Hybrid Podcasting Use Cases

Castos podcasters can use hybrid podcasts in many ways that allows making premium content available to private subscribers while continuing to distribute a public show from podcast directories, all from the same podcast in Castos.

Features of Hybrid Podcasting

You can read more about Hybrid Podcasting here, but in general, the main features are as follows:

• Ad-Free Episodes: No pre-roll or post-roll ads, just the episode
• Exclusive Access: Create episodes specifically for your private
• Early Access: Private subscribers can listen to your episodes before public release
• Archive Access: Episode's that you no longer want available to your public subscribers

How you can use Hybrid Podcasting

Ad-Free

Many popular podcasts have either DAI or host-read ads. If the podcast has a way for listeners to subscribe to premium content, most podcasts offer ad-free versions. With Hybrid Podcasting, this is simple to do

• Turn on Castos Ads for non-subscribers to monetize your podcast
• Use Ad-Free from the Hybrid Podcast Settings to let paying subscribers listen without any ads

Exclusive Access

Use your public podcast to generate buzz and sell listeners on your content. With Exclusive Access, you can publish episodes to the same podcast and only your private subscribers will have access to bonus content, like an extra weekly episode, Q&A sessions, or "behind-the-mic" episodes

• Release a 15/30-minute preview of your episodes to the public and publish full episodes for private subscribers
• Offer exclusive interviews or deep-dive discussions not available on the public feed
• Provide behind-the-scenes content, such as outtakes or host commentary
• Create members-only Q&A sessions where subscribers can submit and vote on questions

Early Access

Your dedicated fans might want to pay for gaining access to your episodes earlier. Using Early Access, you can publish new episodes first to your subscribers. Then, after a set number of days, the episode will be playable to all via the podcast directories and your Castos website.

• Offer early access to limited-time content, such as event coverage or seasonal specials

Archive Access

Does your podcast have an extensive back catalog of evergreen content? You can choose to only show a few months of recent episodes in your public RSS feed to the podcast directories. Then, using Archive Access, allow your private subscribers to listen to all your episodes and with them, all your hard work and dedication to your show

• Keep only a rolling selection of the most recent episodes public while making older content available to subscribers
• Monetize your archive by offering premium members unlimited playback of your entire catalog
• Provide access to exclusive past interviews or legacy content that is no longer publicly available

Examples

We've compiled a list of a few ideas on how you can use Hybrid Podcasting to bring premium content to your private subscribers while also maintaining an active public show distributed via podcast directories for non-subscribers.

• Early Access for Subscribers – Release new episodes to paying members before the public.
• Partial Public, Full Private Archive – Keep only the latest episodes public while private subscribers get full access.
• Ad-Supported vs. Ad-Free Versions – Offer an ad-supported public version and an ad-free experience for subscribers.
• Extended & Bonus Episodes – Provide extra content, extended interviews, or behind-the-scenes episodes for paid members.
• Multi-Part Series with Exclusive Episodes – Make the first episode public while keeping the rest private.
• Premium Training & Deep Dives – Share general knowledge publicly but reserve in-depth lessons for subscribers.
• Interactive & Community Content – Let public users listen while private subscribers access live Q&As, discussions, or exclusive events.