As the podcast industry has evolved, the question of where to build your podcast’s presence has become increasingly complex. Blubrry CEO Todd Cochrane has long espoused the importance of owning your brand entirely and warned of building your show on platforms that can take control of them — or even take them away. However, while the fundamental principle of maintaining control over your content remains crucial, the modern podcasting ecosystem requires a nuanced approach.

“I have always warned podcasters about signing with an often-free hosting service that essentially takes over the rights to their show,” Cochrane explains. “That’s still true, but let’s face it, you want exposure for your show and you want it to be seen in the spaces where the audiences go.”

He noted that Blubrry’s hosting plans make submitting podcasts to top directories such as Apple and Spotify easy, while hosting with the security of Blubrry.

The Historical Context

For years, podcasters have faced a significant dilemma: the allure of “free” hosting services that often came with hidden costs — some through lost monetizing opportunities but primarily the potential loss of content rights and creative control. Many creators learned this lesson the hard way, losing their hard-earned content and audience to platforms prioritizing profit over creator rights.

“At Blubrry, we are adamant about the podcasters maintaining their show’s brand and rights,” Cochrane said.

The Current Landscape

However, today’s podcasting environment presents a delicate balance between visibility and control. While major directories and platforms offer unprecedented reach, they also come with strict content guidelines that can sometimes result in unexpected show removals or restrictions.

“Certainly, podcasters will want to host with a credible company such as Blubrry, and distribute their shows to the larger directories,” Cochrane said.

Finding the Right Balance

The solution lies in adopting a hybrid approach:

• Maintain primary hosting with a creator-first platform like Blubrry, ensuring complete ownership and control of your content
• Strategically distribute your content to major directories for increased visibility
• Keep your RSS feed under your control, allowing for quick pivots if needed
• Understand platform guidelines while maintaining your authentic voice

Content Guidelines and Freedom of Expression

While Blubrry stands firmly against hate speech and content that violates constitutional freedoms, we recognize the importance of protecting legitimate expression. The key is finding the balance between responsible content creation and avoiding overly restrictive censorship that might stifle important voices and perspectives.

The Smart Approach

Today’s successful podcasters understand that building on another’s property isn’t inherently wrong — it’s about how you do it. By maintaining control of your content through independent hosting while leveraging major platforms for distribution, you can maximize your reach while protecting your rights as a creator.

Remember: True independence in podcasting comes from maintaining control of your content while strategically utilizing available distribution channels to grow your audience. Hosting with Blubrry Podcasting is the best way to build your show and keep your brand in-house!