Captivate review

Captivate takes the opposite approach to upload-limited hosts: every plan includes unlimited podcasts, unlimited uploads and unlimited storage, and the only difference between tiers is monthly downloads. Personal costs $17 per month paid yearly, or $19 monthly, for up to 30,000 downloads, which is more than most independent shows reach. All plans get the same tools, including AMIE dynamic content insertion for ads and promos, private podcasting, IAB certified analytics, a Captivate Sites website and network features. Captivate also bundles Growth Labs, its courses and workshops on audience growth and sponsorship. There is no free plan, but the 30-day trial unlocks the whole platform. If a show goes over its download limit for two months in a row, Captivate asks it to move up a tier rather than taking it offline. Students, educational organizations, charities and nonprofits get 25% off. The trade-off is cost for hobbyists who publish rarely and would never use the extra tools.

Who it is for

podcasters who plan to grow and monetize

Price

No free plan; Personal from $17 per month paid yearly.

Personal $17 USD / month, paid yearly
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• Unlimited podcasts, uploads and storage on every plan
• Personal plan covers up to 30,000 downloads a month
• Dynamic content insertion with AMIE
• Private podcasting, IAB certified analytics and Captivate Sites websites
• Captivate Growth Labs courses and workshops at no extra charge

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Every feature is available on every plan; only download limits differ
• Strength: 30-day free trial with nothing restricted
• Strength: 25% discount for students, schools, charities and nonprofits
• Weakness: No free plan
• Weakness: Month-to-month Personal costs $19 rather than $17
• Weakness: Download caps mean very large shows move to Professional at $44 or Business at $90 per month paid yearly

Key facts

• Free trial: 30 days
• Plans: Personal, Professional, Business
• Downloads: 30,000, 150,000 or 300,000 a month
• Shows and storage: Unlimited on all plans

Where it ranks

Captivate is No. 2 in our Best Podcast Hosting Platforms verdict.