Los Angeles-based podcast network PodcastOne recently debuted a free podcast hosting, distribution and monetization platform called LaunchpadOne.
LaunchpadOne is intended to help independent podcasters who don’t have access to parent podcasting networks or high level equipment, PodcastOne said in a release. Podcasters will be able to gain new listeners, as their shows will be included in a directory of over 1,000 available podcasts in a range of categories such as news, comedy, technology, health and sports, the company said.
“LaunchpadOne is the opportunity for many future podcasting superstars to follow in the footsteps of people like Adam Carolla, the LADYGANG, Court Junkie and Jordan Harbinger,” PodcastOne Chief Technology Officer Jim Ballas said in the press release.
LaunchpadOne offers creators its hosting platform with customizable design elements; a podcast player; distribution tools to publish on major listening apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Overcast and Pocket Casts and others; and a deep network of shows, the company said. The platform will allow podcast creators to utilize PodcastOne to accumulate new listeners, get discovered and collaborate with the established podcast network.
Podcasters on LaunchpadOne will be able to keep revenue from all advertising they sell, which includes pre-recorded ads and embedded live readings, the company said.
“With LaunchpadOne, we wanted to get back to those roots of podcasting and foster a platform that keeps that independent, guerilla spirit alive,” Ballas said. “Think of it as the YouTube for podcasters.”
The new platform is a “360 podcasting ecosystem” offering podcasters both flexibility and customizability.
"Check out the most turnkey independent podcasting platform yet!” PodcastOne said in a recent Twitter post.
Among other features of LaunchpadOne are metrics to track podcast performances, the option to import Apple reviews, the ability to receive PayPal donations from listeners, and a blog center with educational content related to podcasting.
Features planned for the future include audio editing tools and paid subscription content, according to the LaunchpadOne website.
PodcastOne, a subsidiary of LiveXLive Media, receives more than 2.25 billion downloads annually, the company said.