Acast vs OpenStream

Acast is a podcasting platform and content management system for publishing, distributing and monetizing shows. One-click publishing sends episodes to Spotify and Apple Podcasts, with distribution to major podcast directories. Tools include episode scheduling, automated ad placement, bulk editing, dynamic intros and outros, and management of multiple shows. Advanced analytics cover downloads, listener geography, listening platforms, engagement and revenue. Creators can also make a customizable podcast website and web player, and create video clips for social sharing. The Starter plan is limited to one show and five episodes; unlimited episodes are available when a show joins Acast’s advertising marketplace. Acast has a free plan, with Essential at $14.99 per month billed yearly, Pro at $29.99 per month billed yearly, and Video at $39.99 per month billed yearly. Apple Podcasts video publishing is a limited beta for selected creators. Acast was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden.

OpenStream is a platform for radio and podcast publishers seeking recurring revenue through audio advertisements. Radio publishers can sell ad space through its marketplace and serve geolocated pre-roll and mid-roll ads. Podcast publishers can use geolocated pre-roll and out-roll ads, monetize catalogs by changing episode URLs, and retain their own sponsors. A dashboard shows historical revenue and audience statistics plus a realtime audience map. OpenStream says it works across devices and players, including WordPress, and excludes adult, pornographic and gambling advertisements. It describes its service as a proxy that sends an ad and redirects listeners, without storing or copying podcast content. Setup instructions cover Libsyn, iTunes, SoundCloud and Feedburner; BluBrry is unsupported. The service is free, but new account registration is closed because it has reached the maximum number of accounts it can monetize; a waitlist is available. Fast-lane accounts are reserved for radio stations with at least 1 million active sessions per month. Publisher payments activate at $50 earnings after a four-month validation process, and are usually sent in the last week of the month.