What is Hello Audio
Hello Audio is a private podcast platform built for course creators, coaches, and digital entrepreneurs who want to deliver content in an audio format their audience can consume on the go. Rather than forcing students to log into a course portal, creators upload audio or video files (which are automatically converted to audio) and distribute them as private, gated RSS feeds accessible in any podcast app such as Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Each listener receives a unique personal link, keeping content protected while eliminating friction for the end user.
The platform goes beyond simple private RSS hosting by offering advanced features such as listener tagging, behavior-triggered automations, dynamic pre- and post-roll audio, drip content scheduling, and a built-in Stripe integration for selling access directly. An ‘Audio Inbox’ feature connects to tools like Zoom to automatically ingest call recordings. Hello Audio integrates with email platforms (ActiveCampaign, Kit/ConvertKit, Mailchimp), course platforms (Thinkific, MemberVault), and automation tools (Zapier, Webhooks, ManyChat).
Founded by Lindsay Padilla and Nora Sudduth, Hello Audio positions itself as a creator-first alternative to traditional podcast hosts, emphasising content protection, listener analytics, and personalization features that standard hosting platforms do not offer. Plans include a 7-day free trial with full Powerhouse features, and all tiers include unlimited episodes and unlimited listeners.
Key Features
- Private gated podcast feeds with unique per-listener access links
- Automatic video-to-audio conversion (mp4, mov, avi, m4v supported)
- Drip content scheduling (date-based, instant, or drip release modes)
- Listener tagging and behavior-triggered automations
- Dynamic pre-roll and post-roll audio insertion
- Built-in Stripe Connect integration for selling paid podcast access
- Audio Inbox for automatic ingestion of Zoom and other call recordings
Why we like it
- Automatic video-to-audio conversion on every plan means no extra work to repurpose existing course content
- Per-listener unique links and behavior-triggered automations enable a level of personalization not found in standard podcast hosts
- Reviewers consistently note faster content consumption and higher course completion rates after switching to Hello Audio
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Setting up a private podcast feed is fast — over 70% of new users launch their first feed within 24 hours
- Direct Stripe integration makes it easy to sell access to private podcasts without third-party workarounds
- Supports video file uploads and auto-converts them to audio, so existing course content can be repurposed immediately
- Listener-level analytics show who is listening and how much they consume, unlike standard podcast metrics
Cons
- Pricing has increased significantly over time — one reviewer noted the unlimited plan exceeded $970/year, making it hard to justify
- Stripe integration does not support promo codes at checkout, limiting flexibility for running sales and promotions
- Private podcasts are still unfamiliar to some audiences, requiring creators to educate listeners on how to subscribe to a private feed
Who is using Hello Audio
Course creators, coaches, membership site owners, and digital entrepreneurs who want to deliver gated, on-the-go audio content to their audience through standard podcast apps.
- Course creators delivering lessons as on-the-go audio to improve completion rates
- Coaches turning call replays and group session recordings into private member audio feeds
- Membership site owners providing exclusive audio content to paying members
- Entrepreneurs using private podcasts as audio lead magnets to grow their email list
- Event and summit hosts distributing keynote recordings as a portable private podcast
Hello Audio Pricing
Freemium
Starter: $14/mo (billed annually) or $17/mo (monthly) — 1 private feed, 1 public feed, unlimited episodes & listeners; Pro: $47/mo — 3 private feeds; Powerhouse: ~$97/mo — unlimited private feeds, 2 public feeds. 7-day free trial (no credit card required) with full Powerhouse features. 20% discount with annual billing.
Pricing details may change. Check the official website for the latest information.
What makes Hello Audio unique
Unlike general-purpose podcast hosts such as Transistor or Libsyn, Hello Audio is purpose-built for creators who need to gate and monetise content rather than broadcast publicly. Its native Stripe integration allows direct sales of podcast access without Zapier workarounds, and its listener-level tagging, behavior-triggered automations, and dynamic audio insertion go well beyond what standard private RSS hosting offers. The Audio Inbox feature for auto-ingesting Zoom recordings is a differentiator specifically aimed at coaching and membership businesses.
Hello Audio Alternatives
Transistor.fm, Podbean, Buzzsprout, Captivate.fm, Substack
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