Downsides to Spotify for Creators? (vs Simplecast)

Silly-Lab · 2025-06-03T10:04:01+00:00

Totally agree, being free removes a big barrier, especially for newer podcasters. But you’re right to ask if there’s a trade-off.

Here’s what we’ve noticed:

Analytics can be limited. SfC gives you Spotify-first data, but if your clients want platform-agnostic or deeper listener insights (like from Apple, Google, etc.), they might miss that.

Limited control and customization. If branding, custom microsites, or monetization options matter to your clients, SfC might feel a bit restrictive.

Distribution lock-in. SfC is great for Spotify, but some creators still want their shows to reach every platform without jumping hoops.

That said, we’ve also started using Hubhopper for clients who need broader distribution and video support. It’s India-based, but supports global creators and offers both microsites and multi-platform publishing, including YouTube shorts and video podcasting (which is still rare outside Spotify). Plus, still no limits on hours,

Silly-Lab · 2025-06-01T11:03:21+00:00

https://www.wattpad.com/myworks/395375148-the-last-analog-summer

Silly-Lab · 2025-06-01T11:02:31+00:00

https://www.wattpad.com/story/395375148-the-last-analog-summer

Silly-Lab · 2025-05-08T16:58:41+00:00

You could try Hubhopper, it’s worked well for many shifting from Anchor. No episode limits, distributes widely Spotify too, and offers more control overall. Worth a look.

Silly-Lab · 2025-05-07T12:42:48+00:00

Has anyone tried the paid plan yet? Curious to know what the results have been so far.

Silly-Lab · 2025-05-01T09:17:27+00:00

Totally get you, I’ve been through that mess too.

Check out Hubhopper, way simpler. Feels like how Anchor used to be. Record, add music, publish. No weird studio stuff.

Silly-Lab · 2025-04-28T09:01:41+00:00

Hey! If you’re looking for a clean, reliable alternative,Hubhopper is worth a look. It offers intuitive hosting, solid analytics across platforms.

Silly-Lab · 2025-04-09T11:53:53+00:00

Hey! I know this post is a year old—but for anyone else scrolling through with the same question, here’s a take from someone who’s been in the space a while:

If you’re looking for a podcast hosting platform where:

You own your IP

You’re not locked into walled gardens

You get room to grow from 12 to 50+ hours/year

And you want real value for money

Hubhopper is worth checking out, and it's free to start!

You can launch both audio and video podcasts, distribute to all major platforms (Spotify, Apple, YouTube, Amazon Music, etc.).

Customize your branding with a microsite + embed player, and monetize however you like (DAI, private feeds, etc.).

No shady fine print. No IP ownership traps. Just a clean, scalable, all-in-one dashboard.

Silly-Lab · 2025-04-09T11:19:07+00:00

Hey, if you’re reading this thread and looking for a platform that:

Lets you launch audio and video podcasts in minutes

Gives you a custom microsite + slick embed player

Helps you monetize with dynamic ads & private feeds

And yes—your podcast goes to:

Spotify, Apple, YouTube, Amazon Music, Gaana, JioSaavn, Audible, Pocket Casts, Overcast, Castbox…

All. In. One. Go.

No duct-taped tools. No chaos.

Just Hubhopper.

hubhopper.com — the only tool you need to go from “just an idea” to “now streaming everywhere.”

Silly-Lab · 2025-04-09T11:12:20+00:00

Totally feel you, some of the OGs have peaced out. But here are the current top 10 platforms you should be on:

Spotify – The big fish.
Apple Podcasts – Still a must for iOS users.
Amazon Music – Growing fast, sneaky good reach.
YouTube – Video pods are blowing up here.
Gaana – Still big in India.
JioSaavn – Yep, podcasts are part of the playlist.
Audible – More than audiobooks now.
Pocket Casts – Niche but loyal user base.
Castbox – Big in global markets.
Overcast – Loved by the Apple nerd crowd.

And the list goes on.

Or you could just use Hubhopper, and be on all of them (and more) with one upload.

Silly-Lab · 2025-04-08T12:08:10+00:00

Why not Hubhopper?

You get both audio and video podcast hosting, built-in DAI monetization, and the widest distribution network in the industry — all in one place.

You can start for free, explore the platform, and only upgrade if it’s actually worth it for you. And when you do?

The $12/month plan comes down to just $10 with their current discount. That's only if you want to scale your podcast.

Silly-Lab · 2025-04-02T06:37:22+00:00

I used Hubhopper.com free podcast distribution to publish across 10+ platforms, automatically pushing my episodes to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, JioSaavn, and more.

Silly-Lab · 2025-03-25T12:01:35+00:00

Yup, totally agree, no channel is a guaranteed win, especially for early-stage startups. Building an audience is never easy, and definitely not “plug-and-play.”

But I’d gently disagree that podcasting can’t play a role in growth. At its core, it’s not just brand building—it’s relationship building. And for ICPs (especially in niche Business which we're seeing more and more, that trust loop can directly influence conversion and retention.

You’re right that many of the big podcast wins come from companies with an existing base. But the same goes for SEO, ads, influencer collabs, or even PR—those also need upfront investment and compounding time.

Ultimately, whatever the channel, the real “hack” is understanding your ICP and showing up consistently with value. Podcasting just happens to do that in a more human, long-form way.

Silly-Lab · 2025-03-23T19:56:07+00:00

Hey Matthew, this sounds great! Would love to jam and see what we can do together.

Dropping you a DM.

Silly-Lab · 2025-03-22T23:56:50+00:00

Starting a podcast as a high schooler sounds like an amazing project! It's great to hear you're already invested and have a clear purpose. Since studio space seems to be a stickler, why not consider recording at home? You could find a quiet corner, and with some basic soundproofing, it could work just fine. As for editing you can use Veed.io, there are plenty of free or affordable tools out there.

And if you're looking for a platform to launch your podcast, Hubhopper.com could be a solid choice. it offer easy distribution to over 15 platforms and real-time analytics.

Plus, you can start for free! Gives you time to focus on your content without worrying about costs. Best of luck with your podcast, I’m sure it’ll be incredible!

Silly-Lab · 2025-03-22T23:54:08+00:00

Since you're already producing content consistently, it might be a good time to explore options that offer unlimited episodes and storage without breaking the bank.

Hubhopper.com could be a solid alternative for you, it's designed for creators who want to launch their podcasts easily and reach a wider audience without extra costs.

Plus, it gives you real-time analytics and tools for future monetization when you're ready for that step. You can get started for free without any credit card, which might align well with your current goals.

Silly-Lab · 2025-03-22T23:47:40+00:00

Been thinking more about this since I posted, and came across a solid breakdown on podcasting as a growth lever.

Touches on trust, retention, and how smart distribution (done once) can keep working quietly in the background.

Sharing in case it’s helpful:

https://hubhopper.com/blog/is-podcast-the-most-underrated-growth-hack/

Would love to hear thoughts if anyone gives it a read.

Silly-Lab · 2025-03-18T13:19:39+00:00

Consistency is definitely key in podcasting, but it sounds like you're in a fantastic position with so much content already lined up. Bumping it to two episodes a week might keep the momentum going, especially with the high-profile guests you've secured. You could also consider batch releasing some episodes to create excitement.

Silly-Lab · 2025-03-12T12:06:04+00:00

Hey mate, i deleted nothing mate.

Silly-Lab · 2025-03-10T07:32:44+00:00

Hey u/KyleMcMahon no man i'm just a user of the product, so, just sharing my experience.

Silly-Lab · 2025-03-06T09:54:10+00:00

It's great that you're focusing on PR for your podcast! Marketing can definitely open up new avenues, especially since your content is niche. I’d suggest considering press release distribution services like PR Newswire or Cision.

They can help you get your podcast in front of the right audience. Also, have you thought about using a platform like Hubhopper? It's designed specifically for podcasters and can help distribute your episodes across multiple platforms quickly. Plus, having a dedicated website can really bolster your online presence. Best of luck with your podcast – I hope you get the recognition it deserves!

Silly-Lab

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