Acast vs Supporting Cast
Acast
acast.com
Supporting Cast
supportingcast.fmSide by side
| Figure | Acast | Supporting Cast |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $14.99/mo | $99/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 5 | 5 |
| Spec score · Podcast hosting platforms | 9.4 (#1) | 8.7 (#11) |
| Spec score · Podcast Monetization Platforms | 9.4 (#1) | 8.4 (#14) |
| Analytics level | advanced | advanced |
| Directory distribution | major directories | selected directories |
| Monetization tools | Yes | Yes |
| Private podcasts | Yes | Yes |
| RSS feed | Yes | Yes |
| Security | Acast's security portal lists audit logging, access monitoring, data backups, data erasure, AWS hosting, anti-DDoS protection, separate production environments, disk encryption, firewalls and IDS/IPS. | The security overview says data is encrypted in transit and at rest, administrator changes are logged, staff MFA is required, and role-based access controls and a web application firewall are used. |
| Support | Acast provides support through [email protected] and Intercom chat, while the Pro plan includes prioritized support. | For paid podcast subscriptions, the company says it can handle customer support if the client wants it; the internal Starter plan includes email support and documentation. |
| Video podcast support | Yes | Yes |
| Webhooks | When enabled, Acast triggers a webhook event whenever a new episode is published. | REST webhooks notify customer systems about events and support HMAC-SHA256 signature verification. |
Plans
Acast
- Essential$14.99 a month
- Pro$29.99 a month
- Video$39.99 a month
- Acast Creator NetworkPrice not published
- StarterFree
Supporting Cast
- Internal Podcast Starter$99 a month
- Starter Plan$99 a month
- Enterprise PlanPriced on request
- Internal Podcast EnterprisePriced on request
- Podcast subscriptionsPriced on request
In their own words
Acast
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.
Supporting Cast
Supporting Cast provides a platform for selling and delivering podcast subscriptions, audiobooks, newsletters, and other members-only benefits. Subscribers can listen to premium material in existing apps such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify without installing another app or copying a private RSS feed. Creators can offer single-show or multi-show bundles, monthly or annual billing, multiple tiers, pay-what-you-want pricing, and one-time payments. Exclusive video can be delivered through Spotify, a Supporting Cast subscription site, an embedded player, or private RSS; creators can also publish free or paid newsletters and blogs. The product supports private and video podcasts, RSS feeds, selected directory distribution, and advanced analytics. Integrations listed include Stripe, Mailchimp, Spotify, WordPress, Zapier, and WooCommerce. Reporting covers subscription growth, revenue, engagement, and individual downloads, with CSV export and data-pipeline queries. Pricing for podcast subscriptions is on request. Internal Podcast Starter costs $99 a month for up to 500 listeners; Enterprise pricing is by contact. Platforms include Android, iOS, web, and API.