Libsyn
- Company typePublic
- Founded1996
- HeadquartersPittsburgh, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingSoftware
Libsyn firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Libsyn
- Legal name
- Liberated Syndication, Inc.
- Website
- https://libsyn.com
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 1996
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Libsyn industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Podcast Hosting & Monetization Platform
- NAICS
- Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (516210)
- SIC
- Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Podcast Hosting Platforms (RSS, Analytics, Distribution) (MPACADAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Podcast Ad Sales Networks & Monetization Platforms (MPACADAD), Podcast Distribution Directories & Listening Apps (MPACADAC), Podcast Networks & Multi-Show Publishers (MPACADAB)
Keywords
Where Libsyn is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Pittsburgh
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Libsyn business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Podcast Hosting Subscriptions: Tiered subscription plans for podcast hosting ranging from basic to advanced tiers, with pricing starting at $5/month. Includes audio/video hosting, analytics, and distribution.
- Libsyn Ads Marketplace: Podcast advertising marketplace connecting advertisers with podcasters. Libsyn facilitates ad buys, order fulfillment, and guaranteed payouts. Requires minimum 20,000 downloads per episode. Revenue split of 70/30 favoring creators.
- Podroll Creator Promotion: Revenue-generating tool allowing creators to promote other podcasts in their second episode slot, earning revenue through creator-to-creator promotion.
- Apple Podcasts Subscriptions: Integration enabling exclusive content and subscription offerings for paying subscribers through Apple Podcasts platform.
- AdvertiseCast Acquisition: Acquired podcast advertising marketplace (closed June 7, 2021 for $30 million) enhancing Libsyn's podcast monetization capabilities with $18M cash, $10M in Libsyn shares, and $2M earn-out.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Starting tier for new podcasters |
| Subscription | Monthly | Advanced Plan and above includes Spotify Video distribution |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Monthly | Libsyn Ads Marketplace requires 20,000 downloads minimum |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Libsyn product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Libsyn provides audio and video podcast hosting, automated distribution to 15+ directories including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, IAB-certified analytics, and integrated monetization tools including programmatic ad insertion, host-read ads through the Libsyn Ads marketplace, Podroll creator-to-creator promotion, and Apple Podcasts subscriptions integration. The platform serves individual creators via tiered self-serve subscriptions starting at $5/month, enterprise media companies through the LibsynPro division, and brands seeking to advertise on podcasts through the Libsyn Ads marketplace.
Product overview
Libsyn is a podcast hosting platform that has evolved from a technology-led hosting service into a broader creator platform with advertising and monetization infrastructure. The core offering includes Libsyn Five (podcast hosting platform), Libsyn Pro/Enterprise (enterprise solutions), Libsyn Ads/AdvertiseCast (advertising marketplace), Automatic Podcast Ads, Podroll (creator-to-creator promotion), and the Libsyn Audience Network. The platform supports audio and video podcast hosting with distribution to major platforms including Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and others. Key differentiators include video podcasting capabilities across all plan levels, IAB-certified analytics, and integrated monetization tools.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Libsyn Podcast Hosting Platform (Libsyn Five) Audio and video podcast hosting platform providing storage, distribution to 15+ directories, IAB-certified analytics, multi-user collaboration, and creator support. Available via self-serve signup with tiered subscription plans starting at $5/month.
- LibsynPro Enterprise Podcasting Enterprise podcast hosting solution offering multi-user access, advanced analytics, bulk episode management, custom branding, and white-glove support for media companies, podcast networks, and large-scale podcast operations.
- Libsyn Ads / AdvertiseCast Podcast advertising marketplace connecting 5,000+ monetized shows with 2,700+ advertisers. Requires minimum 20,000 downloads per episode for participation. CPM rates of $18-20 for 30-second spots and $25 for 60-second spots. Revenue split of 70/30 favoring creators.
- Automatic Podcast Ads Programmatic ad revenue tool enabling automatic podcast advertising without audience minimums or manual host reads. Allows creators to turn on ad revenue in minutes and monetize both new episodes and back catalog.
- Podroll Creator-to-creator promotion feature allowing podcasters to earn revenue by promoting other podcasts in their second episode slot.
- Apple Podcasts Subscriptions Integration Direct integration with Apple Podcasts paid subscription service enabling creators to publish exclusive subscriber-only content and earn subscription revenue through Apple Podcasts.
- Libsyn Audience Network Exclusive advertising network connecting premium podcast content with targeted advertisers across Libsyn's creator network of 5,000+ monetized shows.
Quantifiable outcome
- Creators have earned over $112M since 2017 through Libsyn's monetization platform.
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Libsyn
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Libsyn technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration13 records
AI capability9 records
Feature6 records
Libsyn partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship, strategic and minor.
- ApplecoreLibsyn is a launch partner for Apple's new HLS-powered video podcast experience, enabling creators to distribute video content to Apple Podcasts with adaptive quality based on network conditions. Partnership aligns with Libsyn's 2026 vision for audio and video podcasting platform.
- Mehdi HasanflagshipOne-year exclusive advertising and hosting partnership with journalist Mehdi Hasan for his podcasts 'Mehdi Unfiltered' and 'We're Not Kidding Mehdi & Friends', connecting premium advertisers with politically engaged global audience.
- Spotify Distribution API (along with Acast, Audioboom, Omny, Podigee)coreSpotify activated its video Distribution API for Libsyn and four other podcast hosting platforms, enabling creators to distribute video content to Spotify and access monetization through Spotify Partner Program without switching hosting providers.
- Julep MediastrategicLibsyn announced acquisition of German podcasting company Julep Media to expand presence in Europe's ad sales market and support global expansion strategy, particularly in the DACH region.
- AdvertiseCastcoreLibsyn acquired AdvertiseCast podcast advertising marketplace for $30 million ($18M cash, $10M Libsyn shares, $2M earn-out). The acquisition enhances Libsyn's podcast monetization capabilities with established track record and advertiser relationships.
- SpotifycoreStrategic partnership for video podcast distribution and monetization. Libsyn creators can publish and monetize video content directly on Spotify through Spotify's Distribution API, with seamless integration allowing one-click distribution without platform switching.
- YouTubecoreVideo distribution partnership allowing Libsyn creators to publish audio or video podcasts directly to YouTube through API integration with automated uploads, synced artwork, and performance stats.
- Pair NetworksstrategicAcquisition of Pair Networks as part of Libsyn's evolution from technology-led hosting platform into broader creator platform with advertising and monetization infrastructure.
- Sounds ProfitableminorLibsyn and Sounds Profitable co-released the 2024 True Crime Podcast Listener Landscape Report, highlighting genre's audience reach and advertising potential with notable engagement among diverse demographics.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Libsyn competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- iHeartPodcasts: Major podcast network and hosting arm of iHeartMedia. Competes for premium creators and ad spend at scale, bundling distribution through iHeartRadio app with hosting and monetization.
- Stitcher (SiriusXM): Podcast platform owned by SiriusXM. Competes broadly in podcast hosting, distribution, and original content—particularly relevant since Libsyn's VP Product previously led Stitcher's podcast initiatives.
- Spotify (Megaphone): Spotify-owned enterprise podcast hosting platform (formerly Megaphone). Competes with LibsynPro for enterprise podcasters and offers targeted ad insertion that overlaps with Libsyn Ads marketplace.
Direct peers
- Buzzsprout: Leading independent podcast hosting platform focused on SMB and individual creators. Direct competitor in the same self-serve subscription tier segment with similar pricing ($12-24/month).
- Acast: Publicly listed Swedish podcast hosting and monetization platform with global ad marketplace. Direct competitor across both creator hosting and the advertiser-facing programmatic marketplace that Libsyn Ads competes with.
- Podigee: European podcast hosting platform and Spotify Distribution API launch partner (alongside Libsyn). Comparable podcast hosting, distribution, and analytics features for independent creators.
- Audioboom: UK-listed podcast hosting and ad-tech platform. Directly comparable business model with hosting tiers and a programmatic ad marketplace targeting similar creator and advertiser segments.
- Podbean: Podcast hosting platform with built-in monetization and live audio features. Competes directly for SMB podcasters and offers a comparable ad marketplace and monetization tools.
- Omny Studio (Triton Digital): Enterprise podcast hosting and monetization platform owned by Triton Digital. Competes with LibsynPro for large media companies and networks with advanced ad insertion and programmatic capabilities.
Emerging players
- Castbox: Podcast listening app and hosting platform with global distribution. Adjacent competitor in the discovery and listening layer that hosts select original content and competes for creator attention.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Libsyn social profiles
Digital presenceLibsyn compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Libsyn financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Libsyn leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
Libsyn subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
Libsyn funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Libsyn M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A4 records
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Libsyn
What does Libsyn do?
Libsyn provides audio and video podcast hosting, automated distribution to 15+ directories including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, IAB-certified analytics, and integrated monetization tools including programmatic ad insertion, host-read ads through the Libsyn Ads marketplace, Podroll creator-to-creator promotion, and Apple Podcasts subscriptions integration. The platform serves individual creators via tiered self-serve subscriptions starting at $5/month, enterprise media companies through the LibsynPro division, and brands seeking to advertise on podcasts through the Libsyn Ads marketplace.
Is Libsyn a public or private company?
Libsyn is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was Libsyn founded?
Libsyn was founded in 1996. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Libsyn based?
Libsyn is headquartered in Pittsburgh, United States, in the North America region.
How does Libsyn make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Podcast Hosting Subscriptions are the primary driver. The others are libsyn Ads Marketplace, podroll Creator Promotion, apple Podcasts Subscriptions and advertiseCast Acquisition.
Who are Libsyn's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are iHeartPodcasts, Stitcher (SiriusXM) and Spotify (Megaphone). Direct peers are Buzzsprout, Acast, Podigee, Audioboom, Podbean and Omny Studio (Triton Digital). Castbox is listed as an emerging player.
Does Libsyn have an API?
Yes. Libsyn offers a public API (Five API) that enables authentication for third-party integrations. Additionally, Libsyn participates in the Spotify Distribution API, enabling creators to publish and monetize video podcasts directly on Spotify without switching hosting providers. The platform also provides an API endpoint referenced as five-api.libsyn.com for authentication and platform integration purposes.
What industry is Libsyn in?
Libsyn's product category is Podcast Hosting & Monetization Platform. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPACADAA, Podcast Hosting Platforms (RSS, Analytics, Distribution), with a secondary code of MPACADAD, Podcast Ad Sales Networks & Monetization Platforms. Its NAICS code is 516210 and its SIC code is 7372.