Blubrry vs. RedCircle

ByObeydul Haque Reading Time: 6 minutes

Blubrry, founded in 2005 by a team of veteran podcasters, positions itself as one of the original podcast hosting companies. With nearly two decades of experience, Blubrry has built a reputation for reliability and a strong connection to the WordPress ecosystem through its widely-used PowerPress plugin. The platform serves a broad audience, from independent creators to large podcast networks, hosting over 100,000 shows. Blubrry emphasizes simplicity, detailed analytics, and integration with WordPress, making it a go-to choice for podcasters who value control over their content and a seamless website-building experience.

Key Features of Blubrry

  • PowerPress Plugin: A standout feature, PowerPress integrates Blubrry hosting with WordPress, allowing users to manage their podcast directly from their website.
  • Analytics: Blubrry offers IAB-certified podcast statistics, providing detailed insights into listener behavior, downloads, and trends.
  • Hosting Plans: Plans are based on monthly upload limits, starting at 100MB for $12/month, with unlimited bandwidth and no contracts.
  • Free WordPress Site: Every plan includes a free, optional WordPress site or a simple landing page for your podcast.
  • Distribution: Blubrry optimizes RSS feeds for major directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

Blubrry’s interface is clean and user-friendly, appealing to podcasters who prioritize good UX/UI. However, it lacks some advanced monetization tools and features that competitors like RedCircle offer, focusing instead on core hosting and analytics.

On the other hand RedCircle, a newer entrant to the podcast hosting scene, takes a modern, growth-oriented approach. Launched with a mission to empower audio creators, RedCircle offers free hosting paired with robust monetization tools, making it particularly attractive to podcasters looking to turn their passion into profit. The platform’s dynamic ad insertion technology and cross-promotion marketplace set it apart, catering to creators who want to scale their audience and revenue without upfront costs.

Key Features of RedCircle

  • Free Hosting: Unlimited uploads and streaming for all users, with no cap on bandwidth or storage.
  • Monetization Tools: Dynamic ad insertion, listener support (similar to Patreon), and an ad marketplace connect podcasters with sponsors.
  • Cross-Promotion Marketplace: A unique feature allowing podcasters to collaborate and grow their audiences by swapping promos.
  • Analytics: Comprehensive insights into listener demographics, episode performance, and engagement.
  • Multi-Show Management: Manage multiple podcasts from a single dashboard.

RedCircle’s intuitive design and focus on monetization make it a compelling choice for creators who want flexibility and growth potential. However, its free model relies on revenue-sharing for ads, which may not suit podcasters who prefer full control over their earnings.

Pricing Comparison

Pricing is often a deciding factor when choosing a podcast host. Let’s break down how Blubrry and RedCircle stack up.

Blubrry Pricing

Blubrry operates on a subscription model with no free tier. Plans are tiered based on monthly upload limits:

  • Standard Plan ($12/month): 100MB of monthly storage (roughly 100 minutes of audio at 128kbps).
  • Advanced Plan ($20/month): 250MB of monthly storage.
  • Pro Hosting ($100+/month): Custom solutions for high-volume podcasters or networks.
  • Additional Storage: Available for purchase if you exceed your limit without upgrading plans.

All plans include unlimited bandwidth, premium statistics, and a free WordPress site with the PowerPress plugin. There are no contracts, so you can cancel anytime. However, the lack of a free option may deter beginners on a tight budget.

RedCircle Pricing

RedCircle’s pricing model is radically different, offering a free tier that covers most podcasters’ needs:

  • Core Plan (Free): Unlimited hosting, uploads, and streaming, plus access to basic monetization tools like dynamic ad insertion and listener support.
  • Growth Plan ($19/month): Adds advanced features like a custom podcast website and priority support (currently in development as of March 2025).
  • Revenue Share: RedCircle takes a cut of ad revenue (typically 30-50%, depending on the deal), which funds the free hosting.

For podcasters who don’t rely on ads, RedCircle remains entirely free, making it an unbeatable value proposition for budget-conscious creators.

Pricing Verdict

  • Blubrry: Best for podcasters willing to pay for premium features and WordPress integration. The starting price of $12/month is reasonable but lacks the flexibility of a free tier.
  • RedCircle: Ideal for beginners and cost-conscious creators. The free plan is generous, though monetization comes with a revenue-sharing trade-off.

Ease of Use

A platform’s usability can make or break the podcasting experience, especially for newcomers.

Blubrry Usability

Blubrry’s dashboard is sleek and straightforward, with a focus on simplicity. Uploading episodes is easy, especially if you use the PowerPress plugin within WordPress. The plugin lets you publish directly from your site, streamlining the process for WordPress users. However, the interface can feel dated compared to newer platforms, and some advanced settings may overwhelm beginners. Analytics are detailed but require some familiarity to interpret fully.

RedCircle Usability

RedCircle boasts a modern, intuitive interface designed for ease of use. Uploading episodes, managing multiple shows, and setting up ads or cross-promotions are all accessible from a single dashboard. The platform’s clean design and helpful tutorials make it beginner-friendly, though the monetization features may require a learning curve for those new to dynamic ad insertion.

Usability Verdict

  • Blubrry: Great for WordPress users who want a familiar workflow, but less intuitive for non-technical podcasters.
  • RedCircle: Wins for overall simplicity and a modern feel, appealing to a broader range of users.

Monetization Options

Monetization is a key consideration for podcasters aiming to generate income.

Blubrry Monetization

Blubrry’s monetization options are limited compared to RedCircle. It doesn’t offer built-in ad insertion or a marketplace for sponsorships. Instead, podcasters must secure their own sponsors and manually insert ads into episodes. Blubrry does provide detailed analytics to pitch to potential advertisers, but the process is entirely self-managed. For podcasters with an established audience, this hands-on approach offers full control over earnings.

RedCircle Monetization

RedCircle shines in monetization, offering a suite of tools to help podcasters earn money:

  • Dynamic Ad Insertion: Automatically inserts ads into episodes, with control over categories and brands.
  • Ad Marketplace: Connects podcasters with advertisers, even for small shows.
  • Listener Support: Allows fans to donate directly, similar to crowdfunding platforms.
  • Cross-Promotion: Boosts audience growth, indirectly supporting monetization.

The trade-off is RedCircle’s revenue share, which may not appeal to podcasters who want 100% of their earnings.

Monetization Verdict

  • Blubrry: Best for podcasters who prefer independence and already have sponsor relationships.
  • RedCircle: Perfect for those seeking automated monetization and growth opportunities, especially early on.

Analytics and Insights

Understanding your audience is crucial for refining content and attracting sponsors.

Blubrry Analytics

Blubrry offers IAB-certified analytics across all plans, including:

  • Downloads and listener trends.
  • Geographic and device data.
  • Episode performance comparisons (enhanced with the Thrive Bundle).

The depth of data is a major strength, though some demographic insights are locked behind higher-tier plans or add-ons.

RedCircle Analytics

RedCircle provides comprehensive analytics for free, covering:

  • Listener demographics and behavior.
  • Episode performance metrics.
  • Engagement tracking.

While not IAB-certified, the data is robust enough for most podcasters and presented in an accessible format.

Analytics Verdict

  • Blubrry: Superior for professional podcasters needing certified, granular stats.
  • RedCircle: Excellent for most users, with free, actionable insights.

Distribution and Reach

Getting your podcast to listeners is the ultimate goal of any hosting platform.

Blubrry Distribution

Blubrry optimizes RSS feeds for seamless submission to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more. The PowerPress plugin enhances distribution by integrating with your WordPress site, offering customizable players and feed options.

RedCircle Distribution

RedCircle also supports distribution to all major directories with a single click. Its cross-promotion marketplace adds a unique growth avenue, connecting you with other podcasters to expand your reach organically.

Distribution Verdict

  • Blubrry: Strong for WordPress users and traditional distribution.
  • RedCircle: Edges out with cross-promotion, boosting discoverability.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Blubrry Strengths

  • Seamless WordPress integration via PowerPress.
  • Detailed, IAB-certified analytics.
  • Reliable hosting with unlimited bandwidth.

Blubrry Weaknesses

  • No free plan.
  • Limited monetization tools.
  • Dated interface for non-WordPress users.

RedCircle Strengths

  • Free, unlimited hosting.
  • Robust monetization options.
  • Modern, user-friendly design.

RedCircle Weaknesses

  • Revenue sharing on ads.
  • Less control for advanced users.
  • No WordPress-specific tools.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between Blubrry and RedCircle depends on your priorities as a podcaster. Blubrry offers a solid, traditional hosting experience with deep WordPress integration and professional-grade analytics, making it a reliable choice for established creators who value control and are willing to pay for it. RedCircle, on the other hand, disrupts the market with free hosting and innovative monetization tools, catering to beginners and growth-focused podcasters who don’t mind sharing ad revenue.

If budget is a concern and you’re starting out, RedCircle’s free plan and monetization features are hard to beat. If you’re a WordPress user or need advanced analytics without revenue sharing, Blubrry is the better pick. Both platforms excel in their niches, so your decision hinges on whether you prioritize cost and growth (RedCircle) or control and integration (Blubrry). Whichever you choose, you’ll be equipped to take your podcast to the next level in 2025 and beyond.

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