Anchor (now Spotify for Podcasters) is Spotify's free podcast creation and hosting platform offering unlimited hosting, automatic distribution, recording tools, and Spotify ad monetization. As Spotify's official podcasting platform, Anchor/Spotify for Podcasters has preferential placement in Spotify's algorithm. The free model includes everything — unlimited episodes, distribution to Apple/Google/Spotify, basic analytics, and ad monetization through Spotify Audience Network. Used by millions of casual and semi-professional podcasters.
Anchor by Spotify
Free podcast creation and hosting by Spotify
Best for: Casual podcasters wanting completely free hosting with Spotify's algorithmic discovery and ad monetization
- Free plan
4.1/5 ratingEditorial score 74/100podcasters.spotify.com
The editorial note
What to know about Anchor by Spotify
Is it right for you?
Who Anchor by Spotify suits
Choose it if
- Casual podcasters wanting completely free hosting with Spotify's algorithmic discovery and ad monetization
Look elsewhere if
- Professional podcasters wanting advanced analytics, multi-show management, or platform independence
What you get
Key features
- Free hosting
- Distribution
- Recording
- Spotify Audience Network ads
- Analytics
- Episode scheduling
- Collaboration
Works with
Integrations4
SpotifyApple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsBreaker
The trade-off
Pros and cons
Pros
- Completely free
- Unlimited hosting
- Spotify algorithmic discovery
- Ad monetization
- Easy setup
- Mobile recording
Cons
- Spotify ecosystem lock-in
- Limited analytics
- Less portable than independent hosts
Quick read
At a glance
- Category
- Video & Audio
- Pricing model
- Free
- Free plan
- Available
- Free trial
- Not listed
- Website
- podcasters.spotify.com
The verdict
Our take on Anchor by Spotify
Best free podcast hosting for beginners and casual podcasters. Anchor's completely free unlimited hosting and Spotify distribution make it the zero-barrier starting point for anyone wanting to podcast — with Spotify's algorithmic discovery as a built-in growth advantage.
Keep exploring
More from Video & Audio
YouTube
Video & Audio
The world's largest video sharing and streaming platform.
Best for: Content creators who want to build an audience and monetise through…
- Free plan
4.7/5 ratingRead review
DaVinci Resolve
Video & Audio
Professional video editing and colour grading.
Best for: Video editors who want Hollywood-grade colour grading at no cost.
- Free plan
4.7/5 ratingRead review
Transistor.fm
Video & Audio
Professional podcast hosting for multiple shows.
Best for: Businesses and serious podcasters who host multiple shows and need…
- Free trial
4.7/5 ratingRead review