What is Simplecast
Simplecast is a modern, end-to-end podcast management platform founded in 2013 and now a subsidiary of SiriusXM. It provides podcasters of all sizes — from indie creators to large media networks — with the tools they need to publish, distribute, and grow their shows. Every plan includes unlimited storage and uploads, one-click distribution to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, and more, plus a customisable show website with optional custom domain.
At the heart of Simplecast is its IAB-certified analytics suite, branded as ‘Audience by Simplecast,’ which delivers deep listener insights including location heatmaps, device and directory breakdowns, episode comparison, unique listener counts, and drop-off/consumption data on higher tiers. The platform recently expanded into video, allowing Professional and Enterprise users to upload once and publish both audio to podcast directories and video directly to YouTube, with unified cross-platform analytics in a single dashboard.
Monetisation is powered by AdsWizz, one of the world’s largest programmatic ad exchanges, giving eligible podcasters access to dynamic ad insertion, inventory controls, and the AdsWizz Marketplace on Professional and Enterprise plans. Its clean, intuitive interface, Recast social clip tool, embeddable web players, and a developer-friendly API make it a strong choice for creators who value simplicity without sacrificing enterprise-grade capability.
Key Features
- Unlimited storage and uploads on all plans
- One-click distribution to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, and more
- IAB-certified analytics with listener heatmaps, episode comparison, and drop-off data
- Dynamic ad insertion and AdsWizz Marketplace integration for monetisation
- Direct YouTube publishing with unified audio + video analytics dashboard
- Recast tool for creating short, shareable social audio clips
- Embeddable, customisable web players and a built-in podcast website builder
Why we like it
- IAB-certified analytics with unique listener tracking and episode comparison — great for sponsor reporting
- AdsWizz Marketplace integration unlocks premium programmatic ad revenue on higher plans
- Single-upload workflow now distributes audio to podcast apps and video to YouTube simultaneously
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Unlimited storage and uploads on every paid plan with no hidden overage fees
- Industry-leading IAB-certified analytics give sponsors and creators trustworthy data
- Clean, intuitive dashboard that is easy to use even for first-time podcasters
- Backed by SiriusXM/AdsWizz, offering enterprise-grade ad tech and stability
Cons
- No free plan; requires a paid subscription even for basic use
- Monthly download caps per tier (20K / 50K / 125K) can be limiting for large shows
- No built-in audio recording or editing tools; external software required
Who is using Simplecast
Simplecast is ideal for growth-minded independent podcasters, professional networks, and media brands who prioritise reliable hosting, deep analytics, and premium monetisation over built-in recording or AI features.
- Independent podcasters wanting a simple, reliable host with strong analytics
- Growing shows and small networks needing team collaboration and advanced insights
- Established podcasters looking to monetise with programmatic dynamic ad insertion
- Media brands and enterprises requiring API access and white-label solutions
- Podcasters expanding into video who want a single workflow for audio and YouTube
Simplecast Pricing
Subscription
14-day free trial; Basic from $15/mo (20K downloads, 2 seats); Essential $35/mo (50K downloads, 4 seats); Growth $85/mo (125K downloads); Professional and Enterprise plans require custom pricing.
Pricing details may change. Check the official website for the latest information.
What makes Simplecast unique
Simplecast stands out through its deep integration with AdsWizz — one of the largest programmatic podcast ad exchanges — giving creators on Professional and Enterprise plans direct access to premium ad inventory and dynamic insertion technology used by major media companies. Combined with IAB-certified analytics that surface listener retention, unique devices, and episode-level comparisons, and a newly launched YouTube publishing feature that unifies audio and video performance in a single dashboard, Simplecast offers a level of monetisation and measurement infrastructure typically reserved for large networks, at accessible subscription price points.
Simplecast Alternatives
Buzzsprout, Transistor, Captivate, Podbean, Libsyn
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