Podcast and audio clip hosting service audioBoom is to impose a mandatory $9.99 monthly charge on all users and has changed its terms and conditions with immediate effect.
In an email to users, the firm says: “starting 2nd October 2017, audioBoom will only offer a $9.99 monthly subscription to our current users that have thus far enjoyed ad-free channels at no cost.”
Customers are being told that unless they agree to pay the fee, they “your account will become private from expiry of that date and you will no longer be able to upload new content.
“Your existing RSS feeds and web embeds will continue to work for a period of 1 month and after 36 months, your account will be deleted”.
Full email to users:
Changes afoot at audioBoom
With the massive growth in podcasting globally, we have have found that in order to offset the cost of platform maintenance, upgrades and related services we can no longer provide accounts for free. So, starting 2nd October 2017, audioBoom will only offer a $9.99 monthly subscription to our current users that have thus far enjoyed ad-free channels at no cost. audioBoom’s $9.99 monthly subscription is a great fit for podcasters with smaller audiences or those who simply want an ad-free option for hosting and distribution.
We will also be updating the terms on which we make audioBoom available, to make them suitable. That means updating our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, and introducing a new Cookie Policy and Content Policy (collectively, “Terms”).
To understand how this affects you, please check out our FAQs below
What does the new subscription include?
Podcasters on the plan will have access to the following features:
- Publish up to 5 episodes per month
- Up to 10,000 plays per month per episode
- RSS feed compatible for distribution via podcast platforms such as Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, GooglePlay and Stitcher, TuneIn etc
- Advanced analytics
- Embeddable Players for your website and social media integration
When do the Terms come into effect?
On the 30th August 2017. When you first use audioBoom on or after that day, we’ll ask you to agree to the new Terms. From then on, those Terms will apply to your use of the platform and the services we provide (whether or not you decide to buy the new subscription).
How do I take out the new subscription?
Visit your channel dashboard page and follow the instructions to add your billing details.
What if I want to add additional podcasts?
Visit your dashboard and follow the instructions to purchase subscriptions for additional podcasts at $9.99 per month each.
What happens if I exceed 10k plays per month?
Your account will continue to work as normal, though audioBoom reserves the right to move you to a bespoke subscription plan or a free, advertising supported, account by a certain date.
If you decline to take it up by that date, your account will become private from expiry of that date and you will no longer be able to upload new content.
Your existing RSS feeds and web embeds will continue to work for a period of 1 month and after 36 months, your account will be deleted (including your old podcasts and your RSS feeds) so we recommend that you arrange for redirection of your RSS feeds, download your old podcasts and back them up elsewhere, before that period expires.
For help in redirecting your RSS Feeds to any new podcast provider, just email us at support@audioboom.com. We’ll need at least 5 working days to comply with your request.
I don’t want to take out the new subscription. What happens now?
If you take no action, then after 2nd October 2017, you will no longer be able to upload new content and your account will become private. We will continue to enable distribution of your existing content for a period of a month so all your RSS feeds and web embeds will continue to work for that period. If you choose to move to another podcast provider, let us know by emailing us at support@audioboom.com and we will redirect your RSS feeds for you. We’ll need at least 5 working days to comply with your request. After 36 months from 30th August 2017, your account will be deleted (including your old podcasts and your RSS feeds, so we recommend that you arrange for redirection of your RSS feeds, download your old podcasts and back them up elsewhere, before that period expires.
What are the key changes to the Terms?
You can find the key changes here.
Can I compare the old terms with the new ones?
Yes, both the old and new versions can be found here, until 29th September 2017. You should review the Terms in full yourself.
