OP3 vs Podtrac

OP3 is a free, open-source podcast prefix analytics service for podcasters and podcast hosting companies. To measure downloads, a host or podcaster places https://op3.dev/e/ before episode URLs in a podcast feed. Each measured show receives a public statistics page with download metrics, detailed breakdowns, and spreadsheet exports covering its history. OP3 also provides an API for collected podcast data; requests require a bearer token linked to a valid API key. The service says it stores basic request attributes, hashes and encrypts listener IP addresses before storage, and does not combine those addresses with third-party data or services. Its privacy policy says no cookies are used and identifies Cloudflare as the sole hosting provider and data store. OP3 says its redirect service uses a global CDN with edge nodes in more than 335 cities across more than 125 countries. API hit-query filtering by URL or hashed IP is limited to the last 90 days.

Podtrac is a web service for measuring podcast audiences and tracking promotion activity. Its reports show daily episode downloads and breakdowns by source and country. Unique monthly audience counts are available for podcasts with at least 1,000 unique downloads per month. Reports refresh daily based on the prior day’s activity, with totals typically ready by noon UTC the following day. Smart Links create show-specific pages with artwork, episode details, an integrated player, and links to major podcast apps such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Their reports track clicks and downloads by episode, country, and app, and distinguish new listeners from all listeners. Podtrac also attributes podcast promotions, including dynamic ad insertion, in-episode promos, feed drops, and guest appearances. Measurement requires adding a Podtrac redirect prefix to episode URLs, through supported hosts or by editing a feed. A free basic measurement plan is listed. Shows or networks with 500,000 or more monthly downloads are directed to request a demo for promotion tools.