Podcasting offers a great way to pursue your passion, make money online, and build an audience. However, it can end up costing more than you think when you account for equipment, premium hosting, and more.
Fortunately, it can be more affordable if you use a free podcast platform. This way, you can upload audio files, generate an RSS feed, and gain access to useful analytics without paying a dime. But, it’s important to note that free platforms sometimes include restrictions on content and storage space, and can lead to copyright issues.
In this post, we’ll share five of the best free podcast platforms. Then, we’ll discuss whether free podcast hosting is the right option for your needs. Let’s get started!
5 Best Free Hosting Platforms in 2025
Let’s take a look at four free platforms to host your podcast, plus one premium all-in-one option.
1. Beamly
Beamly is not a free host, but it’s a standout if you want a full home for your show and brand. It combines publishing with a modern website builder, AI tools for transcripts and SEO, and built‑in memberships and product sales via Stripe with 0% platform fees.
Key Features
- No‑code website builder with beautiful templates and custom pages
- Automatic RSS imports and a customizable audio player (including global sticky player)
- AI helpers for transcripts, show notes, and SEO metadata
- Built‑in memberships, subscriptions, and digital products (0% platform fees; processing fees apply)
- Multi‑show support and creator‑friendly SEO defaults
Beamly offers a free trial so you can test everything first.
2. RedCircle
RedCircle is a free hosting platform focused on growth and monetization. You can host your show, distribute to major directories, and tap into tools like dynamic ad insertion, cross-promotion, listener donations, and paid subscriptions.
Key Features
- Free hosting with distribution to major directories
- Dynamic Ad Insertion and an ad marketplace
- Cross-Promotion Marketplace to swap promos with other shows
- Listener donations and paid subscriptions
- Detailed analytics to understand audience and campaign performance
- Simple campaign manager for scaling ads across back catalog
RedCircle is a strong pick if you want to grow and monetize from day one without upfront hosting costs.
3. Podbean
If you’re looking for the best free podcast platform, you may also want to consider Podbean. It’s a great choice for beginners and seasoned creators alike. You can livestream podcasts and even publish episodes directly from your phone using the podcast recording app.
Additionally, you’re able to connect to your social accounts to expand your reach. Meanwhile, you can monetize your show with ads, subscriptions, and patron programs.
Key Features
- Supports audio, video, scheduled, and live content
- Connects seamlessly to social media sites
- Access to Ads Marketplace
- Integrates with Apple Podcasts Subscriptions
- Certified podcast analytics
- Podcast Studio app
- Free plan: 5 hours per month and 100 GB bandwidth; Unlimited Plus at $29/month for unlimited audio and video
Podbean is one of the best all-in-one platforms that supports various types of podcast content. Additionally, you can set up your own podcast website, and record (and publish) episodes straight from the mobile app.
4. Spotify for Creators
Spotify for Creators is one of the best free podcast platforms if you’re new to podcasting. You’ll get access to unlimited hosting, editing tools, analytics, fan engagement tools, and monetization features.
The platform enables you to grow your listenership via interactive settings like Q&As and polls. What’s more, Spotify for Podcasters is an ideal destination if you want to create video podcasts to reach a wider audience.
Key Features
- Professional recording tools on your phone, tablet, or computer
- Video podcast support
- Music and Talk shows combine your audio content with the Spotify music catalog
- Audio Enhancement feature (noise canceling and voice optimization)
- Engagement features like Q&As
- Access to the Spotify Audience Network
- Monetization options like listener support and subscriptions
Spotify for Podcasters is a top podcast platform for beginners. You can record, edit, and publish episodes from any device. Plus, you can engage with your listeners to grow your following.
5. Acast
If one of your biggest goals is to make money from your podcast, Acast is the podcast platform for you. With Acast, you’ll get access to Podcastle to create your episodes right within a web browser. Then, you can distribute your podcast across top platforms including Amazon Music and Apple Podcasts.
Additionally, Acast really excels in terms of monetization potential. You can set up multiple revenue streams through podcast sponsorships, subscriptions, advertising, and direct listener support. And, you can easily convert audio to video for social media sharing.
Key Features
- Distribute across all major podcasting platforms
- Multiple monetization opportunities
- Easy social media integration
- Detailed reports to improve your reach
- Access to virtual workshops, newsletters, and more
- Acast Creator Network for established creators
With multiple monetization options, Acast is a great way to increase revenue for your show. Plus, you can post your episodes directly to social media, and grow your podcast with smart insights.
The Drawbacks of Free Podcast Platforms
Free podcast platforms offer a solution for beginners or podcasters on a budget. However, there are some drawbacks to scrimping on podcast hosting costs.
With many free plans, you’ll run into limits on storage space, episode length, and analytics data. Meanwhile, you won’t always get access to advanced features, or it will be restricted. Some platforms limit livestreaming or video support on free tiers, or cap monthly uploads.
Additionally, some free podcast platforms may use revenue-sharing to make money. In this instance, hosts may place ads within your content and divide the revenue between you and your host.
You may also encounter copyright issues since some free hosts stipulate that you won’t fully own your content. Or, they might feature your show in promotions without compensation. Plus, if you eventually decide to sell the rights to your show, you might not even be able to negotiate the sale yourself.
Hosting vs listening apps
It’s easy to mix up podcast hosts with listening apps. Hosts store your audio and generate your RSS feed. Listening apps are where your audience subscribes and plays episodes. Two excellent free apps to recommend to listeners:
- AntennaPod: a free, open source Android app with robust features and no tracking
- Pocket Casts: a polished listening app with cross-device sync and discovery tools
Conclusion
When you decide to start a podcast, you’ll need to find a hosting solution so that you’re able to upload and distribute your show. If you’re on a tight budget, there are tons of free podcast platforms for you to choose from.
To recap, here are five top podcast platforms in 2025 (four free + one premium):
- Beamly: Premium all‑in‑one website + publishing + memberships (free trial, no free tier).
- Podbean: A solid all‑in‑one with a usable free plan.
- Spotify for Podcasters: Best for beginners and creators adding video.
- Acast: Flexible hosting with strong monetization options.
- RedCircle: Free hosting with dynamic ads, cross‑promotions, and subscriptions.`
Once you’ve chosen a podcast host, give your show a professional home with Beamly. You’ll get automatic episode imports, a customizable audio player, beautiful templates, AI for transcripts and SEO, and built-in memberships and product sales with 0% platform fees. Beamly offers a free trial so you can get set up quickly.
