Podcasting: Hosting and Directories
- Mark Gallimore
Podcast Hosting
Your podcast episodes are actually digital audio files, usually .mp3, that live somewhere on the web, so people can find and listen to them. A podcast usually combines these files in some sort of serial format, using an RSS feed, so that they can be discovered, downloaded, and listened to in a particular order on mobile devices that do not need internet connection all the time. (The podcast audio files are downloaded, so they do not need the internet to play.)
If you are recording for a class, your professor may indicate what the plan is for hosting. If you are starting your own podcast, you will need to determine how you will host it. Below are listed some hosting services, but before you sign up for one, be sure you know how their service works, and what it means for your podcast.
Hosting Services
Your podcast episodes are just a collection of files until you upload them somewhere on the web, where people can find, stream, or download them. Hosting services provide various free or paid options, that usually include additional services like RSS feeds, which allow podcast directories to list your files. In all, they make it easy for listeners to find, subscribe, and listen to your podcast. Â
Directory
After you have created an account with a hosting service, and uploaded your first episode(s), you can list your podcast in several directories that make it easier for people to find through a variety of devices. There are many directories, and a few (such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify) are more important than the rest. You could potentially skip podcast directories, and depending on your hosting plan, your hosting service might handle (some) directory listings for you. But various podcast apps available on mobile devices scan these directories so listeners can easily find, subscribe to, and download podcasts. It is worth at least listing your podcast with one or two directories, and will not cost you money. Â
| Apple Podcasts | Apple podcasts is the most popular, because the iPhone is such a popular device. You will need an Apple ID to own and manage podcasts here. |
| Spotify | Another popular podcast directory. Some hosts, like Libsyn, might allow you to list at Spotify directly through your podcast management dashboard. Unlike Apple Podcasts, Spotify is popular on Android devices. |
| Google Play Music Podcasts | Google also has a directory that you can add your podcast to, and a good app with a growing user base. |
| TuneIn Radio | TuneIn Radio can be accessed by Amazon Alexa |
Simple Hosting for Courses
It may be that you are creating podcast episodes that are only to be shared within your course, or with your professor. In that case, the professor may ask you to simply upload the .mp3 file to Google Drive, and share it. Your professor may tell you to share it directly with them, or add it to a folder she or he has shared with you. Â