The top podcast platforms 2025 - this is where you should publish your podcast - Listen to podcasts on the best podcast platforms
What is a podcast platform?
A podcast platform is an app or application that allows you to subscribe to and listen to podcasts. Most platforms are free of charge. A few years ago, these applications were called “podcatchers”, but this term is rarely used. The most popular free podcast platform is Spotify. You can find further explanations in our article: What is a podcast?
A comparison of all podcast platforms:
There are both free and paid apps. Many platforms have different functions.
Podcasts on Spotify
The green giant Spotify is probably the best-known podcast platform at the moment. This is where many listeners find their favorite podcasts! With Spotify for Podcasters, now Spotify for Creators, you can even upload your own podcast!
Spotify is free and has the largest selection of podcasts, including “original podcasts” that are only available here! So it’s worth creating an account, because that’s all you need to be able to listen to a podcast here! The Swedish platform has an incredibly large selection, also for the German market.
Of course you can also subscribe to a podcast, the subscription is also free, subscribers then get the new podcast episodes displayed directly on the app’s home page.
Another advantage: If you have downloaded the app, you can download the podcast audio files to your device. These are then stored on your storage space and you can listen to them even without the internet.
Apple Podcasts
Apple also has many podcasts! You’re sure to find the most popular podcasts here! There is also a “subscribe” function so that you never miss a new episode! Apple Podcasts is also free.
Apple was one of the first platforms to offer audio content, long before the hype. Apple Podcasts was the first major podcast platform! It’s also worth noting that you can write reviews on the podcast episodes here. So if you upload your own podcasts here too, you could take a look at the ratings!
Google Podcasts has been switched off - YouTube Music now podcast platform
This is also one of the major platforms on which most podcasts can be found. However, Google’s design is very sparse and clear. You can find a lot here, but you won’t find ratings, offline availability and other functions. A simple platform that still has the most important functions! You can also use the normal Google search to find new podcasts.
Google Podcasts has also been around for many years and is established and free.
UPDATE: Google Podcasts has been shut down and is no longer available. Google’s podcast platform is now YouTube Podcasts.
Podimo
Podimo is a relatively new platform on which mainly well-known personalities have original podcasts. Podimo is a paid service and it is not possible to listen to podcasts for free. However, if you are interested in public figures, this is the perfect place for you!
Deezer
Deezer has really fallen by the wayside in the battle of the streamers. The number of users is relatively low, but Deezer also offers podcasts as well as music! There is also a free subscription here. The app has a similar structure to Spotify, but has fewer podcasts from well-known personalities in this direct comparison, as Deezer does not invest as much money here.
SoundCloud
There are more indie podcasts here. As SoundCloud is also a smaller platform in the music world, it is popular with users who want to listen to something unusual. You won’t find some big podcasts here, but if you want to listen to some nerd tech podcasts, you’ve come to the right place!
The functions are also rather “underground”. The user interface is rather confusing, many functions are hidden or not available.
Other platforms where you can listen to podcasts:
There are certainly many more platforms where podcasters can upload their audio files! But you should definitely focus on the most popular platforms. When you’re just starting out, you’re probably thinking: If I can upload podcasts everywhere, then I can build up my reach faster! That’s true, but you shouldn’t worry too much about the smaller platforms. Because the big reach still lies with the podcast giants! If you’re popular here, you’ll be at the forefront in terms of reach.
Other platforms:
- Amazon Music
- iCastRadio
- some Broadcasting Websites
- and many more..
In addition, if you only follow one podcast, you can listen to it directly on their website, most podcasts have their own website where you can listen to the episodes.
The most important feature: Subscribe to podcasts
If you’re still looking for your podcast platform, then there’s really only one tip we can give you: There should be a “subscribe” function so that you never miss a podcast episode.
Things like user interfaces or mobile apps are something that all providers can actually do. Just choose the most attractive one for you!
I want to publish a podcast, how do I get my podcast on the best podcast platforms?
The podcast hosts also differ in their functions. To help you find the perfect podcast host for you, you should take a look at our podcast hosting comparison. There we will help you find the perfect offer for you. We compare many providers, for example Podigee, Libsyn and many more! These services not only offer to host your podcast, they even help you to monetize your podcast!
Podbean, Buzzsprout, Podcaster, Podigee or Spotify for Podcasters? Use this podcast hoster when publishing!
Podcast hosts such as SpotifyforCreators, PodBean* or Buzzsprout* also differ in terms of their functions. To help you find the perfect podcast host for you, you should take a look at our podcast hosting comparison. There we will help you find the perfect offer for you. We compare many providers, for example Podigee, Libsyn and many more! These services not only offer to host your podcast, they even help you to monetize your podcast!
Audible and co: audiobooks or podcasts?
Was ist der Unterschied zwischen Hörbüchern und Podcasts? Hörbücher sind von Sprechern aufgenommene Bücher oder Skripte, bei Hörspielen sind diese meist mit aufwendigem Sound Design versehen. Podcasts sind teilweise mit Skripten, teilweise ohne, es geht nicht darum ein Buch vorzulesen, sondern darum ein Thema abzudecken oder eine Geschichte zu erzählen. Zudem wird ein Podcast regelmäßig veröffentlicht und ist meist(!) im Vergleich nicht so aufwendig produziert.
What is the difference between audiobooks and podcasts? Audiobooks are books or scripts recorded by narrators; in the case of audio plays, these are usually provided with elaborate sound design. Podcasts are sometimes with scripts, sometimes without; they are not about reading a book aloud, but about covering a topic or telling a story. In addition, a podcast is published regularly and is usually(!) not as elaborately produced in comparison.
Conclusion podcast platform
You need an application so that you can stream new podcasts. We have listed possible platforms above. The first three providers and the green giant are the most suitable. Spotify offers an incredibly large selection of podcasts! You can listen to podcasts for free on most of them.
Want to create your own podcast in 10 steps? Or are you still looking for a new podcast microphone? Then you’ve come to the right place! Check out our blog articles.
Links marked with * are affiliate links. There are no additional costs for you, some of these links are with an automatic discount for you. We mark these links for transparency and would never recommend bad products. Find out more here: Our partners.
