If you have a small podcast, the “best” free monetization services are usually the ones that don’t require huge download numbers or upfront fees. For smaller shows, the best options tend to be:

1. Spotify for Creators (formerly Anchor)

Best for: beginners, small shows, and creators who want everything in one place.

Why it’s good

• Free hosting and distribution
• Built-in monetization tools
• Can add:
  • listener support/donations
  • paid subscriptions
  • ads/read programs in some regions
• Very easy to use

Downsides

• Monetization features depend on country/eligibility
• Less control than self-hosted setups
• Ad opportunities can be limited for very small audiences

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2. Acast

Best for: small-to-mid shows that want ad monetization without needing to be huge.

Why it’s good

• Free tier available
• Dynamic ad insertion
• Marketplace-style ad access
• Can monetize a small show earlier than some bigger networks

Downsides

• Free plan features are limited
• Some monetization tools may depend on audience size/region
• Better for shows with steady growth

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3. RedCircle

Best for: small creators who want multiple monetization options.

Why it’s good

• Free hosting
• Listener donations/support
• Paid subscriptions
• Dynamic ads
• Cross-promotion marketplace
• Friendly to smaller podcasts

Downsides

• Ad revenue usually isn’t meaningful until you have some audience
• Platform features can feel more “starter” than premium

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4. Buzzsprout with monetization tools

Best for: creators who want simple hosting and access to monetization options.

Why it’s good

• Easy to use
• Good analytics and distribution
• Monetization integrations available
• Works well if you want a polished setup

Downsides

• Free plan is limited and not a full monetization solution
• Most serious use requires paid hosting
• Better for convenience than maximizing free monetization

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5. Patreon

Best for: creators with a small but loyal audience.

Why it’s good

• Very good for direct fan support
• Membership tiers, bonus episodes, early access
• Works even with a small audience if listeners are engaged

Downsides

• Not podcast-specific hosting
• You need to drive your own listeners there
• Patreon takes a cut

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6. Buy Me a Coffee / Ko-fi

Best for: very small podcasts that want simple tips or support.

Why it’s good

• Quick setup
• Great for one-time donations or monthly support
• Low friction for fans
• Good if you’re not ready for a full membership system

Downsides

• Usually smaller earning potential than memberships or ads
• Not built for podcast-specific ad monetization

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Best choice by situation

If you want the easiest all-in-one free option:

Spotify for Creators

If you want the best free option for listener support and donations:

RedCircle or Spotify for Creators

If you want direct fan membership income:

Patreon

If you want simple tipping:

Buy Me a Coffee or Ko-fi

If you want ads and expect to grow:

Acast or RedCircle

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What works best for small shows?

For a small podcast, the most realistic money usually comes from:

1. Listener support/donations
2. Paid memberships
3. Affiliate links
4. Sponsorships from small brands
5. Ads later, once downloads grow

A lot of small podcasts make more from direct fan support than from ads at first.

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My practical recommendation

If you’re starting small, I’d suggest:

• Host on Spotify for Creators or RedCircle
• Add Buy Me a Coffee or Patreon
• Use affiliate links in show notes
• Add ads only once your audience grows

If you want, I can also give you a ranked list by easiest setup, highest earning potential, or best for under 1,000 downloads/episode.