Buzzsprout vs Firstory
Buzzsprout
buzzsprout.com
Firstory
firstory.meSide by side
| Figure | Buzzsprout | Firstory |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $18/mo | $7/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 10 | 4 |
| Spec score · Podcast hosting platforms | 9.1 (#6) | 9.2 (#3) |
| Spec score · Podcast Monetization Platforms | 9.0 (#5) | 9.1 (#3) |
| Analytics level | advanced | advanced |
| Directory Distribution | Shows can be listed in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other leading podcast directories. | major directories |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Apps | Buzzsprout offers mobile apps for managing a podcast anywhere. | The Firstory Studio app is available in the App Store and Google Play for analytics, notifications, FLink sharing, and customer service. |
| Monetization Features | Monetization includes subscriptions, ads, dynamic content, and listener payments. | Dynamic ads, memberships, subscriptions, and donations are supported with transparent payouts. |
| Monetization tools | Yes | Yes |
| Private podcasts | No | Yes |
| RSS feed | Yes | Yes |
| Paid from | 15 | 7 |
| Video podcast support | Yes | Yes |
Plans
Buzzsprout
- FreeFree
- Audio$18 a month
- Audio + Video$30 a month
- Multi-Podcast Audio - up to 5$39 a month
- Multi-Podcast Audio - up to 10$79 a month
- Multi-Podcast Video - up to 5$60 a month
- Multi-Podcast Video - up to 10$96 a month
- Audio plan$78 a month
- Audio + Video plan$96 a month
- Free planFree
Firstory
- Firstory FreeFree
- Firstory Lite$7 a month
- Firstory Pro$15 a month
- Firstory Enterprise$159 a month
In their own words
Buzzsprout
Buzzsprout hosts and distributes audio and video podcast episodes. It provides an RSS feed, distribution to major directories, and analytics that filter bots and duplicate requests; its podcast statistics are IAB 2.2 Certified. Video podcasts can be sent to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Monetization options include subscriptions, advertising, dynamic content, and listener payments, while automatic transcripts support accessibility and SEO. Podcast websites include transcripts, an RSS feed, directory links, and custom URLs. Mobile apps are available for managing a podcast. The free service lasts 90 days and allows two hours of content per cycle. Free episodes are hosted for 90 days, then held in a safety net for another 90 days before permanent removal. Audio costs $18 a month for six hours monthly; Audio + Video costs $30 a month for six hours monthly. On those plans, extra hours cost $2 per hour and are added to the next invoice. Annual plans do not permit additional hours. Buzzsprout was founded in 2009 and is based in Jacksonville, Florida.
Firstory
Firstory is a podcast hosting platform for creators who want to publish, distribute, promote, and monetize shows. Uploading audio and video together in one go lets creators publish both formats, then distribute to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, KKBOX, and more than 10 platforms. Distribution is one-click for Spotify, KKBOX, and Pocket Casts; several other directories require manual distribution. AI Studio can create transcripts, summaries, highlights, newsletter drafts, questions and answers, keywords, and topic tags after upload. Analytics cover plays, audience profiles, and episode performance, combining RSS data with official Spotify data. Daily Spotify charts and listener and follower metrics are limited to Pro and higher. Promotion tools include FLink, a link for listening platforms and social profiles, an automatically built show website, and an embeddable player. Monetization options include dynamic ads, donations, recurring subscriptions, and cross-platform memberships. The free plan allows one show and one AI content extraction episode per month. Paid plans start at $7/mo, with a 14-day trial; annual billing saves 22%.