SoundCloud Podcast Hosting: Plans, Features, and Pricing Explained

SoundCloud is a popular platform for audio creators and is increasingly used for podcast hosting. Its large built-in audience and flexible pricing plans make it an excellent option for podcasters looking to grow their audience and share their content. This guide explores SoundCloud’s podcast hosting options, pricing, and features to help you decide if it’s the right platform for your needs.

What is SoundCloud Podcast Hosting?

SoundCloud serves a dual role as a platform for hosting audio content and as a distribution tool. For podcasters, SoundCloud’s appeal lies in its simplicity, affordability, and ability to connect with a large community of listeners. Whether starting a new podcast or looking to expand your reach, SoundCloud provides the tools to distribute and promote your episodes effectively.

SoundCloud Podcast Hosting Plans

SoundCloud offers three distinct plans for podcasters, catering to different needs and budgets:

1. Next (Free)
2. Next Plus ($2.50/month, billed annually)
3. Next Pro ($12/month, billed annually)

Pricing Breakdown

Next (Free)

• Cost: Free
• Features:
  • Up to 3 hours of audio upload time.
  • Basic analytics (plays, likes, comments).
  • Customizable embeddable player for sharing episodes.

Next Plus

• Cost: $2.50/month (billed annually).
• Features:
  • All Free plan features.
  • Unlimited track releases are available on platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.
  • Monetization options through track plays and third-party platforms.
  • 1-day customer support response time.

Next Pro

• Cost: $12/month (billed annually).
• Features:
  • All Next Plus features.
  • Unlimited uploads (max file size: 4 GB, max length: 6 hours 45 minutes per track).
  • Advanced analytics, including geographic and device-specific listener data.
  • Replace audio tracks without losing stats.
  • Schedule track releases and spotlight favorite episodes.
  • Premium profile badge and three free mastering credits per month.

Key Features for Podcasters

RSS Feed for Distribution

SoundCloud provides an RSS feed for your podcast, enabling you to distribute it to major directories like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts. While the RSS feed setup is manual, it’s straightforward and ensures your episodes are accessible across multiple platforms.

Built-In Audience

With millions of active users, SoundCloud offers podcasters access to a large, engaged audience. Interactive features like commenting on specific parts of episodes foster direct listener engagement.

Monetization Opportunities

SoundCloud supports monetization through:

• Direct payments from listeners.
• Revenue from track plays on SoundCloud and third-party services.
• Collaborative payment splitting for co-hosts or contributors.

Embeddable Player

The customizable player allows you to share episodes on your website, blog, or social media, ensuring seamless integration with your promotional strategy.

Analytics

• Free Plan: Basic insights, including total plays and likes.
• Pro Plan: Advanced analytics, such as geographic data and listening trends, enable you to refine your content strategy.

Track Management

The Next Pro plan allows you to:

• Replace tracks without losing stats.
• Schedule future releases.
• Pin and spotlight tracks to highlight essential episodes.

Pros and Cons of SoundCloud for Podcasting

Pros

• Affordable pricing options.
• Easy-to-use interface.
• Built-in audience for organic growth.
• Cross-platform distribution through RSS feeds.
• Robust analytics (Pro plan).

Cons

• Manual submission to podcast directories.
• Limited advanced podcast-specific features compared to dedicated hosts.
• The free plan restricts upload time to 3 hours.

Who Should Use SoundCloud for Podcasting?

SoundCloud is ideal for:

• Beginners: Affordable and user-friendly plans make it perfect for new podcasters.
• Indie Podcasters: Great for monetizing and connecting with a built-in audience.
• Multimedia Creators: Combines podcast hosting with audio content like music and audiobooks.

Comparison: SoundCloud vs. Podbean vs. Buzzsprout

SoundCloud

• Strengths: Built-in audience, affordable pricing, and interactive features like comments.
• Weaknesses: Limited podcast-specific tools compared to dedicated platforms.

Podbean

• Strengths:
  • Unlimited storage and bandwidth in paid plans.
  • Monetization options, including dynamic ad insertion and a patron program.
  • Advanced analytics for deeper audience insights.
• Weaknesses: Higher pricing for premium features and a less interactive community compared to SoundCloud.

Buzzsprout

• Strengths:
  • Extremely user-friendly interface, ideal for beginners.
  • Audio enhancement tools like Magic Mastering.
  • Flexible pricing based on monthly upload hours.
• Weaknesses: It has limited storage compared to Podbean and SoundCloud, and additional costs are charged for extra hours or features like transcription.

Which Should You Choose?

• Choose SoundCloud if you value audience engagement and want an affordable way to host and promote your podcast.
• Choose Podbean if you need unlimited storage, advanced analytics, and robust monetization features.
• Choose Buzzsprout if you’re a beginner looking for an intuitive platform with strong audio tools and flexible pricing.

How to Get Started with SoundCloud Podcast Hosting

1. Sign Up: Choose the Free, Next Plus, or Next Pro plan.
2. Upload Your Episodes: Add your first podcast episode to SoundCloud.
3. Set Up Your RSS Feed: Enable the RSS feed in your settings.
4. Distribute: Submit the RSS feed to podcast directories like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
5. Promote: Use the embeddable player and SoundCloud’s sharing tools to reach more listeners.

FAQs

1. Can I host my podcast on SoundCloud for free? Yes, the Free plan allows up to 3 hours of uploads.
2. Does SoundCloud distribute podcasts to Spotify and Apple Podcasts? Yes, through the RSS feed. You’ll need to manually submit the feed to these platforms.
3. What’s the difference between SoundCloud’s Next Plus and Next Pro plans? Next Plus includes distribution and basic monetization, while Next Pro adds unlimited uploads, advanced analytics, and premium track management tools.

Conclusion

SoundCloud provides a versatile, affordable option for podcasters of all levels. Its built-in audience, customizable features, and cross-platform distribution capabilities make it a strong contender for those looking to grow their podcast. Whether you’re starting out or ready to scale, there’s a SoundCloud plan that fits your needs.