Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Libsyn VS Captivate

Compare Libsyn VS Captivate and see what are their differences

Libsyn logo Libsyn

Podcast Hosting

Captivate logo Captivate

Every tool you need to start, manage & monetize your podcast
  • Libsyn Landing page
    Landing page //
    2020-03-25
  • Captivate Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-03-18

Libsyn features and specs

  • Ease of Use
    Libsyn provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies the process of uploading and managing podcast episodes.
  • Advanced Analytics
    Libsyn offers detailed analytics that help podcasters understand their audience better, including download numbers and audience location.
  • Distribution
    Libsyn supports extensive distribution options, allowing podcasters to easily publish episodes on major platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
  • Monetization Options
    Libsyn provides various monetization strategies, including premium content and dynamic ad insertion, to help creators generate revenue.
  • Reliable Hosting
    With a robust hosting infrastructure, Libsyn ensures podcasts are always accessible, minimizing downtime and buffering for listeners.

Possible disadvantages of Libsyn

  • Cost
    Libsyn's pricing can be considered high for those just starting, especially when compared to some newer hosting alternatives that offer free plans.
  • Storage Limits
    Monthly storage limits can be restrictive, requiring podcasters to pay more as their library grows if they exceed their current plan's storage capacity.
  • Complexity for Beginners
    While Libsyn provides many features, it may feel overwhelming for complete beginners who aren't familiar with the podcasting landscape.
  • Limited Customization
    Compared to some competitors, Libsyn's customization options for podcast webpages and player widgets are somewhat limited.
  • User Interface Design
    Though functional, the design of the Libsyn interface appears outdated, which can detract from the overall user experience.

Captivate features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Captivate features an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, which makes it accessible for both beginners and experienced podcasters. Its design focuses on simplicity, reducing the learning curve for users.
  • Comprehensive Analytics
    The platform provides detailed analytics, helping podcasters understand their audience better. This includes metrics on listener demographics, episode performance, and download trends.
  • Unlimited Podcasts and Episodes
    Captivate allows users to create and manage unlimited podcasts and episodes under one account, providing flexibility for podcasters who produce multiple shows.
  • Built-in Marketing Tools
    The platform includes built-in marketing features such as customizable podcast websites and calls-to-action, aiding podcasters in growing their audience effectively.
  • Generous Hosting Limits
    Captivate offers unlimited storage and bandwidth, allowing podcasters to upload and distribute content without worrying about reaching data caps.

Possible disadvantages of Captivate

  • Subscription Cost
    While Captivate provides numerous features, it comes with a subscription fee that might be higher compared to some other podcast hosting platforms, potentially making it less accessible for hobbyists or smaller creators.
  • Less Established Brand
    Compared to some older and more established podcast hosting platforms, Captivate might not have the same level of brand recognition or a vast user community.
  • Advanced Features Complexity
    Some of the advanced features and tools available on Captivate might be overwhelming for users who are new to podcasting or those who prefer a more straightforward approach.

Libsyn videos

Libsyn Podcast Hosting For Submitting Your Feed to Podcast Directories

More videos:

  • Tutorial - The Best Podcast Hosting Service | How to Use Libsyn
  • Review - Top Podcast Hosting Sites 2019 (Simplecast, Libsyn, Podbean, Buzzsprout, Spreaker)

Captivate videos

Captivate Podcast Hosting Review (2021) | Grow Your Show!

More videos:

  • Review - Adobe Captivate Review
  • Review - Captivate Podcast Hosting Review & Walkthrough (2020)

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Libsyn and Captivate)
Podcast Tools
46 46%
54% 54
Podcast Hosting
48 48%
52% 52
Podcast Platform
68 68%
32% 32
Productivity
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

Share your experience with using Libsyn and Captivate. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Libsyn and Captivate

Libsyn Reviews

10 Best Podcast Hosting Platforms In 2022 โ€“ Review & Comparisons
Analytics begin at the plans that are $15/month and up. Other features such as Double Opt-In Advertising and MyLibsyn Premium Paywall arenโ€™t available until you reach the $20/month plan. The Paywall feature allows you to charge premium subscription fees for your podcast content.
Source: rss.com
23 Best Podcast Hosting Platforms in 2022 (Free and Cheap)A Collection and Review of the Top Platforms to Host Your Podcast
Libsyn is a great podcast hosting platform for those who donโ€™t upload a lot of content, as their storage is limited (on their lowest price plan). And for podcasters who understand podcast hosting and want to pay for only those features they need, it could be the best podcast hosting platform for you.
Source: www.ryrob.com

Captivate Reviews

23 Best Podcast Hosting Platforms in 2022 (Free and Cheap)A Collection and Review of the Top Platforms to Host Your Podcast
Unfortunately, Captivate doesnโ€™t offer a free plan. However, you can sign up for a 7-day trial to take it for a spin, if you want to try out their impressive features. Paid, yet still relatively cheap podcast hosting plans with Captivate start at $19.00/month, so itโ€™s not the cheapest option on the market today.
Source: www.ryrob.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Captivate seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 9 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Libsyn mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Libsyn yet. Tracking of Libsyn recommendations started around Mar 2021.

Captivate mentions (9)

  • podcast host that aren't Spotify
    I only recently started a podcast but I did considerable research on hosting. Even though I am in the U.S., I found that the service with the best combination of features is captivate.fm out of the U.K. So far I have been quite pleased. They are geared toward growing your podcast but have been very helpful even with the initial launch. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Best Distribution Service
    I've been vocal about issues I've had with the platform over the past few months, but Captivate has gone over and above improving their service and feature set over the past few weeks and have blown me away with honestly fulfilling nearly every feature request I've made since I first started the service. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Adjusting Loudness for podcast - RX9/Reaper
    I actually had this question - when uploading to a host (say, captivate.fm), what format should you use? Source: about 3 years ago
  • Tips on releasing my narrative podcast?
    Amazing work getting your whole first season completed and edited! I'm pretty new to audio drama so others probably have better advice, but I've used two platforms before - I moved from podbean to captivate.fm because podbean had a really frustrating interface. I've found captivate to be really easy to use, great analytics figures, helpful tools to get started with advertising and they submit to all the usual apps... Source: over 3 years ago
  • Which Podcast Host Has 1 Click Submission?
    I know captivate.fm and anchor.fm/ do have this 1 click submission. Source: almost 4 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Libsyn and Captivate, you can also consider the following products

Spreaker - Spreaker website is a broadcasting studio that you will be able to move around with easily. The website provides users access to their podcast and live radio with the Spreaker Studio feature. Read more about Spreaker.

Simplecast - Say hello to the modern independent podcast management platform.

Podbean - A better way to discover and play all your favorite podcasts anywhere, anytime.

Buzzsprout - Buzzsprout is a leading Podcast platform that allows you to enjoy, host, promote and track your own podcast.

SoundCloud - Enjoy music & follow favourite artists

Zencastr - High Fidelity Podcasting