Acast vs Stationista

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.

Stationista hosts podcasts for solo podcasters and teams, creating feeds for Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast apps. Its plan comparison also lists support for Amazon Music and Samsung Podcasts. The service includes episode scheduling, chapter marks, audio replacement, private episodes, and private feeds, with unlimited monthly episodes. Audio processing can normalize loudness according to EBU R 128. Analytics include episode plays, unique listeners, top episodes, and top podcast apps, with metrics described as IAB 2.1 compliant. Stationista provides a responsive podcast website that can use a custom domain and an embeddable HTML5 player. Listed integrations include Headliner audiograms and Alexa podcast features. Users can import an existing podcast and export content. The maker advertises publishing in under five minutes and a 14-day trial without a credit card. Plans begin at €12 a month for Podcasting, which includes one show, 20,000 downloads per month, two team members, and unlimited episodes and storage. The maker says its servers are in Germany, content is SSL encrypted by default, and it operates in compliance with GDPR.