The podcasting world is growing fast, and there are more podcast hosting services than ever. It can be tough to determine which hosting service is the best for you and your podcasting needs. So when considering Shortwave vs. Libsyn, what makes us different from the industry veterans?
What is Shortwave?
Shortwave is a podcast hosting platform offering dynamic advertising and content via an easy-to-use cip-stitching method. We make it easy to make money podcasting, helping you swap out ads, intros, and content by giving you the ultimate control over your show(s).
What is Libsyn?
Libsyn markets itself as a ‘one-stop solution’ for all your podcasting needs, whether you’re totally new to the craft or a longtime creator. It’s also an industry veteran, having been in the podcast hosting business for over 13 years. Its core features revolve around podcast hosting, but over the years its offerings have expanded to include more advanced marketing features and packages.
Podcast monetization
Shortwave:
Shortwave’s clip-stitching method allows you to change their ads at any point in your show, whenever you want – meaning you no longer have to pitch individual shows to advertisers. We do not offer an ad network at this time.
Libsyn:
Libsyn offers a network of advertisers to podcast creators. If you choose to work with a different ad network, you may need Libsyn’s permission. Contact Libsyn directly for more information about options, pricing, and revenue splitting.
Updating content and ads
Shortwave:
Shortwave’s clip-stitching method allows you to insert a new intro across all episodes of your show or, for example, a new ad campaign on selected (or all) episodes. Since episodes can be uploaded as separate clips, and preexisting episodes can be split into multiple clips, it’s easy to swap in new content while maintaining control. This service is available at any subscription level – you only pay for the audio you transcode.
Libsyn:
Libsyn allows you to dynamically change ads across your show’s previous episodes for a fee. This will affect bandwidth usage, and pricing for these services is not public.
Audio transcoding and quality
Shortwave:
Transcoding is available to all users on Shortwave, and audio is always exported as a192kbps MP3. Both our hobby and professional plans include a set number of audio transcoding hours per month, and additional transcoding time is available, as detailed on our pricing page.
Libsyn:
Audio transcoding is available on Libsyn, but this feature is only included in their two most advanced plans.
Memory and storage
Shortwave:
Shortwave offers unlimited memory and storage for all plans - no bandwidth caps for uploading, downloading, or streaming.
Libsyn:
All of Libsyn’s plans include some memory and storage. The most basic plan, for instance, offers 50mb of storage a month for new content, and the most advanced plan offers 1500mb. Certain plans also offer additional storage for purchase. An average ~1 hour show at 192kbps will be between 75-85mb.
Podcast analytics and statistics
Shortwave:
Shortwave offers show- and episode-level podcast analytics. Our hobby plan includes episode-level download impressions, listener trends, device breakdown, and browser breakdown. The professional plan includes show-level downloads and listener trends, as well as show-level device and browser breakdowns.
Libsyn:
Libsyn offers show- and episode-level podcast statistics. Their basic plan does not include any analytics, but all others include “basic” analytics (basic plan users can purchase these for $2/mo). These include audience growth, and number of downloads. Their advanced plans also include audience geography, devices, and referral traffic.
Show migration
Shortwave:
Importing your show into Shortwave is simple and straightforward: Import your entire show via the RSS feed import tool and start creating new content.
Libsyn:
If you’re migrating your show from another podcast hosting platform, the process starts with contacting Libsyn via their support email. Their team helps with your manual transition and sets up the storage of your show and its settings. Importing your show to Libsyn may incur an additional fees
Websites and apps
Shortwave:
Shortwave does not offer websites or apps at this time.
Libsyn:
Libsyn’s Podcast Page feature allows users to build a simple, single-page website for podcast. Users can also build a custom mobile app for an additional $10/mo, plus developer fees (this feature is not included in any plans, but is only available for purchase by users who have signed up for advanced plans). With this feature, users can customize simple iOS and Android apps, which Libsyn will distribute.
Plans and pricing
Shortwave:
Shortwave offers two comprehensive plans – a hobby plan ($7.97/mo, paid annually) and a professional plan ($9.97/mo, paid annually). The hobby plan includes hosting for one podcast, show migration, clip-stitching, 5 hours of audio transcoding per month, an automated RSS feed builder, embed player, unlimited bandwidth and storage, and episode-level analytics. The professional plan includes all of the above, plus hosting for unlimited podcasts, show-level analtyics, 5 extra hours of transcoding per month, and priority access to our audio-processing queue.
Libsyn:
Libsyn’s platform offers five plans: two basic options, and three advanced ones. The most basic plan is $5/mo, and the most advanced is $75/mo. The basic plan includes 50MB of storage per month, an RSS feed, an HTML5 media player, a social media publishing tool, a single-page website, and optional listings on Libsyn’s app and Facebook podcast directory. The most advanced plan includes all the above, plus, 1450MB of additional storage per month, subscription service (extra fees may apply), advanced analytics, and media transcoding. The fees and bandwidth usage tied to their ad-swapping feature is not public.
Free trial
Shortwave:
Shortwave’s free trial offers 14 days of full access to the platform’s professional plan features, including show importing, clip-stitching, episode and show-level analytics, and 5 hours of audio transcoding. No credit card is needed.
Libsyn:
Libsyn doesn’t offer a free trial. They do sometimes run promotions for first-time users.
The bottom line
Use Shortwave if:
You want control over updating your content and ads at anytime, and appreciate a simple, straightforward user experience that makes creating and updating episodes easy.
Use Libsyn if:
You want a website and an app to promote your podcast, and/or access to a network of advertisers.
Get started building with Shortwave today.
Our 14-day free trial will help you get to know what we’re all about, without any risk on your part. Sign up today and start learning about how dynamic content can change how you podcast.