Template choice sets first impressions. Podcast listeners judge credibility in seconds — cluttered layouts and slow loads hurt subscribe rates.

Waveline (flagship): Best for interview and narrative shows. Strong hero, episode grid, guest section. Free on all plans.

Mono (minimal): Typography-first, ideal for solo hosts and essay-style podcasts. Loads fastest — often 99 Lighthouse.

Slate (editorial): Magazine feel for news, culture, and multi-host shows. Featured episode block and blog-ready layout.

Dusk (premium): Dark cinematic theme for fiction, true crime, and mood-driven content. Creator plan and above.

Pick based on show tone, not decoration count. Every Castee template compiles to static HTML — performance differences are minimal; aesthetic fit matters most.