Which Podcast Platform is Best? Podcast Hosting Platforms Vs Podcast Streaming Directories: Research Explained with Favour Obasi-ike
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This podcast episode provides a comprehensive discussion on starting and growing a podcast, focusing heavily on the selection of the best podcasting platform. A key distinction is made between podcast hosting platforms (like Spotify for Creators, formerly Anchor.fm) and podcast listening platforms (such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon), emphasizing that a host distributes content via an RSS feed to multiple directories.
Our conversation underscores that podcasting should be conversation-first, not monetization-first, and advises beginners to start for free to minimize initial costs. Practical advice is offered on SEO for podcasts, including the importance of consistent episode releases, with statistics showing that many podcasters quit early, and also highlights the benefit of choosing an IAB-compliant host for future monetization opportunities through advertising networks.
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4 Surprising Podcasting Truths That Will Save You Time and Money
The appeal of starting a podcast has never been stronger. With just a microphone and an idea, it seems you can reach a global audience, build a community, and create a thriving brand. This allure draws thousands of aspiring creators to the medium, all asking the same questions: "How do I start? Which platform is best? How do I make money?"
But the common wisdom surrounding podcasting is often a minefield of misleading advice and expensive pitfalls. The path to a successful, sustainable show is paved with counter-intuitive truths that most creators learn the hard way. The reality is that podcasting is less about instant fame and fortune and more about a long-term commitment to a very specific craft.
This article will save you time, money, and frustration. We've distilled the most surprising and impactful lessons learned from podcasting experts into four foundational takeaways. Understanding these truths from day one will give you a realistic roadmap and a significant advantage over the thousands who quit before they ever find their voice.
1. It’s a Conversation, Not a Cash Machine
The most common mistake new podcasters make is focusing on monetization from day one. They get caught up in finding ad sponsors and driving transactions before they've even built an audience. The primary purpose of a podcast, especially in its early stages, must be conversation. When you have a conversation with someone, you don't expect a monetary transaction afterward; you expect an exchange of value.
In podcasting, that value is trust, thought leadership, and a genuine relationship with your listeners—all earned over time. Trying to monetize too early feels transactional and inauthentic, pushing potential listeners away before they have a chance to connect. As one expert puts it, the focus must be on the relationship first.
"if you start a podcast to run ads or to monetize, you you're actually better off starting a business than starting a podcast to monetize."
This "conversation first" approach is far more sustainable. It allows you to build a loyal community that values your perspective. Monetization can and will come later, but only after trust has been firmly established. That trust is ultimately a more valuable asset than any early ad revenue.
2. Your First Episodes Will Suck (So Don't Buy That $400 Mic)
Many aspiring podcasters fall hook, line, and sinker for spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on expensive equipment before they've produced a single minute of content. This is a costly mistake. I've seen seasoned creators get their best gear for dirt cheap simply by buying it from new podcasters who quit. They’ll see someone selling a barely-used $400 SM7B mic for a fraction of the price because the owner never got past a few episodes.
Your initial focus shouldn't be on perfect production quality but on practice. The average podcaster quits after just eight episodes. Why? Because that marks about two months of the relentless "record, edit, publish, distribute" cycle. It's the point where initial excitement fades and the reality of the grind sets in. A large upfront investment becomes a huge financial risk when the odds of sticking with it are so low.
"Good practice cuz your episodes in the beginning suck. It's it's just the way that it is. You know you learn the the quality of your voice. You start learning techniques."
So here is the best advice you will get. Start today. Open the voice memo app on your phone, find a quiet place, and record. The goal isn't perfection; it's practice. Once you have a consistent workflow and are confident in your content, then you can consider upgrading your gear.
3. A "Published" Podcast That Isn't Distributed Is Just a Draft
This is one of the most critical and misunderstood aspects of podcasting. New creators often believe that once they upload an episode to their podcast hosting platform, their job is done. This is wrong. A hosting platform is simply the "floppy disc" or "external hard drive" where your audio files are stored. It does not automatically put your show in front of listeners.
To be heard, your podcast must be on listening platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, and iHeartRadio. The key to this is your RSS feed. Think of it like a website's sitemap; it's the link that allows all the different directories to find and display your content. Submitting this feed to every possible listening platform is a non-negotiable step that many beginners miss.
I see this scenario play out every day. Person A publishes 10 episodes but only makes them available on their hosting site. Person B publishes the same 10 episodes but distributes their RSS feed to 20 different listening platforms. Person B has a dramatically higher probability of being discovered because they are accessible where listeners actually are. Experts tell stories of being discovered on niche platforms by international listeners—a listener from the UK finding a show on Castbox while helping a client in Spain. That serendipity only happens with wide distribution.
"if you don't have a podcast that is accessible then you don't really have a podcast you have I don't know what to call it but it's I would call it a draft because it's not something that is accessible"
4. The Sobering Reality: The 2-Year, 100-Episode Gauntlet
Podcasting is not a get-rich-quick scheme; it is a marathon. The statistics on podcasting longevity from Pod Match are stark and should be a reality check for anyone looking for immediate results.
On average, it takes 2 years and 100 released episodes for a podcaster to begin seeing real, tangible results, whether that's meaningful audience growth, genuine community engagement, or sustainable monetization opportunities. The commitment required to reach that point is immense, and the attrition rate is staggering. Consider this statistical funnel:
• The chance of a new podcast reaching just eight episodes is 45%.
• The chance of hitting 50 episodes drops to 12.6%.
• The milestone of 100 episodes is achieved by a mere 6% of podcasters.
What this data tells us is that success in podcasting is a game of consistency and long-term commitment. It's about showing up week after week, building your catalog, and earning listener trust one episode at a time. The real value you're building over those first 100 episodes is not currency, but trust—an asset that is far more durable and powerful in the long run.
Are You Ready to Play the Long Game?
Successful podcasting defies the conventional wisdom of quick wins and easy money. The path is paved with a different set of priorities: prioritize genuine conversation over premature monetization, start lean and focus on practice before buying expensive gear, ensure your show is widely distributed, and most importantly, commit to the long and consistent work required to build trust.
These truths aren't meant to discourage you, but to empower you with a realistic framework for success. By understanding the real challenges from the outset, you can avoid the common pitfalls that cause so many others to give up. This isn’t just about business strategy; it’s about legacy. As one creator reflected, "I know one day, God willing, my grandkids, my kids will be able to listen to my voice."
Knowing that the real prize is trust built over time—a legacy you can leave behind—what conversation are you willing to commit to for the next 100 episodes?
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