Captivate vs RedCircle
A side-by-side look at Captivate and RedCircle for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
RedCircle
Free podcast hosting with built-in monetization and dynamic ad insertion
Free plan
Visit RedCircleAt a glance
| Captivate | RedCircle | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $17/mo | Free plan |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | No |
| Best for | Growth-focused podcasters and small agencies who need multi-show hosting, monetization tools, and analytics without paying per show | Independent podcasters who want to start monetizing without paying for a hosting plan first |
| Founded | 2013 | - |
Key features
Captivate
- Unlimited podcast hosting across multiple shows
- IAB-certified analytics included on all plans
- Built-in monetization: memberships, tips, exclusive content
- Guest booking and interview management tools
- Transcription and dynamic show notes via Captivate Assistant
- Private and members-only podcast support
- Podcasting 2.0 support
- Video podcast publishing to Apple Podcasts
RedCircle
- Free podcast hosting with unlimited uploads
- Dynamic ad insertion and programmatic ad marketplace
- Listener support tools (subscriptions and donations)
- Cross-promotional network for podcast-to-podcast promos
- Detailed download analytics
- Custom RSS feed and distribution to major platforms
Pros and cons
Captivate
Pros
- IAB analytics included on every plan, not gated behind premium tiers
- 30-day free trial - longer than most competitors
- Built-in monetization tools without needing third-party add-ons
Cons
- Interface is functional but less polished than some competitors
- Some advanced features feel underdeveloped relative to their billing
- No free permanent tier
RedCircle
Pros
- Free hosting with no storage or bandwidth limits
- Monetization tools available from day one - no tier upgrades required
- Cross-promo network helps smaller shows grow through audience sharing
Cons
- RevShare model on ad revenue means RedCircle takes a cut as you scale
- Pricing page was inaccessible during research - exact RevShare percentage unconfirmed
- Ad marketplace works best for shows with established audiences; very new shows may see limited sponsor interest
The verdict
Choose Captivate if
Growth-focused podcasters and small agencies who need multi-show hosting, monetization tools, and analytics without paying per show.
Captivate earns points for including IAB-certified analytics on every plan - not just premium tiers - and for building monetization tools directly into the platform rather than routing you to third-party integrations. The 30-day free trial is genuinely long compared…
Choose RedCircle if
Independent podcasters who want to start monetizing without paying for a hosting plan first.
RedCircle's free-to-host, revenue-share model is a compelling entry point for podcasters who want monetization without upfront costs. The dynamic ad insertion marketplace is functional and accessible for shows that don't have the audience for direct sponsorships. The catch is the…