November 16, 2023
On November 16, 2023 at 00:00 UTC, the free Hobbyist plan transitioned to a hosting-only plan, ending the recording functionality previously available on this plan. Users continuing on this plan can still host their podcasts but can no longer record on Zencastr. To make this transition easier, we are offering eligible longtime Hobbyist users an exclusive discount on any Monthly paid plans.
The changes on the Hobbyist plan that went into effect on November 16, 2023 at 00:00 UTC (convert to your timezone here) are as follows -
In the area of hosting, Hobbyist users are still be able to:
In the area of recording, Hobbyist users are no longer able to:
To access recording features, users need to upgrade to a paid plan. Additionally, all areas of our platform including recording, post-production, hosting, monetization, mobile recording, and AI clipping, are accessible through our paid plans.
To assist during this transition, longtime Hobbyist users have been offered an exclusive, limited-time discount on 6 months of any Monthly paid plan via email and/or a post on their Zencastr dashboard page. We encourage eligible users to take advantage of this discount and consider switching to one of our paid plans, which have unlimited recording time. Please check your email for a link to get this discount.
If I had a podcast recording scheduled after November 16, 2023, can I still complete it?
Users on the Hobbyist plan cannot record after November 16, 2023. While the recording page link remains active, users and guests can no longer connect on the recording page and the host cannot start a recording on Zencastr.
To continue recording, please consider upgrading to a paid plan as they offer unlimited recording time. Please check your email for an exclusive discount on Monthly paid plans.
What happened to my files, were they deleted? Can I still download my recording files?
Your files have not been deleted. You can still download recording files within the Hobbyist’s plan previously announced 31-day recording masters storage limit. For example, on November 16, 2023, you are able to download files for any recording done between October 16, 2023 and November 16, 2023.
Upgrading to a paid plan grants immediate access to unlimited recording masters storage and allows you to access files from any date.
What about postproduction? Can I still download my postproduction files? Can I still use my postproduction credits?
You can still download postproduction files from any date.
If you had previously purchased postproduction credits, they are still usable for any recording done within a rolling 31-day period. For example, on November 16, 2023, you are able to produce any recording done between October 16, 2023 and November 16, 2023.
If you upgrade to a paid plan your postproduction credits will transfer over to that plan.
My podcast is hosted with you. Has this plan change affected my podcast’s availability?
No, unlimited audio hosting is still available on the Hobbyist plan as of November 16, 2023. The changes made to the Hobbyist plan are limited to the recording area and have not affected your podcast availability or audience at all.
How do I get the discount on a paid plan?
Eligible Hobbyist users received a discount link via email and/or a post on their Zencastr dashboards with a discount link. Log into your Zencastr account and click the link to see the discounted pricing on our Monthly paid plans and to apply the discount to your plan upgrade. This offer is not transferable to Yearly paid plans, prior subscriptions, or other users.
I didn’t receive the email or post with the discount link. How can I get it?
If you didn’t receive the email or post with the discount, please contact our Support team via chat or email. They can check your eligibility and assist you with obtaining the discount.
Why did Zencastr remove recording from the Hobbyist plan?
Zencastr’s mission has been to empower podcasters on their journey to growth and monetization since our founding in 2015. Initially offering the free Hobbyist plan aimed to help new and early-stage podcasters access our platform. As we evolved into an all-in-one podcast creation hub, users on our free Hobbyist plan enjoyed an expanding array of services, including audio and video recording, hosting, and monetization, all at no cost.
However, as Zencastr continues to grow, we need to allocate our resources to deliver enhanced features that further podcasters’ success. To do this while ensuring our long-term viability and sustainability, the tough decision was made to discontinue recording features on the Hobbyist plan and transition to a hosting-only plan as of November 16, 2023.
The change was communicated to all affected users through a series of emails and posts starting on October 17, 2023. We acknowledge the disappointment this may have caused and extend our gratitude to all Hobbyist users for their support and engagement. We sincerely hope you'll consider joining us on a paid plan going forward, continuing this journey together towards growth and innovation.