What is Audacy Creator Lab
Audacy Creator Lab is a podcast hosting and monetisation platform launched in April 2025, built on the foundation of Podcorn, which Audacy acquired in 2021. It offers two core products: Creator Lab Hosting — a completely free hosting service with unlimited storage, advanced analytics, a built-in audio editor, and dynamic ad insertion (DAI) powered by Audacy’s 500+ person sales team — and Creator Lab Marketplace, a self-service platform open to all podcasters regardless of host, where creators can browse brand campaigns, submit proposals, set their own rates, and earn from host-read sponsorships.
The hosting tier monetises through automated, audience-targeted pre-roll and mid-roll ads, with creators earning 50% of ad revenue. The marketplace charges a transparent 10% fee only on completed sponsorships, with no monthly fees or exclusivity requirements. Brands can set their own budgets, receive proposals from interested podcasters, communicate directly in secure workrooms, and approve content before funds are released from escrow.
In March 2026, Audacy added direct YouTube distribution to Creator Lab, allowing creators to publish full-length video episodes to YouTube simultaneously with audio distribution to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major platforms — without disrupting existing audio monetisation streams. The platform also includes a basic in-browser audio editor for trimming, inserting clips, and managing ad breaks.
Key Features
- Free podcast hosting with unlimited storage and no episode caps
- Dynamic ad insertion (DAI) with automated, audience-targeted pre-roll and mid-roll ads
- Self-service sponsorship marketplace connecting podcasters with brand campaigns
- Direct YouTube distribution for simultaneous video and audio publishing
- In-platform basic audio editor (trim, insert clips, manage ad breaks)
- Advanced analytics dashboard to track audience and estimated ad earnings
- Secure escrow payments with payouts typically within 24 hours via PayPal or direct deposit
Why we like it
- Truly free hosting with unlimited storage — revenue model is ad-share only, no subscription required
- No download minimums for marketplace access, making sponsorship opportunities available to podcasters at any stage
- Simultaneous audio + video distribution to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube from a single upload workflow
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Hosting is completely free with no episode or storage caps, lowering the barrier for independent podcasters
- No minimum download requirement to join the marketplace, making it accessible to podcasters of all sizes
- No exclusivity clauses or long-term contracts — creators retain full ownership and control of their content
- Backed by Audacy's large sales force (500+ staff across 50 U.S. markets) bringing in brand-safe automated ads from major advertisers
Cons
- Audacy takes 50% of automated ad revenue from hosted shows, which is a significant revenue share
- Creators cannot handpick specific advertisers for automated ads; full ad controls are not yet available
- Analytics are not yet IAB-certified, so the platform recommends using hosting platform download numbers when reporting to sponsors
Who is using Audacy Creator Lab
Independent and emerging podcasters of all sizes who want free hosting with built-in monetisation, as well as brands seeking self-service access to native podcast sponsorships across niche audiences.
- Independent podcasters seeking free hosting with built-in passive monetisation via automated ads
- Emerging creators wanting to connect directly with brand sponsors without an agency middleman
- Brands and advertisers looking to run native host-read sponsorship campaigns across niche podcast audiences
- Video podcasters wanting to distribute simultaneously to YouTube and major audio platforms from one dashboard
- Small-audience podcasters with no download minimums who want to start monetising early
Audacy Creator Lab Pricing
Free
Hosting: Free (Audacy takes 50% of automated ad revenue). Marketplace: Free to sign up; 10% fee on completed sponsorships only (e.g. hire a podcaster for $100, total charge is $110). No monthly fees, no exclusivity, no minimum budgets.
Pricing details may change. Check the official website for the latest information.
What makes Audacy Creator Lab unique
Unlike most podcast hosting platforms that charge monthly fees, Audacy Creator Lab is entirely free and monetises by taking a revenue share from ads it sells on creators' behalf — backed by Audacy's own 500+ person ad sales team with relationships at major media agencies and Fortune 50 brands. This distinguishes it from marketplace-only tools like Podcorn (its predecessor) and from standard hosts like Buzzsprout or Podbean, by combining hosting, a self-service sponsorship marketplace, dynamic ad insertion, and YouTube video distribution in a single platform with no upfront cost. The Podnews-reported controversy that Audacy emailed partner hosting customers to encourage them to switch to Creator Lab Hosting is a noted competitive differentiator — and concern — in the industry.
Audacy Creator Lab Alternatives
Buzzsprout, Podbean, Spotify for Podcasters, Podcorn, AdvertiseCast
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