If you have been researching free podcast hosting platforms, Anchor has probably come up. It was one of the most popular free podcast hosting tools for several years, largely because it offered free unlimited hosting, a simple recording interface, and automatic distribution to major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.
But Anchor is no longer Anchor. In 2023, Spotify completed its migration of the Anchor brand into Spotify for Podcasters, consolidating both platforms under one interface. If you are researching Anchor specifically, you are now looking at Spotify for Podcasters. And the question of whether it fits your B2B podcast strategy deserves a straight answer.
Anchor launched in 2015 as a mobile-first audio platform. Spotify acquired it in 2019 and spent the next several years integrating its hosting infrastructure with Spotify's creator tools. By late 2023, the Anchor app and website redirected to Spotify for Podcasters, and the rebranding was complete.
Spotify for Podcasters retains much of what made Anchor popular: free hosting, free distribution, a recording interface, and a dashboard for monitoring episode performance. But it has also added Spotify-specific features, including video podcast support, paid subscription options, and deeper integration with Spotify's ad network.
For B2B teams evaluating whether to use the platform, the key question is not what it used to be called. It is whether Spotify for Podcasters is the right hosting and distribution infrastructure for a business podcast in 2026.
Free unlimited hosting and distribution. You can upload as many episodes as you want at no cost, and Spotify handles distribution to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and other major directories. This is still one of the most accessible on-ramps for teams that want to publish without paying for hosting.
Recording and editing tools. The platform includes a basic in-app recorder and simple editing tools. These are not production-grade, but they work for capturing quick episodes, adding pre-recorded intro music, or splitting episodes at cut points. For straightforward recording without a separate DAW, they are functional.
Analytics dashboard. Spotify for Podcasters provides episode-level analytics including plays, listener demographics (when logged in via Spotify), listener retention curves, and geographic data. The demographic data is notably richer than what most other hosting platforms offer because Spotify users are logged in, not anonymous.
Video podcast support. Spotify has pushed hard into video podcasting. If your B2B show includes video alongside audio, Spotify for Podcasters supports video episode uploads, which are then displayed in the Spotify app alongside regular audio content.
Paid subscriptions. Creators can enable Spotify Subscription, which allows listeners to pay for premium content or ad-free feeds. This is more relevant for consumer podcasters than B2B brands, but it is available.
Spotify for Podcasters is a distribution platform, not a production workflow. And for B2B teams, that distinction matters a lot.
No professional production tools. The platform does not offer noise reduction, dynamic processing, multi-track editing, or any of the post-production capabilities that a broadcast-quality B2B podcast requires. You are expected to bring polished audio. If you are recording raw interviews, you need a separate production workflow regardless of where you host.
Limited RSS customization. For teams that want to distribute to their own website, private corporate feeds, or non-standard podcast directories, Spotify for Podcasters offers limited RSS customization compared to platforms like Buzzsprout, Transistor, or Podbean.
Discoverability is Spotify-centric. Spotify's algorithm surfaces podcasts within its own app, which is great for listener growth. But it does not help your show rank on Apple Podcasts, where a significant share of podcast listening still happens. If growth across all platforms matters to you, you need a distribution strategy that does not rely on Spotify's recommendation engine.
Not built for B2B content strategy. B2B podcasts are often not trying to grow a mass audience through a platform algorithm. They are trying to reach a specific professional segment, use the show as a sales tool, and repurpose content across channels. Spotify for Podcasters does not help with any of that. It is a distribution mechanism, and a good one, but it does not replace a content strategy.
If you are evaluating hosting platforms, here is how Spotify for Podcasters stacks up against other common options.
Buzzsprout. Stronger analytics, clean embeddable players, better SEO tools for your podcast website, and strong support. Paid plans start at around $12/month. Better for teams that care about their podcast website and cross-platform discoverability.
Transistor. Designed for teams and businesses. Supports multiple shows under one account, has clean analytics, and offers private podcast feeds for internal use. One of the best options for B2B teams running multiple shows or internal podcasts.
Podbean. Long-standing hosting platform with strong monetization tools and video podcast support. Comparable to Spotify for Podcasters on features but with better third-party integrations.
Spotify for Podcasters. Best for: solo creators starting out, teams that primarily want Spotify distribution, and shows targeting a younger, Spotify-heavy audience. Not ideal for B2B teams that need private feeds, deep RSS control, or multi-show management.
For teams serious about using podcasting as a B2B content channel, hosting platform choice matters less than production quality and distribution consistency. A well-produced show on Transistor will outperform a poorly produced show on Spotify for Podcasters every time.
Platform selection is one decision in a much larger infrastructure. The teams that see real results from B2B podcasting have a few things in common.
Consistent publishing cadence. Whether weekly, biweekly, or monthly, the shows that build audience loyalty publish on a predictable schedule. Missing episodes or going dark for extended periods kills momentum.
Defined audience and positioning. The best B2B shows are built for a specific professional segment with a specific set of concerns. "A podcast for marketing leaders at B2B SaaS companies" is a better positioning than "a business podcast."
Production quality that matches your brand. Your podcast is a brand touchpoint. Audio quality, editing, and show presentation should be consistent with the rest of your content. Rough, unedited audio signals that the show is not a priority.
A repurposing workflow that multiplies reach. A single episode should generate show notes, a transcript, at least two or three short clips for social, and often a blog post or newsletter section. The episode itself is just the primary asset.
That is a lot of work. It is why most B2B companies that build successful podcasts either have a dedicated internal producer or work with a podcast production company to handle the operational side.
If you want to test Spotify for Podcasters before committing to a paid platform, that is a reasonable approach. The free tier gives you a working distribution infrastructure with no upfront cost. Use it to validate your show format, test your recording setup, and get a few episodes under your belt.
Once you have a consistent cadence and a clearer sense of your production needs, evaluate whether a paid hosting platform offers capabilities that justify the cost. For most B2B teams, the move to a platform like Transistor or Buzzsprout happens naturally as the show matures.
What matters more than your hosting platform is whether your show is actually serving your business goals. Does it generate guest relationships? Does it create content that your sales team can share? Does it build credibility with the audience you are trying to reach?
If the answer to those questions is no, the problem is not your hosting platform.
The Anchor podcast platform is now Spotify for Podcasters, and it remains a solid free option for getting a podcast off the ground. For B2B teams, it is a useful distribution tool but not a complete podcasting infrastructure.
Pair it with a real production workflow, a clear content strategy, and a repurposing plan, and it earns its place in your stack.
Ready to build a B2B podcast that actually moves the needle? Schedule a call with Podsicle Media and we will show you what a full production workflow looks like from recording to distribution.
