Podbean vs Spotify for Podcasters (Anchor): Which Hidden Features Will Take Your Podcast to the Next Level?

Choosing a podcast hosting platform for your podcast can be stressful. Podbean and Anchor (now Spotify for Podcasters) are two of the most talked-about options—but which one is really the best? Whether you’re launching your first episode or leveling up your podcasting game, this comparison will reveal the strengths, weaknesses, and hidden secrets of both platforms. Don’t make a decision without reading this first!

Podbean vs Anchor Features

Pricing

• Anchor: Completely free, making it an attractive choice for beginner podcasters or those on a budget.
• Podbean: Offers a free plan with basic features, as well as paid tiers starting at $9/month, which include advanced tools like unlimited storage and bandwidth.

Advanced Features

• Podbean:
  • Comprehensive analytics to track listener behavior and platform performance.
  • Live audio streaming with up to 200 participants and 2 hours per session.
  • Multiple monetization options, including listener donations, premium subscriptions, and dynamic ad insertion.
  • Automatic transcription services to improve accessibility and SEO.
  • Customizable podcast website to enhance brand presence.
• Anchor:
  • Integration with Spotify for seamless distribution.
  • Free music library for adding background tracks to episodes.
  • Video podcasting option for Spotify users.
  • Basic analytics to monitor episode performance.

Spotify for Podcasters: What It Means Now

Spotify for Podcasters, formerly known as Anchor, has several limitations that podcasters should be aware of:

Content Restrictions

• A 30-minute limit for recording directly to Spotify via web browser, though you can upload longer episodes recorded elsewhere.
• If you use Spotify music in your podcast, you can only upload it to Spotify, and full songs are only accessible to premium users.

Monetization Constraints

• Monetization options are limited and may not be available in all regions.
• To qualify for ad revenue, you need 1,000 unique Spotify listeners in a 3-month period.
• Spotify takes a 50% cut of ad revenue, which is higher than many other platforms.

Platform Limitations

• You can only host one show per email address, requiring multiple logins for multiple shows.
• The platform is very Spotify-centric, optimizing for Spotify listeners rather than other platforms.
• Distribution to other platforms is not automatic and may require extra steps.

Technical Issues

• Some users report inconsistent performance of editing tools across mobile and desktop versions.
• There have been instances of upload processing delays and unexplained content deletions.

Analytics and Control

• Analytics are basic, with limited ability to see detailed download information for all episodes.
• Content is subject to Spotify’s terms of service and content policies, which could be risky if changed.

Copyright and Ownership

• The terms and conditions give Spotify certain rights to your material, which may be concerning for some creators.

While Spotify for Podcasters offers a free and accessible platform for beginners, these limitations may make it less suitable for more experienced podcasters or those looking for advanced features and greater control over their content.

Distribution

Podbean offers extensive distribution, allowing podcasters to order episodes by number and distribute to a wide range of directories. Anchor distributes to 7 major podcast directories, including seamless integration with Spotify, making it ideal for podcasters targeting Spotify’s vast audience.

File Support

• Podbean: Supports a variety of file formats, including those suited for professional-quality audio. Paid plans allow for larger file uploads.
• Anchor: Limited to a maximum file size of 250MB, which may restrict podcasters with longer or higher-quality episodes.

Market Share

As of 2024, Anchor by Spotify holds a dominant 30.71% market share in the Podcast Hosting and Publishing category, with Podbean following closely at 28.28%. This reflects Anchor’s appeal to beginners and Spotify’s strong presence, while Podbean caters to more advanced podcasters.

Pros and Cons

Podbean Pros

• Advanced features like live streaming and transcription.
• Comprehensive analytics included in premium plans.
• Multiple monetization options.
• Customizable podcast website.
• Supports a wide range of file formats.

Podbean Cons

• Paid plans required for most advanced features.
• Higher learning curve for new users compared to Anchor.

Anchor Pros

• Completely free to use.
• Seamless Spotify integration.
• Video podcasting capabilities.
• Free music library for easy content enhancement.
• Intuitive interface, ideal for beginners.

Anchor Cons

• Basic analytics with limited insights.
• File size limit of 250MB.
• Fewer distribution options compared to Podbean.

Target Audience

• Anchor: Best suited for beginner podcasters, Spotify enthusiasts, or those seeking a free hosting solution.
• Podbean: Ideal for businesses and podcasters requiring advanced features, robust analytics, and promotional tools.

Podbean vs Anchor Comparison

Lesser-Known Features

Both Podbean and Spotify for Podcasters (formerly Anchor) offer some lesser-known features that can enhance the podcasting experience:

Podbean

AI-Powered Tools

• Podbean has recently introduced AI features for podcasters, including:
  • Noise reduction and intelligent audio leveling
  • Automated title and show notes generation
  • AI-enhanced transcripts and chapter markers

QR Code Generation

• Podbean now offers QR codes for podcasts, making it easier for listeners to access and share content.

Audiobook Integration

• The Podbean app allows users to choose from bestsellers and classic audiobooks for free, integrating them with podcast content.

Spotify for Podcasters

Podcast Chapters

• Creators can add podcast chapters to their episodes by including timestamps in episode descriptions, allowing listeners to browse through topics or sections.

Video Podcasting

• Spotify is expanding access to video podcasting features for more creators.

Custom Thumbnails

• Podcasters can now add custom thumbnails to their episodes, enhancing visual appeal in the Spotify app.

Vertical Shorts

• The platform allows adding vertical short-form video content to podcast episodes, similar to TikTok or Instagram Reels.

Playlist Creation

• On desktop, users can create new playlists based on existing ones by right-clicking and selecting “create similar playlist”.

Genre-Based Playlists

• Creating a playlist with a genre name (e.g., “80s” or “rock”) prompts Spotify to suggest relevant songs automatically.

These features demonstrate how both platforms are innovating to provide podcasters with more tools for content creation, distribution, and audience engagement.

Conclusion

The choice between Podbean and Anchor depends on your podcasting goals and experience level. Anchor is an excellent option for beginners or Spotify users who want a free and simple solution. Podbean, on the other hand, caters to advanced podcasters and businesses looking for robust features, enhanced analytics, and diverse monetization options.

Evaluate your needs, budget, and long-term goals to determine which platform is best suited for your podcast. Both Podbean and Anchor provide reliable hosting solutions to help you create, distribute, and grow your podcast effectively.