Is Buzzsprout the best podcast hosting platform?
Podcasts have exploded in popularity in recent years,
They provide a medium for individuals and businesses to create and share engaging content with listeners around the world.
However, to get a podcast up and running, you need a reliable and efficient hosting platform.
Many hosting platforms have emerged.
Among them, Buzzsprout has been gaining popularity.
With so many options to choose from, is Buzzsprout really worth the hype?
In this article, we’ll give you an honest review of Buzzsprout’s features, pricing, user experience, performance, and reliability.
We will also compare Buzzsprout with other popular podcast hosting platforms to help you make an informed decision.
Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, you’ll want to read on to find out if Buzzsprout is the right choice for you.
What Is Buzzsprout?
Buzzsprout is an all-in-one cloud-based podcast hosting platform.
It offers a range of features to help podcasters create, distribute, track, and monetize their content.
Buzzsprout Features
There is no doubt that Buzzsprout has features that have contributed to its popularity with podcasters.
The range of features on offer makes podcasting easy and hassle-free.
Here are some of the key ones:
User-Friendly Interface
The Buzzsprout platform offers a clean and intuitive dashboard allowing users to upload new episodes easily.
The simplified layout and features are understandable and straightforward, making it easy to navigate even for beginners.
Users can also view analytics data related to their podcast’s performance, such as downloads over time or listener locations.
Hosting
Buzzsprout scores highly in providing a fast and reliable hosting service for podcast audio files.
That means you can access your content quickly and easily.
Another big plus is that Buzzsprout offers unlimited storage and bandwidth for all pricing plans.
So you don’t have to worry about running out of space or exceeding your monthly data limits.
Buzzsprout also supports automatic ID3 tagging.
This is a technology that makes it easy to add information like episode titles, descriptions, and artwork to audio files.
Distribution
You want your podcasts to have the widest distribution possible.
Buzzsprout does not disappoint in that respect.
One of the key benefits of using Buzzsprout is its extensive directory submission capabilities.
Buzzsprout makes it easy to distribute podcasts to all the major podcast directories including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
By being available across multiple directories, you increase visibility, and attract more listeners, thereby growing your audience base significantly.
You can potentially reach millions of listeners.
Dynamic Content
The Dynamic Content tool is a great editing feature on Buzzsprout.
You can add and remove pre-roll and post-roll segments to and from your podcasts.
This is how you can send a message like product promotions to your audience, regardless of the episode they are watching.
Transcription
You can transcribe your podcast episodes on Buzzsprout.
This increases visibility and makes them more accessible to search engines, speed readers, and people with hearing difficulty.
Podcast Website
Buzzsprout also provides you with a podcast website.
You can customize the website with your podcast’s branding, colors, and domain name.
It is a great way to build an online presence and attract more listeners.
Many podcasters use this to showcase their content and engage with their audience.
Buzzsprout automatically generates an RSS feed.
This is an online file that contains information about your show and its episodes.
The RSS feed is what is then distributed to the various directories.
Analytics
Buzzsprout provides detailed analytics, so you can track your podcast’s performance to see what is working and what is not.
You can see how many downloads and plays each episode has received.
From the data, you see where listeners are located and which devices they use.
Buzzsprout also offers unique insights such as when listeners drop off during an episode.
Such information is very useful for podcasters to help them improve their content and engagement.
Automatic Episode Optimization
Buzzsprout makes podcasting easy with its built-in episode optimization feature.
You do not have to worry about getting the optimization on your podcasts perfect.
Buzzsprout will always ensure your audio is in the correct format.
Once you finish recording and editing your podcast, simply export and upload a high-quality audio file to Buzzsprout.
Buzzsprout will convert your file into an MP3 if it is not already in that format.
It will also add the industry-standard 96k mono code and ID3 tags.
Magic Mastering
Magic Mastering is a Buzzsprout trademark name.
It takes the audio you have and makes it better.
Your episode will sound crisp, clear, well-balanced, and perfectly match the industry’s best practices for overall loudness and true peak.
Buzzsprout describes Magic Mastering as like an Instagram filter for your audio.
Add Podcast Player To Your Website
Buzzsprout offers a feature that lets you add a podcast player to your website.
Listeners can access your episodes from your website.
This is done by adding a snippet of code to your website.
Integrations
Buzzsprout integrates with existing podcast tools allowing for seamless import from other platforms and overall experience.
There is a Buzzsprout API for 3rd parties wishing to integrate their applications with the podcast hosting platform.
Monetization
There are several ways to make money from podcasting on Buzzsprout.
Dynamic Ad Insertion
There are several ways to make money from podcasting on Buzzsprout.
The first is called Dynamic Ad Insertion.
You make money by promoting other podcasts on your show.
You are given the opportunity to review the ad and either accept or decline.
Buzzsprout ensures the ads are in similar categories to your content.
You are paid 1.4¢ USD per download.
Affiliate Marketing
The second way to earn an income is affiliate marketing.
Buzzsprout has an affiliate marketplace for podcasters.
There are currently three affiliate programs in the marketplace you can apply to promote.
One of them is Buzzsprout.
If you promote a product during a podcast, Busssprot will automatically update your podcast notes with your affiliate link.
Your affiliate link will appear wherever your podcast is listed.
You will receive a commission for sales made through your affiliate links.
With Buzzsprout’s affiliate program, you can earn $20 for every paid account you refer to Buzzsprout.
Every person you refer to Buzzsprout will also receive a $20 credit to their Buzzsprout Wallet.
Sponsorships
Buzsprout will track any sponsors you add to the platform and automatically add them to your episodes.
Buzzsprout has also partnered with Podcorn, the leading podcast influencer marketplace to help you find the right brand sponsorship for your podcast.
Monetization platforms
Your fans and listeners can pay you on platforms like Patreon and Podcorn which are integrated with Buzzsprout.
You can also offer a monthly membership in exchange for access to premium exclusive content.
Educational Resources Offered by Buzzsprout
One of the key advantages of using Buzzsprout as your podcast hosting platform is the wealth of educational resources it offers.
These will help you stay ahead in the podcasting game.
These range from blog posts written by experienced professionals to free monthly updated courses.
Buzzsprout ensures its users are well-informed about the latest trends and best practices within this rapidly evolving field.
Blog
The Buzzsprout blog covers a wide range of topics that cater to both beginners and seasoned podcasters.
You will find tips on creating a strong podcast marketing strategy or seeking advice on how to land guest appearances.
Their comprehensive guide breaks down complex concepts into easily digestible information.
Some standout blog posts include:
Buzzcast
Buzzsprout produces a podcast called Buzzcast, where they discuss various aspects of podcasting.
You will learn production techniques and equipment recommendations (such as the entry-level Samson Q2U mic) to interviews with industry experts
Buzzcast is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to improve their podcast productions.
Courses
Buzzsprout goes above and beyond by offering free monthly updated courses that cover all things related to podcasting.
These comprehensive courses are designed for users at different stages in their podcast journey, from beginners just starting out to experienced professionals seeking advanced strategies.
Some popular course topics include:
By taking advantage of these educational resources offered by Buzzsprout, you can stay ahead in the competitive world of podcasting while continually refining your skills and expanding your knowledge base.
User Experience
Ultimately it is the user experience that will determine which podcast hosting platform you choose.
Here is a list of Buzzsprout’s user experience:
User Interface
The platform’s clean and intuitive interface makes it easy to navigate and set up your podcast and track analytics.
The dashboard shows all podcasts in one place.
You will easily see your important metrics like downloads and plays.
Buzzsprout also offers a mobile app so you can manage your podcasts from anywhere.
Ease of Use
Even beginners will find Buzzsprout easy to use.
There are step-by-step guides and video tutorials that explain how to set up and manage podcasts.
Customer Support
One of the most attractive features of Buzzsprout is its customer support.
The company offers 24/7 support via email, live chat, and phone, so you can get help whenever you need it.
The comprehensive knowledge base and video tutorials help you navigate the platform and troubleshoot any issues.
Performance and Reliability
Buzzsprout is known for its fast loading times and minimal downtime.
Buzzsprout uses Amazon Web Services (AWS) servers to host its platform which provides reliability.
The platform offers daily backups of podcast files to protect against data loss or system failure.
Buzzsprout Pros
As already mentioned, the pros include the user-friendly dashboard which is easy to use even for beginners.
Advanced analytics helps podcasters under their audiences’ behavior and produce more efficient content.
Looking at the pricing plans, Buzzsprout is an affordable podcast hosting platform.
The automatic optimization facility is also a significant advantage.
Buzzsprout automatically optimizes podcast episodes for different platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google podcasts.
Buzzsprout Cons
Many of the cons you find in previous reviews have been improved on.
Buzzsprout has matured into a great podcast hosting platform.
The free plan is useful to start with but offers limited storage and you cannot import a podcast or offer membership subscriptions.
Free Trial
Buzzsprout offers a 90-day free trial to use the podcast hosting platform.
Buzzsprout Pricing
The Buzzsprout pricing plans are simple. No credit card is required.
There are no long-term contracts and you can cancel at any time.
With the free plan, you can upload a maximum of 2 hours of content each month.
There is limited storage with the free plan.
You have to upgrade to a paid plan to import a podcast from a different hosting platform.
Also membership subscriptions are not available on the free plan.
All the paid plans offer unlimed storage and episodes are hosted indefinitely.
Your subscription depends on how many hours of podcast you upload monthly.
This starts at $12 per month for up to 3 hours of upload monthly.
Uploading up to 6 hours of episodes per month will cost you $18 per month.
This increases to $24 per month for up to 12 hours of upload in a month.
These are affordable costs to start a podcast.
You can manage multiple podcasts from your account and give access to multiple team members.
Buzzsprout Alternatives
Buzzsprout vs Libsyn
Libsyn is one of the oldest and popular podcast-hosting platforms.
Some beginners may find the interface complex and intimidating.
Buzzsprout offers a more user-friendly interface and excellent customer support.
Libsyn offers customizable mobile apps and multiple language support.
Buzzsprout vs Podbean
Podbean is another popular podcast hosting platform with a range of features.
It offers more advanced editing features such as audio filters and sound effects.
Buzzsprout has better analytics and more reliable hosting.
Buzzsprout vs Anchor
Anchor is a free podcast hosting platform that offers a range of features including distribution to all major podcast directories and monetization options.
Buzzsprout has more advanced analytics and reliability.
Anchor is a good starting point for beginners or podcasters who do not want to invest in a paid program.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buzzsprout
What is Buzzsprout Used For?
Buzzsprout is a podcast hosting platform designed to help creators easily manage, distribute, track, and promote their podcasts.
Its user-friendly interface allows for seamless podcast management while offering extensive directory submission capabilities.
Does Buzzsprout automatically upload to Spotify?
Yes, once you’ve successfully submitted your podcast through Buzzsprout’s submission process, new episodes will be automatically uploaded to Spotify within 24 hours after publishing them on the platform.
Buzzsprout will also submit to multiple platforms including Apple and Google podcasts.
Can you make money on Buzzsprout?
While Buzzsprout itself does not pay users directly, it offers several ways for creators to monetize their podcasts.
These include affiliate marketing opportunities through its Affiliate Marketplace, sponsorships from brands interested in advertising on your show, and premium content subscriptions or donations from listeners.
Does Buzzsprout delete your podcasts?
No, Buzzsprout does not delete your podcasts as long as you maintain an active account.
However, if you choose to cancel or downgrade to the free plan after using a paid plan, any episodes exceeding the 2-hour limit of the free plan will be removed.
To avoid losing content, ensure that you have backups stored elsewhere before making changes to your subscription.
Final Thoughts
Buzzsprout offers everything you need to get started with podcasting and grow your audience.
It is an excellent choice for anyone looking to create a successful podcast.
Buzzsprout has an intuitive podcast management platform that offers users extensive directory submission capabilities.
With its comprehensive range of features, Buzzsprout provides the perfect opportunity to promote your show and engage with listeners in a creative way.
So to answer my question at the beginning, yes it is worth the hype.
Affiliate Disclaimer: I hope you got value from this Buzzsprout review. Please take note that some of the links inside this article may be affiliate links. That means that if you buy through one of our links, we may get an affiliate commission for it. If you do click on one of our links, we really appreciate it! Any money we make keeps this site running smoothly and allows us to keep producing these high-quality reviews.
