show.fm

show.fm is a podcast operations platform for independent hosts and teams that want booking, production, hosting and promotion in one workspace. Its advantage is the connected workflow; the tradeoff is that episode, staff-seat and AI-credit caps shape how far each plan can go.

Overview

Guest bookings can flow straight into episode preparation, publishing and follow-up, with hosting and analytics alongside those tasks. That breadth can replace a patchwork of separate podcast workflows, but show.fm is a less natural fit if you only need a guest directory or booking calendar.

It includes hosting on every plan, with feeds delivered through a global edge network and audio described as triple-replicated with an external backup. Existing feeds can be connected from Megaphone, Acast, Buzzsprout, Transistor, RSS.com, Libsyn and other RSS hosts. First-party analytics cover IAB-compliant plays and completion, as well as leading apps and countries, without a third-party tracker.

Key features

Booking and production

Booking pages handle time zones and calendar conflicts, collect details through custom intake forms, and send confirmation emails. Calendar holds work with Google, Apple and Outlook. A confirmed booking automatically creates an episode, which helps keep guest scheduling tied to production rather than leaving it in a separate calendar.

The AI pipeline transcribes episodes, drafts show notes and social posts, and surfaces moments that could work as clips or audiograms. Those tools can speed up routine preparation, but monthly AI credits and episode quotas limit their usefulness for high-volume production. The workflow builder adds event-based reminders, social posts, task nudges, co-host notifications, email and webhooks; its action allowance also varies by plan.

Portability and API

Users can export episodes, audio, transcripts, notes and contacts in standard formats, and feeds use stable URLs. That makes it easier to retain core content and data if workflows change. The REST API uses bearer-token authentication and JSON, with eight endpoints and six HMAC-signed webhook types.

The privacy policy and terms are live, but the security disclosure policy, subprocessor list, data processing agreement and SLA are still coming soon or in drafting. Organizations that require those vendor documents should weigh that gap before committing. Support requests can be submitted without logging in, with an emailed ticket number; pricing inquiries are answered within a day, usually faster.

Pricing

The free plan costs $0 forever and includes one show, two episodes per month, one staff seat, unlimited guests, one booking link, three automation rules and 100 actions per month. It has no AI credits. It is a useful way to run a small, low-volume show, but the episode cap and lack of AI make it a constrained production workspace.

Creator costs $19 a month, billed $230 yearly. It raises the limit to six episodes monthly and provides five booking links, 10 automation rules, 1,000 actions and 120 AI credits (about two hours of transcription), while keeping the one-seat limit. This is the entry paid tier for a solo host who needs recurring automation and AI assistance.

Studio costs $47 a month, billed $566 yearly. It allows 30 episodes monthly, three staff seats, 25 booking links, 50 automation rules, 5,000 actions and 300 AI credits (about five hours of transcription). The extra seats make it more practical for a small team, though production volume and AI use remain capped.

Production House costs $119 a month, billed $1,430 yearly. It covers 100 episodes monthly, 10 staff seats, client workspaces, unlimited booking links and rules, 20,000 actions, and 1,200 AI credits (about 20 hours of transcription). It also adds a white-label guest portal and shareable client analytics reports, making it the clearest fit for teams managing client shows.

Enterprise has custom pricing and starts at 30 shows with unlimited staff seats. Founder is $399.00 USD paid once, with 30 episodes monthly, three staff seats, 25 booking links, 50 rules and 100 seats; from year four, it costs $49 a month while the subscription remains active. Founders is $399.00 USD once for three years of Studio, with 30 episodes monthly, three seats, 25 booking links, 50 rules and 100 seats available; from year four, it is $49 per month while the subscription remains active. These one-time offers have distinct terms, so buyers should compare the included period and ongoing charge with the standard monthly plans.

There is no free trial. The free tier provides a continuing but tightly capped alternative to a trial, while paid plans are billed yearly at the stated totals.

Platforms

show.fm is available on the web and through an API. The API may suit teams connecting workflows programmatically, while web access covers the main workspace.

Who it's for

Independent hosts and small podcast teams are the strongest fit, particularly when they need guest booking, episode workflows, hosting and promotion to work together. Studios and production companies can benefit from client workspaces and reporting on Production House. A solo host with only occasional episodes may find the free plan sufficient, but teams needing more staff access or substantial AI transcription will need a higher tier.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Booking, episode creation, production tasks, hosting and analytics sit in one workflow, reducing the need to coordinate those steps across separate tools.
• Pros: Unlimited guests on every plan, including Free, make guest access less restrictive than staff access.
• Pros: Standard-format exports and stable feed URLs support portability.
• Cons: Free is capped at two episodes a month and has no AI credits; Creator remains limited to one staff seat and six episodes.
• Cons: AI credits and automation actions are capped, so frequent transcription or busy workflows may require a more expensive tier.
• Cons: Several security and vendor-governance documents are still in drafting or coming soon, a concern for organizations that require them.

Alternatives

For a broader set of guest-booking options, compare Podcast Guest Booking Software. DM-Mi is an alternative with Android, iOS and web apps, a free guest profile and a free trial. Guestio offers a free tier for finding and booking guests or shows, messaging, press kits and booking tracking, with up to five pitches a month, plus a free trial.

Let's Make A Podcast is a web-based free option for host or guest profiles, discovery, pitching, messaging and calendar-invite scheduling. PodcastGuests.com offers a free twice-weekly newsletter of guest opportunities, or a $20.00 USD monthly Basic plan with one category, one website link and a directory profile. Airlist has a free tier for up to 15 guests with a pipeline, reminders, episode tracker and public booking page, alongside a free trial.

Codie Dog is a web-based free option with no premium tiers or feature limits. Guest.Market offers basic services free during its public beta, while GuestLoop has a free guest profile, discovery feed, booking management, appearance tracker and unlimited applications, as well as a free trial.

Verdict

Choose show.fm if you want guest booking, production, hosting and team coordination connected, and your episode volume and staffing fit a plan’s caps. Production House is the strongest match for client-facing teams; solo creators can start smaller. Look elsewhere if you need only guest discovery, or if your organization requires the security and vendor-governance documents that are still in progress.