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Podcasting · head to head

Simplecast vs Spotify for Podcasters

Simplecast logo

Simplecast

Podcasting

Hosting for professional podcast networks

From
$15/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Spotify for Podcasters logo

Spotify for Podcasters

Podcasting

Free tools to grow your podcast on Spotify

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Spotify for Podcasters has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Simplecast basic plan at $15 per month includes only 20,000 monthly downloads and 2 team seats; 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: Simplecast covers Unlimited hosting, Spotify for Podcasters covers Detailed analytics.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Simplecast and Spotify for Podcasters differ
AttributeSimplecastSpotify for Podcasters
Starting price$15/monthFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionfree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWebWeb, Ios, Android
Founded20142006

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Podcasting).

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 Simplecast

  • Unlimited hosting
  • Analytics
  • Dynamic ad insertion
  • Distribution
  • Team collaboration
  • API access
  • All podcast platforms
  • Advertising networks

Only in Spotify for Podcasters

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

Both cover

  • Web support

What people use each for

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

Simplecast

  • Hosting podcasts with per-episode analytics and audience metricsnot Spotify for Podcasters
  • Distributing shows to Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other directoriesnot Spotify for Podcasters
  • Monetising podcasts through dynamic ad insertion at the Professional tiernot Spotify for Podcasters

Spotify for Podcasters

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

Where each one falls short

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

Simplecast

  • Basic plan at $15 per month includes only 20,000 monthly downloads and 2 team seats
  • Essential plan at $35 per month includes 50,000 monthly downloads and 4 team seats
  • Dynamic ad insertion and campaign management are only on the Professional plan, which is quoted by sales with no published rate
  • API access for publishing and campaign management is Enterprise only
  • Annual prepayment is required to get the 10 percent discount

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

Simplecast

$15/month
  • Basic$15/month
    • Annual option: $13.50/month when prepaid
    • 2 team seats
    • Unlimited storage
  • Essential$35/month
    • Annual option: $31.50/month when prepaid
    • 4 team seats
    • Everything in Basic plus additional web players
  • Professional$null/custom
    • Contact sales for custom pricing
    • Dynamic ad insertion
    • Campaign management
  • Enterprise$null/custom
    • Contact sales for custom features
    • Everything in Professional plus API integration
    • White-labeled RSS

Spotify for Podcasters

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

Which should you pick?

Choose Simplecast if

  • You need unlimited hosting.
  • You also want analytics.
Simplecast review

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.
Spotify for Podcasters review

Questions people ask

Is Simplecast or Spotify for Podcasters better?
Neither clearly leads. Simplecast starts at $15/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, Simplecast or Spotify for Podcasters?
Spotify for Podcasters has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $15/month for Simplecast and Free for Spotify for Podcasters.
Does Simplecast or Spotify for Podcasters run on more platforms?
Simplecast runs on Web. Spotify for Podcasters runs on Web, Ios, Android.
Can I use Spotify for Podcasters for free?
Yes. Spotify for Podcasters has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Simplecast starts at $15/month.
What is Simplecast best used for?
Simplecast is most often used for hosting podcasts with per-episode analytics and audience metrics, distributing shows to apple podcasts, spotify and other directories, monetising podcasts through dynamic ad insertion at the professional tier. Of those, hosting podcasts with per-episode analytics and audience metrics and distributing shows to apple podcasts, spotify and other directories are not what Spotify for Podcasters is typically brought in for.
What can Simplecast do that Spotify for Podcasters cannot?
Simplecast covers Unlimited hosting, Analytics, Dynamic ad insertion, Distribution. Spotify for Podcasters covers Detailed analytics, Audience demographics, Episode performance, Interactive features. Both handle Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Simplecast: How much does Simplecast cost?

Simplecast offers a 14-day free trial (no credit card required) followed by paid plans starting at $15/month for Basic ($13.50/month annual) and $35/month for Essential ($31.50/month annual). Professional and Enterprise plans require contacting sales for custom pricing.

Source
Spotify for Podcasters: Does Spotify for Podcasters charge to use the platform?

The website does not disclose any costs for using Spotify for Podcasters. The platform is free to distribute podcasts, with monetization tools available separately.

Source
Simplecast: Can I change my Simplecast plan anytime?

Yes. Plan changes are allowed anytime with prorated adjustments. You can cancel anytime with no long-term contracts or penalties.

Source
Spotify for Podcasters: What monetization options does Spotify for Podcasters offer?

Creators can choose from a range of monetization tools designed to help them earn, but the website does not specify which tools are free, paid, or subject to revenue sharing.

Source
Simplecast: What is included in the Basic plan?

The Basic plan ($15/month or $13.50/month annually) includes 2 team seats, unlimited storage, distribution to all platforms, basic analytics, custom domain website, and 20,000 downloads per month.

Source
Spotify for Podcasters: Is there a free tier on Spotify for Podcasters?

Spotify for Podcasters appears to be free to use. No subscription tiers, trial periods, or cost barriers are mentioned on the platform page.

Source
Simplecast: What makes the Essential plan different from Basic?

The Essential plan ($35/month or $31.50/month annually) adds 2 more team seats (4 total), comparative analytics, location analytics, unique listener reports, and increases the monthly download allowance to 50,000.

Source
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