3C/svg%3E" data-lazy-srcset="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7262733b8ec0088d4bfe699b9ee21120?s=120&r=g 2x" class="avatar avatar-60 photo" height="60" width="60" decoding="async" data-lazy-src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7262733b8ec0088d4bfe699b9ee21120?s=60&r=g" />

By Ashley Simpson

Ashley is an experienced freelance writer with an enthusiasm for finding creative ways to earn money online. She uses her passion for words to share what she has learned with the world.

She spends most of her time blogging for a multitude of websites and consuming everything she can get her hands on in relation to personal finance and side hustles.

Want to learn step-by-step how I built my Niche Site Empire up to a full-time income?

 

Yes! I Love to Learn

Learn How I Built My Niche Site Empire to a Full-time Income

  • How to Pick the Right Keywords at the START, and avoid the losers
  • How to Scale and Outsource 90% of the Work, Allowing Your Empire to GROW Without You
  • How to Build a Site That Gets REAL TRAFFIC FROM GOOGLE (every. single. day.)
  • Subscribe to the Niche Pursuits Newsletter delivered with value 3X per week

 

    My top recommendations

     

    Link Whisper Case Study: How 7 Successful Niche Site Owners Are Using It To Help Grow Their Sites

    By Dan Morris

    Surfer SEO Review: Is It the Best All-In-One On Page SEO Solution?

    By Eric Burns

    RankIQ review.

    RankIQ Review: Is This AI SEO Toolset Worth Your Time and Money?

    By Amy Derungs

    jasper ai review.

    Jasper AI Review (Jarvis AI): Is It Still The Best AI Writing Assistant?

    By Dan Morris

    Content Pit Review: Is it Possible to Find Fast, Inexpensive, and High Quality Content?

    By Brady Cargle

    Want to learn step-by-step how I built my Niche Site Empire up to a full-time income?

     

    Yes! I Love to Learn

    Maximize your profits

    PodBean is dedicated to helping you get your podcast off the ground and profitable as quickly as possible. With lots of monetization and integration options, it’s both the best and easiest pick!

    Try Out PodBean For Free

    Latest articles

     

    Podcasts

    My Local Email Newsletter Makes Over $200k/Year…Here’s How

    By Samara Kamenecka

    Make Money Online

    21 of the Fastest Growing Remote Jobs to Take Your Career Online

    By Maia Ellis

    Podcasts

    Google UNLEASHES June 2024 Spam Update

    By Samara Kamenecka

    Blogging & Niche Websites

    GA4 Tracking Code: Where to Find it and How to Add it to Your Site?

    By Steve Allen

    Podcasts

    How Andy Skraga Made Over $500k from Facebook Traffic

    By Samara Kamenecka

    Success Stories

    How Esther Lee and Jacob Fu’s Travel Blog Earns 6 Figures a Year from Ads, Sponsorships, and Affiliates

    By Samara Kamenecka

    View All Articles

    Ready to find your niche?

    I would love to learn about…

     

    Subscribe

    Join Over 67,000 People Like You!

    Learn how to build a business online

     

    • We will never spam or sell your information.
    • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Cookie Policy

    © 2024 Niche Pursuits

    • Earnings Disclaimer
    • Amazon FBA
    • Web Design by Fhoke

    Niche Pursuits is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.