Guestio

Overview

The marketplace works in both directions: hosts can browse guests by category or tag, and guests can look for channels seeking them. That makes Guestio relevant beyond podcasters, including YouTubers, bloggers, journalists, publication contributors and live event organizers. Guests and shows can set prices, with Guestio retaining a small platform fee after an interview is complete.

Key features

Discovery, messaging and scheduling

Built-in messaging supports coordination and sends guests text and email notifications. Guests can propose three interview times; the booker can select one or counter with three alternatives. This gives both sides a clear way to settle on a time, but there is no calendar sync, so appointments will not automatically flow into a separate calendar.

Booking records and promotion

The dashboard keeps bookings, links to more information and past communications together, which is useful for organizers managing multiple guest relationships. Bookers can download a guest's press kit to promote their content. Guestio also supports custom intake forms and guest relationship tools, but its core booking workspace is not a substitute for a broader production system.

Pro tools and integrations

Pro adds audio and video pitches, letting guests introduce themselves directly to show hosts, and show search analytics that include searches by downloads or Apple reviews. Unlimited Smartlist, bookings and MINIVIEWs, customizable upsells and booking flow, and a homepage feature round out the paid tier. The features page also describes promotional upsells for Facebook posts and Instagram Swipe-ups. These additions are most useful to users who want to improve discovery and promotion; they are not necessary for basic booking.

Pricing

Guestio is freemium, with a Free plan at no cost and a 14-day trial. Free includes finding and booking guests or shows, messaging, guest press kits and booking tracking, with up to 5 pitches a month on the monthly view. That cap makes Free a sensible starting point for occasional users, but a constraint for anyone pitching frequently.

Pro (monthly) costs 97.00 USD per month, billed $97 /month. Pro (yearly) costs 997.00 USD per year, billed $997 /year. Both include Free features, audio/video pitches, unlimited Smartlist, bookings and MINIVIEWs, customizable upsells and booking flow, a homepage feature and show search analytics. Monthly pricing avoids a yearly commitment; annual billing costs less than twelve monthly payments at the stated rates, but requires paying for the year. Pro is best for active hosts or guests who need richer pitches, unlimited booking tools or analytics; those who only need core booking can stay on Free.

Platforms

Guestio is available on the web and through native iOS and Android apps for discovering, booking and connecting with guests. It also lists an email contact and a Las Vegas, Nevada location; its founder and CEO is Travis Chappell.

Who it's for

Guestio is a good fit for podcasters and other content organizers who want guest discovery, interview coordination, press kits and booking history together, as well as guests seeking channels. It is less suitable for users who depend on calendar sync or need more than five monthly pitches without upgrading.

Pros and cons

• Two-way marketplace: hosts can search for guests and guests can find channels seeking them.
• Useful booking flow: messaging, three-time proposals, press kits and booking records keep the arrangement and promotion connected.
• Meaningful Free tier: core discovery, messaging and booking tracking are included, with a monthly pitch cap.
• Pro is costly for occasional users: the $97 monthly price is hard to justify if audio/video pitches and analytics are not needed.
• No calendar sync: users must manage calendar updates outside Guestio.

Alternatives

For a broader shortlist, see Podcast Guest Booking Software. Choose Let's Make A Podcast if web access and scheduling with calendar invites matter more than Guestio's mobile apps and Pro analytics. show.fm is a web and API option for users who want a free plan with stated limits on shows, episodes, staff seats and automation. Airlist suits organizers who can work within a free cap of 15 guests and want pipeline, reminders and an episode tracker. Codie Dog is a web alternative with a free plan and no premium tiers. GuestLoop offers a free expert profile, discovery feed and booking management for guests. DM-Mi is another free-plan option for web and mobile users. Guest.Market is a free web alternative. Pitchguest is a freemium web alternative.

Verdict

Choose Guestio if you want a two-sided guest marketplace with messaging, scheduling, press kits and booking records in one place. The Free plan makes it practical to try for core booking, but users who need calendar sync or cannot justify Pro's price for pitches and analytics should look elsewhere.