What is Podbean?

Podbean is a one-stop shop for all of your podcast needs. It's primarily a hosting service where you can download all of your podcast episodes.

However:

Podbean also has features that go beyond publishing podcasts. Its solutions include distribution, tracking, promotion, and monetization. We will come back to this in detail later.

So, Podbean not only gives you the opportunity to enter the exciting world of podcasting, but it also provides you with all the tools you'll need to grow and make money with this business.

Features

As we mentioned earlier, Podbean has several characteristics that make it superior to a podcast hosting platform classic. Here are the reasons why you should consider using Podbean.

Customizing the Podcast page

Not only does your plan come with a website, but it's also customizable. Even better, all plans come with themes for you to choose from. And you don't even have to write a single line of code, which means it's accessible even to those who don't know how to use CSS and HTML.

All plans (except the free version) offer unlimited storage space and unmetered bandwidth. So you can download as many episodes as you want.

Having a podcast website means you're gaining credibility with your community. So it's a good thing that Podbean is giving you a domain that you can start promoting from day one.

SEO functions

One of the benefits of having a podcast website is that you can optimize it so that it appears in search engines for relevant queries.

Podbean allows you to add metadata to your site using one of the available plugins.

All you need to do is go to apps.podbean.com and log in to your account. From the list of available plugins, select the SEO Meta Tags plugin and click on the Get the Plugin button.

Once installed, you can now go to your main dashboard and navigate to Settings > Plugins. Search for SEO Meta Tags and click the edit button.

From there, you can enter the metadata for your podcast website. If you're not in the habit of adding metatags and descriptions, simply use the template below:

Simply replace the words in bold with your keyword or description and paste them into the empty field. Click Save and you should be ready to go.

Podbean Podcast mobile app

The Podbean mobile app is very useful for content discovery. Users just need to download the app (available on Android and iOS, by the way) and they can start looking for shows they want to listen to.

If you're using Podbean, your podcast will appear as a suggestion for relevant categories and topics.

But the Podbean app isn't just for listeners. As a podcaster, you can also take advantage of installing the app on your mobile device. How? You can use the app to edit and publish content directly from your phone.

You can add background music, sound effects, split, edit, and merge sound clips, and promote your episodes all from one place. Now you can publish podcasts from anywhere in the world.

Video podcast support

If you subscribe to Podbean's higher-level plans, you can download video podcasts.

Most podcast listeners are comfortable listening to conversations without visuals. But having videos brings a whole new perspective that you can explore. Now you can share moments that you simply can't capture when you're only recording audio.

Another benefit of video content is that you can promote your podcast on video streaming platforms like YouTube.

Uploading audio-only files won't help you stand out on YouTube. But with video podcasts, you can generate interest. You can add links to your Podbean website to generate site traffic.

It should be noted that all podcast hosting solutions do not support video downloading.

Analysis and statistics

With Podbean, you can track and analyze the effectiveness of your podcast.

Podcasters need to assess their performance to know which episodes are working and which are not attracting listeners. That way, they can make any adjustments needed to stay ahead of their competitors.

Podbean allows you to see the following information:

Downloads and trends - See how many downloads each episode has been downloaded and what's trending.
Top 10 episodes - Know which of your episodes are in your top 10. You can set the date range to get specific data.
Auditor geographies - Figure out where most of your listeners come from. This information is especially useful if you are looking for advertisers with a target demographic.
User agents - Learn what devices and applications your audience uses to listen to your show.
Downloads by time of day - Get an idea of the days and times when your audience listens to your episodes. This information can help you determine the best time and date to release an episode.
User Retention - Understand how engaging your content is for listeners. You will know how many listeners you have retained in the last few weeks.

Promotion and monetization

Perhaps one of the most important factors to consider is the fact that Podbean allows you to promote and monetize your podcast.

What's even more interesting is that these monetization features are so easy to incorporate into your podcast. Once you have set them up, you can continue to operate your podcast normally.

The promotional aspect is also essential. Because Podbean has an app, new users have a convenient platform to use if they want to find podcast content like yours.

Rates

There are four Podbean plans available:

Basic - Free
Unlimited audio - $14/month (or $9/month if billed annually)
Unlimited Plus - $39/month (or $29/month if billed annually)
Business - $129/month (or $99/month if billed annually)

Note that all plans have unlimited storage and bandwidth except for the free version.

Alternatives to Podbean

How does Podbean compare to its competitors?

1. Buzzsprout

Podbean is still the best choice for newbies, but Buzzsprout offers a lot more features, especially in its higher-level plans.

2. Anchor

If you plan to launch your podcast primarily on Spotify, then Anchor is the best option since it draws its analytics data directly from Spotify.

3. SoundCloud

SoundCloud is a better platform for sharing music, although you can use it for podcasts. But don't expect to find some of Podbean's features on SoundCloud.

How do I start a podcast on Podbean?

Getting started on Podbean is not a complicated process. After creating an account, you only have a few steps left to go through to put an episode online.

Under Settings > General, you can enter your podcast title, description, category, and logo. From there, you can change other options that will improve the functionality of your podcast.

Choose a custom subdomain

Each Podbean plan comes with a podcast site where visitors can check out every episode you upload. By default, your site is a Podbean subdomain. It just means your URL will always end in “.podbean.com.”

Let's say the name of your podcast is Laugh with Larry. You can then customize your subdomain at http://laughingwithlarry.podbean.com.

You can change your subdomain under Settings > General.

There you'll find the podcast site URL field where you can update information about your subdomain. Note that you should only change your subdomain when necessary. Any change in the URL may affect the distribution of episodes on podcast platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

If you don't want to use a Podbean subdomain, you can use your own domain. Podbean offers a guide explaining how use a custom domain on its platform.

Customize the layout of your website

You can control the appearance of your website of podcast. In the Distribution > Podcast Website menu, you'll find options for changing the header image, background image, favicon, theme color, and more.

Admittedly, Podbean only gives you limited design options. But it's a quick way to create a site and get it up and running. Plus, you don't have to deal with CSS and HTML. So even those who are not familiar with coding can use it with confidence.

Download and publish your first episode

Once you've finished recording and editing your first podcast episode, log into your Podbean account and go to Episodes > Episode List.

Click on the New Episode button and select the file you want to download. You will then have the option to enter the title, description, and illustration for the episode.

When you're ready, simply hit the Publish button.

It is done. Your podcast is now available for the whole world to enjoy.

Monetize your podcast

Podbean offers you four ways to make money from podcasting on its platform. So you are never forced to use only one method. You are free to experiment and see which works best for you and your audience.

Here is an overview of the various podcast monetization programs available on Podbean.

Affiliate program - The affiliate program is for podcasters who want to offer a monthly affiliate program to their supporters. You can set levels ranging from $1 to $750 per month. You can also include monthly goals to show listeners what their donations will get you, such as equipment upgrades.
Podbean Live - Podbean Live is a live audio show. Your fans can interact with the hosts through chat or by calling. You can then set an entry price to earn money. Listeners can also send virtual gifts that you can convert into cash.
Premium Content* - Podcasters can upload premium content for fans who are ready to pay for exclusive episodes or series. Premium content can be anything. You can upload audio tutorials, backstage stories, unfiltered interviews, or even extended episodes.
Podbean Ad Marketplace (PodAds) - The ad marketplace is a platform where podcasters can connect with advertisers. PodAds automatically inserts ads into your episodes. It also takes care of launching and completing a campaign for you. So all you have to do is focus on publishing podcast episodes.

*Podbean will take 15% of your revenue for technical support, billing, and customer support.

FAQs

Is Podbean really free?

Yes, Podbean has a free version that includes limited access to some of its features.

How much does Podbean cost?

There are three paid plans. If paid annually, the plans cost $14/month (Unlimited Audio), $39/month (Unlimited Plus), and $129/month (Business).

How do I download podcasts from Podbean?

For PC/Mac users, you can go to the podcast website and click the download button. For iOS/Android users, tap the three dots in the episode list, then tap Download.

Final Verdict

Podbean is a good alternative to other podcast hosting services. And it's also easy to recommend to newbies.

If you want to know more about how it can help you start a podcast, check out the Podbean website.

Detailed Full Review of Podbean: All you need to know (2024)