Simplecast Review, Pricing & Features

Compare Simplecast podcast hosting plans, analytics, and distribution features. See pricing, pros, cons, and FAQs before choosing a hosting platform.

Category
Podcast Hosting
Pricing
subscription, from $15/month ($13.50/month billed annually)
Verified
Not yet
Last updated
July 19, 2026
Founded
2015
Headquarters
New York, New York, United States
Web AppFree TrialAPI

What Is Simplecast

Simplecast is a podcast hosting and distribution platform that lets creators upload audio, publish an RSS feed, and get their show listed automatically across Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major podcast apps.

Founded in 2015 by Brad Smith and based in New York, Simplecast built its reputation on clean publishing tools paired with detailed audience analytics, which set it apart from more bare-bones hosting providers.

In 2020 Simplecast was acquired by SiriusXM and folded into AdsWizz, SiriusXM's advertising technology arm, becoming the company's primary podcast creation and hosting platform while continuing to operate under the Simplecast brand.

Key Features

Simplecast automates distribution to all major podcast directories through a single RSS feed, and it provides a customizable show website with a custom domain option so podcasters do not need a separate site builder.

Analytics range from basic download counts on the entry-level plan to advanced reporting on higher tiers, including unique listener estimates, geographic breakdowns by country and region, device and app technology data, and side-by-side comparisons across episodes.

For publishers and larger shows, Simplecast supports dynamic ad insertion and campaign management through the AdsWizz Podcast Marketplace, secondary ad-free feeds, third-party attribution partner integrations, and API access for custom workflows.

Pricing

The Basic plan costs $15 per month, or $13.50 per month billed annually, and includes two team seats, unlimited storage and uploads, a customizable show website, and 20,000 downloads included per month.

The Essential plan costs $35 per month ($31.50 annually) and adds four team seats along with location analytics, unique listener reporting, web player analytics, and technology analytics, with 50,000 downloads included per month.

Professional and Enterprise plans use custom, quote-based pricing and add monetization through dynamic ad insertion, white-labeled RSS feeds, high-bitrate audio, API integration, and dedicated account support. Every plan includes a 14-day free trial with no credit card required.

Key Features

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Strong, detailed analytics compared to many entry-level podcast hosts
  • Backing from SiriusXM and AdsWizz brings monetization opportunities for larger shows
  • Clean, easy-to-use publishing interface and customizable show website
  • 14-day free trial available on all plans with no credit card required
  • Recast web player makes it easy to share episode clips for marketing

Cons

  • No permanent free plan, unlike some competitors aimed at hobbyist podcasters
  • Advanced analytics such as location and technology data are locked behind the Essential tier and above
  • Professional and Enterprise pricing is not published and requires contacting sales
  • Download-based pricing means costs can rise as a show's audience grows
  • Fewer built-in editing tools compared to platforms that bundle recording and editing

Pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Simplecast cost

Simplecast's Basic plan starts at $15 per month ($13.50 billed annually), with an Essential plan at $35 per month, and custom-priced Professional and Enterprise tiers for larger publishers.

Does Simplecast offer a free trial

Yes, all Simplecast plans include a 14-day free trial with no credit card required.

Who owns Simplecast

Simplecast was acquired by SiriusXM in 2020 and now operates as AdsWizz's flagship podcast creator platform.

Does Simplecast support podcast monetization

Yes, Professional and Enterprise plans support dynamic ad insertion and campaign management through the AdsWizz Podcast Marketplace.

What analytics does Simplecast provide

Simplecast tracks downloads, unique listeners, geographic location, device and app technology data, and web player engagement, with more advanced reporting on higher-tier plans.

Can I use a custom domain with Simplecast

Yes, Simplecast's customizable show website supports a custom domain on all plans.

Who founded Simplecast

Simplecast was founded in 2015 by Brad Smith, who later became Head of Podcast Products at SiriusXM.

Is Simplecast good for beginners

Simplecast is usable by beginners but is generally positioned toward serious podcasters and publishers who want professional analytics rather than the cheapest possible entry-level hosting.

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