TL;DR
Spotify discontinued Anchor voice messages in June 2024 as part of a broader feature sunset. If you relied on Anchor for listener voice messages, you need a replacement.
- Whatayarn: Best overall. Mobile-first, branded pages, MP3s to your inbox, works with any podcast host.
- Speakpipe: Reliable legacy option but dated UI and higher cost.
- Buzzsprout Fan Mail: Text-only (no audio), requires Buzzsprout hosting.
For a modern Anchor voice messages replacement, Whatayarn is your best bet.
What happened to Anchor voice messages?
If you used Anchor (now Spotify for Podcasters) to collect listener voice messages, you probably noticed the feature disappeared. Here is what happened:
The timeline:
- May 2019: Anchor launched voice messages, letting listeners record up to 60-second audio notes via a link on your Anchor profile.
- February 2019: Spotify acquired Anchor for ~$140 million.
- 2023: Anchor rebranded to Spotify for Podcasters.
- June 2024: Spotify discontinued voice messages alongside other "legacy tools" including Record with Friends and the mobile episode builder.
Spotify's official statement: they are "refocusing attention and resources from legacy tooling to the next generation of podcast innovations."
Translation: voice messages are gone and not coming back.
Existing published episodes remain unchanged. You just cannot collect new voice messages through Spotify for Podcasters anymore.
Why you still need listener voice messages
Losing voice messages is a bigger deal than it sounds. Here is why they matter:
Community engagement
Voice messages create a two-way relationship with your audience. Listeners feel heard when they can send you a message and you play it on air. That connection builds loyalty.
Content supply
Every voice message is potential content. Listener questions become Q&A segments. Stories become episode fodder. Reviews become social proof. You are not creating from scratch every week.
Repurposable clips
A 60-second listener message is already the perfect length for a YouTube Short, Instagram Reel, or TikTok. Clip it, add captions, post. Your listeners become your content creators.
Social proof
Nothing builds trust like real listeners saying real things about your show. Voice testimonials convert new listeners better than written reviews.
Best Anchor voice messages alternatives (2025)
If you are searching for an Anchor voice messages alternative, here are your options ranked:
1. Whatayarn (best overall)
- What it is: A modern voicemail tool built specifically for podcasters and creators.
- Why it is the best Anchor replacement:
- Mobile-first pages that work perfectly on phones (where most listeners record)
- Fully branded with your logo, bio, and social links
- Set max audio duration to keep messages tight
- MP3s delivered straight to your inbox
- Works with any podcast host (not locked to one platform)
- No app required for listeners
- Pricing: Free tier available. Pro is AUD 12/month (yearly) or AUD 15/month (monthly).
- Best for: Podcasters who want a dedicated, professional voice message solution.
Try the Whatayarn demo to see what your listeners would experience.
2. Speakpipe (legacy option)
- What it is: One of the original podcast voicemail tools, around since before Anchor.
- Pros: Reliable, established, long track record.
- Cons: Dated UI, limited branding options, higher cost.
- Pricing: Starts around USD 15/month.
- Best for: Podcasters who already use it and prefer not to switch.
For a detailed comparison, see our Speakpipe vs Whatayarn guide.
3. Buzzsprout Fan Mail (text only)
- What it is: A listener feedback feature built into Buzzsprout's podcast hosting.
- Pros: Integrated with Buzzsprout, easy setup.
- Cons: Text-only (no audio messages), requires Buzzsprout hosting.
- Best for: Buzzsprout users who only need written feedback.
If you specifically want audio messages like Anchor had, Buzzsprout Fan Mail will not work. It only supports text.
4. DIY options (Google Voice, Vocaroo, WhatsApp)
- What they are: General-purpose voice tools not built for podcasts.
- Pros: Often free.
- Cons: Manual workflow, no branding, no notifications, requires more admin work.
- Best for: Hobby projects or testing before committing to a proper tool.
Anchor vs Whatayarn vs Speakpipe vs Buzzsprout
| Feature | Anchor (discontinued) | Whatayarn | Speakpipe | Buzzsprout Fan Mail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audio messages | ✅ (discontinued) | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ (text only) |
| Branded pages | Basic | Full customisation | Limited | N/A |
| Mobile experience | Good | Mobile-first | Can feel clunky | Mobile-friendly |
| No app required | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| MP3 delivery to inbox | ❌ (dashboard only) | ✅ | ❌ (dashboard only) | N/A |
| Works with any host | ❌ (Anchor only) | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ (Buzzsprout only) |
| Multiple voicemail pages | ❌ | ✅ (up to 5 on Pro) | Limited | N/A |
| Upload audio files | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | N/A |
| Set max duration | Fixed (60s) | Configurable | Yes | N/A |
| Require sign-in toggle | ❌ | ✅ | Limited | N/A |
| Pricing | Free (discontinued) | Free / AUD 12-15/mo | ~USD 15/mo | Included with hosting |
Note: Pricing and features can change. Always check each product's site for the latest info.
How to migrate from Anchor to Whatayarn
Switching from Anchor voice messages to Whatayarn takes about 5 minutes. Here is how:
1. Create your Whatayarn page
Sign up at whatayarn.com and create your first voicemail page. Add:
- Your podcast name and bio
- Your logo or cover art
- Social links (website, newsletter, merch, community)
- SEO title and description for search visibility
2. Configure your settings
- Max duration: 90-120 seconds is the sweet spot for usable clips
- Sign-in required: Toggle on for accountability or off for maximum ease
- Message limit: Set based on your plan
3. Replace your links everywhere
Swap your old Anchor link for your new Whatayarn link in:
- Show notes and episode descriptions
- Website header and footer
- Link-in-bio (Linktree, etc.)
- Social media bios
- Email newsletter signatures
4. Print a QR code
Generate a QR code for your Whatayarn link. Put it:
- In your recording studio
- On merch or stickers
- At live events and meetups
5. Announce on air
Tell your listeners about the change. Sample script:
"Got a story or question for us? We have a new voicemail line. Head to whatayarn.com/yourshow, tap record, and keep it under 90 seconds. We will play the best ones on the show."
6. Clip and publish
Messages arrive as MP3 attachments in your email. Star the best ones, drop them into your edit, and repurpose into Shorts and Reels.
FAQs about Anchor voice message alternatives
Final word
Anchor voice messages were a great feature while they lasted. Spotify's decision to discontinue them in June 2024 left a lot of podcasters scrambling.
The good news: there are solid replacements. Whatayarn gives you everything Anchor had and more. Mobile-first branded pages, configurable duration limits, MP3s to your inbox, and it works with any podcast host.
Set up takes 5 minutes. Your listeners will not notice the difference (except that it is better).
