Blubrry vs. Captivate.fm

ByObeydul Haque Reading Time: 7 minutes

Podcasting has exploded in popularity over the past decade, and with that growth comes an array of hosting platforms vying for creators’ attention. Two standout options in this crowded market are Blubrry and Captivate.fm. Both platforms cater to podcasters of all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals, but they approach the hosting experience differently. In this  review, we’ll compare Blubrry and Captivate.fm across key areas like pricing, features, ease of use, analytics, monetization options, customer support, and more. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which platform might be the right fit for your podcasting journey.

Blubrry vs. Captivate.fm Review

Blubrry has been a player in the podcasting space since 2005, making it one of the more established names in the industry. It’s known for its integration with WordPress via the PowerPress plugin, offering a seamless experience for podcasters who already run a WordPress site. Blubrry focuses on providing reliable hosting, detailed analytics, and monetization tools, particularly for those looking to leverage their podcast within a broader online presence.

Captivate.fm, on the other hand, is a newer contender, launched in 2019 by Rebel Base Media. It markets itself as “the world’s only growth-oriented podcast host,” emphasizing tools and features designed to help podcasters build their audience and streamline their workflow. Captivate.fm appeals to creators who want an all-in-one solution with a modern interface and a focus on marketing and scalability.

While both platforms aim to simplify podcast hosting, their philosophies and feature sets differ. Let’s break it down.

Pricing: Affordable vs. Scalable

Pricing is often the first consideration for podcasters, especially those just starting out. Here’s how Blubrry and Captivate.fm stack up.

Blubrry Pricing

Blubrry offers a straightforward pricing structure with four tiers:

  • Standard ($12/month): 100 MB of monthly uploads, basic stats, and a free WordPress site with PowerPress.
  • Advanced ($20/month): 250 MB of monthly uploads, advanced stats, and monetization options.
  • Pro ($40/month): 500 MB of monthly uploads, premium stats, and enhanced monetization features.
  • Enterprise ($100/month): 1,250 MB of monthly uploads, designed for large-scale podcasters or networks.

Blubrry’s plans are based on monthly upload limits rather than download caps, meaning you can host as many episodes as you want as long as you stay within your upload allowance each month. There’s also a free plan with 2 hours of uploads, but episodes are only hosted for 30 days, making it more of a trial option. Annual billing saves you two months’ worth of fees, which is a nice perk.

Captivate.fm Pricing

Captivate.fm takes a different approach, focusing on download limits rather than upload caps:

  • Podcaster ($19/month): 30,000 downloads per month, unlimited podcasts, and all features included.
  • Professional ($49/month): 150,000 downloads per month, same unlimited podcasts and full feature set.
  • Business ($99/month): 300,000 downloads per month, still with unlimited podcasts and all tools unlocked.

Captivate.fm offers a 7-day free trial (no credit card required), and like Blubrry, annual billing saves you two months’ costs. The standout here is that all plans include unlimited podcasts and access to every feature—no tiered feature restrictions. If you exceed your download limit, Captivate.fm contacts you to upgrade rather than cutting you off, which is a creator-friendly policy.

Pricing Verdict

Blubrry is cheaper at the entry level ($12 vs. $19), making it attractive for hobbyists or those with smaller files. However, its upload-based model can feel restrictive if you produce long episodes or frequent content. Captivate.fm’s higher starting price comes with unlimited uploads and podcasts, plus a generous download cap, making it a better long-term investment for growing shows. If budget is your priority, Blubrry wins at the low end; if scalability matters, Captivate.fm pulls ahead.

Features

Both platforms offer the essentials—RSS feeds, distribution to major directories (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc.), and media hosting—but their additional features set them apart.

Blubrry Features

Blubrry’s strength lies in its WordPress integration. The PowerPress plugin lets you manage your podcast directly from your WordPress site, syncing episodes and embedding a customizable player. Other notable features include:

  • Unlimited Bandwidth: No download limits, just upload caps.
  • Monetization: Dynamic ad insertion and a podcast advertising marketplace (though more robust on higher tiers).
  • Analytics: IAB-certified stats with listener trends, downloads, and geographic data.
  • Free Website: Every plan includes a basic WordPress site, which is handy for beginners.

Blubrry keeps things simple and functional, focusing on hosting and distribution rather than flashy extras. It’s a solid choice if you’re already in the WordPress ecosystem or want a no-frills setup.

Captivate.fm Features

Captivate.fm goes all-in on growth-oriented tools, offering a more modern and comprehensive feature set:

  • Unlimited Podcasts: Create as many shows as you want under one account, ideal for networks or multi-show creators.
  • Customizable Website: A code-free, stylish podcast site with your own domain option (via Captivate Sync for WordPress).
  • Embeddable Player: A sleek, customizable player with calls-to-action (CTAs) to boost engagement.
  • Guest Management: Tools to schedule guests and organize episode ideas.
  • Monetization: Dynamic ad insertion, memberships, and tipping options, all available on every plan.
  • Analytics: Detailed, digestible stats on listener demographics, downloads, and trends.

Captivate.fm’s dashboard is a one-stop shop for managing your podcast, from ideation to promotion. It’s designed to save time and help you grow, which is a big draw for ambitious podcasters.

Features Verdict

Blubrry is reliable and excels for WordPress users, but its feature set feels basic compared to Captivate.fm’s robust toolkit. Captivate.fm’s unlimited podcasts, marketing tools, and modern design give it an edge for creators who want more than just hosting.

Ease of Use

A hosting platform’s usability can make or break your experience, especially if you’re new to podcasting.

Blubrry Usability

Blubrry’s interface is functional but dated. The dashboard is straightforward, with clear options for uploading episodes, checking stats, and managing your feed. The PowerPress plugin simplifies things for WordPress users, letting you handle everything from your site. However, if you’re not familiar with WordPress, the setup process can feel clunky, and the design lacks the polish of newer platforms. It’s not hard to use, but it’s not particularly inviting either.

Captivate.fm Usability

Captivate.fm shines here with a clean, intuitive interface that’s easy to navigate. The dashboard is visually appealing, with quick access to uploads, analytics, and marketing tools. Features like guest booking and episode planning are seamlessly integrated, making it a breeze to manage your workflow. Even beginners will feel at home, though the sheer number of options might overwhelm some at first. Captivate.fm clearly prioritizes user experience, and it shows.

Usability Verdict

Captivate.fm wins hands-down for its modern, user-friendly design. Blubrry gets the job done, but its older interface and WordPress reliance make it less accessible for non-tech-savvy users.

Analytics: Understanding Your Audience

Good analytics are crucial for tracking your podcast’s performance and tailoring your content.

Blubrry Analytics

Blubrry offers IAB-certified stats, a gold standard in podcasting. You get detailed insights into downloads, listener locations, device usage, and trends over time. The depth increases with higher tiers (e.g., Advanced and Pro plans unlock more granular data), but even the Standard plan provides solid basics. The presentation isn’t the flashiest, but it’s comprehensive and reliable.

Captivate.fm Analytics

Captivate.fm also delivers IAB-certified analytics, available on all plans—no upgrades required. You’ll see listener demographics, download numbers, trending episodes, and average consumption rates, all presented in a clear, visually appealing format. It’s less about raw data overload and more about actionable insights, which suits podcasters focused on growth.

Analytics Verdict

Both platforms offer strong analytics, but Captivate.fm edges out Blubrry with its consistent access across plans and more digestible presentation. Blubrry’s tiered stats are great for advanced users, but Captivate.fm feels more inclusive.

Monetization: Turning Passion into Profit

Monetization is a big deal for podcasters looking to sustain their work.

Blubrry Monetization

Blubrry provides dynamic ad insertion and connects you to its podcast advertising marketplace, though these features are more robust on higher plans (Advanced and above). It’s a solid option if you’re focused on traditional ad revenue and already have an audience.

Captivate.fm Monetization

Captivate.fm offers dynamic ad insertion, memberships, and tipping, all available on every plan. The flexibility here is a huge plus—you can experiment with multiple revenue streams without upgrading. The built-in CTAs in the player also make it easy to drive listener support.

Monetization Verdict

Captivate.fm takes the lead with its broader, more accessible monetization tools. Blubrry’s options are decent but feel limited unless you’re on a higher tier.

Final Thoughts

So, Blubrry or Captivate.fm? It depends on your needs.

Choose Blubrry if:

  • You’re on a tight budget and need a low-cost entry point.
  • You’re a WordPress user who wants seamless site integration.
  • You value simplicity and don’t need advanced growth tools.

Choose Captivate.fm if:

  • You’re planning to scale your podcast or run multiple shows.
  • You want modern features like guest management and marketing tools.
  • You prefer a polished, user-friendly interface with robust support.

For hobbyists or WordPress enthusiasts, Blubrry is a reliable, affordable pick. For ambitious creators aiming to grow and monetize, Captivate.fm’s forward-thinking approach and comprehensive toolkit make it the stronger choice. Both are excellent platforms, but Captivate.fm feels like the future of podcast hosting, while Blubrry remains a steady, no-nonsense classic.

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