In the world of podcast hosting platforms, so many changes and new companies are emerging daily, which might be pretty confusing. After spending time on creating a podcast using efficient equipment and investing time, talent, and money, your next step is to figure out the best way to reach your targeted audience.
Not only that, you store all your video and audio material for online download and distribution on a hosting platform. . A podcast hosting platform is similar to when you create your blog or website.
You use a web host for your website, while for a podcast, you need a media host. Before choosing a hosting platform, you need to focus on many elements and fundamental factors, such as the efficiency of the company’s distribution and bandwidth.
This article will guide you through the necessary features to choose the right hosting platform for your new podcast.
What Is A Hosting Platform?
In order to decide which is the right hosting platform for your podcast, you have to be aware of its functions, features, and capabilities. Hosting platforms are designed to store humongous media files that can be downloaded and distributed online. This process requires using servers that are created for this specific purpose. Some people might ask if it is possible to host media files on their website.
Well, we have to acknowledge that it’s possible. But, in fact, websites’ storage and bandwidth are not designed to host huge numbers of listeners all at once. It might result in a malfunction of the website, which is why hosting platforms serve two important purposes at the same time; storing and streaming your media files altogether.
Another significance which hosting platforms hold is to reach as many audiences as possible. It is useless to host your media product on a low-traffic website; it simply won’t be seen.
The Difference Between Podcast Hosting and Distribution
Once you manage to store your media files on a podcast hosting platform, the next step is to ensure it reaches the audience. This is when distribution plays its consequential role.
Distribution will allow your listeners and viewers to find your content by providing an RSS feed link.; Whenever there’s new media content uploaded on your hosting platform, your viewers will instantly receive an RSS feed to subscribe to your videos.
Whether your content is a professional and a well-polished one with a lot of technology involved in its production or a simple recording, you need a hosting platform for subscription and streaming of your product.
Features Considered In A Podcast Hosting Platform
At the beginning of the internet era, RSS feeds were used by bloggers, so readers could access their new publishing. Through years of improvement, hosting platforms have become more innovative, including some great features. This makes them easier to use and self-customized more than before.
While considering a podcast hosting platform, you have to think about the growth and expansion of your content. Specialists behind wiredclip.com/buzzsprout-review recommend that you choose a platform that consistently adds new and developed features. You have to be aware of the extra features such as monetization options, push to iTunes or Spotify, customizable players, analytics, podcast metadata, upfront costs and billings, download options, and creative marketing options.
You must understand that you are the product when you create podcast material. Grabbing a good offer or a free one is very smart, but, look closely at the features you’re looking for with digital content.
Importance of Storage and Bandwidth Limits
A great deal of your podcast quality and efficiency is controlled by storage and bandwidth limits a platform offers. When choosing the right hosting platform, this feature should be at the top of the list. This is because storage and bandwidth limits directly impact the number of episodes released and the access of the audience to your content.
The storage of a platform also affects the number and competence of downloads at a specific time, including future episodes, while being capable of keeping your old content simultaneously. Substandard bandwidth can poorly influence the viewers’ experience, and it is highly recommended that you don’t skimp on payment when it comes to bandwidth and storage.
Getting the best podcast hosting platform for your media product is the key to successful and reachable content. Hosting platforms are widely evolving, and making the right choice can be quite overwhelming.
However, there are features and options which are non-negotiable that you have to consider while searching for the best platform. These essentials are storage, bandwidth, and functionality.
There are so many hosting sites to choose from. Make sure you select a site that is easy to use and offers excellent support in managing your media files and podcasts. You don’t want to get stuck with a platform you cannot use. Be clever.
Take advantage of a company that offers free trials to get to know the platform and its technology. This will prevent you from being tied up in a subscription you cannot use. Furthermore, to prevent major technical issues, look for a platform that provides the technical support you need. This will come in handy if you are not a tech guru.
