When it comes to creating, editing, and uploading your podcast through RSS feeds, it is a daunting task for those who are new to podcasting. Fortunately, Captivate.fm offers an easy and flexible podcast hosting platform that helps walk you through the process. This affordable service makes it easier to get your podcast up and running.
In this comprehensive review, we will outline all the features, advantages, and disadvantages you should be aware of before deciding to use Captivate Podcast Hosting.
What Is Captivate
Captivate is a relatively new podcast hosting platform launched in 2019 by UK-based Rebel Base Media. However, Rebel Base Media has been involved in the podcast industry for several years, having previously launched the popular podcasting software, Podcast Websites.
Captivate is an easy-to-use podcast hosting service that provides users with tools and features for creating and distributing their podcasts. It makes podcasting simple with a straightforward interface, 24/7 customer support, and the ability to quickly and easily share podcasts with subscribers.
This platform was created to address some pain points podcasters face with other hosting platforms, such as confusing pricing structures and limited analytics. Rebel Base Media wanted to create an easy-to-use, affordable venue and provide podcasters with all the tools they need to grow their audience.
Main Features
By utilizing all the tools and services offered by Captivate.fm, it’s possible to unlock the full potential of your podcast. These features enable you to better engage with listeners and make your podcast profitable.
Advanced Captivate AnalyticsCaptivate stands out from the competition with its robust analytics capabilities. Creators can glean key insights such as listener data, geographic analytics, episode performance comparison, trend analysis, web player consumption, and more. Furthermore, they can even track which apps their audience uses to listen to their content. These comprehensive insights into podcast performance and the audience’s behavior enable creators to plan their shows accordingly. Notably, the episode performance comparison is beneficial for gauging the success of previous episodes. |
Team CollaborationYou can add unlimited team members to Captivate and select from various team options. All you need to do is enter the name and email address of the person you want to add, and Captivate will send them an email with instructions on how to activate their account. Depending on the access level you assign, they can edit and adjust settings on your podcasts to varying degrees. |
Private PodcastingYou can use podcasts to reach both a public audience as well as private subscribers or internal business needs. The number of private podcasts and subscribers allowed depends on the pricing plan. This is a valuable feature for those wanting to build a loyal following. |
Podcast PlayerThe Captivate.fm podcast player offers a variety of tools to customize players with. It also features embeddable social players and playlist players, making podcasts accessible and visible on your website. You can customize the playlist collections and design the players with a personalized style. Additionally, the players may have functions such as sharing, downloading, subscribing, donations, and calls to action. Although the player design process may be challenging for beginners, it will make your podcast, brand, and platform look great on any device and platform. |
Podcast WebsiteAll podcast platforms allow users to create websites to host their shows, but Captivate stands out with its powerful and highly customizable website builder. Furthermore, its content is optimized for any device, whether desktop or mobile. On the website, you can post all episodes of your podcast series and sort them in any order you want. There is also a search function to quickly find episodes. Additionally, you can pin your favorite episode or channel trailer on the top of the page. The website is hosted on the .captivate.fm subdomain by default, but you can easily transfer the content to your domain. Moreover, the platform provides a WordPress plugin that makes integrating your podcasts into an existing website easy. All data is synchronized, and any changes made on Captivate will appear on the website immediately. |
Built-In Calls To ActionTheir in-built call-to-action feature makes it easier for podcasters to increase their following. You can use AWeber to add an HTML snippet from your chosen email provider, which will include an image with the email form. Captivate will then make sure the layout looks great. Utilizing the call to action feature and the built-in email capture tool, you can collect emails and expand your email list with ease. |
WorkflowThe platform offers an impressive user experience thanks to automation tools such as captive Omni-search, Zapier automation, and reusable show note templates. A particularly noteworthy feature is the ability to set the default to publish times for podcasts, eliminating the need for manual intervention. Furthermore, integration with Descript allows for an even more advanced workflow. |
Podcast PromotionIf you’re not content with your current podcast hosting and want to move to Captivate, you can do so efficiently and at no cost. All you have to do is contact their support team, and they will take care of the migration for you. Furthermore, Captivate features an import tool to easily transfer all your episodes from other hosts. |
Pricing & Plans
Captivate offers three easily understandable and affordable pricing plans that are suitable for everyone.
- Personal: $17/month for 30,000 downloads per month
- Professional: $44/month for 150,000 downloads per month
- Business: $90/month for 300,000 downloads per month
PROS |
CONS |
Intuitive interface for easy navigation | The cost of the service is relatively high. |
Step-by-step guidance for the publishing process | As the number of shows increases, the available downloads decrease. |
Multiple monetization options | No video podcasts |
Invite unlimited team members to help manage workload | No recording capabilities |
Incorporate calls to action within podcasts | |
Host an unlimited number of podcasts | |
Monitor analytics easily | |
Automatic podcast website available | |
Website includes donation function |
Final Verdict: Captivate, a Powerful Podcast Host Platform for Growing Your Audience
Captivate is an excellent podcast host with budget-friendly pricing and great customer support. It has all the features to host and publish podcasts, including unlimited storage, detailed analytics, and dynamic podcast delivery. However, it has no direct recording feature or monetization opportunities. But it does offer customizable websites with the ability to use your own domain name. For podcasters looking for a reliable and affordable podcast hosting service, Captivate is definitely worth considering.
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