Wait... Aren’t Spotify and Apple the ‘Hosts’?

This is one of the most common points of confusion for new podcasters.

When people say “I want to put my podcast on Spotify,” what they really mean is:

“I want my show to be available to listeners on Spotify.”

But Spotify (or Apple, or Amazon) isn’t technically where your podcast lives—it’s where your audience listens.

Note: Spotify purchased Anchor.fm in recent years, but that doesn’t make them a true podcast host in our opinion - we’ll cover why that’s the case a little further down!

So, to sum it up simply: you still need a home base for your podcast: a podcast host.

Key Takeaways

A podcast host is where your audio files live and get distributed from.
A streaming service (like Spotify or Apple Podcasts) is where people actually listen.
You need a podcast host to submit your show to streaming platforms.
Choosing the right host depends on your goals, tech comfort level, and budget.
We’ll compare top platforms and help you pick one that fits your needs.

What’s a Podcast Host?

A podcast host is a service that:

Stores your audio files
Generates your RSS feed (the thing that tells platforms where your episodes are)
Distributes your episodes to Spotify, Apple, and other platforms
Provides analytics, scheduling, detailed tools, and more

In short: You upload your podcast to a host, and the host delivers it to the world.

What’s a Streaming Service?

Streaming services (also called directories or players) are where people listen to your podcast. Examples include:

Spotify
Apple
Amazon
Google (phasing out and merging into YouTube Music)
Overcast
Stitcher (RIP 🪦, it shut down in 2023)

You don’t upload to these directly. You submit your podcast once (via your host), and they pull your episodes automatically whenever you publish.

Hey, what was that about Spotify? (Formerly Anchor)

As we mentioned above, let’s talk about Spotify for Podcasters—formerly known as Anchor. This is a bit of a hybrid: Spotify owns this platform, and it functions as both a podcast host and a distribution tool.

What it does:

Lets you record, edit, and host your podcast (just like any other host)
Automatically distributes your episodes to Spotify
Offers some monetization tools and basic analytics

But here’s the catch:

Your podcast will still need to be submitted manually to platforms like Apple Podcasts
It’s more limited in customization and deeper analytics compared to platforms like Buzzsprout or Captivate

🎯 Bottom line:
Spotify for Podcasters is fine if you’re keeping things simple or just testing the waters. But if you want broader control, easier multi-platform distribution, or room to scale, a more traditional podcast host is usually the better choice.

Choosing the Right Podcast Host: What to Look For

Not all hosts are created equal. Here are a few things to consider when choosing yours:

✅ 1. Ease of Use

If you’re new to podcasting, you want a platform that feels intuitive and easy to navigate.

✅ 2. Distribution Support

Make sure your host helps you connect to all major streaming platforms easily—some even do it for you.

✅ 3. Analytics

Good hosts offer data on:

Downloads per episode
Listener locations
Streaming platform breakdown
Trends over time

✅ 4. Monetization Tools

Some platforms include baked-in ad networks, donation options, or affiliate tools.

✅ 5. Support + Resources

Live chat, knowledge bases, and community forums are a huge plus for beginners.

Popular Podcast Hosts (Beginner-Friendly)

Here are a few options we recommend looking into:

🎙️ Buzzsprout

Super easy to use
Great for beginners
Free plan available (with limits)
Built-in affiliate marketplace
Tip: We use and recommend Buzzsprout to most new clients.

🎙️ Podbean

Solid analytics
Unlimited hosting on paid plans
Livestreaming and monetization options
💡 Great for creators with long-term growth plans.

🎙️ Captivate

Designed for serious podcasters
Built-in marketing tools
Customizable websites included
💡 Slightly more advanced, but still beginner-accessible.

🎙️ Spotify for Podcasters (formerly Anchor.fm)

100% free
Owned by Spotify
Quick and easy to publish
⚠️ Limited analytics and customization—great for hobbyists, not ideal for long-term growth.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

If you're brand new and just want to get started:
→ Buzzsprout or Podbean are your best bets.

If you’re experimenting or hobby podcasting:
→ Spotify’s services can get you going instantly, with zero cost.

If you’re already thinking about monetization, branding, or business tie-ins:
→ Captivate or Buzzsprout will give you the flexibility and analytics you need.

Most podcast hosts offer a free trial or a free starter plan, so don’t stress too much—choose the one that feels right for you, and know that you can always migrate later if needed.

Up Next in the HoneyPod Podcast Launch Series:

Next, we’ll break down essential tools for staying organized and efficient, and we’ll even include a free workflow template for you to steal and customize.

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Choosing a Podcast Host: Where Your Show Lives and How It Gets Heard