How to Build Your Own Simplecast
Replace Simplecast with a custom build. The first and last word in podcast management and monetization
Build Difficulty: 5/5
Build a working replacement in a weekend with AI tools
Estimated Timeline
Based on 55 features at Weekend Project difficulty, expect about One weekend with AI-assisted development.
Recommended Tech Stack
Full-stack React framework with API routes and server components
PostgreSQL database, auth, and real-time subscriptions
Utility-first styling for rapid UI development
Key Features to Replicate
Top features across 8 categories. See all 55 features
Analytics(13 features)
Support for all 3rd-party attribution partners including pixel and prefix tracking
Meet Audience by Simplecast - an audio analytics platform providing listener insights
Custom reports with insights on audience overlap across multiple shows
Essential analytics features for tracking podcast performance
View and compare analytics data across multiple episodes
+8 more in this category
Monetization(11 features)
Support for third-party pixels for tracking and attribution
Connect to third-party programmatic buyers, ad networks, and resellers via AdsWizz SSP
Manage ad campaigns with real-time tracking and reporting
Manage ad placements, pricing, and control which ads appear in your podcast
Access to AdsWizz Marketplace - a programmatic exchange where 80% of the world's demand buys podcast ads
+6 more in this category
Publishing(6 features)
Beautiful, robust web players for embedding single episodes or entire shows
Streamlined workflows and templates to move episodes from post-production to distribution quickly
Compact web player option for episodes and shows
Web players compatible with oEmbed for easy embedding on Squarespace, Wordpress, Medium, and social media
Publish episodes to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher and many more with a single click
+1 more in this category
Distribution(5 features)
Support for high-quality audio bitrate distribution
Distribute episodes to all major listening platforms and apps
Secure RSS feed with HTTPS encryption and management tools
Create secondary and ad-free RSS feeds for different audience segments
Create custom white-labeled RSS feeds on demand
Support(5 features)
World-class support team available 7 days a week for questions and setup
Enterprise customers receive a dedicated account manager
Email-based customer support
Priority support including setup and migration assistance
Technical support and services for implementation of enterprise features
Developer Tools(4 features)
Manage ad campaigns programmatically through the API
Build custom websites, upload tools, and listening apps using the API
Build custom analytics dashboards using the API
Advanced audio publishing and distribution API for building custom solutions
Account Management(3 features)
Commitment-free 14-day trial without requiring a credit card
Manage multiple podcasts with one account
Invite team members to shows with customizable permission levels and access controls
Reporting(3 features)
Detailed reports broken down by show, episode, ad position, geo, sales partner and more
Create custom reports with automated delivery to hosts and clients
Set up automated reports for hosts and clients on a scheduled basis
Cost Calculator
Keep Paying Simplecast
Build It Yourself
Total Cost Comparison
DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 55 features at very easy complexity.