Captivate
UK podcast host with unlimited podcasts and storage, IAB-certified analytics and dynamic ad insertion on every plan
Quick Overview
| Company | Captivate Audio Ltd |
|---|---|
| Category | Podcast Hosting |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom |
| Founded | 2019 |
| EU Presence | Yes - United Kingdom |
| Data Location | Not stated; privacy policy mentions processing outside the UK and EEA, including the United States |
| Open Source | No |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| Self-Hosting | No |
| Main Features | Unlimited podcasts and storage, IAB-certified analytics, dynamic content insertion (AMIE), private podcasting, podcast website, player, network features, marketplace for ads |
| Pricing | Personal EUR 17/month, Professional EUR 44/month, Business EUR 90/month (paid yearly); 30-day free trial |
| Best For | Growing podcasters and agencies who want all features in every plan |
| Replaces | Buzzsprout, Libsyn, Podbean |
Detailed Review
Captivate.fm is owned by Captivate Audio Ltd, registered in England and Wales (company number 11840222), with its registered address at 30 Leicester Square, London. The company launched the platform in 2019 and says it was the first UK-based podcast host to reach IAB Tech Lab certification, in May 2020.
It has no free plan. Instead every subscription includes the whole platform and the plans differ only in monthly downloads.
One Feature Set, Three Download Tiers
Personal covers up to 30,000 downloads per month, Professional up to 150,000 and Business up to 300,000, billed at EUR 17, EUR 44 and EUR 90 per month when paid yearly. All plans include unlimited podcasts and storage, IAB-certified analytics, private podcasting, a podcast player, a website and network features.
If you exceed your allowance, Captivate says your show stays online and it contacts you after a second month over the limit to move up a tier.
Monetisation
Dynamic content insertion through AMIE is in every plan, and a Captivate Marketplace connects podcasters with advertisers. The pricing page also lists membership and tipping features.
Discounts and Terms
Students, educational organisations, registered charities and non-profits get a 25% discount on all plans. The terms were last updated on 30 April 2026.
Limitations to Consider
There is no free plan, only a 30-day trial. Pricing rises with downloads, so a successful show moves up a tier. Captivate does not state where files are stored, and its privacy policy says data may be processed outside the UK and EEA, including in the United States. As a UK company it falls under UK rather than EU law. For a free entry plan look at Podigee.
Who Should Use Captivate
Podcasters, networks and agencies that want every feature, including ad insertion and private podcasts, from the first subscription.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- All features in every plan
- Unlimited podcasts and storage
- IAB-certified analytics
- Soft handling of download overages
- 25% discount for students and non-profits
Cons
- No free plan
- Priced by monthly downloads
- Storage location not stated
- UK rather than EU jurisdiction
Alternatives to Captivate
Other European podcast hosting worth comparing before you decide:
Podigee
Germany · Berlin podcast host with free plan, video and recording studio
Springcast
Netherlands · Dutch ISO 27001 podcast platform with EEA-only data processing
Ausha
France · French podcast host with unlimited uploads and marketing tools
Acast
Sweden · Stockholm host built around ad and sponsorship monetisation
See all European podcast hosting or compare them directly against Buzzsprout on our alternatives page.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Its pricing page says it does not offer free plans and gives a 30-day free trial instead, with access to all features during the trial.
Your show is not taken offline. Captivate says it will contact you if you exceed the limit for a second month in a row and ask you to move to the next tier.
It is a UK company: Captivate Audio Ltd, registered in England and Wales with company number 11840222 and a registered address in London.