Here’s some truth: Chances are you aren’t going to read this entire article. However, what if it was read out loud to you while doing your daily activities? What’s more, imagine listening to a soft, soothing voice like Sir David Attenborough’s. You’d be dying to listen to every word and eager for the release of the next episode. That is the beauty podcasts offer. According to a 2020 report released by Edison Research Infinite Dial, an estimated 32% of Americans listen to podcasts every month. This number continues to grow, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020. Because of this growing popularity, whether podcasts hosting platforms are secure or not remains a question. Here’s what you need to check when choosing a podcast hosting platform.
1. First: The History of Podcasts
Podcasts go back to the early days of the internet. Back in the ’80s, podcasts were referred to as ‘audio blogging.’ This was a way for any person to share their thoughts and experiences with other people via audio recording. However, because of a lack of means to distribute the recordings, Buzzsprout says it took another two decades before the game took off. In 2005, tech giant Apple added podcasting to its iTunes Music Library. In the same year, Steve Jobs explained how anyone could create a podcast using their Mac and share it globally.
2. Why You Need Podcast Hosting
When you record a podcast, you create a large number of media files. These are the files you’ll need to share online with your audience. If you’re more tech-savvy, you can create a website to host and share those files. However, most website hosts can’t handle the storage or bandwidth capabilities required for large media files. This is why using your website can result in a bad user experience. Your users will face problems like slow load times or even page crashes. If you want the best results, choose a podcast hosting platform. These platforms provide more space to store files for a long period.
3. The Big Dilemma: Free vs. Paid Podcast Hosting
Most podcast hosting platforms run on a subscription basis. For a free podcast hosting platform, carefully read the terms and conditions. This helps you understand who owns the rights to the podcasts you upload. For paid hosting, most platforms offer various plans that increase as you add more features. If you can’t decide how much to spend on your hosting, start by listing out which features you currently need. Next, evaluate your projected needs six months to a year in the future. If you want a professional-level podcasting plan, connect directly with each hosting company to learn more.
4. IAB Compliance
The podcasting domain has evolved a lot these past few years. Because of this growth, new industry standards have been introduced. The most recent changes come from the IAB (Interactive Advertising Bureau). The bureau introduced guidelines for how podcasts’ analytics should be tracked. These standards define the accuracy of podcasting analytics. Typically, they assist podcasters who work with sponsors and advertisers to provide clear information. Many hosting sites have implemented IAB-compliant analytics. However, not every platform has rolled out these standards. The podcasting industry is evolving continuously. This means you need to work with a platform that keeps up with these industry changes.
5. Alteration of File Type
Some hosting platforms may change your episode’s file type. This also includes the bit rate or metadata of your file when you upload it to their site. For instance, some platforms convert uncompressed WAV files into MP3 files. Other platforms check to see if the ID3 tags are present. If not, they’ll add your artwork, author, title, and other ID3 tags after uploading. If you don’t want your files changed, check your host requirements. You also want to ensure your host retains all of your original upload information.
6. Podcast Distribution
A podcast hosting site stores your media files online. However, you still need a way to get your episodes to your audience. This is where podcast distribution steps in. They distribute your podcast and assist listeners in finding your show. Spotify, Apple, and Google are the top three podcast distributors. You can also consider distributors such as Stitcher, Pandora, or iHeartRadio. Today, most podcast hosting platforms will assist you in getting listed with podcast distributors. They provide you with an RSS feed. This makes it easier for listeners to find and connect with your content.
Remember: keep these six criteria in mind when researching and comparing podcast hosts. You also want to choose the software that supports the growth of your show. The platform you choose also needs to improve its site continuously. Most platforms offer free trial offerings, so ensure you leverage them. Podcasts are the future of information dissemination. Over to you!
