Looking for a podcast hosting platform? You may want to consider a podcast service like Blubrry. This lightweight tool offers everything you need to publish, monitor, and optimize your podcast.
You can use this guide to make an informed decision about whether or not Blubrry is right for you. We cover the pros, cons, and features so you can see what you get for the price. Then, we outline a few competitors in case Blubrry doesn’t offer what you’re looking for.
Let’s dive in.
- Introduction to Podcast Hosting with Blubrry
- Key Features of Blubrry
- What People Are Saying About Blubrry
- Blubrry Pricing Plans and Options
- Alternatives to Blubrry for Podcast Hosting
- The Bottom Line on Blubrry for Podcast Hosting
Introduction to Podcast Hosting with Blubrry
What can you get from Blubrry podcast hosting?
Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect:
| Best for | Features | Mobile app | Monetization tools | Monthly contracts | Free trial available | Price |
| Podcast analytics | PowerPress Plugin, Vid2Pod, monetization tools, Podcast AI Assistant (PAI), podcast media kit, and more | ✔️ (iOS and Android ; private podcasting only) | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ (30 days) | Starting at $12 USD per month |
Not sure how Blubrry stacks up to the competition?
You can check out our podcast hosting checklist to ensure it offers what you need.
Pros of Blubrry for Podcast Hosting
- Every Blubrry plan comes with unlimited downloads and listens, so you don’t need to upgrade your plan until you’re ready for more features.
- With a 30-day trial of Blubrry tools, it’s easy to try before you buy. You don’t have to worry about annual contracts, so you can cancel your plan whenever you need.
- Blubrry’s podcast analytics can help you generate insights about the people and devices tuning into your show. You can also upgrade your plan to receive advanced podcast analytics, create audience surveys, and more.
Cons of Blubrry for Podcast Hosting
- Blubrry’s pricing plans are extremely confusing. Several add-ons aren’t clearly indicated on the pricing page, and many tools (such as Full Advertising Insertion) cost extra monthly fees. Some users say the pricing page doesn’t even load correctly, so you may need to refresh several times to get the full picture.
- Some of Blubrry’s best features are locked behind expensive add-ons. For example, you can’t unlock advanced captions and transcription without paying an extra $10 USD per month. If you want advanced analytics and additional monetization features, be prepared to spend another $10 USD per month.
- You can download a mobile app for Blubrry, but keep in mind it’s for private podcasting only. Not only does this cost $100 USD per month, but you won’t be able to reach public listeners via your phone.
Key Features of Blubrry
You can use Blubrry to host, analyze, grow, and monetize your podcast.
Here are a few of its most unique features for podcasters:
PowerPress Plugin
In addition to a free WordPress website for your podcast, Blubrry offers a PowerPress plugin so you can optimize your podcast on-site. This is the #1 podcast publishing plugin on WordPress as of the time of writing (according to user reviews).
You can use the PowerPress Plugin to:
- Embed podcast episodes directly into your website
- Build SEO and organic search over time
- Upload both audio and video files from your podcast recordings
- Track visitor engagement, favorite episodes, and more
The PowerPress Plugin also works with private podcasting. Keep in mind there’s an additional fee starting at $100 per month.
Vid2Pod
If you’re already creating video podcasts on YouTube, you can use Blubrry’s Vid2Pod to convert them into audio. All you need to do is select a playlist — Blubrry will convert your MP4s into MP3s.
Converting audio podcasts into video (and vice versa) can offer several benefits:
- Building a wider audience for your show
- Increasing the accessibility of your content
- Doubling up on monetization features for your podcast
Since Vid2Pod automatically detects new YouTube videos in your playlist, it’s easy to continue creating video podcasts without leaving audio-only listeners behind.
Curious to learn more about the nitty-gritty details? Blubrry has a step-by-step Vid2Pod tutorial to get up and running in 20 minutes or less.
Monetization Tools
Like many other podcast hosting tools, you can use Blubrry to make extra money on your podcast. Just keep in mind you don’t get 100% of the earnings — you may have to pay extra for the best monetization features.
You can tap into three different types of monetization with Blubrry:
- Programmatic advertising: Allows advertisers to bid for ad placement on your podcast. This service is not available for podcasts covering politics, adult themes, religion, alcohol, vaping, or cannabis. Plus, your show must make a total of $50 USD before you can request a withdrawal. Blubrry also takes a 30% cut of your earnings, which means you’ll make $70 USD for every $100 USD earned.
- Simple advertising insertion: You can easily insert pre-, mid-, and post-roll ads into your podcast. Simple ad insertion requires the Professional plan, although full advertising insertion costs $49 USD per month on top of your plan.
- Premium podcasting: Release exclusive bonus content to your listeners. To access this, you’ll have to pay for the Content Monetization add-on, which costs $10 USD per month). Blubrry also takes 15% of your monthly subscription revenue, which means you only bring home 85% of your earnings.
Podcast AI Assistant (PAI)
Blubrry offers unique AI features to help streamline tasks and automate redundant work.
For example, you can use the Podcast AI Assistant for:
- Planning: Brainstorm podcast questions, topics, and ideas
- Post-production: Optimize titles for SEO and create podcast transcripts
- Social promotion: Generate AI promo images and social media captions
- Clip Creator: Create highlight clips (coming soon)
Every user on every plan gets five users of each category. Anything beyond that requires you to upgrade your plan (or purchase the Thrive Bundle for $10 USD monthly).
Advanced Analytics
Of all the different features Blubrry offers, by far, its most popular is advanced analytics. These statistics are IAB-certified, which means they offer the highest level of accuracy, performance, and safety.
You can use Blubrry’s advanced analytics to monitor:
- Listener trends
- Retention data
- Geolocation
- Apps and devices
- Episode comparisons
- Estimated audiences
- Average daily plays
- And more
Just keep in mind that advanced analytics costs extra — to the tune of $10 USD per month.
If you don’t want podcast hosting, you can access basic Blubrry analytics for free. You can also purchase Standard Analytics without a hosting plan for $5 USD per month.
What People Are Saying About Blubrry
Blubrry averages a 71% positive sentiment rating across popular online review sites.
Here’s how the individual scores break down:
- G2: 3.9/5 stars from 5 user reviews
- CloudFindr: 3/5 stars from 3 user reviews
- TrustPilot: 3.7/5 stars from 1 user review
Customers love using Blubrry’s advanced analytics. They also appreciate the contract-free plans so they can cancel at any time.
Current users have said:
- “My favorite thing about Blubrry is that it provides all the tools you could need for a podcast in one spot. It allows you to upload a podcast, edit the podcast, and even see the results/stats of the podcast all while connecting to other podcast platforms.” — Verified User, G2
- “I have been working with and for the Blubrry Team — at first in a limited capacity now full-time — since the podcast pioneer’s inception in 2005. From the start, it was clear these podcasters were in the industry to benefit podcasters. As a non-techie, I’m in awe of the lengths the team goes to ensure each podcaster — no matter the show size — is a success.” — Cathy, TrustPilot
- “The daily analytics reports that it produces are helpful, and the good value for the cost paid. We have multiple podcasts using some of the features of the service.” — Steve B., G2
Unfortunately, many past Blubrry users report having trouble with the platform. Several cite problems with the unintuitive, clunky interface, while others report slow times for customer service.
Blubrry Pricing Plans and Options
Blubrry offers three plans for podcast hosting: Standard, Advanced, and Professional. You can also purchase add-ons depending on your needs, including:
- Standard statistics (available without hosting): $5 USD per month
- Transcriptions and closed captions: $10 USD per month
- The Thrive Bundle (dynamic ads, analytics, and donations): $10 USD per month
All users have access to free migration and tech support, which means you don’t need to pay extra to move from one platform to another. Plus, students are eligible for a 50% discount on Standard and Advanced plans. Just keep in mind it’s only active for a year.
Now, let’s take a closer look at Blubrry’s pricing plans.
Standard Hosting
It costs $12 USD per month for:
- 125 MB of storage per month
- Five users per account
- Basic statistics
- Programmatic advertising
- A custom WordPress site
Advanced Hosting
It costs $20 USD per month for:
- 400 MB of storage per month
- Five users per account
- Advanced statistics
- Thrive Bundle add-on available
- Vid2Pod video conversion
Professional Hosting
It costs $100 USD per month for:
- Unlimited storage per month
- Unlimited users per account
- Full dynamic ad insertion
- Network promotion tool
- Private podcasting
Alternatives to Blubrry for Podcast Hosting
Blubrry may not be the right fit for your show.
If that’s the case, you may want to explore some Blubrry alternatives.
Let’s start with the four platforms below:
Buzzsprout
For podcasters looking for a simplified hosting partner, Buzzsprout could be a good choice. This highly-rated platform comes with a 90-day trial to test the service and see if it’s a fit.
Both Buzzsprout and Blubrry fall into similar pricing brackets. Plus, both of these platforms offer AI tools. However, Buzzsprout limits basic users to three upload hours per month. If you record more than that, you may feel forced to upgrade before you’re ready.
Learn more about this in our complete guide to Buzzsprout.
Simplecast
Simplecast is a podcast hosting and distribution tool designed for ‘serious’ podcasters. You can pick from two plans: as an independent podcaster or sign up for a network or larger show.
You should know Simplecast is more expensive than Bluburry, although you won’t pay for add-ons or other hidden features. Remember that independent podcasters won’t get any monetization tools — you’ll have to contact sales to purchase the Professional plan.
Spotify for Podcasters
As one of the world’s largest audio distributors, Spotify for Podcasters is popular among newer creators. It’s free to use, simple to navigate, and easy to edit and publish your show.
One of Spotify for Podcaster’s biggest features is the ability to record a podcast directly in your browser. You won’t get this with Blubrry, but you will get better monetization features. Until your Spotify show reaches 1,000+ listeners, you won’t be eligible to make money on your podcast.
Captivate
Captivate is a professional podcast hosting tool offering up to 30,000 downloads on the base-level plan. Unlike Blubrry, each plan comes with unlimited podcast storage, dynamic content insertion, and IAB-approved analytics.
Captivate may be a good alternative to Blubrry if you want a user-friendly interface with more transparent pricing. But if you want unlimited downloads, or a trial longer than 30 days, you may want to search for a Captivate alternative.
The Bottom Line on Blubrry for Podcast Hosting
Whether you’re a brand-new podcaster or an experienced host, Blubrry can offer more granular insights about your performance. With unlimited downloads on every plan, it’s a great way to scale and analyze your show.
Keep in mind that podcast hosting is just one small piece of a larger puzzle. You also need to consider other aspects of your show, including pre-production, distribution, editing, and more.
That’s why so many successful podcasters turn to The Podcast Consultant to receive ongoing help with all the above. We serve dozens of shows with various services to ensure their success at any stage.
Could The Podcast Consultant be a fit for your show? Learn more about our unique approach by requesting a Discovery Call.