Synopsis
As we introduce InterPods as a new content format, it is necessary to identify the technical infrastructure needed for launching and administrating a podcast. This involves selecting an appropriate hosting platform, connecting it to major listening platforms (podcast directories), and integrating publication with our existing YouTube workflow. Here I review relevant hosting and distribution options for InterPods and outline a recommended workflow for publishing episodes across major audio platforms and YouTube. The goal is to establish a straightforward production pipeline that maximizes ease of use and discoverability at low cost and with minimal administrative overhead.
1. Podcasting hosting platforms
Planning for a podcast begins with selecting a hosting platform. Hosting platforms serve as a central repository for audio files, generate the RSS feeds that distribute episodes across podcast directories, and often provide analytics, website integration, and audience management tools.
Different options have their own strengths depending on an organization’s size, workflow, and objectives. For our purposes, we should select a hosting solution that balances reliability, ease of use, and affordability while supporting distribution across multiple listening platforms. On the other hand, we do not need access to advanced analytics or brand development features, though basic functionality in these areas is appreciated.
Comparing the major hosting platforms currently on the market, I found that based on our use case criteria, our best option is likely Buzzsprout. Buzzsprout is recommended as user-friendly with an intuitive interface, minimal technical overhead, straightforward distribution to major directories, and includes adequate analytics features. It appears to be favored by small teams with straightforward needs and a single podcast feed. The basic subscription is $15/month billed annually or $18/month billed monthly. Nonprofits can send a support request with their tax exemption form.
As a bonus, Buzzsprout includes an audiogram generator. This is something I was not able to create through free tools when you asked me to last year, but it would seem to be easy through this platform’s dedicated Visual Soundbite tool. This tool may benefit the social media and promotion potential of InterPods.
An alternative is RSS.com. Compared to Buzzsprout, RSS.com has a lower cost (at $11.99/month billed annually, or $15.99/month billed monthly) and many of the same features and advantages, though sources also report a less polished user experience and slightly less advanced analytics features. While more of the sources and reviews I consulted in this comparison recommend Buzzsprout, RSS.com looks like a reputable alternative.
2. Listening platforms
Once a podcast is hosted and distributed through an RSS feed, it should be made available on all major listening platforms to maximize accessibility and discoverability. As a general principle, there is little reason not to distribute to all major podcast directories supported by a hosting platform.
Relevant directories include Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music, Pocket Casts, Overcast, iHeartRadio, LearnOutLoud, and Amazon Music Podcasts. However, Apple Podcasts and Spotify are the most popular listening platforms by far and should be prioritized above all others. Many smaller podcast projects do not distribute to more than a few major directories like these.
For most major podcast directories, we will need to create an account once and submit our RSS feed (generated by the hosting platform). Once approved, each directory will periodically check our RSS feed and automatically import new episodes. The standard workflow will involve uploading an episode to the host, adding a title, description, and thumbnail, and publishing; the episode will then automatically appear in every directory linked to our RSS feed.
3. YouTube distribution
The exception is YouTube, where many podcasts publish a video feed in addition to the audio-only feeds distributed to podcast directories. Podcasters often report greater discoverability through YouTube than through traditional podcast platforms. Given that we are already on YouTube and already have video for most of the InterDialogues we will be featuring, it would be beneficial to distribute InterPods through YouTube as a complement to audio-only distribution. This can be done following the standard InterDialogue workflow.
4. Recommendations
Based on the considerations outlined above, I recommend the following:
- Adopt Buzzsprout as the hosting platform for InterPods, considering RSS.com only if its marginally lower pricing is a decisive factor
- Prioritize Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube as primary distribution channels, as these platforms collectively account for the vast majority of podcast listening and discovery; consider additional directories as secondary priorities
- For video distribution, treat YouTube as a complementary publication channel for InterPods
Related
2.2 InterPod production checklist
2.4 InterDialogue production checklist
2.7 Social media post checklist
3.1 Audiovisual recording best practices