When you’re a podcaster, you wear many hats. You’re a host, performer, producer, editor, and marketer—and more!
It makes sense that many creators in 2023 are looking for podcasting services to help them create the best show they can, and in some cases, outsource a few roles to the professionals.
But all of the terminology can get confusing pretty quickly. What’s the difference between podcast software companies and podcast hosting companies? And are production companies the same as a podcast editing service?
In this article, we’ll define each type of podcasting company, along with a list of the top ten services in podcast production and technology in 2023.
The growth of the podcast industry
Podcasts have come a long way since their invention in 2004. Their popularity has increased steadily since that date, but they’ve really exploded in popularity in the last decade.
In 2014, narrative podcasts (specifically, true-crime podcasts like Serial) entered the scene—and the world seemed to realize the potential of the medium. Audiences suddenly couldn’t get enough podcast content of all kinds.
The mix of high production quality, versatile consumption options, and intimate and personalized nature makes the podcast an ideal form of media.
Today, podcasts have grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry. Streaming giants like Spotify, Sirius XM, and YouTube are taking an interest in the space and acquiring podcast networks. And a whole industry has sprung up around podcasting, with several kinds of podcasting services available to help make high-quality content.
How do podcast companies work?
Podcast companies are any businesses that are involved with the production, hosting, and distribution of podcasts. Many fall into one of four categories, depending on where the company falls in the podcast lifecycle:
Podcast software companies
Podcast production companies
Podcast editing agencies
Podcast hosting companies
Below, we’ll give you a list of the top 10 podcast companies, broken down into these four categories.
Note: Another type of podcast company that’s not covered in this article is a podcast network. If you’re interested in learning more about podcast networks, check out this article: How, Why & When To Join A Podcast Network.
10 Best Podcast Companies in 2023
Best Podcast Software Companies
Podcast software companies create technology that helps podcasts get made—whether it’s recording or editing. Whether you’re a newbie podcaster or a seasoned pro, you need high-quality recording and editing tools to create content your audience will want to listen to.
While you can use separate recording and editing software, there are many options available that combine the two services. Below, we’ll look at three software companies that help podcasters of all skill levels create quality recordings.
Riverside is an all-in-one podcast recording and editing software for anyone from beginners to professional podcasters. The tool is browser-based and doesn’t require any downloads, which makes it extremely lightweight and easy to use—but it doesn’t sacrifice sound or video quality.
Every recording is captured locally in lossless WAV or up to 4K video resolution, meaning it records in crystal-clear audio and video without relying on the quality of your internet connection.
And the beauty of Riverside is that there’s no need for separate podcast editing software unless you’re doing advanced editing. The Editor lets you create a polished episode in just a few clicks with automated editing and customization features. And the Clips feature lets you painlessly repurpose your content into short teasers to promote your show on social media.
Key features:
Local recording in 48kHz WAV audio and up to 4K video resolution
Continuous uploading to the cloud; no waiting for long uploads after you finish recording
Separate audio and video tracks for each participant
Editor uploads your logo, changes the background, stitches tracks together, and chooses a speaker layout
Clips feature makes it easy to repurpose content for social media promotion
AI Speaker view automatically switches to show whoever is talking
Customizable branded backgrounds
Producer mode and soundboard controls
iOS and Android apps for recording on the go
Automatic Transcriptions
Live streaming to Facebook, Twitch, YouTube, and LinkedIn
Invite up to 7 guests
Best for: Beginners and professionals alike, and anyone in between.
Audacity is an open-source platform that offers basic recording and editing features for audio podcasts. Like most open-source tools, its interface is a bit outdated and it can have a steep learning curve—but it’s a great choice for those looking for a free audio recording and editing solution.
Keep in mind, though, that Audacity doesn’t record video, so if you’re recording a video podcast, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Key features:
Records at up to 32-bit, 44.1 kHz
Record live audio through a microphone or mixer, or digitize recordings from other media.
Simple interface
Spectrogra and plot spectrum view for analyzing and manipulating audio frequencies
Editing tools include amplifier, adjustable fading effect, noise reduction, and more
As part of the Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe Audition is a recording and editing platform with advanced tools to create a professional-quality podcast. However, it can be difficult to navigate and it probably better for users who already have some experience with audio editing.
Key features:
Multitrack, waveform, and spectral display for creating and mixing audio content
Sound panel editing tools to adjust audio levels
Library of royalty-free sound effects
Templates for multitrack recording
Noise reduction features
Batch-processing capabilities
Best for: Experienced audio podcasters looking for advanced editing features.
Best Podcast Production Service Companies
These companies are full-service podcast production services. That means they handle every aspect of producing a podcast, including strategy, artwork, coordinating guests, editing, publication, and promotion. If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop to save you time in managing your podcast, you’ll probably want to choose a podcast production company.
Of course, since these are full-service agencies, they can be quite costly and eat into your ad revenue more than other more DIY options.
Resonate is a comprehensive podcast editing and production service that offers a wide range of packages for each customer’s specific needs. New users can sign up for a Podcast Launch package to get music, cover art, web design, and distribution set up handled professionally. Or if you need a marketing team, Resonate’s staff will take care of your show notes, audiograms, and transcriptions.
Or you can sign up for end-to-end services to have their team handle your pre- and post-production needs.
Key services:
Website hosting and design
Show notes and transcriptions
Video editing, animation, and color grading
Custom YouTube channel setup
Audio editing, mixing, and sound design
Bumper music and cover art
Podcast trailers
Producer services like script co-writing, content editing and collaboration, and soundboard management
Best for: Small businesses and entrepreneurs looking for a customized range of podcast production services.
Sweet Fish Media is a full-service podcast production agency that specializes in creating well-produced, memorable shows for B2B brands. Along with a full suite of production services, Sweet Fish also offers coaching for audience growth, content marketing, and podcast creation.
Freedom Podcasting is a production service for artists and entrepreneurs. The team offers basic podcast editing as well as various pre- and post-production services at a reasonable cost and quick turnaround.
Key services:
Audio editing
Art design
Launch planning
Show art
White-hat SEO strategies
Customized platform distribution process
Show ideation and execution
Best for: Individuals and small businesses looking for a customizable service at a reasonable price.
Best Podcast Editing Services
These companies are lower in cost than the full-service podcast production companies above.
They do the bare-bones jobs of editing and producing your show to professional standards, but they won’t handle every aspect of podcast production. If you choose one of the options below, you’ll likely need to handle things like booking guests, creating artwork, and promoting your show after it’s published. But on the upside, you’ll get to keep more of your revenue for yourself.
Castos Productions (previously known as PodcastMotor before being acquired by Castos) is a basic podcast editing service. The company specializes in helping business-to-business (B2B) podcasters create high-quality interview shows.
Key services:
Show notes and transcripts
Audio engineering
Intro and outro
Data analytics
Publishing to WordPress and integration with the Castos dashboard
Best for: Mid-to-large B2B podcasters who host standard interview format shows.
We Edit Podcasts is a female-founded company offering a range of podcast editing services, including audio and video edits, transcription services, and show notes. The agency’s goal is to help podcasters of all sizes and goals, with contract-free and customizable packages.
Key services:
Audio editing
Transcription services
Podcast launch services, like hosting and distribution setup
Video editing
Show notes
Intro and outro creation
Best for: Independent or small business podcasters that need budget-friendly and à-la-carte options.
Best Podcast Hosting Companies
Podcast hosting platforms store your podcast content online so you don’t have to deal with the storage space issues and playback problems that often happen when storing a podcast on your own website. They also provide you with an RSS feed, which is a link that you submit to podcast directories so your audience can find, listen, and subscribe to your show.
Buzzsprout is a great choice for beginner podcasters and hobbyists due to how easy it is to get started with the platform. It’s also reasonably priced with a wide range of features, and Buzzsprout even offers a free plan for beginners.
Key features:
Transcription services
Customized website on Buzzrpout or use their plugin for your WordPress site
Podbean is a popular hosting platform thanks to its wide range of features that benefit professionals and hobbyists alike. Its free plan is very limited, but if you’re willing to pay for a premium plan, you can take advantage of the excellent design tools, customizable themes, and promotion features.
Key features:
Embeddable WordPress player OR host your website with Podbean
Unlimited podcast hosting with unlimited bandwidth
Automatic submission to all top podcast directories and social media
Best for: Beginners might appreciate Podbean’s free plan, while video podcasters who want to earn money from their show can benefit from the Unlimited Plus plan.
FAQs on Podcast Companies
What is a podcast production company?
A podcast production company handles the end-to-end process of creating a podcast for you. These services usually handle every aspect of producing a podcast, including strategy, artwork, coordinating guests, editing, publication, and promotion.
Who are the biggest podcast producers?
Some of the most popular podcast production producers include:
Sweet Fish Media
Resonate Recordings
Freedom Podcasting
Relationary Marketing
Cash Flow Podcasting
What is the most popular podcasting platform?
According to Luminate’s 2023 Podcast 360 Report, YouTube is the most popular platform in the world. This popularity is no doubt due to the rising popularity of video podcasts—which is why if you’re thinking about starting a podcast, you should consider using software that lets you record and edit high-quality video as well as audio.
Anchor is a platform for hosting, creating and distributing podcasts. Read our in-depth review and walkthrough to find out if Anchor is worth it for you!
Read our Spreaker review to find out if this podcast hosting platform is for you. We cover key features, pros & cons, who the platform is best for & more.
Riverside.fm is an audio-video tool that collapses the pod/broadcast studio experience into your browser. The service captures lossless audio and up to 4K video locally, syncs it, and uploads as you go.
Riverside.fm is an audio-video tool that collapses the pod/broadcast studio experience into your browser. The service captures lossless audio and up to 4K video locally, syncs it, and uploads as you go.
Riverside.fm is an audio-video tool that collapses the pod/broadcast studio experience into your browser. The service captures lossless audio and up to 4K video locally, syncs it, and uploads as you go.
“YouTube has the infrastructure to introduce audio hosting and origination, and match it to video with all the rich analytics it already provides. A seamless creator experience, plus SEO marketing tools, plus the benefit of being a platform most have been conditioned to equal. Give it a turn-key opportunity to activate a more cohesive strategy around both video and audio, to the benefit of all parties.”
A.J. Feliciano | Head of Podcast Network
“People are working from home more and more. Audio-only is not as in-demand because the need to multitask while commuting is no longer there.”
Stone Roshell | Head of Podcast Production
“Live streaming may become the biggest way to grow using video for your podcast.”
Stone Roshell | Head of Podcast Production
“With major platforms like Spotify, TikTok, and YouTube putting more resources into video podcasts.. now is a uniquely opportune moment for smart creators to harness that energy by investing in video for audience growth.”
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