If you are a veteran podcast presenter or a newcomer, it is vital to identify the right podcast hosting website. Unlike website hosting, podcast hosting offers specific resources to enhance the listener’s experience. Libsyn, an abbreviation of Liberated Syndication, is a widely used podcast hosting and distribution platform.
Read the rest of this Libsyn review to find out more about this podcast hosting service in order to decide if it’s suitable for you.
What is Libsyn
Libsyn, short for “Liberated Syndication,” was founded in 2004 by Dave Mansueto and consists of a team of passionate podcasters and technologists who provide podcast hosting and distribution services. Since its inception, Libsyn has been committed to empowering podcasters by providing them a platform to host and distribute their content worldwide.
Over the years, Libsyn has become one of the most popular podcast-hosting platforms in the industry. The platform offers a range of features and tools that make it easy for podcasters to host, publish, and distribute their content to a global audience. Libsyn also provides detailed analytics and metrics that help podcasters track their performance and measure their success.
Today, Libsyn is trusted by thousands of podcasters around the world, including some of the biggest names in the industry. The platform continues to innovate and evolve, providing podcasters with the tools they need to create and grow their shows.
Main Features
Libsyn offers a range of tools, features, and integrations. It provides integrations with top platforms, the ability to post a video version of your show on YouTube, and connections with social media platforms. Many of the top podcasts in the industry, such as the Dave Ramsey show, Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History, Goal Digger, and Balanced Black Girl, trust Libsyn to host their shows.
Streamlined DistributionLibsyn makes it easy to quickly get your podcasts to all the right directories. The platform’s OnPublish feature simplifies distributing episodes to the most popular podcast listening apps, services, and platforms. You still have full control over where and how your podcast is distributed. |
Integrated PluginThe Libsyn Publisher Hub is a highly efficient platform tool, allowing users to publish podcast episodes directly from their WordPress site into the Libsyn show. It has several great features, such as episode creation, automated feed, Apple Podcasts optimization tags, making ID3 tags, show migrations, and advanced scheduling. These features make the Libsyn Publisher Hub one of the best podcast apps. |
Built-in Podcast Recording StudioProduce your podcast quickly and easily with Libsyn’s built-in audio recording and podcast creation studio. The recording studio of Libsyn provides an effortless way to record a podcast directly on the platform. |
Diversified MonetizationIn 2021, Libsyn obtained the podcast monetization platform, Glow. Glow allows podcasters to monetize their shows by selling subscriptions or memberships, offering exclusive content, interviews, courses, and more. For those with more established shows, Libsyn also can connect podcasters with advertisers if their show reaches around 5,000 US downloads per episode in a month. |
Built-In BrandingWith Libsyn, you can create a unified podcast brand by customizing your media players and website. You can also create custom show and episode artwork with a platform like Canva. |
Podcast AdvertisementsLibsyn’s Advertise Cast Marketplace makes it easy for you to monetize your podcast and fill ad slots by connecting with advertisers. It’s an opt-in program, giving you complete control over which ads and brands you work with. You need at least 200 downloads per episode to join Libsyn’s Partner Program, and Libsyn takes a 30% cut of your ad revenue. Host-read ads and programmatic ads are available. As well as 30 and 60-second ad slots. Libsyn can source and stitch ads for you if you have at least 5000 US downloads within 30 days of release, with Libsyn taking a 50% cut of your payouts. Furthermore, custom ad slots are available, which target different geographic regions, automatically removing them when the ad campaign is over. |
Custom Mobile AppLibsyn’s experts can work with you to create a custom iOS or Android app to help promote your podcast. You can make it unique by providing custom colors and graphics. Not to mention, keeping your show at the forefront for experienced podcasters, small businesses, community leaders, and large corporations. To get started, there is a one-time fee of $50 for setup plus an additional $10 per month for your subscription. With the app, you can utilize Libsyn’s destination tools to specify when you want new episodes to be released. Thus, allowing you to post early or exclusive content to attract listeners to download it. |
Social SharingWith Libsyn’s Social Destination Calendar, you can quickly spread the word about your newest content across multiple social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. You can plan ahead with custom posts and different visuals for each. Additionally, you can arrange your marketing efforts with custom scheduling and unique copy. The Social Destinations Calendar helps you keep everything in one place, making it simpler to stay on top of your promotional strategies. |
AnalyticsLibsyn offers IAB Tech Lab-certified analytics to provide more comprehensive insights into your podcast’s audience and performance. These Advanced IAB v2.0 stats let you track your downloads by country, region, and app/browser type. Plus, your stats will reveal the demographic makeup of your listeners and the countries from which you receive the most plays. And this data can help plan any regional promotion or events. |
Pricing & Plans
Libsyn does not offer a free plan. However, they have a selection of budget-friendly, success-driven plans to satisfy the needs of all users. The company offers six distinct pricing tiers with different amounts of storage and features. In addition, they also offer single features which can be added to some of their subscription plans for an additional fee.
Libsyn’s lowest-priced plan is $5 a month and provides storage of 162 MB, enough to accommodate around 3 hours of new content. While, the $15 plan boosts storage capacity to 324 MB or about 6 hours of new uploads. And the most popular plan is the $20 monthly option, which gives users 540 MB of storage capacity or 10 hours of recent uploads.
Plans for video podcasting offered by Libsyn vary from $40 for 14 hours of new monthly storage, all the way up to $150 for 55 hours of storage.
Established podcast creators have access to even more storage, with up to 3000 MB available each month, along with all the same features as their most popular packages.
Pros |
Cons |
Intuitive integration with WordPress | Libsyn does not provide a complimentary plan. |
Extensive delivery network | There is no free trial available. |
Unrestricted data throughput | The available storage is limited. |
Personalized mobile application | Additional services come at an extra cost. |
Smooth podcast scheduling | There are no audio improvements or upgrades provided. |
Compatible with both audio and video podcasts | |
Simple to share and customize podcast settings | |
World-class customer service | |
Possibilities for profiting from podcasts |
Final Verdict: Libsyn, an Ideal Podcast Hosting Platform for Growing Podcasters
Libsyn is a reliable and trustworthy podcast hosting platform perfect for new and established podcasters. It offers extensive features and integrations to help podcasters reach their goals, and its plans are competitively priced. However, it has an outdated interface which may not be suitable for those looking for a streamlined experience. For those looking to begin their podcasting journey or established podcasters wanting a dependable service and competitive plans, this podcast hosting platform is an ideal option.
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