Pinecast

Active

Country: United States (US)
Founded: 2014
Developer: Pinecast (team led by Matt Basta)
Pricing: Freemium
Open source: No
Platforms: Web

Indexes

Podcast Creation

Overview

Pinecast is a web-based podcast hosting platform that provides RSS feed generation, episode uploading, distribution to directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Play, and analytics on listener habits.⁴⁵ It targets podcasters needing hosting, basic monetization via tip jar, and tools like embeddable players and short links to apps.²⁴ Standout elements include no time limits on free tier, automatic RSS publishing, and support for multiple shows on paid plans.⁴⁵

Key Features

RSS Feed Publishing - Generates RSS feed for submission to directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Play.
Analytics - Tracks listen history, sources (RSS, Player, Spotify), agents, and subscriber counts.
Embeddable Player - Provides embeddable player for websites and direct audio URL access.
Short Links - Device-specific links to popular podcast apps.
Tip Jar - Customizable tool for listener donations, available on free plan.
Distribution Tab - Guides submission to podcast directories with instructions.
Transcripts - Free automatic transcripts on Starter plan and above.
Podcast Website - Included website hosting on paid plans.

Pricing

Plan	Price	Includes
Free	$0/month	Up to 2 shows, 10 episodes limit, basic analytics, tip jar.
Starter	$10/month or $110/year	Unlimited shows, no episode limit, 80MB files, premium analytics, free transcripts, podcast website.

Platforms & Requirements

Pinecast operates entirely as a web application accessible via browser, with no native desktop or mobile apps offered.⁷⁹ No specific minimum requirements stated beyond standard web access; file uploads limited by plan (e.g., 80MB on Starter).⁴ No dedicated podcast listener apps provided.⁷

Integrations & Ecosystem

Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Google Play Podcasts
RSS feeds for any podcast app
Embeddable player
Short links to device-specific apps

Alternatives

App	Difference
Buzzsprout	Similar hosting with more emphasis on episode scheduling and IAB-compliant stats.
Libsyn	Longer-established with higher storage limits but no free tier.
Anchor (Spotify for Podcasters)	Free unlimited hosting with built-in recording tools and Spotify distribution priority.
Transistor	Focuses on private podcasts and multiple shows with advanced team features.

Reputation

Pinecast is viewed as a reliable, podcaster-built hosting service with fair pricing and essential features like analytics and distribution.⁶⁸ Strengths include free tier accessibility and tools like tip jar without credit card requirements.⁴ Criticisms involve limited free plan (episode caps, file sizes) and coarse basic analytics.⁶ No major complaints noted in available sources; active since 2014 with ongoing support.¹⁷

Sources (9)