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On the surface, Podigee offers everything you need to podcast. Dedicated to making podcasting easy and simple, the platform aims to cover each stage of the podcasting process whether you’re an amateur or professional. That being said, when compared to other similar services, Podigee’s hidden costs and limited allowances mean that hosting with the platform can be quite costly with limited features. This comprehensive review and walkthrough deep dives into Podigee, explaining its features and highlighting anything you might have missed at first glance. By the end of this article, you’ll know whether Podigee is the right platform for you.
TL;DR
- Podigee is a simple podcast hosting and management platform that also offers limited monetization features.
- Podigee has three pricing tiers starting at $12 per month for a very basic subscription
- Some of Podigee’s best features include its dynamic ad server and WordPress plugin.
- Users need to be aware of some of the costs that may catch them out such as the encoding limit or migration costs.
How we’re reviewing Podigee
Before looking in detail at what Podigee has to offer, we’ll explain how we’re looking at the platform. We’ve come up with 7 critical areas that we believe make or break a podcast hosting platform:
Pricing
First and foremost, we look at how much a platform charges to use its features. This isn’t just about the objective price, but how much value for money you get with a subscription.
Analytics
Secondly, we look for platforms that offer podcasters in-depth, granular detail about their podcast’s performance analytics, who their listeners are, and what they can do to optimize their content. We look for stats that are comprehensive, easy to understand, and leverage.
Media Player
However big or small a podcast hosting platform is, at a very minimum it should offer podcasters an embeddable media player that allows them to share their podcast wherever they see fit. Additional points for platforms that allow users to customize their media player the way they want.
File Hosting
It’s important to look at which types of file formats a podcast host supports. Ideally, we’re searching for platforms that support lossless file formats such as WAV, so that users don’t need to sacrifice their audio quality in order to upload their content. Additionally, it’s a huge bonus if a platform also supports video podcasting, although this isn’t always the case.
Distribution
One of a podcast host’s fundamental roles is to make podcast distribution as slick and easy as possible. It should be completely effortless to publish your show to all the major platforms.
Monetization
Monetization is an important consideration for podcasters looking to make money out of podcasting. It’s important to assess what kind of monetization a platform provides for, whether it’s advertising, sponsorship, private content or subscriptions. It’s also essential to take note of how much of a cut the platform takes from podcasters’ revenue.
Useability and Additional Features
Lastly, but by no means least, we look for platforms that are fundamentally easy to use. This means sleek UX/UI, a friendly and accessible interface, and any bonus features that generally enhance the whole user experience.
Podigee: Quick Takeaways
Podigee appears to offer everything you might be looking for in a podcast host. And in many ways, it does. However, there’s a price tag associated with scaling your podcast, expanding your listenership, and even uploading your episodes if you exceed your subscription allowance. If you take your podcasting seriously, then you’ll need to sign up for the business plan to get the most out of Podigee.
How much does Podigee cost?
Podigee starts at $12/month for their most basic subscription.
What is Podigee?
Podigee aims to ‘make podcast hosting as simple as possible.’ It prides itself on offering the quality and value associated with the ‘made in Germany’ stamp.
The platform offers simple podcast hosting, as well as the ability to monetize your content through dynamic ad insertion. It caters to all kinds of podcasters, ranging from amateurs to professional podcasters.
How much does Podigee cost?
Podigee has three pricing tiers for different levels of podcasters:
Basic - $12/month
Ideal for hobbyists and amateur podcasters
- Valid podcast feeds for major podcast streaming services
- Basic podcast analytics
- Embeddable podcast player
- Secure and GDPR-compliant data
- Easy Spotify listing
- Unlimited storage
- 4 hours of audio encoding per month
- Customer support
Advanced - $25/month
Best plan for freelancers, solo podcasters and NGOs.
Everything from the basic plan plus:
- Deeper analytics
- WordPress plugin
- YouTube publishing
- Podcast teasers for social media
- Better audio quality
- Up to 2 team members
- 2 podcast shows with unlimited episodes
- 6 hours of monthly audio encoding
- Dynamic ad-insertion with Podigee Dynamic Ad-Service ($8/1000 impressions)
- Patron / community monetization with Steady
Business - $65/month
Ideal for business, branded and enterprise podcasts
Everything from the Advanced plan plus:
- Business analytics and PDF reports
- White label podcast player
- Priority customer support
- Up to 5 team members
- 3 podcast shows with unlimited episodes
- 1 private podcast show with password protection for up to 100 listeners
- Up to 20 hours of audio encoding per month
- Dynamic ad-insertion with Podigee Dynamic ad-server ($2/1000 impressions)
- Payment on invoice
Advantages of Podigee
Unlimited storage
All Podigee subscriptions enjoy unlimited storage, so you never need to worry about storage caps or exceeding your monthly allowance. Bear in mind, however, that each subscription tier has a different download and stream limit. For example, the basic plan gets up to 10,000 downloads and streams per month. Also, downloads and streams are measured across all shows and episodes.
Watch out though, all episodes that are uploaded to Podigee need to be encoded. And since each subscription tier comes with an encoding limit, if you exceed your allowance you may find yourself with some unexpected costs.
Easy to use
Podigee’s platform is easy to get started with. This should definitely not be taken for granted, although for podcasters who are sticklers for modern UX/UI, Podigee’s simplistic design may not cut it.
Automatic Social Sharing
By linking up your Facebook and Twitter accounts to Podigee, you can automatically post an update to your feed every time you post a new episode.
Podcast website
Every Podigee user gets a simple podcast website with their subscription. It’ll be automatically updated with your podcast’s latest updates.
WordPress Plugin
If you’re an Advanced subscriber or above, you get access to Podigee’s WordPress plugin which allows you to quickly publish your podcast straight to your WordPress blog.
Embeddable Player
Every Podigee subscription enjoys a free embeddable media player so that podcasters can share their content wherever they want.
Monetization
If you’re an advanced subscriber or above, you gain access to Podigee’s Dynamic Ad Server which allows you to monetize your future and existing content. Business subscribers are also able to create a private podcast that is password protected for up to 100 listeners.
Team members
Though limited to a maximum of 5 team members, Advanced and Business Plan subscribers can add their podcasting team to their account for collaborative working.
Analytics
All Podigee users get access to some level of analytics, whether it’s basic, pro or catalog. That being said, some podcasters may not be satisfied with the level of detail.
Disadvantages of Podigee
Limited file formats
Podigee only supports MP3 file format, and currently doesn’t have compatibility with video podcasts either. Although depending on your subscription, you’ll have access to better audio quality.
No creation ability
If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution for podcasting, then Podigee isn’t for you. Though it caters to the hosting, management, and distribution part of the podcasting journey, it doesn’t have any creation features.
Can’t monetize unless you’re an advanced user or above
In order to gain access to Podigee’s monetization features, you need to be prepared to fork out $25 a month at least. For podcasters on a budget, this could be a problem.
Have to pay for podcast transfer
If you have only up to 100 hours of audio and three podcasts, then you don’t have to pay to transfer your podcast. However, anything above this and you have to pay $30 for every additional 100 hours. If you have four or more podcasts then you need to pay $25 per podcast.
Stream/Download Limit
The stream and download limit may be off-putting for podcasters looking to rapidly scale their show without having to pay for their growth.
Podcast limit
Additionally, podcasters looking to create a podcast network may find themselves frustrated by the high price tag and the relatively small podcast limit of 3.
Audio Encoding Limit
Every episode that you upload to Podigee needs to be encoded. However, as you will have noticed, each subscription tier comes with a monthly encoding limit. So although you technically have an unlimited allowance for monthly episode uploads, the encoding limit effectively limits you to six episodes per month. Unless you want to pay more.
Key features
Dynamic Ad Server
Dynamic ads allow podcasters to monetize even their oldest content. This means that both new content and their back catalog are ever-green and constantly bringing in new revenue.
Podigee’s Dynamic Ad Server allows users to upload, distribute, monitor, and manage their ads.
Intro & Outro Function
Podigee’s intro and outro function lets you change out the audio that plays before and after your podcast episodes. You can use this feature to update your listeners with the latest news or mention relevant sponsors whilst maintaining consistent branding across all your content. And since this feature is automated, all you need to do is upload your intro or outro audio, assign which podcasts you want it to play on and let Podigee take care of the rest.
Podigee Podcast Player
The Podigee embeddable media player works across all different devices, includes a subscribe button, and gives your listeners all the information they need about your episode. You can either choose from one of Podigee’s themes or create your own, depending on your preferences.
You can also place chapter marks through your episode, meaning your listeners can easily navigate your content’s different sections.
Headliner Audiograms
Every Podigee user gets access to the audiogram feature through Podigee’s integration with headliner. This allows you to create short videos that are perfect for social sharing and publicizing your latest updates.
Podcast website
All Podigee podcasts get an optional website that is on a subdomain of podigee.io. The podigee embeddable media player is an automatic feature of these websites as well as a subscriber hub.
Podigee is best for Hobbyists or Pros with no budget
The reason we’ve pinpointed Podigee for two opposite ends of the podcasting spectrum is this: without a big budget, you can’t really get the best out of the platform. So either you need to be a hobbyist podcaster that isn’t looking for a feature-loaded podcast host or you need to have the resources to buy the functionality you need. That being said, for both parties, we’d recommend inspecting the competition, because the likelihood is that both amateurs and pros can get far better value for money elsewhere.
First look at Podigee
Let’s take a quick look at the Podigee interface. The dashboard is very simple, with different tabs navigating you to the various pages where you can manage your podcast. This includes your web player, dynamic ad insertion, and your team members, for example.
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How to get started with Podigee
Step 1: When you first sign up, you’ll be greeted with two options: ‘create a new podcast’ or ‘transfer an existing podcast’.
Step 2: Click ‘Create a new podcast’. If you want to migrate an existing show, follow our instructions below.
Step 3: Next, fill out your podcast title and upload your podcast cover art.
Step 4: On the next page, fill out the podcast author, description, and your show’s website domain.
Step 5: Next, choose your podcast’s language and category. Then click ‘Finish Creating Podcast’.
Now you’re ready to upload your first episode!
How to add a new episode on Podigee
Step 1: Once you’ve completed the steps above to add a new show to your Podigee account. Click the ‘create first episode and upload the audio’.
Step 2: First, upload your audio file.
Step 3: Next, add the episode’s title, description, show notes and other information.
Step 4: Then add in the chapter marks of your episode if you want to.
Step 5: On the next page, you can decide whether you want to automate social sharing about this episode. If you do, upload an image to share on Facebook, or, depending on your plan, create a promotional video using Headliner.
Step 6: On the next tab, you can manage dynamic ad insertion depending on your subscription plan.
Step 7: Once you’ve filled out all the necessary information, two green buttons will appear. You can either click ‘publish now’ or ‘schedule publication….’
Step 8: If you click ‘back to podcast’, you’ll be able to see an overview of all your episodes.
How to migrate your podcast
Step 1: When you first make an account, click ‘transfer an existing podcast’ .
Step 2: Next, click the blue ‘Transfer my podcast’ button
Step 3: Then fill out the form including your feed URL and your current host. When you’re finished, click ‘Request podcast transfer’.
Step 4: Sit back and wait for your podcast transfer to complete. Podigee will email you to notify you when it’s all done.
Step 5: Remember to redirect your RSS feed to Podigee.
Podigee has specific articles about migrating and forwarding your feed from major podcast hosting platforms such as Blubrry and Buzzsprout.
How to distribute your podcast
Once you’ve published your first episode, head to the ‘exports’ tab in your dashboard. Here you’ll find submission links to the major podcast directories. Click on a directory and then agree to submit your podcast.
How to monetize your podcast with Podigee
Podigee has a dynamic ad server that allows you to monetize both future and past content by dynamically inserting ads.
Step 1: To manage your podcast monetization, head to the Audio Insertion tab in your dashboard.
Step 2: Click ‘Manage Ads’. You’ll then land on the terms and conditions page where you’ll need to accept the terms of service.
Step 3: Next, you’ll see all of your podcasts and have the option to add slots for dynamic ads.
Step 4: If you click ‘create slot’, a window will pop up where you can name the particular slot, and choose where in your content it plays (pre, mid or post roll).
Then you need to upload the ad audio to play across your podcast content.
Podigee Analytics
Depending on your Podigee subscription you’ll get access to a different level of podcast analytics. All users can see basic podcast analytics, but only Advanced users can see Pro stats. Basic analytics show podcasters their overall downloads, streams, and listeners.
Pro stats tell podcasters about file formats, download sources, devices, operating systems, as well as listeners’ geographic locations.
Business users enjoy both pro and catalog analytics. Catalog analytics mean that business podcasters can compare the performance of all their podcasts at one time.
Step 1: From your Podigee dashboard, click on the ‘Analytics’ button on the far right.
Step 2: Then you’ll land on your podcast’s analytics page where you’ll see a varying range of stats depending on your podigee subscription.
Basic Analytics:
Advanced Analytics:
Pro Analytics:
Podigee Alternatives
When looking at podcast hosting services, it’s always good to look at what else is available. Here’s how we think Podigee compares to some other good podcast hosting services:
Podigee vs Ausha
In terms of pricing, Ausha and Podigee are objectively well-matched, both starting at the $12/$13 mark. However, whilst Podigee has, as we’ve seen, some hidden costs associated, Ausha promises unlimited storage, episodes and downloads. You also immediately get access to Ausha’s ad agency for monetization from the most basic tier.
Podigee vs Omny Studio
Podigee and Omny Studio target different audiences. Whilst, as we’ve seen, Podigee aims to capture a variety of audiences, Omny Studio focusses on enterprise accounts and this difference is tangible. In terms of the interface design alone, Omny Studio wins out in terms of UX/UI because Podigee’s dashboard is much more simplistic.
Podigee vs Buzzsprout
Buzzsprout is a big name in the podcast hosting world and there’s a reason. Buzzsprout is accessible and easy to use, especially for podcasters who are just starting out on their podcast journey.
That being said, Buzzsprout’s pricing structure is far more restrictive from our perspective. They have a free plan, but this only gives you 2 hours of upload per month and only hosts your episodes for 90 days. Meanwhile, their most affordable plan at $12 per month only gives you three hours. From this standpoint, Podigee definitely gives you better value for money, even with all its limits and allowances.
Final Thoughts on Podigee
Podigee, as promoted, is a simple and straightforward platform. The interface itself is clean and extremely simplistic - which, if you’re looking for something like that, is exactly what you need. The dynamic ad server elevates the functionality of the platform and allows podcasters to monetize their content directly from their podcast host. However, as we’ve seen, the hidden costs associated with many fundamental processes such as uploading your episodes, or exceeding your monthly stream limit, or even adding a podcast to your account, are disappointing, especially when compared to the competition.
FAQs about Podigee
What is Podigee?
Podigee is a podcast hosting platform and management tool that starts at $12 per month. It’s a fairly simple solution if you’re just looking for a podcast host, but you may find that you get better value for money elsewhere, especially given that there’s platforms that’ll do everything Podigee does (and more) for free.
Is Podigee worth it?
Choosing a podcast host is a very subjective decision so it really depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re searching for a simple and affordable podcast host, Podigee is likely to fit the bill. That being said, hunting around for comparative options is never a bad idea.
Want to read more on podcast hosting platforms? Check out our other reviews:
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