The Best Podcast Analytics Tools in 2025 (Post-Chartable)
With the closure of Chartable, many podcasters are looking for modern analytics solutions that offer deep insights into listener behavior, monetization performance, and cross-platform tracking. Whether you’re an indie creator or part of a growing network, choosing the right platform is critical for growth.
Below is an up-to-date breakdown of the best podcast analytics and hosting platforms in 2025.
π Core Analytics Platforms
π Apple Podcasts Analytics
- Audience Scope: Apple Podcasts users only
- Key Features:
- Time listened
- Episode completion rate
- Retention graphs
- Device-level data
- Limitations:
- No cross-platform view
- No ad tracking
π§ Spotify for Creators (formerly Spotify for Podcasters)
- Audience Scope: Spotify listeners only
- Key Features:
- Listener start-through rate
- Drop-off points
- Age/gender demographics
- CSV export
- Recent Update: As of May 2025, Spotify publicly shows milestone-based “Plays” only (e.g., 10K+, 50K+).
- Limitations:
- No access to non-Spotify listener data
π Spotify Ad Analytics (formerly Podsights)
- Audience Scope: Cross-platform ad performance
- Key Features:
- Ad attribution and conversion tracking
- Brand lift studies
- Website visits after hearing ads
- Pros:
- Free and powerful
- Good for advertisers and campaign-focused podcasters
π Backtracks
- Audience Scope: Platform-agnostic
- Key Features:
- Real-time analytics
- Listening heatmaps
- Segment-level engagement data
- Pros:
- Privacy-first
- IAB-compliant
- Cons:
- Premium pricing
π Podtrac
- Audience Scope: Cross-platform (downloads only)
- Key Features:
- Unique monthly listeners
- Download counts
- Platform rankings
- SmartLinks
- Limitations:
- Lacks behavioral metrics like completion rate or engagement
π Feature Comparison Table
Platform | Cross-Platform Coverage | Behavioral Metrics | Ad Attribution | Specialty |
---|---|---|---|---|
Apple Podcasts Analytics | β Apple-only | β Yes | β No | Subscriber/retention insights |
Spotify for Creators | β Spotify-only | β Yes | β Limited | Demographics & CSV export |
Spotify Ad Analytics | β Yes | β Partial | β Yes | Ad campaign tracking |
Backtracks | β Yes | β Yes | β Yes | Data-first, privacy-compliant |
Podtrac | β Yes | β No | β Partial | IAB-certified download stats + rankings |
π οΈ Hosting Platforms with Strong Analytics
π Acast
- Scope: Hosting, dynamic ad insertion, analytics
- Strengths: Advanced metrics, global ad support, monetization tools
- Audience: Publishers, networks, ad buyers
ποΈ Megaphone (by Spotify)
- Scope: Hosting and ads for enterprise-level podcasts
- Strengths: Dynamic ads, audience network, detailed analytics
- Audience: High-volume podcasts
π Backtracks
- Already covered above, but also functions as a high-end host.
π Libsyn
- Scope: Budget hosting and basic analytics
- Strengths: Reliable legacy platform, IAB-certified stats
- Audience: Indie and entry-level podcasters
π Podbean
- Scope: Hosting + monetization features
- Strengths: Patron support, Ads Marketplace, audio/video support
- Audience: Entry to mid-tier podcasters
π‘ Buzzsprout
- Scope: Simple hosting with analytics and SEO tools
- Strengths: Clean UI, free plan, basic stats
- Audience: Beginners and hobbyists
βοΈ Captivate / Transistor / Simplecast / Blubrry
- Scope: Full-service podcast hosts with analytics tools
- Strengths: Unlimited episodes, analytics dashboards
- Audience: Podcasters scaling up from hobby to semi-pro
π Hosting Feature Comparison Table
Platform | Hosting | Analytics Depth | Ads / Monetization | Best For |
Acast | β | β Advanced, dynamic | β Yes (global ads) | Publishers, brands |
Megaphone | β | β Enterprise-level | β Yes (Spotify Audience Ads) | Pro networks |
Backtracks | β | β Real-time & heatmaps | β Yes | Data-centric creators |
Libsyn | β | β Basic | β Yes | Indie creators |
Podbean | β | β Mid-tier | β Yes | All-around hosting |
Buzzsprout | β | β Basic | β Basic options | Beginners |
Captivate etc. | β | β Solid | β / Limited | Growing semi-pro shows |
π Final Thoughts
The end of Chartable left a void in podcast analyticsβbut it also opened the door to a better ecosystem. Todayβs top platforms offer powerful metrics across hosting, engagement, and monetization.
- For deep listener insights and privacy compliance, go with Backtracks.
- For ad tracking and monetization, use Spotify Ad Analytics or Acast.
- For budget-conscious creators, Libsyn, Podbean, or Buzzsprout are solid choices.
Choose a platform that matches your audience size, goals, and growth stage. Let the data guide your podcast to new heights.