How to Get Listener Voice Messages on Podbean (2025 Guide)

TL;DR

Podbean is a solid podcast hosting platform, but it does not have a native voice message feature for collecting listener audio.

• Podbean's engagement features: Comments in the Podbean app, live call-ins during Podbean Live, virtual gifts
• What's missing: Standalone voice messages that listeners can send anytime
• Solution: Use a dedicated tool like Whatayarn alongside your Podbean hosting

Whatayarn works with any podcast host, including Podbean. Setup takes 5 minutes.

Does Podbean have voice messages?

Short answer: No. Podbean does not have a dedicated voice message feature like Anchor used to have.

Here is what Podbean does offer for listener engagement:

Podbean's built-in engagement features

1. Comments in the Podbean app

   • Listeners can leave text comments on episodes
   • Requires the Podbean app (not available on your website or other players)

2. Podbean Live call-ins

   • Listeners can call in during live streaming sessions
   • Only works in real-time (not asynchronous voice messages)
   • Requires scheduling a live session

3. Virtual gifts and Fan Club

   • Listeners can send virtual gifts through the app
   • Fan Club membership for recurring support
   • Monetisation focused, not feedback focused

What's missing

None of these features let listeners send you voice messages on their own time. If someone listens at 2am and wants to share a story or ask a question, they cannot record and send it to you.

That is where a dedicated voicemail tool comes in.

Why voice messages matter for your Podbean show

Even though Podbean does not have this feature built-in, adding voice messages can significantly boost your podcast:

Listener stories and questions

Voice messages give you a stream of content. Listener questions become Q&A segments. Personal stories become episode features. You are not creating from scratch every week.

Community connection

When listeners hear their voice (or other listeners' voices) on the show, it builds loyalty. They feel like part of the community, not just passive consumers.

Repurposable clips

A 60-90 second voice message is the perfect length for a YouTube Short, Instagram Reel, or TikTok. Clip it, add captions, post. Your listeners become your content creators.

Works outside the Podbean app

Unlike Podbean's built-in comments, a voicemail tool works everywhere. Listeners can record from any browser, on any device, without installing an app.

How to add voice messages to your Podbean podcast

Since Podbean does not have native voice messages, you need a separate tool. Here are your options:

Option 1: Whatayarn (recommended)

• What it is: A voicemail tool built specifically for podcasters.
• Why it works with Podbean:
  • Completely independent of your hosting platform
  • Branded pages with your Podbean show's logo and description
  • MP3s delivered straight to your inbox
  • Mobile-first design (works on any phone, no app required)
  • Listeners can record or upload existing audio files
• Pricing: Free tier available. Pro is AUD 12/month (yearly) or AUD 15/month (monthly).

Option 2: Speakpipe

• What it is: One of the original podcast voicemail tools.
• Pros: Established, reliable.
• Cons: Dated interface, limited branding, higher cost (~USD 15/month).
• Best for: Podcasters already using it.

For a detailed comparison, see our Speakpipe vs Whatayarn guide.

Option 3: DIY methods

• What they are: Using Google Voice, Vocaroo, or WhatsApp for listener messages.
• Pros: Free.
• Cons: Manual workflow, no organisation, no branding, requires sharing personal contact info.
• Best for: Testing the concept before committing to a tool.

Step-by-step: Set up Whatayarn for your Podbean show

Adding voice messages to your Podbean podcast takes about 5 minutes:

1. Create your Whatayarn page

Sign up at whatayarn.com and create your voicemail page. Add:

• Your Podbean show name
• Your podcast description or a custom prompt for listeners
• Your cover art or logo
• Social links (website, newsletter, community)

2. Configure your settings

• Max duration: 90-120 seconds works well for usable clips
• Sign-in required: Toggle based on whether you want sender accountability
• Branding: Match your Podbean show's look and feel

3. Add the link to your Podbean show notes

In Podbean's dashboard, edit your episode descriptions to include your Whatayarn link:

"Got a story or question? Send us a voice message at whatayarn.com/yourshow"

Add it to your show's general description too, so it appears on every episode.

4. Add to your podcast website

If you have a website (Podbean site or custom), add your Whatayarn link or embed the widget. Whatayarn provides embed codes that work with any website platform.

5. Mention it on air

Tell your listeners about the voicemail line:

"Want to be on the show? Head to whatayarn.com/yourshow, tap record, and share your story. Keep it under 90 seconds and we might feature you in a future episode."

6. Check your inbox

When listeners send messages, you will get an email with the MP3 attached. Play it directly, star the best ones, and drop them into your edit.

Podbean engagement features vs Whatayarn

Bottom line: Podbean's built-in features are great for live engagement and monetisation, but they do not cover asynchronous voice messages. Whatayarn fills that gap.

FAQs about voice messages on Podbean

Final word

Podbean is a great podcast host, but if you want to collect listener voice messages, you need a separate tool.

Whatayarn works alongside your Podbean hosting to give you branded voicemail pages, MP3s delivered to your inbox, and a mobile-first experience for your listeners.

Setup takes 5 minutes. Add the link to your show notes, mention it on air, and start receiving listener stories and questions.