Buzzsprout vs OpenStream

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.

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.