Why Podcasters Should Choose Substack as Their Hosting Platform

Podcasting has evolved beyond simple audio distribution into a robust content ecosystem where creator-audience relationships and sustainable monetization are paramount. Substack has emerged as a compelling platform for podcasters, offering unique advantages that set it apart from traditional hosting services. This report examines the key reasons why podcasters should consider Substack for their audio content.

Ownership and Direct Audience Relationships

One of the most significant advantages Substack offers podcasters is true ownership of their audience relationship. Unlike many traditional podcast hosting platforms, Substack ensures creators maintain complete control of their subscriber base.

Substack is designed to give podcasters direct access to their listeners’ email addresses, allowing them to export this valuable data at any time[1]. This direct line of communication creates a more resilient creator business that isn’t dependent on third-party algorithms or platforms. When new listeners subscribe through the Substack app or website, podcasters automatically receive their email addresses, establishing a direct connection that transcends the limitations of traditional podcast distribution channels[1]. This ownership model fundamentally changes the creator-audience dynamic, shifting power back to content creators.

Additionally, podcasters maintain ownership of their payment stream, giving them greater financial control and independence compared to other hosting services that may restrict or mediate monetary transactions[1]. This ownership-first approach provides podcasters with long-term stability and greater leverage in managing their content business.

Monetization Capabilities and Business Model

Substack’s monetization structure represents a significant advantage for podcasters seeking sustainable income from their work. The platform offers a straightforward revenue model where podcasters keep 90% of their subscription revenue, with Substack taking only 10% plus standard credit card processing fees[1][5].

What makes Substack particularly attractive is its zero-upfront-cost approach. Hosting and distributing podcasts via Substack is completely free until creators begin generating revenue through subscriptions[1][3]. This "win-win" model eliminates financial barriers to entry and aligns Substack’s success with the podcaster’s success[3].

The platform supports versatile subscription options, including:

• Monthly and annual subscription plans
• Group subscriptions for organizations
• Gift subscriptions for listeners to share with others
• Complimentary subscriptions for special cases[3]

A key differentiator is how Substack seamlessly integrates free and paid content in one ecosystem. Podcasters can designate episodes as freely available or exclusive to paying subscribers, creating a natural pathway for listeners to convert from casual consumers to paying supporters[1]. Free subscribers receive all free episodes in their feed, while paying subscribers gain access to exclusive content through either the Substack iOS app or a private RSS feed that works with their preferred podcast player[1].

All-in-One Platform Capabilities

Substack stands out by offering podcasters a comprehensive suite of tools beyond just audio hosting. The platform provides:

1. A dedicated website with customizable elements including welcome pages, home pages, archives, and about pages[3]
2. An integrated email newsletter system that delivers podcast episodes directly to subscribers’ inboxes[3]
3. Community features that foster audience engagement[3]
4. Custom domain options for those who prefer not to use a Substack subdomain[5]
5. AI-generated transcripts for each episode, enhancing accessibility and SEO potential[2]
6. Audio recording capabilities directly within the platform for those who want to create content without external tools[2]

This integrated approach eliminates the need for multiple separate services (like website hosting, email marketing tools, and payment processors), streamlining the podcaster’s workflow and reducing technical complexity. Rather than juggling multiple platforms and services, creators can focus on what matters most-creating compelling content.

Distribution and Accessibility

Despite being a newer entrant in the podcast hosting space, Substack offers robust distribution capabilities comparable to established platforms. Podcasters can easily distribute their content to major listening platforms including:

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• Overcast
• Pocket Casts
• And other popular podcast directories[1][2]

The platform simplifies the distribution process by providing RSS feeds that can be submitted to all major podcast directories, ensuring wide reach across the podcast ecosystem[2]. This accessibility is crucial for reaching listeners who may prefer different consumption methods.

What sets Substack apart is the multi-format delivery system. Podcasts are available through:

1. Email newsletters sent directly to subscribers
2. The dedicated Substack mobile app
3. Web-based players on the creator’s Substack site
4. Traditional podcast apps via RSS feeds[2]

This omnichannel approach ensures listeners can engage with content through their preferred medium, potentially expanding a podcast’s reach beyond traditional podcast listeners to include newsletter subscribers who might not otherwise discover the content.

Community Engagement Features

Substack transforms podcasting from a one-way broadcast into a two-way conversation through its robust community features. The platform enables podcasters to build deeper connections with their audience through:

1. Comment sections on each episode page where listeners can share thoughts and engage in discussions
2. Chat threads that create ongoing conversations between creators and their community
3. Leaderboards that highlight popular content and help with discovery[1][3]

These community tools help podcasters foster a sense of belonging among listeners, potentially increasing retention and engagement. By creating spaces for direct interaction, Substack helps transform passive listeners into active community members who are more likely to become paying subscribers over time.

As one podcaster who migrated to Substack noted, the platform "helps you promote your content" and makes it easier to build a dedicated following[4]. This community-centric approach represents a significant evolution from traditional podcast hosting services that typically offer limited interaction between creators and their audience.

Migration and Setup Simplicity

For podcasters considering a switch from another platform, Substack offers a remarkably smooth transition process. The search results include testimony from a podcaster who moved from Anchor to Substack and found the transfer "relatively seamless"[4].

The migration process preserves:

• All previous episodes and audio files
• Episode descriptions
• Podcast cover art
• Original publication dates (properly backdated)[4]

Setting up a new podcast is similarly straightforward. Creators simply navigate to the Podcast tab in their Substack account, select "Get started," choose their audience list, and provide essential details like title, description, categories, and artwork[2]. This user-friendly approach minimizes technical barriers that might otherwise discourage creators from making the switch.

One migrating podcaster even reported that "the move itself helped fix the distribution feeds for my podcast which led to it getting 58 new downloads in the first day," suggesting potential technical improvements over their previous hosting solution[4].

Analytics and Growth Opportunities

Substack equips podcasters with analytics tools to track performance and make data-informed decisions about their content strategy[1]. While the search results don’t detail the specific metrics available, the platform promises robust analytics as part of its feature set.

Beyond standard performance tracking, Substack offers unique growth opportunities through:

1. Referral programs where existing subscribers can earn free monthly access by referring new paying members[5]
2. Visibility on Substack’s leaderboards, potentially attracting new listeners[3]
3. Cross-promotion opportunities within the broader Substack ecosystem

These growth mechanisms provide podcasters with built-in tools to expand their audience beyond organic discovery methods, potentially accelerating subscriber growth compared to traditional hosting platforms.

Competitive Advantages Over Alternative Platforms

When compared directly with competitors, Substack offers several distinct advantages for podcasters:

Against Anchor.fm (now Spotify for Podcasters):

• Ownership of subscriber list and payment stream[1]
• Integrated newsletter and community tools[4]
• Direct monetization without requiring separate platforms[4]

Against Simplecast:

• Built-in payment processing and subscription management[1]
• Newsletter integration for direct audience communication[1]

Against Patreon:

• Email marketing integration specifically designed for content creators[5]
• Purpose-built podcast hosting rather than general creator platform[5]
• Blog-style website versus traditional sales page approach[5]

While Patreon takes 8% for their Pro plan and 12% for their Premium plan (plus payment processing fees), Substack’s flat 10% fee provides competitive pricing, especially considering the integrated email newsletter functionality that would typically require separate services[5].

Conclusion

Substack represents a compelling option for podcasters seeking greater ownership, simplified monetization, and integrated community tools. The platform’s ownership-first approach ensures creators maintain control of their most valuable asset-their audience relationship-while providing diverse monetization options and robust distribution capabilities.

For podcasters tired of juggling multiple services or frustrated by limited monetization options on traditional hosting platforms, Substack offers an all-in-one solution that prioritizes creator independence. Whether starting a new podcast or migrating an existing show, Substack’s feature set addresses many of the pain points creators face in building sustainable podcast businesses.

The testimony of creators who have successfully migrated to the platform suggests that Substack not only delivers on its core promises but may even provide technical improvements and audience growth opportunities beyond what creators experience on other platforms. As podcasting continues to evolve from hobby to viable business model for content creators, Substack’s approach positions it as a forward-thinking option worthy of serious consideration.

Citations:
[1] Substack for podcasts https://substack.com/podcasts
[2] How do I create and publish a podcast on Substack? https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037462092-How-do-I-create-and-publish-a-podcast-on-Substack
[3] What you get when you start a Substack publication https://on.substack.com/p/what-you-get-when-you-start-a-substack
[4] Moved from anchor to substack – podcasting – Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/podcasting/comments/11rhf2y/moved_from_anchor_to_substack/
[5] Patreon vs Substack – Which One is Best for Recurring Revenue? https://davidutke.com/patreon-vs-substack/
[6] Understanding your Substack Podcast dashboard https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/articles/4604499474580-Understanding-your-Substack-Podcast-dashboard
[7] Substack Revenue and Statistics (2025) – Pootlepress https://www.pootlepress.com/2025/01/substack-revenue-and-statistics-2025/
[8] Ep 6. Podcast Hosting on Substack? My Pros and Cons so far https://theformatpodcast.substack.com/p/ep-6-podcast-hosting-on-substack
[9] How podcasters are making money on Substack https://on.substack.com/p/how-podcasters-are-making-money-on
[10] The Substack Podcast | Substack https://podcast.substack.com
[11] Podcast Hosting on Substack? My Pros and Cons so far – The Format. https://theformatpodcast.substack.com/p/podcasting-on-substack-what-ive-learned
[12] Substack for Podcasts: Pros, Cons, & Case Studies https://www.thepodcasthost.com/promotion/substack-for-podcasting/
[13] Why Substack is a Game-Changer for Podcasters https://substack.com/home/post/p-155264933
[14] SpotifyとSubstackが提携。有料ポッドキャストをSpotifyでも公開 … https://otonal.co.jp/audio-marketing-insights/36135
[15] Should You Use Substack For Your Podcast Hosting? https://oneminutepodcasttips.com/episode/substack-podcasting
[16] Building Substack: Reinventing… – a16z Podcast – Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/building-substack-reinventing-culture-through-subscriptions/id842818711?i=1000683302460
[17] Has anyone tried moving your podcast to Substack? https://indiepod.thepodcasthost.com/c/main-chat/has-anyone-tried-moving-your-podcast-to-substack
[18] The Substack Podcast | Podcast on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2BAHDwzmLkYk6T2wwW4IN4
[19] Buzzsprout vs. Anchor – Find the Perfect Fit for You – Hello Audio https://helloaudio.fm/buzzsprout-vs-anchor/
[20] substackの音声を、Podcastアプリへ追加する方法 https://docs.toiee.jp/article/309-substack-podcast
[21] How to create and publish a podcast on Substack – YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPlu_mielxg
[22] What is Substack? A comprehensive guide to modern publishing https://memberful.com/blog/what-is-substack/
[23] The Best Podcast Player Apps for 2025 – PCMag https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-podcast-player-apps
[24] Substack vs Podcasts for Content Creators – YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Avrs7pIeeJE
[25] Substack Rolls Out AI Audio Transcription Tool – DesignRush https://www.designrush.com/news/2023-08-31-substack-rolls-out-ai-powered-audio-transcription-tools
[26] Directionally Correct, The #1 People Analytics Substack … https://directionallycorrectnews.substack.com
[27] What the Heck is Substack? – by Dr. Angela Kingdon – Autistic Culture https://www.autisticculturepodcast.com/p/what-the-heck-is-substack
[28] Substack Brand Case Study https://farooqqureshi.com/posts/substack/
[29] Inverse incentives: the implications of Spotify’s Substack integration … https://www.midiaresearch.com/blog/inverse-incentives-the-implications-of-spotifys-substack-integration-for-podcasts
[30] Substack for Brands: Strategies to Scale Brand Newsletter – NoGood https://nogood.io/2024/11/08/substack-for-brands/
[31] What is the benefit of using Libsyn over free podcast hosts? – Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/podcasting/comments/1h4bjb6/what_is_the_benefit_of_using_libsyn_over_free/
[32] 7 Best Podcast Hosting for 2025 Compared (Many Are Free) https://www.wpbeginner.com/showcase/best-podcast-hosting-compared-most-are-free/
[33] Are Substack podcast analytics IAB certified? https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/articles/20501349089300-Are-Substack-podcast-analytics-IAB-certified
[34] Podcast stats : r/Substack – Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/Substack/comments/18yod8i/podcast_stats/
[35] ChatGPT: Analyzing Your Podcast Analytics – Substack https://substack.com/home/post/p-157450392
[36] How to use Substack’s subscriber dashboard – YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORhE-tmom50
[37] Comments – Substack shows are going pro https://on.substack.com/p/substack-podcast-spotify/comments
[38] What Is Substack and How Does It Work? | Selzy Blog https://selzy.com/en/blog/what-is-substack/
[39] Substack for Podcasts: Pros, Cons, & Case Studies https://www.thepodcasthost.com/promotion/substack-for-podcasting/
[40] Should You Use Substack For Your Podcast Hosting? https://oneminutepodcasttips.com/episode/substack-podcasting
[41] Success stories: Substack crowdfunding case study – Turbo Crowd https://www.turbocrowd.it/en/substack-crowdfunding-case-study/
[42] Testimonials – by Daniel Moran – Pages and Frames https://pagesandframes.substack.com/p/testimonials-b1f
[43] Are you focusing on the right podcast metrics? – Substack https://open.substack.com/pub/podcaststrategy/p/are-you-focusing-on-the-right-podcast
[44] Growth Session: How to Use Your Substack Metrics https://www.substackwritersatwork.com/p/growth-studio-how-to-use-your-substack
[45] Making the most of your podcast listener survey https://podcastmarketingmagic.substack.com/p/making-the-most-of-your-podcast-listener
[46] Substack Surges Past 5M Paid Subscriptions, Thanks to Video and … https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/substack-number-subscribers-video-trump-1236158048/
[47] Curious About Substack? Discover Its Unique Features and How It … https://substack.com/home/post/p-155612186
[48] How to Boost Engagement and Build Community on Your Substack https://www.substackwritersatwork.com/p/how-to-increase-engagement-on-substack
[49] How podcasters are making money on Substack https://on.substack.com/p/how-podcasters-are-making-money-on