There are a lot of ways to host and monetize your podcast – some of which are harder, or easier, than others. We want to help you find the best solution for you and your podcast. So when it comes down to Shortwave vs. audioBoom, this is what you need to know in order to make an informed decision: The platforms
What is Shortwave?
Shortwave is a podcast hosting company that believes ad-swapping should be available to all creators, and content should never be static. Our clip-stitching method gives you complete control over your show, from updating ads and show content to diving into analytics to identify trends. Our other features include audio transcoding, simple show migration, an automated RSS feed builder, and more.
What is audioBoom?
audioBoom is a hosting platform and ad network that offers advertising services to some users. This platform offers an inexpensive, ad-free option that includes the basic podcast-hosting services, as well as two other plans that include access to an ad network, a dynamic ad insertion tool, event sponsorships, and more.
Monetization
Shortwave:
Shortwave’s clip-stitching feature makes it easy to swap new ads into any or all published episodes. Splitting single audio files into separate clips is also easy, so you can monetize any episode. This feature is included in all plan types, meaning Shortwave you can sell your show’s concept to potential advertising partners, instead of individual episodes – without splitting your ad revenue with us.
audioBoom:
Audioboom offers an ad network (additional fees may apply; pro plans and above), branded content partnerships (additional fees may apply; pro plans and above), and a dynamic ad insertion tool (additional fees may apply; podcast networks plan only). Contact audioBoom for pricing and revenue-sharing information.
Dynamic ad and content swapping
Shortwave:
Need to update your intro across your entire show? With Shortwave’s clip-stitching capabilities, you can easily update content and ads across all of your episodes, a smaller selection, or a single episode. Upload your episodes in multiple clips, or in a single file which you can then split into multiple clips. So you have total control over your advertisements and your show content.
audioBoom:
audioBoom does not offer a content-swapping feature. You can insert ad points into your show’s audio after uploading, which will allow audioBoom’s dynamic ad insertion tool to insert advertisements (additional fees may apply; podcast networks plan only).
Statistics
Shortwave:
We offer basic and advanced analytics. Our basic analytics are included in our hobby plan, and feature episode-level trends in downloads, listener devices, and listener browsers. Professional users can access these stats along with our advanced analytics, which include show-level download, device, and browser trends.
audioBoom:
audioBoom’s statistics allow you to see your most popular episodes, as well as audience trends in geolocations and listening devices.
RSS feed and syndication
Shortwave:
Shortwave supplies you with an RSS feed, as well as simple directions for distributing your show on top listening platforms.
audioBoom:
With audioBoom, you also get an RSS feed and instructions for getting onto popular distribution platforms.
Transcoding and audio quality
Shortwave:
Host your episodes in the highest quality audio available – 128kbps – with Shortwave’s audio transcoding on demand. Our two plans include free hours of transcoding: 5 hours for the hobby plan, and 10 hours for the professional plan. To account for any overage, you simply pay a low fee for any additional content transcoded, so you only have to pay for the service you need.
audioBoom:
audioBoom offers audio transcoding, but no information on the audio quality available.
Migration
Shortwave:
Migrate to Shortwave in minutes with our RSS-based importing system. Just add your RSS feed and your show will import automatically.
audioBoom:
Instructions for migrating to audioBoom are not public.
Seasons and serial shows
Shortwave:
Shortwave makes it easy to set up your podcast as a seasonal or serial show.
audioBoom:
audioBoom also features seasonal and serial show types.
Bandwidth and storage
Shortwave:
Get unlimited bandwidth and storage with Shortwave, no matter which plan you choose, how much content you upload, and how much streaming your listeners do.
audioBoom:
The storage and bandwidth offered by audioBoom varies by the plan you select: Their most basic plan, for example, offers the bandwidth to publish up to 5 episodes per month, and a hard cap of up to 10,000 listens per month. The platform’s two higher tiers offer unlimited bandwidth and storage (contact audioBoom for pricing for these plans).
Plans and pricing
Shortwave:
Shortwave offers two comprehensive, easy-to-understand hosting plans. Our hobby plan starts at $7.97/mo, paid annually, and includes a single podcast, as well as show import, unlimited bandwidth, 5 hours of audio transcoding per month, basic statistics, clip-stitching, an automated RSS feed builder, and an embed player. Our second tier, the professional plan, includes all of the above plus hosting for unlimited podcasts, an additional 5 hours of transcoding per month, advanced statistics, and priority access to our transcoding queue. This plan starts at $9.79/mo, paid annually.
audioBoom:
audioBoom offers three distinct plans. Their New Podcasters plan costs $9.99/mo, and is an ad-free plan that includes hosting for up to 5 episodes per month, up to 10K plays per month, analytics, and an embeddable web player. Their next tier, Podcast Pros (contact audioboom for pricing; many of the following services may also incur additional fees) includes all of the above, plus unlimited episodes and plays, sponsorships, access to their ad network, branded partnership opportunities, and live event sponsorship. Their final tier, Podcast Networks, includes everything in the Podcast Pros plan, plus an ad sales service, dynamic ad-swap tool, and unlimited podcast channels and accounts (again, contact audioBoom for pricing for this plan and its individual components).
Free trial
Shortwave:
Test out Shortwave with a free, 14-day trial. This trial is open to all new subscribers, and includes 2 hours of audio transcoding, as well as the entire suite of features available in the professional plan. These include clip-stitching, an RSS feed, an embed player, unlimited bandwidth, advanced and basic statistics, and more. No credit card required, and your content will not be deleted at the end of your trial.
audioBoom:
audioBoom’s 30-day free trial doesn’t begin until you activate your podcast, but you must put a credit card down in order to start your trial. It includes
The bottom line
Use Shortwave if:
You want unlimited bandwidth and control over how (and when) you monetize and update your entire show – plus an easy-to-use, inexpensive podcast hosting platform.
Use audioBoom if:
You want a simple, ad-free hosting option for your podcast, or are a big podcast network looking for an ad network.
Start creating with Shortwave today
Start your free trial now, and see what total control of your content and advertising feels like.