Best Free Podcast Hosting Platforms in 2025: Features & Pros

Starting a podcast is easier than ever, but choosing the right podcast hosting platform is crucial. A good hosting service allows you to store episodes, distribute them to major platforms, and track performance—all without hidden fees.

While many platforms offer free podcast hosting, only a few provide the right balance of features, flexibility, and distribution tools. Whether you want AI-powered episode generation, seamless Apple and Spotify integration, or robust analytics, this guide compares the top six free podcast hosting platforms in 2025.

1. Jellypod

Website: Jellypod
Best For: Podcasters who want AI-powered episode generation with free hosting.

Features

AI Podcast Creation: Generate entire episodes from text, scripts, or outlines.
Voice Cloning & AI Cohosts: Use your own voice or create AI cohosts to enhance engagement.
Unlimited Free Hosting: No storage or bandwidth limits for AI-generated podcasts.
Seamless Distribution: One-click publishing to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and more.
Episode Automation: Auto-generate new episodes when traveling, or if a guest cancels.

Why It Stands Out

Jellypod is more than just a hosting platform. It’s an AI-powered production studio that helps podcasters create and host their episodes. If you’re short on time, traveling, or a guest cancels last minute, Jellypod can generate an episode for you, keeping your publishing schedule consistent.

Pros

Combines podcast hosting with AI-powered scriptwriting and voice generation.
Eliminates recording and editing workload.
Free, unlimited storage for AI-generated episodes.
One-click distribution to all major platforms.

Cons

Not designed for manual recording or live shows.

2. Apple Podcasts

Website: Apple Podcasts
Best For: Creators who want a built-in audience on Apple’s ecosystem.

Features

Free podcast hosting through Apple Podcasts Connect.
Advanced listener analytics and insights.
Monetization tools including paid subscriptions and premium content.
Seamless integration with iPhones, iPads, and Apple devices.

Why It Stands Out

Apple Podcasts is one of the largest podcast directories in the world. Hosting your podcast here means direct access to Apple’s massive listener base, making it a top choice for audience growth.

Pros

Direct access to Apple’s ecosystem.
Monetization options through subscriptions and exclusive content.
Detailed analytics on listener behavior.

Cons

Limited customization compared to dedicated hosting platforms.
Monetization features require audience size to be effective.

3. Spotify for Podcasters

Website: Spotify for Podcasters
Best For: Creators looking for free podcast hosting with easy distribution to Spotify.

Features

Unlimited free hosting with no storage restrictions.
One-click distribution to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.
Built-in monetization tools including ads and paid subscriptions.
Video podcast support for Spotify-exclusive video episodes.

Why It Stands Out

With Spotify’s dominance in podcast streaming, hosting directly on Spotify for Podcasters ensures maximum reach and easy monetization through their ad network.

Pros

Free hosting with no storage or bandwidth limits.
Massive built-in audience through Spotify.
Supports both audio and video podcasts.

Cons

Limited advanced editing and branding options.
Monetization tools favor larger shows.

4. Simplecast

Website: Simplecast
Best For: Independent podcasters who want powerful analytics and customization.

Features

One-click distribution to Apple, Spotify, Google, and more.
Basic free hosting with access to advanced analytics.
Embeddable podcast player for websites and social sharing.
Listener analytics dashboard with audience insights.

Why It Stands Out

Simplecast provides one of the most user-friendly dashboards with in-depth listener analytics, making it ideal for creators who want data-driven growth strategies.

Pros

Clean, easy-to-use interface.
Great analytics for audience insights.
Customizable embeddable player.

Cons

Free plan has limited storage.
Advanced features require a paid upgrade.

5. Podbean

Website: Podbean
Best For: Podcasters who want live streaming and audience engagement.

Features

Free hosting with 5 hours of storage.
Live podcasting feature for real-time audience interaction.
Auto-distribution to Apple, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
Basic analytics and listener insights.

Why It Stands Out

Podbean is one of the few free podcast hosts that supports live podcasting, making it ideal for interactive shows that rely on audience engagement.

Pros

Supports live streaming and audience interaction.
Easy-to-use dashboard with analytics.
Good for small podcasters testing the waters.

Cons

Free plan only includes 5 hours of total uploads.
Advanced monetization and customization require paid plans.

6. Buzzsprout

Website: Buzzsprout
Best For: Beginner podcasters looking for an easy start.

Features

Free plan with 2 hours of uploads per month.
One-click distribution to all major platforms.
Episode transcription tools for accessibility.
Easy-to-use dashboard with basic analytics.

Why It Stands Out

Buzzsprout is beginner-friendly, with step-by-step guides and an intuitive dashboard to help new podcasters launch their shows quickly.

Pros

Simple setup and intuitive interface.
Great for new podcasters.
Easy distribution to major platforms.

Cons

Free plan limits you to 2 hours per month.
Episodes are deleted after 90 days on the free plan.

Final Thoughts

Each free podcast hosting platform has its strengths:

Jellypod is best for AI-generated podcasting, letting you create episodes even when you can’t record.
Apple Podcasts offers seamless iOS integration and premium monetization options.
Spotify for Podcasters provides unlimited free hosting with built-in Spotify distribution.
Simplecast is ideal for data-driven podcasters who want advanced analytics.
Podbean is the best choice for live podcasting and audience engagement.
Buzzsprout is perfect for beginners who want an easy start.

For podcasters looking to combine AI-powered episode generation with free hosting, Jellypod is the most complete solution.

Ready to start your podcast? Explore these free hosting options and get your show live today.