With all the podcast hosting platforms out there, how do you choose the one that’s right for you? When considering Shortwave vs. Buzzsprout, here’s what you should know:
What is Shortwave?
Shortwave is a podcast hosting platform founded on the idea that your episode content and ads don’t have to be static. Our clip-stitching method allows you to retain control of how and when you update your show content and your ads. We also offer features such as an automated RSS feed builder, audio transcoding, advanced statistics, show migration, and more.
What is Buzzsprout?
Buzzsprout is a podcast hosting platform that’s designed to be easy to use for creators of all experience levels. Its roster of features isn’t as comprehensive as industry veteran Libsyn’s, but includes all the basics – among them, audio players, statistics, an RSS feed.
Monetization
Shortwave:
Shortwave offers a feature called clip-stitching, which allows you to swap new ads into published episodes at any time. You can also split single audio files into multiple clips, so that you can monetize any episode at any time. This means you no longer have to sell a single episode to potential advertisers - just your show.
Buzzsprout:
Buzzsprout does not offer any monetization options.
Dynamic ad and content swapping
Shortwave:
With our clip-stitching method, you can easily update your intro across all your episodes, run ad campaigns on certain episodes, or re-record part of a single episode. You can upload your episode in multiple files, and split single audio files into multiple clips, so you have ultimate control over your content and advertisements.
Buzzsprout:
Buzzsprout doesn’t offer clip-stitching or ad-swapping features.
Statistics
Shortwave:
Shortwave offers two tiers of podcast statistics: basic and advanced. Our hobby plan includes basic stats: Episode-level download impressions, device breakdown, browser breakdown, and listener trends. The advanced statistics include show-level statistics on downloads, devices, browsers, and listener trends. Both the basic and advanced statistics are included in our professional plan.
Buzzsprout:
All Buzzsprout plans include podcast statistics. Their analytics include basic stats such as plays per episode, audience size, a devices breakdown, and geographical insights.
RSS feed and syndication
Shortwave:
Shortwave offers an RSS feed, and easy-to follow directions for getting on top podcast listening platforms.
Buzzsprout:
Buzzsprout also provides an RSS feed and tips for syndicating on top platforms.
Transcoding and audio quality
Shortwave:
Both Shortwave plans offer audio transcoding on demand. The two tiers include 5 and 10 hours of transcoding, respectively, and you pay a low fee for any additional content you transcode per month - see our pricing page for details. We also offer the highest quality audio available, at 128kb per second.
Buzzsprout:
Buzzsprout optimizes all uploaded audio files to a 64kbps mono format. For an additional $6/mo, you can upgrade to a 128kbps stereo format.
Websites
Shortwave:
Shortwave does not offer podcast website services at this time.
Buzzsprout:
Buzzsprout offers simple, mobile-friendly websites for your podcast.
Migration
Shortwave:
You can import and upload your entire show to Shortwave in no time – just input your RSS feed and your show will import automatically.
Buzzsprout:
Buzzsprout offers the same importing solution.
Bandwidth and storage
Shortwave:
Shortwave offers unlimited bandwidth and unlimited storage for all plans, no matter how much content you upload.
Buzzsprout:
Buzzsprout offers unlimited storage, plus a set amount of upload bandwidth per month. Their most basic plan includes 3 hours, and their most advanced offers 12 hours a month of upload bandwidth. There’s a fee of $4/hr for any overage.
Plans and pricing
Shortwave:
Shortwave offers two comprehensive plans: Hobby (starting at $7.97/mo, paid annually) and professional (starting at $9.97/mo, paid annually). The hobby plan includes the following for one podcast: Show import, automated RSS feed builder, clip, 5 hours of audio transcoding per month (plus a low on-demand rate if you go over), basic statistics, unlimited bandwidth, and an embed player. The professional plan includes all of the above, plus unlimited podcasts, an additional 5 hours of transcoding per month, advanced statistics, and priority access to the audio transcoding queue.
Buzzsprout:
Buzzsprout offers three paid plans, their most basic of which is $12/mo and includes 3 hours of content uploadings per month (the other two tiers are $18/mo with 6 hours of content, and $24/mo with 12 hours of content, respectively). All three plans include unlimited storage, 250GB of bandwidth per month, and show migration. If you go over your content upload limit for the month, it’s $4 per hour of overage, and you can upgrade any plan to 128k stereo optimization for $6/mo.
Free trial
Shortwave:
Shortwave offers a free, 14-day trial to all new users. This trial includes 2 hours of audio transcoding, plus all the features included in the professional plan – among them, clip stitching, statistics, an RSS feed, unlimited bandwidth, an embed player, and more. You don’t have to put a credit card down, and your content will not be deleted at the end of your trial.
Buzzsprout:
Buzzsprout offers a 90-day trial for free, with no credit card required. This includes 2 hours of content uploads per month, and your content is hosted for the trial duration. If you do not upgrade at the end of your trial, your content will be deleted.
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 podcast hosting platform.
Use Buzzsprout if:
You need a simple way to host your podcast and website.
Start creating with Shortwave today
Start your free trial now, and see what total control feels like.