Why choose Buzzsprout? Reviews, Test, Benefits (2023)
Why choose Buzzsprout? Reviews, Test, Benefits (2023)
The best way to host, promote and follow a podcast. Start a podcast today at Buzzsprout.com.
Advantages and disadvantages
BENEFITS
- It is suitable for both beginners and professionals.
- Simple and easily navigable Dashboard.
- Advanced promotional functions.
- Free plan to start without constraints.
DISADVANTAGES
- No plan offers unlimited audio.
- Limited website customization options.
Podcasting is one of the biggest audience attractors today. And with over 55% of Americans listening to it, it’s stronger than ever, with multiple podcast hosting platforms to consider.
However, to get started with podcasting, you need a suitable podcast hosting platform that covers the technical and marketing aspects.
So you’re free to do what you do best: create amazing content!
This is precisely where Buzzsprout comes in.
Buzzsprout Detailed Review
Considered one of the leading podcast-hosting platforms, Buzzsprout has cemented its place in the podcasting ecosystem.
But is it the best platform for podcasting this year?
That’s what I’m going to explore in today’s Buzzsprout review.
If you’re considering switching to a new hosting platform or just starting to consider getting into podcasting, this is the article you need to read.
What is Buzzsprout?
As I already mentioned above, the audience for podcasts is huge. And to take advantage of it, you need to sign up with a suitable podcast hosting service, like Buzzsprout.
It is an online service that you can use to host and store your podcast episodes.
Besides hosting episodes, podcasters can use Buzzsprout’s advanced audience analytics to improve their marketing and monetization efforts.
And you get all this and more in an affordable monthly or annual payment model.
Buzzsprout started its activities around 2009; since then, it has continued growing.
Over time, I’ve found that the platform has become more intuitive, with increased ease of use and comprehensive functionality for all podcasting needs.
Today, Buzzsprout isn’t just another podcast hosting platform.
Rather, it has become one of the leaders in this field, with secure hosting, good RSS feed management, and smooth integration with social media.
Buzzsprout has over 100,000 users, and its growth is still strong!
I am not exaggerating in saying that Buzzsprout is a one-stop solution for all podcasting needs.
Who is Buzzsprout for?
Buzzsprout is meant to serve all levels of podcasters, but if you ask me, it will be even more appealing to beginners.
The platform’s user interface is quite simple and has no unnecessary bells and whistles to distract you.
Newcomers to the podcasting scene need clarification on jargon such as managing RSS feeds, ID3 tags, and multiple file formats.
However, with Buzzsprout, any new podcaster can handle all of these aspects without a hitch.
Even if you are an experienced podcaster, you might have to worry about marketing.
Luckily, Buzzsprout helps you take care of the marketing and saves you from worrying about the details of setting up podcasts.
This way, you can devote yourself to content that people will consult!
How to start using Buzzsprout
The area new podcasters need the most help with is preparing for their first episode.
And for power users, the biggest headache is migrating from one podcast hosting platform to another.
Buzzsprout takes care of both aspects wonderfully and makes the process seamless.
- Setting up a new show
If you’re new to this industry and want to start a podcast, start with the Buzzsprout free plan.
Remember that this plan is unsuitable for live shows, as episodes are automatically deleted after three months.
However, it is ideal for starting work.
Just click the register button and complete the steps by providing the necessary details.
If you feel overwhelmed by events, Buzzsprout provides a step-by-step guide to help you complete your task.
You’ll start by filling in the usual Apple Podcast details, such as title and episode type (episodic or serial).
Once you have successfully recorded your first podcast episode, upload the file in the section called “Upload a new episode.”
After successfully uploading and setting up your episode details, you’ll need to fill in additional metadata like a description, air date, and even episode number if you’re uploading an episodic recording.
Descriptions play a major role in engaging your audience, so make them exciting.
Once the download is done, you will need to register on several directories where you can opt for syndication.
To do this, go to the “Directories” tab to access all the available options.
You can choose from options like Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify in the Directories tab.
Then, check your podcast details (which are pre-populated by the system), click submit, and that’s it!
If you don’t want to post the episode immediately, leave it as a draft or schedule it to go live anytime soon.
Buzzsprout also offers automatic file editing, but I’ll cover that in another section.
- Migrate to Buzzsprout
Then, using Buzzsprout to launch a new podcast is quite simple.
I will now walk you through the steps to migrate an existing podcast to Buzzsprout.
First, log in to your Buzzsprout account. Next, you will be asked if you are a new podcaster or if you already have a podcast.
Select the second option, and you’ll be prompted to type in and search for your podcast (by default, the platform searches iTunes).
If your podcast isn’t on iTunes, you can grab your RSS feed, and the platform automatically imports all your existing episodes.
You will only be able to download two episodes before you have to upgrade to a paid plan if you use the free account.
Besides uploading your episodes, Buzzsprout also uploads all the artwork and metadata related to your podcast, so you don’t have to bother filling in the details again.
The last step you must take care of is redirecting the RSS feed, the most important step when transferring a podcast.
But here, too, Buzzsprout simplifies the process.
You only need to copy the new Buzzsprout RSS feed and paste it in place of your current hosting service’s information. Buzzsprout lets you skip popular services like PodBean, Libsyn, and Blubrry.
And that’s all there is to it!
However, a caveat is in order: updating RSS feeds can take two weeks and a month.
Therefore, you should continue using your old hosting service and keep it active for about a month after the migration.
Buzzsprout Auto-Edit File
Automatic file editing is another aspect of Buzzsprout that has received praise and criticism.
This section will explain how this process works and why it can be useful.
Uploading an audio file to the Buzzsprout platform immediately converts it to mono MP3 format.
Additionally, you will be assigned a lower bitrate of 96kbps.
There is a positive and negative side to this; I will explain both to you.
For advanced and experienced podcasters in sound editing, any modification of the file they have mastered is nothing but blasphemy.
Since professional podcasters usually master their audio on the exact settings that suit their shows, this is understandable.
Luckily, the platform lets you download stereo files at up to 192 kbps once upgraded.
As this suffices for complex podcast episodes with lots of musical accompaniment, professionals need not worry.
The problem is that many podcasters need to be more professionals and have no idea about sound design and editing.
The self-editing process is ideal for them, as it rids you of all audio fluency issues.
Moreover, the platform even adds your ID3 tags, allowing you to download the source recording without any editing or enhancement.
So, seen in this light, self-editing is a godsend for podcasting beginners.
Buzzsprout Essential Features
While it’s true that Buzzsprout makes hosting podcasts a breeze, several other features make it one of the best podcast-hosting platforms. This section introduces some essential features of Buzzsprout that you should know before purchasing its paid plan.
- Free website included
More than a simple podcast hosting service is needed to make a name for yourself in the world of podcasting.
You also need to have a website where visitors can sample your content. The creators of Buzzsprout took care of this point, as they always have.
As of 2019, Buzzsprout offers a free website to showcase all your podcast episodes.
You increase your podcasting credibility by sending your listeners to this dedicated website.
You can also use it to redirect users to the directories they use most frequently, such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
However, remember that this free website is just a basic landing page to start working.
If you want your podcast website to have high-quality customization and functionality, you must opt for specialized website builders such as WordPress, Wix, or Weebly.
If you’ve created a blog on WordPress, Buzzsprout also offers a dedicated plugin that you can use to embed podcast episodes into it.
The plugin also lets you create specific posts to promote your podcast episodes.
- Self-transcription
More than just downloading podcast episodes and waiting for the audience to pour in, you must ensure your podcasts are found in search engines.
One of the best ways to do this is to transcribe all of your episodes, which increases the chances of being discovered by search engines.
Buzzsprout also supports this aspect by offering automatic transcription services.
If you want to transcribe your episodes, the platform sends your files to Temi, an automatic transcription system.
Once the process is complete, you will receive an email containing the full text of the transcript.
The transcript is editable, and Buzzsprout displays it below your episode description on the website.
Remember that Temi is billed at $0.25/minute, so you can also manually transcribe your episodes if you want to save a few bucks.
You can also read my complete guide to transcription software for more text-to-speech options.
- Monetization facilities
Whether you got into podcasting professionally or just as a hobby, there’s no harm in earning a little money doing it.
To help you do this, Buzzsprout offers an affiliate marketplace that allows you to connect with suitable affiliate programs.
To sign up for the affiliate program, go to the “Resources” section of the Dashboard, and find the affiliate marketplace option.
Once registered, you can collaborate with brands such as Instacart, Allswell, etc.
Once you’ve obtained the required permissions, Buzzsprout will add the affiliate link directly to the episode notes.
So no matter what platform listeners use to access your podcast, the link will always be active, ready to earn you money.
- Dashboard Based Statistics
Let’s talk about the Buzzsprout dashboard, well-known among users for its clean, functional, and simple interface.
The Dashboard is the platform’s central location from which you can access information on essential metrics such as download volume, viewing stats, and even geographic audience segmentations.
I also want to mention the table layout, which is user-friendly and easy to understand.
Most recent episodes order the stats, then the most popular episodes.
With Buzzsprout’s stats, you’ll get a comprehensive overview of your recent episodes’ performance.
Simultaneously, the platform’s algorithm calculates the listeners for each episode for the first 90 days.
By using the geographical segmentation of listeners option, you can understand where most of your listeners are coming from.
Statistics are also available at the very granular level of individual episodes, giving you a deeper insight into your performance.
- Customer support
When using a podcast hosting platform, customer support is one of the first things you think about.
With Buzzsprout, you can be sure you’ll get the right support when needed.
Their customer service is incredibly responsive, and you can also access the dedicated Facebook group for advice on promotion and related matters.
Buzzsprout Marketing Tools
Along with the above features, Buzzsprout has plenty of marketing and promotion tools that let you publicize your episodes.
These functions are useful if you download an episode for the first time and need help promoting it.
- Visual extracts
Visual Soundbites are one of the features of Buzzsprout that is useful.
Using this feature, you can select a short audio snippet from your podcast episode and create a short video from that snippet.
The video acts as a trailer, drawing audiences to your podcast and enticing them to listen to the many hours of audio.
These video trailers work well on social media and are ideal for quick and easy promotions.
And it’s easy to set up: select the start and end points of the sound clip, customize the artwork, and you’re done!
Videos are known to get higher click-through rates, and this feature lets you take advantage of that.
- Chapter markers
Chapter markers are one of the standard features of podcasts these days.
These markers allow you to break up longer episodes into “chapters” or segments devoted to specific topics.
Chapter markers are a great way to engage audiences because they give listeners more control over when they want to listen to a particular segment of an episode.
Chapter markers can be added while editing, but Buzzsprout lets you do this from the hosting platform.
- Characteristics of the cast
Buzzsprout facilitates social sharing, as the platform offers sharing tools on all popular social media sites.
You also can generate and copy email links for use in promotional campaigns.
With Buzzsprout, you can create user accounts for multiple team members.
Multiple user accounts are very useful if more than one person works on episodes, such as a co-host or sound editor.
Next, let’s move on to the distribution section of Buzzsprout, which is listed as the Directories option.
This section features all of the popular podcast directories you can tap into and full instructions on signing up for each directory.
Remember that although the instructions are quite detailed, you must fill in the forms manually.
And while some platforms may perform automatic submissions, you may want to control the process for better distribution.
Customer Support – Buzzsprout
Buzzsprout customer service is very responsive and helpful.
If you have any questions or need help, email the support team at support@buzzsprout.com and get a response within minutes.
As you can see below, in the past 30 days, they answered around 6,000 emails and helped around 2,500 customers with an average wait time of just 13 minutes.
Also, you have tons of free podcasting guides and a highly-ranked help section that answers all your questions.
Besides that, they also have a YouTube channel with over 80,000 subscribers, where you will find step-by-step video tutorials.
And an extensive community on Facebook where you can connect with the Buzzsprout team and like-minded podcasters to grow together.
However, there is also a free course that provides a step-by-step guide to launching your podcast.
All in all, they have everything you need to create a successful podcast and you will be really happy if you choose Buzzsprout for podcasting.
Buzzsprout Pricing
Finally, I got to the part of the review that is most important for most people: the pricing plans.
Again, Buzzsprout keeps it simple: instead of working based on the size of the files you download, you’re billed based on hours of content downloaded.
Here are the different price levels offered by Buzzsprout.
- Free plan
This tier is free, but you will be limited to two hours of audio uploads per month.
Also, episodes are only hosted for 90 days, after which they are automatically deleted.
However, you can access advanced user statistics and add an unlimited number of members to your team.
And although the free website that comes with this plan does contain advertisements, you can always upgrade and have them removed.
All in all, this is one of the best plans to get started with a free podcast.
- $12/month plan
In this formula, you benefit from 3 hours of audio download per month. If you release episodes every week, you can host 45-minute episodes every week.
That should be more than enough for most people looking to get started.
When you opt for this formula, you benefit from all the advantages of the free plan, as well as the advantage of unlimited hosting.
Also, if you exceed the content limit, you can choose to download more content at the rate of $4/hour.
- $18/month plan
Upgrading to this option gives you 6 hours of download capacity per month, plus all the previous tier’s benefits.
At the same time, you can download additional content at a discounted rate of just $3/hour.
- $24/month plan
The final tier of Buzzsprout’s subscription model. Here you get 12 hours of audio downloads every month.
This plan is ideal for daily messages and professional audio programs.
And if you need more bandwidth, you can get it for just $2/hour.
Here is an overview of prices and features:
Final Notice – BuzzSprout
I can confidently say that Buzzsprout is one of the best podcast-hosting platforms.
It makes it easy for beginners to get started and offers a host of advanced tools for professional users.
Also, the platform gives you the privilege to monetize your show.
It even offers an affiliate program through which you can earn Amazon gift cards by referring others to the platform.
The only downside is that Buzzsprout offers limited storage options, and the site’s customization options are limited.
However, this should be fine if you already have a website on another platform, such as WordPress.
Before we go, an interesting tidbit: Currently, smartphone users on platforms like Android make up nearly 65% of podcast listeners in the United States.
With such an audience, any podcast host shouldn’t hesitate to jump on the Buzzsprout bandwagon.
FAQ – Buzzsprout
Here are some frequently asked questions on the Buzzsprout podcast hosting site that can help you decide easily.
What is Buzzsprout?
Buzzsprout is a powerful platform to host, analyze and distribute your podcast.
Is Buzzsprout completely free?
Buzzsprout offers a free plan to stream up to two hours of audio per month, but all of your episodes are only hosted for 90 days. You can upgrade to a paid plan to have your episodes hosted indefinitely.
How do I start the Buzzsprout free trial?
Create your account, add your podcast details, and start using Buzzsprout’s services free for 90 days.
What about Buzzsprout pricing?
Besides Buzzsprout’s free plan, you can opt for these three simple pricing plans:
- Download 3 hours per month for $12/month + more content ($4 per hour) and Magic Mastering for $6/month
- Download 6 hours per month for $18/month + more content ($3 per hour) and Magic Mastering for $9/month
- Download 12 hours per month for $24/month + more content ($2 per hour) and Magic Mastering for $12/month.
How do I make a payment at Buzzsprout?
You can use your credit card to upgrade from Buzzsprout’s free to premium plans.
What are the benefits of Buzzsprout Podcast Hosting?
Here are some of the key benefits of Buzzsprout that make it worth considering.
- Both free and paid services are available
- User-friendly interface
- Import your existing podcast for free
- Automatic episode optimization
- Magical mastering and dynamic content
- A customizable website with a custom domain
- Advanced Statistics and the Podcast Predictor
- Buzzsprout Ads, Sponsors, Affiliates, and Support Show Link to monetize your podcast
- Buzzsprout API
Is Buzzsprout safe?
They have built-in systems to keep your data safe and do daily backups.
However, these systems do not allow you to recover individual episodes you or another team member deleted. They recommend storing a local copy of all your podcast assets for extra peace of mind.
Where does Buzzsprout list my content?
Buzzsprout offers easy podcast submission to all major podcast directories, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, Alexa, and more, to reach millions of potential listeners.
How do I download podcasts from Buzzsprout?
You can download all your favorite episodes locally from podcast apps or go to the relevant podcast website (if there is one).
What is the Buzzsprout Episode Transcript?
This add-on service allows you to transcribe your podcast, charged at $0.25/minute extra. You can use this feature to make your podcast available on Google and accessible to people with hearing loss.
What about the Buzzsprout Money Back Guarantee?
Buzzsprout’s services are strictly billed monthly, so no refunds are given except in certain situations.
That said, you can cancel your account or upgrade to the free plan anytime, and you won’t be charged for the next month. Also, if you want to upgrade to a higher plan, you must pay the price difference between the two plans.
Buzzsprout vs. Podbean, which one to choose?
Podbean and Buzzsprout are powerful podcast-hosting platforms with much to offer. You can choose any of them according to your needs. Either way, your podcast’s future is assured.
How does Buzzsprout work?
Buzzsprout is a web application that allows you to easily upload your audio files, edit them, create playlists, and publish your podcast. You can also use our podcast hosting platform to host your episodes for free! To learn more about how it works, click here.
What are the feature differences between Buzzsprout Free and Pro?
Buzzsprout Free offers everything you need to get started with podcasting, including publishing and hosting episodes. In addition to publishing and hosting, Pro subscribers get access to advanced stat tracking, custom domain support, unlimited storage, and more! Check out all the features here!
How much does BuzzSprout cost?
Buzzsprout Free is completely free for unlimited personal use! For those looking to monetize their show or stream live events like conferences or workshops, we offer a paid plan with many extra features for just $12/month.
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Why choose Buzzsprout? Reviews, Test, Benefits (2023)
