Firstory review
A low-cost podcast host combining advanced analytics, AI tools, video, and monetization.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Firstory is a podcast hosting platform for creators and media businesses that need episode publishing, RSS distribution, analytics, and audience-facing tools. It generates an RSS feed for each podcast, supports automatic or manual distribution to listening directories, and can create a podcast website with an embedded player. Its audience extends from individual creators to organizations managing multiple shows, with web, iOS, and Android access. FLink universal links help direct listeners to podcast platforms, while analytics cover downloads, demographics, geography, and listening times.
The pricing structure keeps the entry point low. Firstory Free costs $0 per month for 1 show, unlimited episodes, advanced analytics, AI content extraction for 1 episode per month, and video upload early access. Firstory Lite costs $7 per month for 2 shows, download reports, and AI content extraction for 3 episodes per month. Firstory Pro costs $15 per month for 5 shows, AI content extraction for 6 episodes per month, video upload early access for 4 episodes per month, and dynamic advertising and membership features. Firstory Enterprise costs $159 per month for unlimited shows, unlimited video upload early access, AI content extraction for 25 episodes per month, and dynamic advertising and membership features. A 14-day trial is also available.
Firstory’s strongest fit is for creators who want more than basic hosting without moving immediately to a high-cost plan. Its AI tools support transcripts, summaries, highlights, and newsletter drafts, while subscriptions, donations, private RSS feeds, dynamic advertising, and ad revenue tools add monetization options. Video episodes can be uploaded and synchronized to Apple Podcasts, but video remains in early access; Spotify video requires a separate Spotify for Creators workflow. Choose Firstory for broad publishing and monetization capabilities at a low starting price. Creators requiring fully mature video workflows or monetization outside supported regions should consider another platform.
Firstory pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Advanced analytics include audience demographics, geography, and listening times.
- AI creates transcripts, summaries, highlights, and newsletter drafts.
- Supports video, private RSS feeds, subscriptions, donations, and advertising.
- Where it doesn't
- Video support is in early access and centers on Apple Podcasts synchronization.
- Built-in monetization is available only in selected regions.
- Spotify video requires a separate Spotify for Creators workflow.
Firstory fact sheet, pricing and score →
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