RedCircle is a San Francisco podcast platform founded in 2018 that offers free hosting and earns mainly from its advertising marketplace. Through the RedCircle Ad Platform, podcasters can access host-read campaigns and programmatic ads. Listeners can also support shows through donations and paid subscriptions. RedCircle is especially known for scaling host-read ads across many independent shows.
At a glance
| What it is | Podcast host with an ad marketplace |
| Founded | 2018, San Francisco |
| Free plan | Core: unlimited hosting, donations, subscriptions, ad platform access |
| Paid plan | Growth adds dynamic insertion and cross-promotion |
| Ad types | Host-read and programmatic |
| Extras | Cross-promotion marketplace |
| Europe | Partnership with Audion for European demand |
How it works
You host for free on the Core plan. Once your show meets audience thresholds, you can join campaigns in the RedCircle Ad Platform, choosing host-read ads you record yourself or programmatic ads inserted automatically. Paid plans add dynamic ad insertion across your back catalogue and a cross-promotion marketplace to swap promos with other shows.
Your Money page tracks donations, ads and subscriptions together, and lets you transfer what’s ready to your bank.
What you can realistically earn
Host-read ads pay better than programmatic ones, but need an engaged audience and your time to record reads. Small shows mostly earn from donations and occasional campaigns at first.
Getting started
Move or start your show on the free plan, turn on donations and subscriptions, and check the ad platform for campaigns that fit your topic. Use cross-promotion to grow.
Common mistakes
Some podcasters accept host-read ads that don’t fit their show and lose listener trust. Others never turn on donations, missing easy support from loyal listeners.
Building an audience first
Host-read campaigns favour shows with loyal, engaged listeners. Publish consistently, stay in one niche and use RedCircle’s cross-promotion to reach similar audiences.
Recording good host-read ads
Read the brief, use the product if you can, and speak in your normal voice. Natural reads perform better, and brands come back to shows that deliver results. RedCircle offers tools to check ad quality before it airs.
Keeping track
Use the Money page to see donations, ads and subscriptions side by side, and focus on what pays best for your show.
Is it worth it?
For independent podcasters who want free hosting and are happy to read ads, yes.
Final tip
Turn on donations from your first episode; small, loyal audiences often give more than ads pay.
Combining income streams
On RedCircle you can mix donations, subscriptions, host-read campaigns and programmatic ads. Add affiliate links in show notes for products you already mention. Several small streams add up faster than waiting for one big sponsor.
Getting paid
Check your Money page regularly and transfer available balances, so earnings don’t sit idle.
Communication with listeners
Thank donors on air and tell listeners what their support pays for.
Choosing a plan
Start on the free Core plan. Move to a paid plan when dynamic insertion across your back catalogue or cross-promotion would clearly pay for itself.
Watching for changes
RedCircle is growing in Europe through partnerships; check which campaigns are open to shows in your market.
Final tip
Keep a short list of products you already use and like. When matching host-read campaigns appear, those are the reads that sound most natural and convert best.
Is the audience there?
Check which campaigns fit your category before switching hosts; RedCircle’s demand is strongest in US-focused niches.
Owen’s take
RedCircle is a smart pick if you want free hosting and would rather read ads yourself for better pay. It rewards shows with a clear niche.
Who it suits
It suits independent podcasters comfortable recording host-read ads, mainly US-focused. It suits less well creators who want fully hands-off income.
Similar options
- Acast has a large global marketplace.
- Libsyn offers automatic ads and sponsorships.
- Spotify for Creators hosts free with a partner program.
- Podbean pays 70% on marketplace ads.
More options are in Podcasting.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free hosting
- Host-read campaigns at scale
- Donations and subscriptions built in
Cons
- Revenue share not clearly published
- Best ads need an engaged audience
- Dynamic insertion on paid plans
FAQ
Is RedCircle free?
Yes, the Core plan offers free unlimited hosting.
What kinds of ads does RedCircle offer?
Host-read and programmatic ads.
Can listeners support my show?
Yes, through donations and subscriptions.
Does RedCircle take a cut of ads?
Yes, a share of ad revenue; check current terms.
Is RedCircle available outside the US?
Hosting is; ad demand is mainly US, with a European partnership.
