Alternatives to Acast

{"intro": "Acast brings podcast hosting, publishing, distribution and monetization into one CMS. It supports Android, iOS, web and API access, RSS feeds, major podcast directories, private podcasts and video podcasts. Advanced analytics cover downloads, geography, listening platforms, engagement and revenue. Scheduling, automated ad placements, bulk editing, dynamic intros and outros, multi-show management, a no-code website and web player cover production and audience growth. Paid plans add team management and a publishing API.\n\nAn alternative may fit better if Acast’s pricing, access rules or platform range do not match your operation. Starter permits one show and five episodes unless the show enters Acast’s advertising marketplace. Apple Podcasts video publishing is a limited beta for selected creators, and the Publishing API is limited to Pro users and Creator Network members. Paid plans begin at $14.99/mo when billed annually. Compare upload allowances, listener-device coverage, video and transcript support, private access, analytics, directory distribution, monetization and subscription costs. Decide whether you need creator hosting, a listener-focused app, gated memberships or a broader media platform.", "rows": [{"ref": "sw:firstory", "name": "Firstory", "best_for": "Lower-cost podcast hosting with advanced analytics", "pricing": "Free plan; paid from $7/mo; 14-day trial", "key_difference": "Firstory offers Acast-like podcast features at a lower starting price and includes a 14-day trial.", "choose_when": "Choose it when lower monthly cost and a trial matter more than Acast’s broader publishing toolset."}, {"ref": "sw:disctopia", "name": "Disctopia", "best_for": "Creators publishing music, films and audiobooks", "pricing": "Free plan; paid from $6.99/mo; 30-day trial", "key_difference": "Disctopia extends beyond podcasts to music, films, videos and audiobooks, with qualifying exclusive-play payouts.", "choose_when": "Choose it when you publish several media types or qualify for its $0.02 verified-play payout."}, {"ref": "sw:spreaker", "name": "Spreaker", "best_for": "Unlimited episode uploads on every plan", "pricing": "Free plan; paid from $20/mo", "key_difference": "Spreaker allows unlimited episode uploads even on its free plan and supports Android, iOS, macOS, web and Windows.", "choose_when": "Choose it when unlimited free uploads and wider desktop platform coverage outweigh Acast’s lower paid starting price."}, {"ref": "sw:apple-podcasts", "name": "Apple Podcasts", "best_for": "Listener app features across Apple devices", "pricing": "Free plan", "key_difference": "Apple Podcasts focuses on listening, offering transcripts, offline downloads, sync, video and broad Apple-device support rather than creator CMS tools.", "choose_when": "Choose it when listeners need Apple-device access, transcripts, offline playback and synchronized listening."}, {"ref": "sw:podimo", "name": "Podimo", "best_for": "Subscription listening with offline video", "pricing": "Free plan; paid from €4.99/mo; 30-day trial", "key_difference": "Podimo offers listener subscriptions, offline downloads and video podcasts, but no private-feed support.", "choose_when": "Choose it when a low-cost listener service and offline access matter more than private podcast feeds."}, {"ref": "sw:patreon", "name": "Patreon", "best_for": "Gated creator memberships and subscriptions", "pricing": "Free plan; 10% platform fee plus additional fees", "key_difference": "Patreon centers on gated posts and subscription billing, with custom domains, instead of Acast’s podcast hosting and distribution.", "choose_when": "Choose it when memberships and gated content are your priority and a 10% platform fee is acceptable."}, {"ref": "sw:pinecast", "name": "Pinecast", "best_for": "Simple hosting with detailed near-realtime analytics", "pricing": "Free plan; paid from $10/mo", "key_difference": "Pinecast offers lower starting pricing, near-realtime adjustable analytics and CSV downloads, with broad app submission.", "choose_when": "Choose it when near-realtime reporting, CSV exports and lower-cost hosting suit your publishing workflow."}]}