Castopod
Open-source podcast host from Paris with fediverse comments and Podcasting 2.0 features, self-hosted or managed in France
Quick Overview
| Company | Ad Aures SAS |
|---|---|
| Category | Podcast Hosting |
| Headquarters | Paris, France |
| Founded | Not stated |
| EU Presence | Yes - France (EU) |
| Data Location | Managed service on Scaleway servers (France); self-hosted: wherever you run it |
| Open Source | AGPL v3 |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| Self-Hosting | Yes - free open-source software you install on your own server |
| Main Features | Fediverse integration, Podcasting 2.0 features, IAB v2 analytics, video clips and soundbites, premium subscriptions, tips, listen-to-click ads, unlimited podcasts, episodes and users |
| Pricing | Self-hosted free; managed Starter EUR 9.96/month, Podcaster EUR 24/month, Network EUR 96/month (or EUR 119.52, EUR 288, EUR 1,152 per year) |
| Best For | Technical teams and open-source advocates who want control over their podcast stack |
| Replaces | Buzzsprout, Libsyn, Podbean |
Detailed Review
Castopod is built by Ad Aures SAS, registered in Paris under RCS 880 658 745. The software is licensed under AGPL v3 and can be downloaded and run on your own server.
Ad Aures also operates Castopod.com, a managed service where it hosts a Castopod instance for you on servers it rents from Scaleway, with a 14-day trial.
Open Source and Reversible
Because Castopod is open source, you can recover your data at any time and host your podcasts anywhere else. The managed service lets you use your own domain at no extra charge or a free podcast.audio subdomain.
Social and Podcasting 2.0 Features
Castopod connects each podcast to the fediverse so episodes can be shared, liked and commented on from decentralised networks. It supports Podcasting 2.0 elements such as locations, persons, transcripts and chapters, and includes video clip and soundbite creation.
Managed Plans
Starter (EUR 9.96 per month) includes 5 GB of storage and up to 250 GB of CDN delivery a month, Podcaster (EUR 24) 100 GB and 1,000 GB, and Network (EUR 96) 500 GB and 5,000 GB. Additional storage costs EUR 0.06 per GB per month.
Limitations to Consider
Self-hosting means you run, update and secure the server yourself. The managed plans cap storage and CDN traffic, and the terms state that podcasts hosted on the managed service are audio only. There is no built-in ad marketplace; monetisation is through premium subscriptions, tips and Ad Aures' listen-to-click ads. For a managed product with video and ad insertion see Podigee.
Who Should Use Castopod
Developers, associations and independent producers who value open-source software, fediverse reach and the option to move hosts.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Free open-source software (AGPL v3)
- Managed hosting on servers in France
- Unlimited podcasts, episodes and users
- Fediverse and Podcasting 2.0 features
- Full data reversibility
Cons
- Self-hosting needs technical skills
- Managed plans cap storage and CDN traffic
- Audio only on the managed service
- No built-in ad marketplace
Alternatives to Castopod
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
Captivate
United Kingdom · UK host with unlimited podcasts and IAB-certified analytics
See all European podcast hosting or compare them directly against Buzzsprout on our alternatives page.
Frequently Asked Questions
The software is free and open source under AGPL v3, so you can self-host it at no licence cost. The managed Castopod.com service is paid, from EUR 9.96 per month for the Starter plan.
The terms say Ad Aures hosts podcasts on servers it rents from Scaleway, and the legal notice names Scaleway SAS in Paris, France.
Not on the managed service. The Castopod.com terms say podcasts hosted by Ad Aures are audio only, although Castopod can create video clips and soundbites from episodes.