Castos or WordPress: Where should I publish my podcast?
Castos Dashboard vs. WordPress: Where Should You Manage Your Podcast?
Choose the right workflow for your podcasting setup.
Quick Decision Guide
| Choose... | If you... |
|---|---|
| Castos Dashboard | Don't have a WordPress website, want the simplest setup, prefer a dedicated podcast management interface, or your WordPress site's security is stringent and prevents communication with the Castos API. |
| WordPress + SSP | Already have a WordPress website and want your podcast integrated with your site's content |
Both options use Castos for reliable podcast hosting—the difference is where you create and manage your episodes.
Option 1: Manage in Castos Dashboard
Best for: Podcasters without WordPress, those who want a streamlined dedicated interface, or anyone who prefers to keep podcast management separate from their website.
How It Works
- Create podcasts and publish episodes directly in your Castos dashboard
- Castos automatically generates a podcast website at
yourshow.castos.com - Your RSS feed is created and hosted by Castos
- Submit your Castos RSS feed to podcast directories one with click
What You Get
- Simple, podcast-focused interface
- Automatic podcast website (customizable themes, custom domain available)
- Built-in transcription, AI content, detailed analytics, and monetization tools
- No website maintenance required
Getting Started
→ Quickstart: Create Your Podcast in Castos
Option 2: Manage in WordPress with Seriously Simple Podcasting
Best for: Podcasters with existing WordPress websites who want episodes published on their site, integrated with their blog content.
How It Works
- Install the free Seriously Simple Podcasting plugin
- Connect WordPress to your Castos account using your API token
- Create podcasts and publish episodes from your WordPress admin panel
- Episodes sync to Castos for hosting; audio files are served from Castos servers
- Your can use either the SSP generated RSS feed or the Castos RSS feed
What You Get
- Episodes appear as posts on your WordPress site
- Full integration with your existing website design
- Use WordPress features (categories, tags, SEO plugins) with your podcast
- Access to SSP's Gutenberg blocks, widgets, and shortcodes
Important: One-Way Sync
The connection between WordPress and Castos is one-way only:
- ✅ Changes made in WordPress sync to Castos
- ❌ Changes made in Castos do NOT sync back to WordPress
If you connect WordPress to Castos, always manage your podcast from WordPress. Making changes directly in the Castos dashboard will create inconsistencies.
Getting Started
→ Seriously Simple Podcasting Settings Overview
Can I Switch Later?
Castos → WordPress: No, at this time there is no way to push episodes already hosted on Castos back to WordPress in a way that links the Castos-hosted episode with the new WordPress episode. You will need to import episodes into WordPress with the Castos RSS feed but know that this will create a new podcast and new episodes here at Castos.
WordPress → Castos only: Yes, but you'll manage future episodes in Castos. Existing episodes remain accessible. It is highly recommended that you disconnect SSP from the Castos API if you decide to switch your publishing method to Castos only.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Castos Dashboard | WordPress + SSP |
|---|---|---|
| Requires WordPress | No | Yes |
| Episode management | Castos dashboard | WordPress admin |
| Podcast website | Auto-generated at castos.com subdomain | Your WordPress site |
| Custom domain | Yes (Growth+ plans) | Yes (your existing domain) |
| RSS feed source | Castos | WordPress/SSP or Castos |
| Transcriptions | ✅ | ✅ (via Castos) |
| Analytics | ✅ | ✅ (via Castos) |
| Monetization | ✅ | ✅ (via Castos) |
| SEO integration | Basic | Full (WordPress SEO plugins) |
| Blog integration | No | Yes |
| Learning curve | Lower | Moderate |
Still Not Sure?
Start with Castos Dashboard if:
- You're new to podcasting and want the fastest path to publishing
- You don't have a website yet
- You want Castos to handle everything
Start with WordPress + SSP if:
- You already publish content on WordPress
- SEO and content marketing are priorities
- You want full control over your podcast's web presence
You can always disconnect it if you change your mind.
Related Articles
- Quickstart: Create Your Podcast in Castos
- Quickstart: Seriously Simple Podcasting and Castos
- Connect WordPress to Castos
- Understanding RSS Feeds
- Seriously Simple Podcasting Settings Overview
More Resources
YouTube video