So when do you need WordPress podcast plugins? Well, with podcast listener figures growing over 20% over the last couple of years, there has arguably never been a better time to jump on the podcasting bandwagon. And while you’ll certainly have a myriad of creative issues to address between now and launch, there is also the technical aspect to consider – namely, how will you present podcasts on your website?
In typical fashion, the WordPress community has responded to its own needs by developing a number of podcast plugins that enable you to launch a podcast right on your website. However, also in keeping with the traditions of WordPress, the market is teeming with options – making it difficult to make the best choice for your unique needs.
Never fear, however! In this post, we will look at seven of the best podcast plugins on WordPress, aka. podcasting plugins on the market, before listing their key features and best use cases for each.
Let’s get started!
First up is Seriously Simple Podcasting – a user-friendly podcasting solution that enables users to broadcast multiple shows from the same WordPress website.
It’s the simplicity of this plugin that differentiates it from the rest. It has a streamlined interface and a short configuration process, so you can set it up quickly and focus on recording your podcast. In short, it’s ideal for beginners.
Libsyn Podcasting is a renowned podcast hosting solution. Users can sign up to host their episodes, offer their listeners custom mobile apps, study statistics, and much more.
Their plugin – which is for Libsyn subscribers only – is currently in beta, but it’s still an interesting solution among the other podcast plugins.
The cheapest hosting plan starts from $5 per month, so there’s room for both beginners and established podcasters. Most logically, it’s an obvious solution for podcasters wanting to use WordPress as an extension of their existing Libsyn podcast.
Brought to you by Pat Flynn – the acclaimed entrepreneur behind Smart Passive Income – Fusebox is an extremely comprehensive example of what podcast plugins should be, with functionality that arguably trumps all others. It includes various library display settings, playback slowing, direct downloads, and more.
Perhaps the two most alluring features of Fusebox is the level of design customization. Other WordPress podcast plugins lack truly beautiful design options, whereas we feel this is where Fusebox excels. For just one of many examples, it gives you a color palette for your audio track bar, making your podcast feel like a native part of your website.
Another feature that puts Fusebox a step ahead is the transcript plugin that comes along with the Fusebox player. You can use it to create a meaningful transcript that boosts SEO and improve user engagement.
You can try Fusebox for free. To unlock more features, you’d have to spend $8.00 per month (if billed annually).
Simple Podcast Press is indeed simple when it comes to configuration, but its impact upon a WordPress website is anything but.
To set up Simple Podcast Press, you simply enter your iTunes or SoundCloud URL, and the plugin will do the rest. Unique pages for each of your episodes are created, and a mobile-friendly player is inserted. This is automatically accompanied by the full description of your episode, as well as any images taken from your podcast feed. Thereafter, each time you publish a new episode, your WordPress site will automatically update.
As you might have guessed, this plugin is ideal for those with an established iTunes or SoundCloud podcast who are looking to showcase it on their website. And you can get it for $67 for a single site.
Author(s): Blubrry
Current Version: 11.10.1
Last Updated: October 23, 2024
powerpress.11.10.1.zip
Blubrry PowerPress boasts multiple audio and video player options, subscription tools, and a mode for quickly kick-starting new podcasting projects.
Perhaps the most intriguing feature of this plugin is the Podcast SEO feature. It enables you to specify custom episode titles for RSS feeds, and provides guidance on how to make your podcast more visible on Google and iTunes – definitely something to excite podcasters who are looking to grow their audience organically.
Author(s): Podlove
Current Version: 4.1.17
Last Updated: October 29, 2024
podlove-podcasting-plugin-for-wordpress.4.1.17.zip
Rather than aiming to import and rely on third-party podcast platforms, Podlove Podcast Publisher has been built with WordPress in mind. It comes bundled with a subscription feature and a detailed analytics engine.
A key differentiating feature is Podlove’s custom templating system. It enables you to access every piece of code related to your podcast data, so you can modify the appearance and experience to your heart’s content.
Furthermore, the plugin’s functionality is modular, enabling advanced users to tailor the back end interface to their requirements. We think it goes without saying that this one is for podcasters who don’t mind delving into code to customize their experience.
Author(s): Buzzsprout
Current Version: 1.8.7
Last Updated: October 2, 2024
buzzsprout-podcasting.1.8.7.zip
Buzzsprout Podcasting is another premium solution with a free WordPress plugin. It offers iTunes support, HTML5 players, statistics, and more.
Their free plan allows for up to two hours of podcasting a month, with hosting for just 90 days. The cheapest plan thereafter – which includes indefinite hosting – is $12 per month.
Their most expensive premium plan comes in at a hefty $24 per month, allowing for 12 hours of podcasting. Most podcasters will not plan on broadcasting as often as that, although power users may not want such (expensive) restrictions. Thus, we’d recommend Buzzsprout to those who podcast in moderation.
With the growing popularity of podcasting, it’s nice to know that – as per usual – WordPress has you covered. However, each of the plugins above will serve you in a slightly different way, so be mindful of which one you opt for.
To recap, here are the seven strongest WordPress podcast plugins once again, along with our recommended best use cases:
Finally, if you plan on launching a new WordPress website to host your podcast, our article 10 things you need to do right after launching a WordPress site will point you in the right direction.
Are you looking to dip your toe into the podcasting waters? Know of any other cool WordPress podcast plugins? Let us know about your experiences in the comments section below!
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Sophia Lee is a writer and WordPress expert. She’s spent years working with WordPress development and design agencies to build and manage just about any type of website you can imagine. That includes everything from robust online stores to minimalist blogs. She also has a background in digital marketing and SEO.
Thank you for this list Tom.. I know most of these but don’t exactly know which plugins I can use to customize it and make it look like a small sleek player.. like the one from Amy Porterfield’s Home Page (at the top). If you can tell me what do you think she used to have that kind of player would be awesome 🙂
Great job Tom! Thanks for your great sharing. Keep it up.
HI Tom, thanks for mentioning Seriously Simple Podcasting in this list. We’re adding off-site dedicated media hosting to our plugin here very shortly. If you (or anyone else) would like to check out more about it you can head over to podcastmotor.com/connect. PodcastMotor Connect will be going live in early March, 2017.
Or start the conversation in our Facebook group for WordPress professionals. Find answers, share tips, and get help from other WordPress experts. Join now (it’s free)!
Sophia Lee is a writer and WordPress expert. She’s spent years working with WordPress development and design agencies to build and manage just about any type of website you can imagine. That includes everything from robust online stores to minimalist blogs. She also has a background in digital marketing and SEO.
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