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Libsyn vs Spotify for Podcasters

Libsyn logo

Libsyn

Software

The original podcast hosting platform since 2004

From
$5/month
Rated
-
Spotify for Podcasters logo

Spotify for Podcasters

Software

Free tools to grow your podcast on Spotify

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Only Spotify for Podcasters has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Libsyn basic plan at $12 per month allows only 3 hours of audio upload per month; Spotify for Podcasters spotify for Podcasters has been renamed Spotify for Creators; the vendor's own meta description confirms it remains a free audio and video podcasting platform, with no paid tier named anywhere on the /pricing path itself.
  • They diverge on capability: Libsyn covers Reliable hosting, Spotify for Podcasters covers Detailed analytics.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Libsyn and Spotify for Podcasters actually diverge.

Attributes where Libsyn and Spotify for Podcasters differ
AttributeLibsynSpotify for Podcasters
Starting price$5/monthFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionfree
Free tierNoYes
Founded20042006

Identical on both: platforms (Web, Ios, Android), 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 Libsyn

  • Reliable hosting
  • Advanced analytics
  • Monetization platform
  • Distribution network
  • Custom website
  • Ad insertion
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Amazon Music

Only in Spotify for Podcasters

  • Detailed analytics
  • Audience demographics
  • Episode performance
  • Interactive features
  • Video podcasts
  • Music integration
  • Anchor
  • Megaphone

Both cover

  • Spotify
  • Web support
  • Ios support
  • Android support

What people use each for

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

Libsyn

  • Hosting podcast audio and distributing it to Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTubenot Spotify for Podcasters
  • Measuring audience with IAB certified download statisticsnot Spotify for Podcasters
  • Monetising shows through advertising on enterprise plansnot Spotify for Podcasters

Spotify for Podcasters

  • Podcast analyticsnot Libsyn
  • Audience growthnot Libsyn
  • Content optimizationnot Libsyn
  • Listener engagementnot Libsyn

Where each one falls short

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

Libsyn

  • Basic plan at $12 per month allows only 3 hours of audio upload per month
  • Advanced IAB verified stats require the $25 per month Advanced plan; Basic gets basic stats only
  • Spotify video distribution requires the Advanced or Max plan
  • Dynamic ad insertion sits on Professional and Enterprise plans that are quoted by sales with no published rate
  • The top published tier, Max at $150 per month, still caps audio uploads at 55 hours per month

Spotify for Podcasters

  • Spotify for Podcasters has been renamed Spotify for Creators; the vendor's own meta description confirms it remains a free audio and video podcasting platform, with no paid tier named anywhere on the /pricing path itself.

Pricing, plan by plan

Libsyn

$5/month
  • Classic 50$5/month
    • 50 MB monthly storage
    • Basic statistics
    • Podcast page
  • Classic 150$15/month
    • 150 MB monthly storage
    • Advanced statistics
    • Custom website
  • Advanced 400$20/month
    • 400 MB monthly storage
    • Premium analytics
    • Multiple shows
  • Advanced 800$40/month
    • 800 MB monthly storage
    • Full analytics suite
    • Priority support

Spotify for Podcasters

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Podcast analytics
    • Audience insights
    • Episode management

Which should you pick?

Choose Libsyn if

  • You need reliable hosting.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want advanced analytics.

Choose Spotify for Podcasters if

  • You need detailed analytics.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want audience demographics.

Questions people ask

Is Libsyn or Spotify for Podcasters better?
Neither clearly leads. Libsyn starts at $5/month and Spotify for Podcasters at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Libsyn or Spotify for Podcasters?
Spotify for Podcasters has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $5/month for Libsyn and Free for Spotify for Podcasters.
Does Libsyn or Spotify for Podcasters run on more platforms?
Both run on Web, Ios, Android, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use Spotify for Podcasters for free?
Yes. Spotify for Podcasters has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Libsyn starts at $5/month.
What is Libsyn best used for?
Libsyn is most often used for hosting podcast audio and distributing it to apple podcasts, spotify and youtube, measuring audience with iab certified download statistics, monetising shows through advertising on enterprise plans. Of those, hosting podcast audio and distributing it to apple podcasts, spotify and youtube and measuring audience with iab certified download statistics are not what Spotify for Podcasters is typically brought in for.
What can Libsyn do that Spotify for Podcasters cannot?
Libsyn covers Reliable hosting, Advanced analytics, Monetization platform, Distribution network. Spotify for Podcasters covers Detailed analytics, Audience demographics, Episode performance, Interactive features. Both handle Spotify, Web support, Ios support, Android support.

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