Best Free Podcast Hosting Platforms for Beginners
Best Free Podcast Hosting Platforms (2025) – The Ultimate Guide
Want to launch a podcast without spending a dime? You’re in the right place. In 2025, several podcast hosting platforms offer truly free plans—not limited-time trials, but ongoing free options that give you the core tools you need to get started.
With a free plan, you can upload episodes, distribute your show to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major directories, and access basic analytics to track your growth. Some even let you monetize from day one.
That said, not all free hosts are equal. Some limit how many episodes you can upload or restrict monetization unless you upgrade. Others show ads, brand your content, or lack support. This guide compares the best free podcast hosting platforms for beginners based on:
- Storage and upload limits
- Distribution and RSS feed access
- Analytics tools
- Monetization options
- Upgrade pressures and limitations
Whether you’re launching your very first show or experimenting with a side project, this breakdown will help you choose the best free podcast host for your needs—without the trial-and-error.
Quick Picks: Best Free Podcast Hosts
| Platform | Best For |
|---|---|
| Podbean | Growing with analytics & monetization |
| Spotify for Podcasters | Easy launch & audience reach |
| RedCircle | Monetization without limits |
| Pinecast | Simple & indie-friendly hosting |
TL;DR
I highly recommend you take a look at Podbean because it’s got a fantastic free plan, and it’s a robust platform with room to grow. Oh and for those looking to hit the ground running and who want to make a little money with their hobby I can’t recommend my free ebook on monetization and the free video training… Every single person I’ve shown this stuff to has nearly keeled over in awe of how easy this stuff can work. If you want to check that out, please go here and opt in. Otherwise, please keep reading…
What Is Podcast Hosting?
A podcast host is a service that stores your podcast audio files, generates your show’s RSS feed, and helps distribute your episodes to major platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
Without a podcast host, your audio files have nowhere to live. You can’t just upload episodes to your personal blog or Google Drive and expect Spotify to find them. Instead, a podcast host:
- Stores your audio on reliable servers with enough bandwidth to handle downloads
- Creates and maintains your RSS feed, the backbone that directories use to detect and display your episodes
- Pushes updates to listening platforms whenever you publish a new episode
In short: podcast hosting is the technical foundation that makes your show accessible to the world. It’s essential for every podcast.
What to Look For in a Free Podcast Host
Click here to see my favorite free podcasting platform
- Storage & Upload Caps: Some hosts offer unlimited episodes, others cap you at a few hours or a handful of episodes. Check monthly and total limits.
- Distribution: Look for easy tools to get on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other top apps. RSS access is a must.
- Analytics: Basic stats come standard, but some free plans unlock deep data on listeners and episodes.
- Monetization: Want to earn from day one? Some hosts offer built-in ads, listener support, or even subscriptions, but check for revenue splits.
- Upgrade Pressures: Most free plans nudge you to upgrade—sometimes by limiting uploads, adding ads, or hiding key features. Always check the fine print.
Free Podcast Hosting Platform Comparison Table (2025)
| Platform | Storage & Uploads | Distribution | Analytics | Monetization | Key Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Podbean |
5 hours total / 100GB bandwidth | Manual to all major directories | Basic stats only | Upgrade required for ads | Storage cap; no ads or support features on free |
 Spotify for Podcasters |
Unlimited | Auto to Spotify; one-click to others | Full listener demographics | Ads, paid subs (50% rev share) | Ads/features have eligibility & geo limits |
| RedCircle | Unlimited; 200MB/episode; 1 podcast | All major platforms (audio only) | Standard stats | Ads + donations (RAP) | 1 show per account; file size cap |
 Acast |
5 episodes; unlimited if in ad program | One-click to major directories | Advanced analytics | Ads; 15% rev share on subs | 5-episode cap unless in ad marketplace |
| Pinecast | Unlimited uploads; 10 visible | Easy RSS/manual submission | Basic stats | Tip jar (30% fee) | Only 10 most recent episodes show |
 Buzzsprout |
2 hours/mo; deleted after 90 days | One-click to major directories | Advanced stats | Upgrade required | Episodes deleted after 90 days |
| Spreaker | Unlimited episodes; 5 hours total | Auto to top platforms | Basic (6 months) | Ads (60% rev share) | Storage cap; basic stats; support issues |
| Podomatic | 500MB; 15GB/mo bandwidth | Manual to Spotify, Apple | None on free plan | None | Very limited; no analytics; no monetization |
| RSS.com | Free trial only | Auto to major directories | Advanced (trial/paid) | Upgrade required | No ongoing free tier |
Platform-by-Platform Breakdown (2025)
Spotify for Podcasters
- Unlimited free hosting, no bandwidth caps
- Great for new creators with mobile recording tools, polls, Q&A, and listener analytics
- Monetization: Ads and subscriptions, but you must meet eligibility and geo restrictions
- Video podcasting (Spotify only), auto-distribution to Spotify
RedCircle
- Unlimited hosting, unlimited downloads, and advanced monetization tools—even for small shows
- Great analytics; donations, paid subs, and RAP ads available from day one
- Limited to one podcast per account; 200MB/episode file cap
Podbean
- 5 hours total storage and 100GB/month bandwidth on the free plan
- Simple manual distribution, basic stats, and mobile publishing
- Monetization, support, and advanced analytics require a paid plan
Buzzsprout
- 2 hours/month upload; episodes deleted after 90 days
- One-click distribution, great support, advanced analytics
- Excellent beginner experience but upgrade is a must for long-term shows
Spreaker
- Unlimited episodes, but just 5 hours storage total
- 60% ad revenue share; live recording studio; auto distribution
- Mixed reviews for support; basic analytics
Pinecast
- Unlimited uploads, but only your 10 most recent episodes are public
- Tip jar (30% fee), basic analytics, SEO podcast site
- Simple, indie-friendly, easy to use; limited for back-catalog shows
Acast
- 5-episode limit unless you qualify for ads; otherwise, unlimited
- Advanced analytics, one-click distribution, 15% revenue share on subs
- Great for mini-series, experimental, or ad-ready shows
Podomatic
- 500MB total storage, 15GB/month bandwidth; no analytics or monetization on free
- Basic platform for quick, small projects or trials
RSS.com
- No perpetual free plan; free trial only
- Paid plans are feature-rich and beginner-friendly
FAQs About Free Podcast Hosting
Is free podcast hosting really free?
Yes—many platforms offer free plans with no time limit. However, most come with trade-offs like limited storage, missing features, or advertising.
Can I monetize my podcast on a free plan?
It depends on the platform. Some hosts like Spotify for Podcasters, Spreaker, and RedCircle allow basic ad monetization or listener donations. Others lock these features behind a paid plan or require eligibility.
What happens when I run out of space?
You’ll either need to delete old episodes, stop uploading, or upgrade to a paid plan for more storage and features.
Can I move to a different podcast host later?
Yes. Most hosts allow you to export your RSS feed and migrate your podcast to another platform without losing your subscribers.
Will my show disappear if I use a free plan?
Only if the host places a time limit (like Buzzsprout’s 90-day limit). Always check the fine print to see if episodes expire.
Final Thoughts
Free podcast hosting is a great way to test your concept, launch your first show, or simply get your voice out into the world with zero budget. Each platform covered here brings something different to the table—some prioritize unlimited uploads, others offer monetization from day one, and some focus on simplicity or scalability.
Start with the platform that aligns best with your goals right now. And remember: nothing is permanent. You can always switch hosts later as your podcast grows and your needs change.
We also compare these platforms:
📬 Want to learn more about making money from podcasting? Check out our Podcast Monetization Guide.
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