Skip to content

Buzzsprout Review: Podcast Hosting Made Easy (2024)

Buzzsprout Review

If you are looking for a reliable and user-friendly podcast hosting platform, you must have heard about Buzzsprout. Buzzsprout offers an intuitive and easy-to-use interface with various features to help you manage and grow your podcast, which makes it one of the best podcast hosting options on the market.

From uploading and publishing episodes to tracking your show’s performance, Buzzsprout has everything you need to get your podcast off the ground. We’ve tested out Buzzsprout for several months and compiled a thorough review to help you decide whether it’s the right hosting platform.

What Is Buzzsprout?

Buzzsprout is a podcast hosting platform that allows users to upload, publish, and distribute their podcasts to major listening platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Buzzsprout Homepage

It was founded in 2009 and has since grown to become one of the most popular hosting platforms on the market.

Over time, Buzzsprout has evolved and added new features like advanced analytics and customizable embedded players to improve the podcasting experience for its users. 

 

How Does Buzzsprout Work?

Buzzsprout works as a podcast hosting service to upload audio files, create and edit podcast episodes, and distribute them to various podcast directories and platforms.

Once users create an account on Buzzsprout, they can upload their podcast audio files and add them to an episode.

Podcast Illustration

The user can customize the episode with a title, description, and show notes and add tags and other metadata to make their podcast more discoverable.

Buzzsprout Features

Some of the key features of Buzzsprout include:

  • User-Friendly Interface – Buzzsprout’s platform has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate and use, even for beginners.
  • Multiple Members – The platform allows podcasters to collaborate with multiple members, making managing and creating content easier.
  • Free Website – Buzzsprout provides podcasters with a free customizable website, which can help build an online presence and increase visibility.
  • Buzzsprout Distribution Services – With Buzzsprout’s distribution services, podcasters can automatically publish their content to various platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
  • Podcast Statistics Feature – Buzzsprout’s analytics feature provides detailed statistics on podcast performance, including downloads, geographic data, and listener engagement.
  • Visual Sound Bites And Magic Mastering Tool – Buzzsprout’s visual sound bites and magic mastering tool are features that can help enhance the quality of podcasts by adding visual elements and improving audio quality.
  • Chapter Markers – Chapter markers allow podcasters to break up their episodes into sections, making it easier for listeners to navigate and find specific topics within an episode.

Benefits 

These are some of the main benefits of Buzzsprout:

  • Reliable And Secure – Buzzsprout provides a secure and reliable hosting platform that protects users’ data and podcasts. The platform’s uptime is consistently high, ensuring that listeners can always access the content.
  • Easy To Use – Buzzsprout’s user-friendly platform enables podcasters to upload and manage their episodes without technical expertise. The intuitive interface simplifies podcast creation and management, allowing podcasters to focus on creating quality content.
  • Monetization Opportunities Buzzsprout provides several monetization options for podcasters, including affiliate marketing, sponsorship, and crowdfunding. This enables podcasters to generate income from their content, which can help cover production costs and even turn podcasting into a full-time profession.
  • Automatic Episode Optimization – Buzzsprout’s Magic Mastering Tool automatically optimizes audio quality, enhancing the listening experience for audiences. This feature ensures podcasters can deliver professional-quality audio without requiring expensive equipment or editing skills.
  • Advanced Podcast Statistics – Buzzsprout’s analytics dashboard provides detailed insights into podcast performance, including audience demographics, playback locations, and device types. This data can be used to make data-driven decisions, optimize content, and grow podcast audiences.
  • Dynamic Content – Buzzsprout’s platform allows podcasters to add dynamic content, such as chapter markers and sound bites, enhancing the listening experience and keeping audiences engaged. This feature enables podcasters to create interactive and engaging content that resonates with their audience.
Pros
  • Offer user-friendly interface 
  • Reliable and secure hosting for podcasts
  • Integration with third-party tools
  • Advanced analytics to track listener engagement
Cons
  • Limited storage and bandwidth on the free plan

 

<b>Our Rating
  • Audio Quality: 5
  • Customer Support: 5
  • Security: 5
  • Pricing: 4.7

Downsides 

One downside of Buzzsprout is the limited storage capacity, which may be an issue for podcasters with lengthy episodes or an extensive archive of content.

Storage

Also, while Buzzsprout does offer a free plan, the storage and features are limited, and to access more advanced tools and features, users need to pay for a monthly subscription.

Despite these downsides, Buzzsprout remains a reliable and user-friendly podcast hosting platform with many benefits for podcasters.

I like the freedom of podcasting. With podcasting, you can really mess around with the form and the format. You can do as much time as you like without having to pause for commercials.
– Adam Carolla, Host of the ‘Adam Carolla Show’

How To Use Buzzsprout? 

Here is how to use Buzzsprout:

  • Sign up for a Buzzsprout account.
  • Create a new podcast or import an existing one.
  • Customize your podcast page with branding options and themes.
  • Upload your podcast episodes, including show notes, artwork, and descriptions.
  • Optimize your episodes for search engines and social media.
  • Choose a monetization option, such as advertising or listener support.
  • Distribute your podcast to major platforms like Apple, Spotify, and Google.
  • Monitor your podcast’s performance with detailed analytics and engagement metrics.
  • Use Buzzsprout’s tools and resources to improve your podcast’s production quality and reach.

Pricing

Buzzsprout offers four pricing plans:

  • Free Plan: The free plan costs $0/month and includes 2 hours of monthly upload time and limited features
  • $12/month Plan: The $12/month plan consists of 3 hours of monthly upload time, advanced podcast statistics, and more.
  • $18/month Plan: This consists of 6 hours of monthly upload time, unlimited storage, and more.
  • $24/month Plan: The $24 plan includes 12 hours of monthly upload time, additional team members, and more.

Buzzsprout accepts payment via credit card, and you can upgrade or downgrade your plan anytime. To sign up for Buzzsprout, visit their website, choose a plan, and enter your payment information.

woman paying throug hcredit card

Buzzsprout also offers a free trial period to new users, so you can try out the platform before committing to a paid plan.

 

User Testimonials/Customer Feedback

I’ve been using Buzzsprout for some time now. It took me a long time to choose Buzzsprout as my podcast platform, but I’m happy I did. Everything is simple to use and works perfectly, all for a reasonable monthly fee. I also like the regular follow-ups to let me know how the podcasts are faring. In short, Buzzsprout delivers what it promises.
Bill Burridge, Trustpilot

When starting any initiative, especially a podcast, the support of a portal to upload the programs is a fact. Your free plan has allowed me to start with a dream I had for years. Now that I’m going in the right direction, I can look for sponsorship and thus expand the necessary improvements in my podcast to reach new audiences with the commercial advantage of Buzzsprout.
– Santiago A, Capterra

We love Buzzsprout! When we started The Straight Outta Prison Podcast, we had no idea what we were doing. We just wanted to get our story out there. They held our hands every step of the way, made suggestions, and answered our many questions. Without them, we never would have gotten to almost 100,000 downloads.
James K Jones, Trustpilot

Compared To 3 Other Products

Here’s a comparison of Buzzsprout with three other popular products:

Buzzsprout vs. Libsyn

Libsyn is a popular podcast hosting platform that offers a wide range of features and tools for podcasters. However, compared to Buzzsprout, there are some notable differences in features and ease of use.

Libsyn Homepage

Buzzsprout is known for its user-friendly interface, making it easy for beginners to start a podcast. In contrast, Libsyn has a steeper learning curve and may require more technical expertise.

Buzzsprout vs. Podbean

Podbean is a podcast hosting platform that provides a range of features for podcasters of all levels. It allows users to create and publish podcasts and distribute them to various podcast directories.

PodBean Homepage

However, compared to Buzzsprout, it needs to improve in a few areas. Buzzsprout has a more user-friendly interface, making it easier for podcasters to navigate and use.

Secondly, Buzzsprout offers automatic episode optimization, which ensures that your audio files are optimized for quality and size. We thoroughly analyzed additional features in our comprehensive Buzzsprout and Podbean comparison.

Buzzsprout vs. Anchor 

Anchor is a free podcast hosting platform offering a range of podcasters’ features.

Anchor Homepage

In addition to hosting and distribution services, Anchor provides tools for recording and editing a podcast episode directly within the platform, a unique feature compared to other podcast hosting platforms.

However, Buzzsprout offers better website customization options and more detailed analytics.

FAQS

Is Buzzsprout Good For Beginners?

Yes, Buzzsprout is a good podcast hosting platform for beginners. Its easy-to-use interface simplifies podcast creation and management, and its Magic Mastering Tool automatically optimizes audio quality. 

Do You Make Money On Buzzsprout? 

Yes, you can make money podcasting on Buzzsprout. As a podcast hosting platform, Buzzsprout offers various monetization options, such as sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and listener donations.

Money

Does Buzzsprout Upload To Spotify? 

Yes, Buzzsprout uploads your podcast directly to Spotify. This means you can easily reach a wider audience and gain more exposure for your podcast.

Is Buzzsprout Completely Free? 

No, Buzzsprout is not completely free. While they offer a free plan, it comes with limitations, such as a maximum of 2 hours of monthly upload time and only hosting your episodes for 90 days.

Is Buzzsprout Worth It?

This platform is a game-changer for both newbies and experienced podcasters. With its user-friendly interface and advanced features, Buzzsprout makes podcasting an enjoyable and hassle-free experience. If you need clarification on whether Buzzsprout is right for you, don’t worry! The free plan is an excellent way to test and see how it fits your podcasting goals.

Once you’re ready to level up your podcasting game, upgrading to a higher tier is quick and easy. Overall, we highly recommend Buzzsprout to anyone looking for a one-stop-shop solution for their podcasting needs. Trust us; you won’t regret it.

 

Our #1 Recommendation: Buzzsprout

Buzzsprout Logo small
  • Editor's Choice
Overall Rating:

Features

Customer Support

Pricing

User-friendliness

Key Features:
  • User-Friendly Interface
  • Multiple Members
  • Free Website
  • Buzzsprout Distribution Services
  • Podcast Statistics Feature
Matt-Author-Img

Article by

Matt Diggity

Matt is the founder of Diggity Marketing, LeadSpring, The Search Initiative, The Affiliate Lab, and the Chiang Mai SEO Conference. He actually does SEO too.

Want to rank easier, higher and faster?

Sign up and join 100,000+ other subscribers and get SEO test results sent straight to your inbox.

moz sidebar

"One of the most effective SEOs I've ever met"- Cyrus Sheppard

As Seen On...

Search Engine Journal
New York Post
ahrefs brand