When it comes to creating a podcast, finding a reliable storage solution is essential for making your content accessible to listeners. Whether your audience chooses to download episodes for offline listening or stream them online, hosting your podcast files properly is crucial, especially as the number of files grows. In this blog post, we’ll explore why using a dedicated podcast hosting service is a better option compared to relying on your web host.
The Pitfalls of Using Your Web Host
If you have a web hosting account for your website, it may offer unlimited disk space for web files as part of its package. However, it’s important to note that web hosts typically classify audio files, such as MP3s used for podcasts, as non-web files. This oversight can lead to issues down the line. Many web hosts monitor disk space usage and issue warnings if you exceed the allocated limits. Ignoring these warnings can result in your account being suspended, rendering your website, blog, and podcasts inaccessible to your audience.
Embracing Podcast Hosting Services
Opting for a podcast hosting service designed specifically for hosting and delivering audio files offers numerous advantages over relying solely on your web host. Here are some key benefits:
- Podcast RSS Feed: When you set up your podcast on a podcast hosting service, they will provide you with an RSS podcast feed link. This link is compliant with all podcast directories and serves as a validated feed. It simplifies the process of submitting your podcasts to directories, as you only need to enter your RSS feed link once. Any future podcast uploads will automatically update your RSS feed, notifying the directories and ensuring your audience stays up to date.
- Podcast Metrics: Most podcast hosting services offer detailed metrics about your podcast’s performance. These metrics typically include the number of downloads, the devices, and apps used by your listeners, traffic sources, and listener locations. This data helps you better understand your audience and tailor your content accordingly.
- Custom Podcast Page: A podcast hosting service allows you to create your own dedicated podcast page. This is particularly valuable if you don’t have a website or blog, but it can also enhance your existing online presence. On your podcast page, you can provide comprehensive details about your podcasts, showcase your social media channels, including your website link, add podcast notes, display banners, and more. Visitors to your podcast page can conveniently listen to episodes using the built-in media player or choose to download them. Additionally, they can subscribe to your podcasts directly from your podcast page.
By utilizing a podcast hosting service, you can optimize the storage and delivery of your podcast files while leveraging valuable features like an RSS podcast feed, detailed metrics, and a dedicated podcast page. This ensures a seamless experience for both you and your audience, helping your podcasts reach a wider listener base and fostering long-term engagement.
