The podcast market was estimated to be a $23 billion industry as of 2023, and its market cap is forecasted to cross the $100 billion mark by 2029.
As such, podcasting offers a huge income potential if you’re looking to monetize your content. The easiest way to reach a huge audience and attract brand partnerships is by joining a podcast hosting service.
Libsyn and Buzzsprout are among the most popular hosting platforms today. But how do they compare?
This article compares Libsyn vs Buzzsprout, including their features, pros, cons, and pricing plans.
TL;DR – Libsyn vs. Buzzsprout
We recommend reading the full article to learn how Libsyn and Buzzsprout compare. But if you cannot read it right now, here’s a concise summary of its contents:
| Libsyn | Buzzsprout |
|---|---|
| Libsyn provides content hosting services, including access to podcast directories and networks. | Buzzsprout provides a platform for managing and monetizing content. It also provides tools for promoting your podcast on social media platforms. |
| Pros | Pros |
| Video and audio podcasting Built-in podcast branding tools Social media integration for digital marketing and promotion Customizable podcast website and media player | Built-in audio clean-up and mastering tools Automated transcript generation Editable chapter markers Dynamic ad insertion |
| Cons | Cons |
| Lacks podcast creation and recording capabilities Limited hosting storage space Doesn’t offer a free version or a trial period | Throttled monthly storage capacities Unclear pricing plans |
| Best For | Best For |
| Best for established creators looking for a platform to manage and promote their podcasts. | Best for podcasters who record only a few episodes a month. |
Like other platforms, Libsyn and Buzzsprout offer reliable hosting services.
However, you might need a hosting service that lets you create and share private podcasts — Hello Audio offers the best platform to achieve this!
Our platform not only offers private podcasts but also allows you to repurpose old content and convert it into podcast audio in minutes. We also give you access to the most essential as well as advanced podcast metrics to monitor performance.
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What is Libsyn?
Libsyn, registered as Liberated Syndication, Inc., is a podcast-hosting and distribution platform.
It is the first content-hosting service ever launched with a focus on podcasts.
How Does Libsyn Work?
Given that the platform does not have creation capabilities, you must record your content elsewhere and then upload your episodes to Libsyn.
The platform lets you publish new episodes immediately or schedule them to go live later. You can also monetize your content by inserting dynamic ads pre-roll, mid-roll, or post-roll.
Next, Libsyn creates or updates an RSS feed of your content, which it distributes to different podcast directories.
How to Start a Podcast on Libsyn
Launching a podcast on Libsyn is quite straightforward. Here’s an overview:
- Purchase a subscription plan: Libsyn does not have a free version or trial period, so you must purchase a subscription plan to join the platform.
- Set up your creator profile: Provide relevant personal information, including your preferred payment method.
- Create your podcast profile: Provide a podcast title, content category, description, and branding.
- Upload and publish content: Your Libsyn profile should now be ready so you can upload your first podcast episode.
What is a Buzzsprout?
Buzzsprout is a podcast hosting service that equips you with the tools to promote and monetize your content.
What Does Buzzsprout Do?
Like other hosting platforms, Buzzsprout provides a central point for managing your podcast.
Buzzsprout creates an RSS feed of your uploaded content and distributes it to major podcast directories. It also provides podcast marketing tools, including auto-generating transcripts for SEO.
Finally, Buzzsprout lets you monetize your content by creating tiered membership plans and supporting dynamic ad insertion.
How to Use Buzzsprout
Managing your podcast on Buzzsprout is relatively simple. Below are the steps:
- Sign up to Buzzsprout: You can opt for the free trial or purchase a paid plan.
- Upload and edit your episode(s): Use the drag-and-drop feature to upload content to your Buzzsprout account.
- Publishing and distribution: Buzzsprout automatically generates and distributes your RSS feed to podcast directories.
- Content promotion: Use in-app tools to promote your content on social media.
What About Hello Audio?
Hello Audio provides the best hosting service for hosting, editing, distributing, and monetizing your podcast. Our platform lets you easily repurpose content into private podcast episodes in minutes.
Here are some more key features:
- Content customization: Hello Audio lets you create personalized feeds for your listeners to optimize engagement.
- Advanced analytics: Our platform provides metrics for assessing podcast performance and understanding listeners’ behavior.
- Content repurposing: Our hosting service converts existing audio and video files into podcast episodes in minutes. This creates various ways private podcasts can help you bring value to your listeners.
- Auto-generated transcripts: Use our automated audio transcriptions to enhance your SEO and get search engines to index your podcast page.
- Community building: Hello Audio lets you build a community around your brand. Convert exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews, early access, and special events into private podcasts with exclusive access for your premium members.
- Cross-platform integrations: Our platform is compatible with most tools and add-ons you need to manage your podcast. Examples of supported tools include Zapier, Convertkit, Charitable, and ActiveCampaign.
Looking for a suitable platform to host your podcast? Join Hello Audio!
Thousands of satisfied creators use our hosting services to manage their content, including creating private podcasts for exclusive members. Check out Hello Audio Success Stories to see how fellow creators leverage our platform to monetize their content.
Relevant Characteristics Between Libsyn and Buzzsprout
Below, we outline how the platforms compare. We have also included Hello Audio, the best Libsyn and Buzzsprout alternative, to help you pick the best hosting service for your podcast.
| Libsyn | Buzzsprout | Hello Audio | |
|---|---|---|---|
| User Interface | You need a steep learning curve to understand how the creator’s dashboard works. | Easy to use for beginners | Has an intuitive design, supports drag and drop functions |
| Pricing | Has complicated pricing plans ranging from $5 to $150 monthly based on the features you want. | $12 to $24 monthly, depending on your required upload hours. Access to some features requires additional subscriptions. | $14 to $81 monthly when you purchase the annual plans. |
| Analytics | Advanced analytics are only accessible to users who buy at least the $20 monthly package. | Provides detailed metrics for monitoring podcast performance. | Advanced analytics for insight into podcast performance, audience reach, and listener behavior. |
| Storage Limits | 162MB to 3000MB monthly, depending on your subscription plan | 2 to 12 upload hours monthly, based on your membership tier | Unlimited episodes |
| Distribution | Distributes to major podcast directories | Provides access to established podcast directories | Submits and lists your podcast episodes to all major directories |
| Monetization | Programmatic ads, Libsyn Ads Marketplace, memberships, sponsorships | Buzzsprout Affiliate Marketplace, dynamic ad insertion, sponsorships | Tiered membership plans, dynamic ads, episode sponsorships, exclusive premium content |
| Support and Community | Technical support via email, Libsyn’s automated systems check, Libsyn YouTube channel | Buzzsprout Podcast Community on Facebook, Buzzsprout’s creator program, customer support via email, dedicated help section | Hello Audio community on Facebook, weekly Hello Audio newsletter, Hello Audio knowledge base, technical support via email |
| Audio Optimization | Limited audio editing tools | Built-in Magic Mastering editing tool | Converts media files into audio podcasts, built-in tools for cleaning your audio |
| Importing Podcasts | The process is complex and often needs support assistance | The steps are easy to follow, but you might encounter challenges when redirecting your feed from Spotify | Allows you to redirect your podcast feeds from Apple and Spotify manually |
| Transcriptions | You must add your episode transcripts manually. | Automates episode transcription | Supports auto-generated transcripts |
| Customizable Player | Has a customizable media player | You can customize the podcast player to enhance listeners’ experience | You can style your media player to display a single episode with cover art, a slim player without an image, or a full-feed player with all episodes |
| Third-Party Integrations | Supports third-party integrations, including WordPress, Bionic Media Planning Software, and ChannelMix | Compatible with several tools, including Fusebox, Alitu, Podpage, and Shownotes. | Supports integrations with major podcast directories, website builders, payment methods, and tracking tools. Examples include Zapier, Convertkit, ThriveCart, Descript, and ActiveCampaign. |
| Content Syndication | Supports content syndication | Allows you to republish content on the platform | Supports content repurposing and syndication by converting old media files into podcast audio format |
Similarities and Differences
Libsyn and Buzzsprout share several similarities and differences. Let’s discuss them below:
Libsyn and Buzzsprout Differences
Libsyn and Buzzsprout differences primarily arise from their unique features, as outlined below:
- Subscription plans: Libsyn has a complicated pricing plan comprising 7 separate packages, while Buzzsprout only has 3 membership tiers.
- Usage limits: Libsyn limits usage based on storage size, while Buzzsprout calculates usage based on upload hours.
- Advanced analytics: To access advanced statistics on Libsyn, you must buy a monthly plan costing $20 or more. In contrast, all premium Buzzsprout users have access to detailed analytics.
- Podcast transcription: You must add transcripts manually on Libsyn, while Buzzsprout auto-generates transcripts.
Libsyn and Buzzsprout Similarities
Below are four similarities shared by Libsyn and Buzzsprout:
- Listener communities: Both platforms let you build communities around your podcast through tiered membership plans.
- Distribution to podcast directories: The hosting platforms help list your podcast feeds in major directories.
- Content monetization: Both hosting services allow you to monetize your content through ad marketplaces, sponsorships, and dynamic ad insertion.
- Integrations: You can integrate third-party editing, analytics, and payment tools into Libsyn and Buzzsprout.
Bottom Line
Libsyn and Buzzsprout offer numerous unique features that could prompt you to pick them as your preferred hosting service.
For instance, if you want a platform with built-in editing and transcription tools, pick Buzzsprout over Libsyn. However, if you want a hosting platform that supports video and audio podcasting, then Libsyn is the undisputed choice.
But if you want a hosting service that allows you to repurpose old content or create private podcasts, try Hello Audio!
Our platform allows you to revamp your old content, including past coaching sessions, blogs, audiobooks, and webinars, into fresh podcast episodes within minutes. You can also create a private podcast feed and control how your listeners access it.
Looking to start a podcast or repurpose old content? Sign up for Hello Audio and enjoy our free 7-day trial period!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions:
How Do Libsyn and Buzzsprout Cater to Different Types of Podcasters?
Libsyn is best suited for seasoned podcasters seeking high-level content control. The platform’s complex user interface could be intimidating for beginners.
In contrast, Buzzsprout caters to new and growing creators. The platform is easy to use and is suitable for creators who record only a few episodes monthly.
How Do Libsyn and Buzzsprout Handle Podcast Episode Publishing?
Both hosting services cater to creators seeking to publish their content in multiple podcast directories. The platforms also let you publish new episodes right away or schedule them to be published later.
However, Libsyn offers additional publishing capabilities. You can group episodes based on publishing dates, categories, or tags.
What Are the Strengths of Libsyn Compared to Buzzsprout in Terms of Platform Stability?
Libsyn guarantees better platform stability than Buzzsprout for several reasons:
- Proven track record of providing quality podcast hosting services — it is the oldest podcast platform.
- Infrastructure can accommodate high-traffic podcasts. The platform has customizable plans tailored to suit most podcast formats and sizes.
- Guarantees a 99.99% uptime, ensuring your listeners can always access your content.
