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Apple Podcasts Connect vs RedCircle

Apple Podcasts Connect logo

Apple Podcasts Connect

Software

Manage and distribute your podcast on Apple Podcasts

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
RedCircle logo

RedCircle

Software

Free podcast hosting with sponsorship opportunities

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Apple Podcasts Connect requires an Apple account, and a show has to be claimed before it can be managed; RedCircle the free Core plan is limited to 1 podcast; unlimited podcasts require the Growth plan at $14.99 per month
  • They diverge on capability: Apple Podcasts Connect covers Podcast submission, RedCircle covers Unlimited hosting.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Apple Podcasts Connect and RedCircle actually diverge.

Attributes where Apple Podcasts Connect and RedCircle differ
AttributeApple Podcasts ConnectRedCircle
PlatformsWeb, Ios, MacosWeb, Ios, Android
Founded19762015

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Apple Podcasts Connect

  • Podcast submission
  • Episode management
  • Subscription monetization
  • Show optimization
  • Multi-show management
  • RSS feeds
  • Hosting platforms
  • Apple ecosystem

Only in RedCircle

  • Unlimited hosting
  • Distribution
  • Sponsorship marketplace
  • Podcast website
  • Monetization
  • All podcast platforms
  • Social media
  • Advertising networks

Both cover

  • Analytics
  • Privacy controls
  • Web support
  • Ios support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Apple Podcasts Connect

  • Submitting a new podcast to Apple Podcastsnot RedCircle
  • Claiming an existing show so it is registered to your accountnot RedCircle
  • Reviewing Apple Podcasts listener trends and analyticsnot RedCircle
  • Managing show artwork and metadatanot RedCircle

RedCircle

  • Hosting and distributing podcasts with unlimited storage and downloadsnot Apple Podcasts Connect
  • Monetising a podcast through host-read and programmatic ad marketplacesnot Apple Podcasts Connect
  • Selling paid subscriptions and exclusive episodesnot Apple Podcasts Connect

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Apple Podcasts Connect

  • Requires an Apple account, and a show has to be claimed before it can be managed
  • Only reports listening that happens inside Apple Podcasts, so it is not a whole-audience view
  • Does not host audio; the show still needs a hosting provider elsewhere

RedCircle

  • The free Core plan is limited to 1 podcast; unlimited podcasts require the Growth plan at $14.99 per month
  • The free Core plan caps AI transcripts at 5 per month
  • The Core plan podcast webpage carries a Related Shows section that cannot be removed
  • Support on the Core plan is standard with a 72 hour response; 48 hour Advanced support starts on Growth
  • Team seats are not available on Core or Growth; Pro at $29.99 per month includes 5 seats and unlimited seats require Enterprise at $99.99 per month
  • Video file upload to episodes and one-click YouTube distribution require the Pro plan
  • Running your own ads and tracking URLs require the Pro plan
  • A dedicated account manager is Enterprise only
  • The trial is 7 days

Pricing, plan by plan

Apple Podcasts Connect

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Podcast submission
    • Analytics dashboard
    • Episode management
  • Subscriptions Program$19.99/year
    • Premium subscriptions
    • Paid content
    • Subscriber management

RedCircle

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Unlimited hosting
    • Automatic distribution
    • Sponsorship opportunities

Which should you pick?

Choose Apple Podcasts Connect if

  • You need podcast submission.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Macos.
  • You also want episode management.
Apple Podcasts Connect review

Choose RedCircle if

  • You need unlimited hosting.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want distribution.
RedCircle review

Questions people ask

Is Apple Podcasts Connect or RedCircle better?
Neither clearly leads. Apple Podcasts Connect starts at Free and RedCircle at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apple Podcasts Connect or RedCircle?
Apple Podcasts Connect starts at Free and RedCircle at Free.
Does Apple Podcasts Connect or RedCircle run on more platforms?
Apple Podcasts Connect runs on Web, Ios, Macos. RedCircle runs on Web, Ios, Android.
Can I use Apple Podcasts Connect for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Apple Podcasts Connect best used for?
Apple Podcasts Connect is most often used for submitting a new podcast to apple podcasts, claiming an existing show so it is registered to your account, reviewing apple podcasts listener trends and analytics, managing show artwork and metadata. Of those, submitting a new podcast to apple podcasts and claiming an existing show so it is registered to your account are not what RedCircle is typically brought in for.
What can Apple Podcasts Connect do that RedCircle cannot?
Apple Podcasts Connect covers Podcast submission, Episode management, Subscription monetization, Show optimization. RedCircle covers Unlimited hosting, Distribution, Sponsorship marketplace, Podcast website. Both handle Analytics, Privacy controls, Web support, Ios support.
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Related pages

More on Apple Podcasts Connect

More on RedCircle

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