Top 11 WordPress Plugins for Podcast Websites (Free & Paid)
No matter how big or small your audience is – the top eleven WordPress plugins for podcast websites offer a wide range of tools; for automating, optimizing and growing your podcasts. From social media share buttons to URL embeds, and media players, to listener statistics – some offer several functions and some offer every function. Each podcast website plugin listed has been included because of its wordpress.org user star rating, premium functionality, professional features and/or popular podcast platform compatibility.
1. Simple Podcast Press
Simple Podcast Press is a good plugin for users who are just beginning to go mainstream. It is easy to install and setup, compatible with a wide range of platforms (especially iTunes) and fully able to integrate with a myriad additional podcasting tools. Simple Podcast Press has everything a podcaster needs, and little they don’t.
Though it is but little, it is functional. Simple Podcast Player is designed for compatibility with all of the most popular social media sites, music sharing sites and WordPress website podcasting plugins. With this plugin, users can choose to upgrade the included media player to the Smart Podcast Player plugin or PowerPress plugin; with a one-click feature. Users of iTunes will have no problem integrating their content into WordPress, and, users can choose to automatically feature contents iTunes star rating, directly from the Simple Podcast Player.
Design, Features, and Usability
Simple Podcast Player, in part, is designed for maximizing a user’s online audience, through media sharing functionality. It is compatible with all the most industry standard aggregation services for podcasters, such as SoundCloud, iTunes and more. When a listener goes to share one of your podcasts to social media, Simple Podcast Player is designed with an automatic URL shortener, which creates a custom URL for listeners to share on their social media feed. In addition, like the previous player, Simple Podcast Player has a very powerful player customization tool, allowing users to customize all of their player elements and style. The Simple Podcast Player plugin includes the following features and tools;
- Fast One-Click Install Process
- Automatic Podcast Platform Website Publishing Support
- Full Podcasting Platform Compatibility
- WordPress
- Lisbyn
- Soundcloud
- Speaker
- iTunes
- Appendipity
- BlogTalkRadio
- PodBean
- Buzzsprout
- podcast website
- One-Click Player Upgrade
- Smart Podcast Player
- PowerPress
- iTunes Review Star Rating Support
- Clammr Integration Support
- Share clips to Social Media
- Fully Customizable Elements
- Buttons
- Call to Action
- Episode Pages
- Navigation
- Color Scheme
- Twitter One-Click Share Support
- Automatic Playlist Update Support
- Sidebar Podcast Playlist Support
- Collapsable Transcription Options
- Automatic URL Shortener
- Shortens URL for clutter-free episode sharing on social media
- Automatic iTunes Upload to Website
- Fully Documented
2. Blubrry PowerPress Podcast Plugin
This is a free plugin but you can pay for premium statistics and/or podcast hosting.
BluBrry PowerPress Podcast Plugin is one of the most standardized WordPress plugins for podcasters all over the world. It has been rated the number one podcasting plugin on WordPress and carries a has attained a full five-star WP.org rating. If you’re looking to get started with a WordPress podcast website, the Blubrry PowerPress Podcast Plugin is the best place to start.
PowerPress is designed impeccably for easy installation and intuitive podcast management for users. Especially beneficial, for those who are new to WordPress website development, is the included support features. Once installed, PowerPress will be automatically upgraded and maintained for optimal productivity. On top of its productivity features; PowerPress is a platform requirement for many additional podcasting widgets, tools and more.
Design, Features, and Usability
The PowerPress plugin allows users to manage and customize their podcast websites channels, categories, and post types. Users can build their listener base with the included podcast subscription tools and SEO optimization settings. PowerPress includes the following features and tools;
- Simple and Advanced Mode Options
- Podcast Migration Import Tools
- One-Click iTunes Integration Support
- Google Play Supported
- Category and Channel Cast Settings
- SEO Tools Included
- MP3 Tag Support
- Podcast Destination Options
- Podcast Statistics
- Download and Play Stats
- Traffic Source Stats
- Geographic Location Stats
- Export and Print Stats Options
- Taxonomy Casting
- Post-Type Casting
- RSS Feed Support
- SEO Content Optimization Support
- Audio and Video Media Player Option Support
- Fully Documented
3. Seriously Simple Podcasting
Seriously Simple Podcasting is another top-rated WordPress plugin for podcast websites. Great for beginners and veterans alike, this plugin offers a wide range of useful tools and customization options for creating your podcast showcase. Seriously Simple Podcasting, gives users complete, easy control over posting, managing and marketing their podcast website.
Users have the option to integrate a selection of free add-on modules, in order to increase the functionality of Seriously Simple Podcasting past its standard abilities. These include; a Genesis support add-on, automatic podcast transcription tool, an extended Media Player customization tool and more. As a podcast website grows in listenership and content, it often becomes crucial to have the versatility for expansion. Seriously Simple Podcasting has been designed for the maximum amount of functional expansion and software evolution, ensuring the plugins productivity and relevance.
Design, Features, and Usability
Seriously Simple, is designed to be just that; simple. It features a one-click install and import function, to get your podcasts up and running in no time. It includes a feed management tool, to easily facilitate automatic and guest posts, as well as an episode, channel and speaker description details. In addition, Seriously Simple includes a dedicated hosting platform, designed specifically for the Seriously Simple Podcasting plugin users. It includes the following highlighted features, design elements, and functionality tools;
- Individual Podcast Feed Management Tool
- One-Click WordPress Publish Support
- Add-on Module Compatible (Free)
- Genesis Support
- Embedded Transcripts
- Media Player Customization
- Featured Speaker Boxes
- Listener Statistical Analysis Integrated
- By Episode
- By Show
- Variable Timeline – Day, Week, Month, Year, All Time
- CDN Powered Dedicated Hosting Platform
- Quick and Easy Install and Plugin Setup
- Fully Extension Compatible
- Guest Speaker Post Options
- Featured Image
- Description Embed
- Speaker Link
- Media Player Customization
- Color
- Size
- Style
- Fully Documented
4. Podlove Podcast Publisher
Podlove Podcast Publisher is an up-to-date solution for several outdated yet common podcast website drawbacks. It offers a highly customizable, feature rich interface that enables users to create the perfect podcast listening experience. Podlove acts as a player, analytic data processor and subscriber base, all in one.
This plugin allows users to choose between several different player templates. Each template offers customizable colors and style graphics. The biggest benefit of Podlove might be the user interface functionality, as Podlove gives you all your tools directly and easily accessible from a user’s WordPress website front end.
Design, Feature, and Usability
The Podlove Podcasting plugin has been designed to clearly distinguish and separate a user’s blog from their podcast, using custom post types. It features an overview dashboard which allows one to access analytic listener statistics, edit posts and audio content, and much more. In addition; for those who want to enable post-production editing capabilities directly from their WordPress site, Podlove is fully compatible with the Auphonic plugin. Podlove comes designed with the following specifications and features;
- Custom Post Type – for separate Blog and Podcast
- Overview Dashboard
- Asset Validation Media Support
- Custom Templates
- Podlove Simple Chapter Support
- Podlove Web Player with Chapter Support
- Multiple Media File Support
- Resolution Support
- Episode Asset Easy Publishing
- Podcast Content Control
- Feed Descriptions
- Tite
- Subtitle
- Summary
- Feed and Podcast Directory Standard Compatibility
- Built-in Module and Plugin Support
- iTunes Extension Support
- Feed Proxy Redirection Support
- Migration Assistant Tool
- Auphonic Post-Production Plugin Support
- Bitlove Plugin Integration
- Auto Post to App.net
- OpenGraph Support
- Twitter Card Support
- Fast Update Support
- Download Statistics Support
- Metadata Support
- Extended Overview Dashboard
5. Libsyn Podcasting Plugin
Libsyn Podcasting Plugin is a great choice for those who want a plugin which hosts their podcast directly through their WordPress podcast website. This plugin gives users all of the tools needed to create a WordPress podcast, without external add-ons. And, for users looking for added functionality, Libsyn offers a Pro version of the plugin – perfect for podcasters looking to scale up their listenership.
With Libsyn, users will see their domain name, as “www.mydomain.libsyn.com.” As Libsyn hosting is free, it will include their suffix in a user’s domain name, unless the domain is already owned by a user. Once hosted, the plugin acts as a facilitating service for creating podcast episodes, episode drafts, scheduling automatic posts and more.
Design, Features, and Usability
This plugin is designed to upload media files straight to your Libsyn WordPress Dropbox. All media is accessible from one single location, as is a user’s RSS feed. Since Libsyn features proprietary hosting, independent of the RSS feed, neither are affected by changes from the other. This gives users the reliability to make changes and update their website free of technical difficulties. Libsyn includes the following features and tools;
- Podcast Hosting Services
- Audio and Video Distribution Optimization
- Lightning Fast Download Speed
- Unmetered Bandwidth
- Flexible Storage Space
- OnPublish – Multiple Destination Publishing
- iTunes
- Tumblr
- HTML5
- WordPress
- Smartphone App Support
- Mobile Podcast App
- Advertisement Monetization Support
- LibsynPRO…
- Unlimited Downloads
- Video and Audio Media Hosting
- Proprietary Webpage Support
- iTunes Compatible RSS Feed
- HTML5 Video and Audio Media Player
- OnPublish Support
- Network App Listing
- Custom Mobile App Support
- Advanced Statistics
- MyLibsyn Management Service Subscription
6. Buzzsprout Podcasting
Buzzsprout Podcasting offers a free and paid version of their plugin. Each is designed with professional functionality, however, the paid version is, of course, of more utility. Even so, Buzzsprout’s free version enables users to post, edit, categorize and share their podcasts, in addition to in-depth analytic data regarding listenership statistics. This is another very suitable podcasting plugin for WordPress websites, for its encompassing included features list.
Buzzsprout lets users access their episode listing in its entirety, from one convenient page. From this page, users can also edit, post and organize their podcast episodes and channels. Buzzsprout does not seem to include a hosting plan, however, the plugin is compatible with any WordPress hosting plan, free or paid (not WP.com).
Design, Features, and Usability
This plugin most beneficial attribute for podcasters is the user dashboard. It is designed to give easy access to all your podcast functionality tools from a single location on a WordPress website. At the end of the day, this is a plugin built for maximizing user convenience and interface simplicity. Buzzsprout will even optimize every media file that a user uploads, for maximum performance and minimal storage requirements – even for mobile listening! This plugin features the following list of highlighted specifications;
- Podcast Dashboard
- Cross-Platform Sharing Support
- Multiple Podcast Directories
- iTunes
- Stitcher
- More…
- Audio Media Upload Support
- Audio and Video Media Upload Optimization Support
- iTunes Support
- Mobile App Support
- Podcast Episode Embed Support
- Podcast Viewership Statistical Analysis
- Episode
- Listens and Downloads
- Geographic Location
- More…
- Podcast Import Support
- Proprietary Podcast Website Support
- Post Production Editing Support
- Podcast Distribution Optimization
- *Pay Plans Include…
- Unlimited Digital Storage Space
- Monthly Bandwidth of 250 Gigabytes
- Podcast Migration Tool
- Advertisement Free Podcasts
7. Smart Podcast Player
For podcasters who are already equipped with an RSS feed for their podcasts, the Smart Podcast Player offers a great package. This is another plugin which has been designed to be cutting edge in terms of coding practice, media optimization, visitor experience and user interface. With great tools like newsletter signup, email capture, and one-click social sharing, Smart Podcast Player is a great choice for podcast websites looking to grow to scale.
A great function of Smart Podcast Player is in its social media share interface design. Listeners can easily share content and links to their favorite social media sites. In addition; listeners have the ability to download their favorite podcasts, thanks to the Smart Podcast Player download support option. These functions are fully optional and enable the optimum online visibility maximization.
Design, Features, and Usability
Smart Podcast Player, presents itself as a highly versatile design platform. On top of its former featured elements; this plugin has one of the most powerful online media player customizers on the WordPress podcast website plugin market. Users can choose between several color options, layout formats and style types for their sites podcast player – all, with easily interfaced user and listener tools. Its highlighted features are as follows;
- One-Click WordPress Plugin Install
- Shortcode Builder Tool
- Full Media Player Support
- Individual Track Support
- Player Customization Panel Tool
- Match Color Scheme to WordPress Site
- Podcast Cover Image Import
- More…
- RSS Feed Integration Support
- Hosted Feed
- Custom Feed
- Email Capture Newsletter Sign Up
- Custom Player Color Options
- Podcast Social Sharing Support
- Tumblr
- SoundCloud
- Much More…
- Episode Play Speed Control Options
- Theme Color Options
- Light or Dark
- Podcast Download Support Feature
- Fully Responsive for Mobile Support
- Custom Episode and Podcast Sort Option
- By Newest or Oldest
- Hover Timestamp Track Tool
- Fully Documented
8. Cue Plugin
One of the best ways to incorporate podcast specific tools into your WordPress theme is a plugin.
If the theme of your choosing does not include audio editing tools, consider a premium or free-to-download podcast plugin for WordPress. This will enable a greater range of usability for those uploading digital audio files to their WP site and offer customizable interface options with which users can create a unique visitor experience.
The Cue plugin is a playlist management system that was originally built for the AudioTheme framework but is now freely accessible to any WordPress, website developer. Cue is a free-to-download WordPress plugin, which integrates a selection of tools into an existing WordPress websites theme. The Cue plugin enables users to create attractive track playlists, upload audio files, and reuse existing audio content, as well as add remotely sourced audio links. The features list is as follows:
- Unlimited playlist creation
- Audio player embed widget and shortcodes for posts, pages, and sidebars
- Drag-and-drop track re-ordering tool
- Automatic track metadata catcher for track titles, artist, and length
- Seamless WordPress media manager integration
- Fully responsive for any mobile viewing/listening device
- External source link (such as Amazon S3 and other CDNs)
- Customizable background image for audio player
- Custom graphics image for each track
9. Cue Pro Plugin
For those who wish to gain a deeper insight into their WP websites analytic data, the Cue Pro plugin has got you covered. The Cue Pro plugin acts as an add-on to the Cue plugin. For around $50, this additional tool gives users insight into viewer traffic and audio content interface frequency on the part of visitors. The other instruments and features afforded by the Cue Pro plugin concerning user data analytics and are as follows:
- Number of plays per track and overall
- # of listeners per track and overall
- Number of tracks played
- Average daily track plays (across a 7- to 30-day period)
- Breakdown of time spent listening to a track or if it was skipped
- Track performance comparison based on a previous periods track performance
- Amount of visitor interaction per page via audio players
- Links to purchase and download each track
- Updated audio player aesthetic themes
- Playlist sharing for fans to embed playlists on their site
- External audio player popup, allowing visitors to website navigate while listening to tracks
Several other podcasting plugins are available through multiple different developers. A few other reliable WordPress plugins for podcasts include the blueberry PowerPress plugin and Seriously Simple Podcasting. With the integration of a simple podcast plugin, a user can turn almost any WordPress theme into a functional podcasting platform.
10. As Heard On
With only five reviews so far on WordPress.org, but all five stars, As Heard On offers a great little additional tool for a user’s podcast player. It is not a player itself and users will need one of the previously reviewed, fully functioning player plugins in order to implement the As Heard On widget. This widget allows users to include album artwork in a sidebar on their WordPress site, or as a full page. Users can choose specific images or the randomized setting, for an ever-changing display of relevant imagery that relates to a specific podcast channel or episode.
Design, Features, and Usability
- Random Album Artwork Sidebar Display Widget
- Single Page Album Artwork Image Display
- Style Configuration Support
- Fully Documented
11. Featured Podcast Widget
If you choose the Blubrry PowerPress Podcast Player, then you might be interested in the Featured Podcast Widget plugin. It integrates with the PowerPress platform, offering users the ability to show a featured podcast episode in the PowerPress player. The featured episode can include an image, a full or partial episode transcription, and a podcast link in the post title.
PowerPress is one of the best WordPress plugins for podcast websites, both big and small, due to its versatile functionality, compatibility, support, and ease of use. If you are wondering which plugin we recommend most highly for podcaster – its PowerPress. Featured Podcast Widget is a great addition to your podcast website and will seamlessly integrate with your WordPress plugins and settings – as long as it’s running off of PowerPress.
Design, Features, and Usability
- **Widget Requires the Blubrry PowerPress Plugin
- Features Podcast Episode in Player
- Featured Image
- Transcription Excerpt
- Featured Podcast Link in Post Title
- MP3 Podcast Format Support
- Via PowerPress Extension
- Featured Podcast Display by…
- Latest Post
- Post Category
- Post ID
- WordPress Excerpt Field Podcast Summary
- Automatic Featured Image Display Support
- Automatic Audio Player Support Enabled
- Customize via CSS Style Sheet
- Choice of Audio Player Plugin Cross Link
Though the differentiation might seem minimal over some of the top 11 WordPress plugins for podcast websites, a podcasters success is based on their individuality. On top of usability and functionality, consider the aesthetic of each player and which one will best fit your individual brand. Whether you are a startup podcaster or a hosted veteran, the tools offered in these plugins will assist in the automation and ease of podcasting.
If you like this post please also check out 10 Best WordPress Themes for Podcasts!
Thanks for reading! Feel free to leave comments and questions about any of the products reviewed, above.
