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Here Are The Best Podcast Hosting Sites (Free Trials Too)

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Check out the best podcast hosting companies and get signed up with a free trial here…

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Is there a single best podcast editing software option out there? Unsurprisingly, no. But, we can tell you some of the best options FOR YOU!

That's because, although all podcasters have much in common, there's also a lot of individual factors to think about with something like this.

People come to podcasting with different backgrounds, skills, experiences, commitments, ambitions, and budgets. And those are just a few factors that might help decide what the best podcast editing software for someone is.

This makes it impossible to recommend one podcast editing software option as "the best" - so I'm going to offer 4 recommendations under the categories Easiest, Free, Going Pro, and Advanced.

Remember, if you're looking a guide to ALL of the types of software you'll need to run a show, check out our main Podcast Software article, for recording, editing, scheduling & planning software, and more!

The Easiest Podcast Software

Are you a complete beginner with no real technical background, and no desire to learn about audio editing?

If so, there's a tool called Alitu that'll let you build your episodes in an incredibly simple way.

It'll take your raw audio, do all the volume leveling and cleaning up for you. It'll let you add in your music, segments, transitions, etc. In fact, it'll even go as far as to publish your episode for you once it's ready!

Full disclosure here - Alitu is our own app.

It was something we developed because so many of you were asking for a completely simple solution to podcast editing. The feedback so far has been brilliant so far too. One user commented that her show "would never have seen the light of day" if it wasn't for Alitu.

So if you're in the "non-techy" and "complete beginner" camp, and the thought of editing and production is really holding you back, we'd love you to give it a try!
Alitu Cost: $28 a month (7 day free trial available)
The Free Option

Maybe you're a complete beginner who's not looking to spend any money, but has some spare time to learn the basics of podcast editing?

If that's the case, Audacity is your best option.

A stalwart in the world of podcasting, Audacity is an open source audio recording and editing program. Such programs are also known as DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations).

The fact that Audacity is free makes it the most commonly used DAW in podcasting too.

But being free isn't it's only appeal. It's also packed with enough features to build any type of podcast episode you like.

We actually have a huge, in-depth course on how to use Audacity, from beginner to pro, inside The Podcast Host Academy. But you'll also find enough free tutorials out there to get you up and running if you're working with no budget whatsoever!
Audacity Cost: Free
Pro Podcast Software

Hindenburg Journalist is a DAW that's specifically designed for podcasters and radio journalists.

The Hindenburg website says that the program's "focus is on storytelling." and "The design and features are tailored spoken-word productions."

This actually makes it a little cleaner and less intimidating than its more advanced alternatives.

With Hindenburg Journalist you can put together complex documentary-style episodes with multiple elements without being an audio production master.
Hindenburg Journalist Cost: $95 (one off)
The Advanced Option

Adobe Audition is an excellent podcast software option for someone who wants complete flexibility and control over their projects.

This DAW has everything you need to achieve a level of mastery in audio editing and production.

Audition can take a lot more learning and getting used to because of the amount of features and options in it. But once you've grasped the basics, the stuff you can do with your audio is pretty limitless.

If you're prepared to spend time and money on getting first class audio quality with your podcast, then Audition is a stand out option.

You can read my full review of Adobe Audition here, where I run through some of my favourite features for producing podcasts. That'll give you a glimpse into how the DAW looks, feels, and performs.
Adobe Audition Cost: $29.99 a month

Summary: Best Podcast Editing Software

As I said at the start, everyone is different, and it's impossible to pick one single best podcast editing software option. It all depends on where you are at this moment in time in your podcasting journey.

There will always be exceptions, but on a general level here's a summary of my recommendations.

1. If you're looking to save time and avoid learning anything about audio editing, DAWs, etc, then go with Alitu.

2. If you're looking to save money, but are prepared to invest some time in learning audio editing, go with Audacity.

3. If you can afford to spend some money, as well as a little time, you can learn the streamlined DAW Hindenburg Journalist which is designed with audio storytelling in mind.

4. Or, if you want long term flexibility, and no limits on your quest for audio production mastery, then check out Adobe Audition.

It's also worth noting that - like whatever microphone you use - your editing software is just a means to an end. The quality of your podcast will ultimately be decided by its content, and no editing software or DAW can guarantee you growing an audience.

None can hold you back from growing one either.

So choose something, learn it, and use it to the best of your ability. But don't let it distract you too much from the work that matters most - creating engaging episodes that people want to listen to.

And, if you'd like some more help with any (or every) aspect of running a successful podcast, have a look at The Podcast Host Academy. We offer regular live coaching on everything from editing to growth and monetisation, and our courses aren't limited to recording and editing either - you'll find ones on monetisation, promotion, and presentation skills too!

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Best Podcast Editing Software for Podcasters of All Levels

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Is there a single best podcast editing software option out there? Unsurprisingly, no. But, we can tell you some of the best options FOR YOU! That's because, although all podcasters have much in common, there's also a lot of individual factors to think about with something like this.

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According to riverside podcasts 74% of people listen to podcasts because they want to learn new things, others listen for entertainment or simply just to relax. 50% of people who don’t listen to podcasts don’t listen because they find it boring or they’re too many options for them to choose from.

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The podcasting industry is booming with no signs of slowing down. According to the Edison Research Infinite Dial 2022 annual report, over 62% of Americans have listened to a podcast at least once. That's a lot of potential listeners! The number is up from the 2021 report, which found that 57% of Americans had listened to a podcast. The numbers leave marketers who are thinking about using podcasting as a marketing tool asking the following question: who listens to podcasts?

To help everyone involved in podcasting or thinking about it, this article covers the progressive changes in podcasting demographics over recent years. It's important for podcasters and businesses thinking about using this medium to be up-to-date with the latest changes. Keep reading to find out more!‌‌

Why Statistics Matters

Whether you are a newbie or a veteran podcaster, knowing your audience is the key component. The more creators know who listens to their podcast, the better they can adjust the content and strategies to fit their needs. What's more, by understanding podcasting demographics, businesses can better assess whether this medium is a good match for their marketing efforts.

Before launching a podcast, getting to know the key trends offers an edge over the competition. Being up-to-date makes half the likelihood that a show will be successful.‌‌

Who Listens to Podcasts in 2022?

Returning to Edison Research's report, it's interesting to note that the 62% of respondents (over 177 million Americans) who have listened to a podcast are fairly evenly distributed across all age groups. The number of podcast listeners in the 18-34 age bracket is slightly higher than other groups, but not by much. However, those who think podcasts are only for young people are wrong. The number of podcast listeners aged 35 and older has increased significantly over the past few years. Young listeners age, and the number of adult podcast listeners grows accordingly.

That's advantageous for marketers treating podcasts as a customized yet portable marketing tool. It's no longer just a medium for young people, but one that can reach a wider audience.‌‌

Podcast Listening Locations

Interestingly, 32% of podcast fans aged 18 and older have listened to podcasts while driving. This marks a slight increase compared to the 30% registered last year. The number of people who listen to podcasts at home has also increased to 59%.

Many enjoy listening to podcasts while commuting or packing for their next trip. Overall, podcasts are a great way to make use of time that would otherwise be wasted.‌‌

Podcast Listeners by Gender

The Infinite Dial study shows an even split between men and women who listen to podcasts. As of May 2022, 53% of the podcast audience in the US was male, and 46% were female.

This even gender split is good news for businesses and podcasters alike. It means there is no need to produce different content for each gender. Instead, the focus can be on creating high-quality, engaging content that will appeal equally to male and female listeners.‌‌

Podcast Listeners by Ethnicity

It may be surprising how podcast listener diversity accurately matches the US population. Here's how the top five ethnicities line up for podcast listening:

There are several ossible explanations for this. Firstly, the podcast industry is still relatively new, so people who listen to podcasts are perhaps more likely to be early adopters. Secondly, podcasting is an extremely accessible medium. This accessibility means that people from all walks of life can enjoy podcasts, regardless of income or social status. All you need is a smartphone and an internet connection, and you're good to go.

Changes in Podcasting Demographics

Podcasting has come a long way since its inception in 2004 as an audible revolution. In the early days it was a niche medium, with only around 6 million people tuning in.

However, over the past few years podcasting has exploded in popularity. Today it's not uncommon for people to listen to podcasts on their morning commute, while doing the dishes, or even at the gym.

Podcasting demographics have changed significantly since 2004. The medium is no longer the reserve of early adopters and tech-savvy millennials. Instead, it's a mainstream activity enjoyed by people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities.

The Secrets Behind Listener Behavior Unveiled

To determine who listens to podcasts the most, it's crucial to understand listener behavior.

First things first. What is listener behavior? Simply put, it's the way people interact with audio content. This can include everything from how often they listen to particular episodes to how likely they are to share the show with their friends.

Understanding listener behavior can help podcasters create icebreakers because it can give them insights into their audience's preferences. Moreover, a number of factors related to listener behavior influence how creators market their shows online.

#1 How often do listeners tune in?

This is perhaps the most important question when it comes to listener behavior. The answer determines how often podcasters should release new episodes and how they should promote each show.

Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer to this. The reality is that people's listening habits vary widely, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

There are people who listen to podcasts religiously, tuning in as soon as a new episode is released. Others prefer to binge-listen, catching up on a show's back catalog in one go. Others dip in and out of podcasts, only listening to the episodes that interest them.

The best way to determine how often your listeners tune in is to ask them directly. This can be done through a survey or by simply sending out a tweet or email asking for feedback. Another way to get an idea of listening habits is to look at the data. Most podcast hosting service providers offer analytics with insights into how people interact with your show.

#2 What time of day do listeners tune in?

The time of day people listen to podcasts can have a lesser impact on listener behavior than frequency. After all, if you're releasing new episodes at midnight, you're not going to reach as many people as you would if you release them at midday.

Again, there is no definitive answer to this question. Conducting a survey or asking for quick feedback via social media platforms can help creators find the ideal episode upload time.

Who Listens to Podcasts the Most in 2022?

Advertisers are always keen to know who their target audience is. This article outlined a few key demographics that stand out when it comes to podcast listenership:

1. Age: The majority of podcast listeners are between the ages of 18 and 34. However, 35+ year-olds are increasingly tuning in, with the number of listeners in this age group increasing at a regular pace.

2. Gender: Men are slightly more likely to listen to podcasts than women, with 53% of male respondents saying they had listened to a podcast in the last month. Still, this number does not mean that podcasts are a male-only domain. Women make up 46% of the total podcast audience, and this number is constantly growing.Ethnicity: Respondents who describe themselves as white are more likely to listen to podcasts than other ethnic groups. However, the medium has content that caters to all tastes, with an ever-growing number of shows catering to specific niche audiences.

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Podcasting Demographics: Who Listens to Podcasts in 2022?

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The podcasting industry is booming with no signs of slowing down. According to the Edison Research Infinite Dial 2022 annual report, over 62% of Americans have listened to a podcast at least once. That's a lot of potential listeners! The number is up from the 2021 report, which found that 57% of Americans had listened to a podcast.

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According to Podcast Pontifications, teens aged 13-24 cater to podcasts the most. Stats also showed that ages 35-55 showed less interest in listening to podcasts because it never interested them.

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Article

Recently an early data point from Edison Research's Share of Ear report was released that is, if I'm honest, a little hard to believe. It's hard to believe because it shows podcasting kicking the pants out of AM/FM radio. And, OK, maybe you don't think that's a really big deal.

But I assure you. That is a very big deal.

Let me get specific because sometimes stats and figures can be misinterpreted, and I'm not immune to that. In fact, I'll embed the chart here so you can see it:

https://twitter.com/evoterra/status/1494025975331364865?s=20&t=PwDs5HcK35DLK0cM62eqkw

If you look closely, you'll see the data point is laser-focused. It shows that in 2021, 13-24 year-olds spent more than twice as much time listening to podcasts as they did listening to AM/FM radio when listening to spoken-word content.

Specifically, they reported spending 35% of their time with podcasts compared to only 16% of their time with am FM radio, again while listening to spoken-word content.

And again, that's really big.

Let me shine a couple of spotlights. First, we all must keep in mind that this is about spoken-word audio only. This is not about all types of media consumed. It's not time spent with music, watching movies, or reading books. None of those media consumption habits are reflected in this very specific data point. If it helps, think of this as time with talk radio versus time with talk podcasting. Not all radio is spoken-word radio, but almost all of podcasting is spoken-word audio.

Secondly, this is about 13-24 year-olds. A mix of not-yet and the freshest consumer generation. Which means we now have an entire generation that will very likely carry that listening or media consumption preference forward, likely further increasing their reliance on podcasting as they continue to age.

And that's what has me most excited about this stat. Actually, there are two things.

The Discovery Problem That Wasn't

I don't recall sitting in a smoke-filled room a decade ago hatching the Centralized Podcast Consortium and putting a series of campaigns in motion with the intent of getting an entire generation to switch their spoken word preference. Because it didn't happen.

They did it on their own. An entire generation that discovered podcasting and is making it a preferred method of consuming entertainment, information, and education, at least in spoken-word form. They discovered on their own that podcasts are a better way to get what they want when they want it than they can get from the radio.

But perhaps this isn't surprising to you. Perhaps you're not surprised at all that today's younger generations are turning off their radios (if they even have a radio) and are instead checking out on-demand content from podcasts. And good news: this data point proves that. Which leads me to my second excitement-inducing theme:

Bring On The Money

Where consumption habits go, so flows investment dollars. Investment in content creation aimed directly at this generation. Continued investment dollars spread out over years for content creation that ages up with this generation as their tastes change.

Some of that investment is going to be made by a range of media publishers, but a lot will be made by existing radio networks and radio stations as they react to this new reality. People have been ringing radio's death-knell for the better part of my entire existence, yet the overall industry has proven itself to be rather resilient. So I'm not counting them out.

In fact, I'm confident that Big and Small radio will rise to this challenge, some embracing podcasting as a distribution method for their existing content while others make a full pivot to podcasting for some content that may never be broadcast. Radio has the skills. They have the advertising dollars. For them, making the pivot to podcasting is fairly straightforward.

As publisher-funded initiatives hit podcasting more and more, we'll see more money flowing into podcasting. More advertising dollars for sure. As well as more money invested in innovations to make podcast advertising more efficient and more effective. More business models tackling the hard challenge of monetizing the hard-to-monetize long tail of podcasting.

More money and more innovation invested in creating tools and services that a new generation of podcasters will use to make and distribute their podcasts. And more money and more innovation to create the tools and services a new generation of podcasts listeners will use to find and consume podcasts.

That's what has me so excited about this data point.

So... how do you do, fellow kids?

I shall be back directly with yet another Podcast Pontifications. Cheers!

Podcast Pontifications is written and narrated by Evo Terra. He's on a mission to make podcasting better. Allie Press proofed the copy, corrected the transcript, and edited the video. Podcast Pontifications is a production of Simpler Media.

Video

And again, that's really big.

Transcript
[Download & share this transcript]

Like any growing industry, podcasting needs to appeal to a younger audience, if only to keep replenishing supply as, well, natural attrition occurs, shall we say. The good news is the kids love podcasts!

Hello, and welcome to another Podcast Pontifications with me, Evo Terra.

Recently an early data point from Edison Research's Share of Ear report was released that, if I'm honest, is a little hard to believe because it showed podcasting kicking the pants out of AM/FM radio. And now, okay, maybe you don't think that's a really big deal, but I assure you that is a very big deal.

Let me be a little specific, or really specific, because sometimes these stats and figures can be misinterpreted. I'm not immune to that. So I'll put a link to the actual chart that was shared in the episode details and I'll also embed the image in the article on the website so you can examine that at your own leisure.

But for your ears, the data point is laser focused. It shows that last year, 2021, 13-24-year-olds, the kids, if you will, spent more than twice as much time listening to podcasts as they did to AM radio when consuming spoken word content. Specifically, they said that they spend 35% of their time with podcasts compared to only 16% of their time with AM/FM radio. That's really big.

Now, let me shine a light on two of those points. First, this is about spoken word audio only. This is not about media consumed of all everything, right? So that's not time spent with music. That's not time spent watching movies, time spent reading books. None of that stuff is factored in here. So you could think of this as time with talk radio versus time with talk podcast if that helps you because, you know, not all radio is talk, but almost all of podcasting is talk.

Secondly, this is about 13-24-year-olds. A mix of not-yet and the freshest consumer generation, if you will. We have now an entire generation that will very likely carry that preference, that listening preference, forward and further increase their reliance on podcasting.

So what has me so excited about this? Well, I'll tell you. My excitement around this centers on two main themes. First, is the organic nature of what happened. Look, there wasn't a centralized podcast consortium formed a decade ago that had aims on getting an entire generation to switch their spoken word preference. They did it on their own. An entire generation who have discovered podcasting is a preferred method of entertainment, information, and education at least when spoken word is concerned. They discovered on their own that podcasts give them what they want, more than what they want from the radio.

But I still hear you out there. You're saying, "Yeah. Well, yeah, Evo, why would the kids listen to the radio anymore?" And okay, you're right. This data point just proves that. And it also leads me to the second excitement-inducing theme.

Where consumption habits go, so flows the investment. Investment in content creation that aims directly at this generation. Continued investment spread out over years in content creation that ages up with this generation, too.

Now, some of that investment is going to be made by other media publishers, including radio networks and radio stations, as they react to this news. People have been ringing radio's death knell for the better part of my entire existence on the planet and the overall industry has proven itself to be rather resilient so I'll not do that today. In fact, I'm confident that they're going to rise to this challenge, but likely in a way that makes them pivot to podcasting more and more with their content, as well as start making podcast-specific content.

Look, radio has the skills. They have the advertising dollars. And for them, making the pivot to podcasting is fairly straightforward. And those publisher-funded initiatives, as those things hit podcasting, more and more money is going to follow. More advertising dollars for sure. And more money invested in innovations to make podcast advertising more efficient and more effective. More business models to try and monetize the hard-to-monetize long tail end of podcasting.

Plus, more money and more innovation among the tools and services that a new generation of podcasters will use to make and distribute their podcasts, more money and more innovation amongst the tools and services a new generation of podcast listeners will use to find and consume podcasts.

That's what has me so excited about this data point. So, how do you do, fellow kids?

With that, I shall be back directly with yet another Podcast Pontifications.

Cheers!

Podcast Pontifications is written and narrated by Evo Terra. He's on a mission to make podcasting better. Links to everything mentioned in today's episode are in the notes section of your podcast listening app. A written-to-be-read article based on today's episode is available at podcastpontifications.com where you'll also find a video version and a corrected transcript, both created by Allie Press. Podcast Pontifications is a production of Simpler Media. Find out more at Simpler.Media.

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Teens & Young Adults Prefer Listening To Podcasts

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Recently an early data point from Edison Research's Share of Ear report was released that is, if I'm honest, a little hard to believe. It's hard to believe because it shows podcasting kicking the pants out of AM/FM radio. And, OK, maybe you don't think that's a really big deal.

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Podcast Listener Demographics

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How Many People Listen to Podcasts?

As of 2022, according to the Infinite Dial, 62% of Americans will have listened to a podcast ever in their lives. This is an estimated 177 million Americans and an increase from 57%, the percentage of the same statistic in 2021.

From this figure, 38% of Americans listened to a podcast in the last month and 26% in the last week.

These are large numbers considering Insider Intelligence estimates that only around 424 million people are podcast listeners worldwide.

Who Listens To Podcasts?

50% of monthly U.S. podcast listeners are aged between 12-34, 43% between 35 and 54 years old, and 22% are aged over 55.

In 2019, around half of monthly podcast listeners had a full-time job(51%), 17% of whom hadve a household income between $100K-$150K. 28% have a university degree.

So what? Based on their education and employment statistics, regular podcast listeners have the power to make purchasing decisions and interest in products that will make their daily lives easier. Using these stats, you can strategize how to monetize your podcast.

How Often Do People Listen to Podcasts?

The 26% of Americans who listened to podcasts in the last week listened to an average of 8 podcasts throughout the week.

In 2019, a report revealed that 22% percent of podcast fans listen to over 22 hours of podcasts a week!

The same report revealed that 35% listen to more than 10 different shows per month.

So what? Aim to reach those "super listeners" who listen to 20+ hours of podcasts a week and you'll create a loyal fan base. Cross-promote your show on podcasts similar to yours and access new listeners who share your interests.

Where Do Most People Listen to Podcasts?

Looking back at 2021, podcasts were most often listened to at home with only 20% of listeners reporting that they listen in the car while commuting and 59% preferring to listen at home.

So what? Use these statistics to define the length of your podcast: the average podcast length - 25 and 30 minutes - reflects the length of the average commute in the U.S. These numbers can also help you to target your podcast ads to what your audience is doing when listening.

How Do People Listen To Podcasts?

According to Statista's 2020 study, the top platforms and apps for listening to podcasts are Spotify (25% of listeners) and Apple Podcasts (20%).

In 2019, 65% of people prefer listening to podcasts on their smartphone or tablet and 25% use a desktop computer. 10% listen on smart speakers like Google Nest and Amazon Echo. This trend has stayed similar with 73% of listeners using their cell phones over computers for podcast listening.

So what? Your show needs to be findable on the top podcast directories i.e. Spotify and Apple Podcasts. It's also essential to optimize your content - the name of your podcast and its episode titles - for voice-activated smart speakers.

Where Do People Find Podcasts?

The main ways that people discover new podcasts to listen to are via charts and recommendations on their podcast listening app; through word of mouth from friends; promotions on other podcasts and on social media platforms or websites.

So what? Almost 60% of podcasters report building an audience as a top challenge, so use these statistics to reach new listeners:

Push your show up the in-app charts by encouraging your listeners to subscribe to your podcast in your podcast intro and recommend it to friends

Share your podcast across your social media accounts; work with relevant influencers to promote your show to their audiences

Work with other podcasters to promote each others' shows

Why Do People Listen To Podcasts?

74% of podcast listeners tune in to learn new things, while others listen regularly for entertainment, to keep up to date, to relax, and for inspiration.

Equally important is why *don't* people listen to podcasts. Almost 50% of non-listeners say they don't know where to find podcasts, while others report being overwhelmed by the number and choice of shows out there.

So what? Ensuring your show is engaging and offers value to your listeners is essential. It also needs to be findable on the main podcast directories. This may sound like a no-brainer, but producing studio-quality podcasts is also key, as a third of people claim low podcast quality is the reason they don't listen.

Record on Riverside for professional-quality podcasts, no matter your skill level. Click herefor more information, or sign up for freeto see how easy it is!

Podcast Statistics: What Should You Aim For?

How Many Podcasts Are There?

As of March 2021, Apple Podcasts hosts 47 million episodes on their platform from a total of 1.96 million podcasts, up from 550,000 podcasts just three years ago.

In terms of 2022, podcast search engine Listen Notes has over a whopping 2.8 million podcasts and 132 million episodes which shows how the number of podcasts is just growing.

Future of podcasting: Is the Podcast Industry growing?

The stats above already prove that the podcast industry's growth is only on its way upward. What's more shocking though is that it's estimated that the podcast market will grow to $4 billion by the year 2024. This clearly shows how big the podcast market is and how much the podcast industry is worth.

If there's a time to get involved in the podcast industry, it's now. Big content creation platforms like Spotify and YouTube already catering and pushing for this, so it's best to hop onto this podcast growth before it's too late.

So what? There's a lot of competition! Make your podcast stand out by defining your unique selling point (USP) and target listener persona, and implementing clever marketing based on the statistics in this article.

How Many Listeners Does The Average Podcast Get?

Looking at Buzzsprout's monthly podcast download numbers, if you get around 25-30 downloads a month, you're already in the top 50% of podcasters.

So what? Make it clear how listeners can subscribe to your show by including a CTA in your podcast intro. Ramp up your marketing campaign on social media, websites, and via other relevant podcasts to access a wider audience.

What Are The Most Popular Type of Podcast Genres?

According to a Nielsen report, the most popular podcast genres for light listeners are music (53%), arts (52%), and health & fitness (51%) whereas dedicated podcast listeners prefer history (37%), news (36%), true crime (36%) and science (34%).

So what? Listen to some of the most popular podcasts in your genre, check out these podcast in your genre's statistics, benchmark their format, length, and content, and take tips from the top podcasts in the world:

Comedy: Armchair Expert with Dax Shephard, Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend, How Did This Get Made?

News: The Daily and Ted Talks Daily

True crime: Serial, My Favorite Murder, In The Dark

Sports: Pardon My Take and The Bill Simmons Show

How Many Podcasts Use Video?

So what? Video podcasting is not yet the norm, which means it's a great way for your show to stand out from the competition! Plus, using software like Riverside makes it really simple to record studio-quality video podcasts remotely, like the example below:

Start recording your own video podcasts. Sign up on Riverside for free!

Producing A Podcast: Statistics
What Equipment Do Podcasters Use?

The top brands for podcasting microphones for 2020 were Rode, Blue, and Shure. The Blue Yeti was number 1 overall, with 17% of podcasters reporting using the microphone.

74% of podcasters use headphones when recording and in post-production. That means 26% of people are risking not knowing if there are audio problems while they record!

So what? There's so much different equipment out there and their popularity changes year on year. Check out our podcast starter kit guide to find the right kit for you and your budget.

What Software Do Podcasters Use?

So what? Platforms like Riverside allow you to record high-quality audio (and video!) wherever you are, facilitating remote podcast recording without sacrificing sound or visual quality.

Average Podcast Length

We mentioned the average length of a podcast episode is 25 to 30 minutes, but length varies greatly across genres.

So what? For podcasts starting out, it's best to keep your show short and concise. Once you've got a loyal listener base, your episodes can go much longer and your fans will listen no matter what. The key is making sure to hook your listeners right at the start of your episode because podcasts lose between 20 to 35 percent of listeners in the first five minutes.
Average Podcast Frequency & Schedule
According to Buzzsprout's global statistics, around 35% of podcasts publish an episode on their hosting platform every 3 to 7 days, and 40% every 8 to 14 days.

So what? Learning how to schedule your podcast will help you to produce regular, engaging content to keep your listeners interested.

Podcasts Making Money: Statistics
Podcast Revenue
Almost 90% of podcast listeners surveyed by Discover Pods think podcast ads are effective, and over 55% have made a purchase based on a podcast ad. However, another study reported that 58% would skip a podcast ad.

So what? Use the podcast statistics above and our guide to monetizing your podcast to target your ads and sponsorships to your listener profile. ‍

FAQs on Podcast Statistics

How do I find podcast stats?

You can easily find out podcast stats by looking at metrics online. A lot of directories and podcast hosts upload regular reports on podcast listener stats, downloads, demographics, and more. For example, Buzzsprout has monthly stats for you to see podcast download statistics as well as which podcast directories most listeners are using. If you're looking for your own podcast's analytics, this you can generally find with your podcast host.

For charts, you can easily check out Apple's or Spotify lists.

Why do people make podcasts?

Let's begin with the fact that podcasting is a growing industry. It's popular and trendy right now, making it the right time to start making your own podcast. If you need reasons why, here are a few:

Podcasting is great for marketing your brand.

You can build a community with your listeners.

With millions of podcast listeners, you can grow your audience reach.

You can earn income from podcasts.

It's fun to create a podcast and interview interesting people.

There are lots more reasons why you should start a podcast, our biggest advice is to find a reason that motivates you personally first.

How can I see how many listeners a podcast has?

If you're looking for how many listeners your own podcast has, then chances are you'll be able to find this in your hosting platform's podcast analytics. Although, if you're interested in finding out how many listeners another podcast has, this might be a little trickier.

It's hard to get an exact figure of listeners unless you have direct access to their numbers. It also depends on what you classify as a listener. Is this someone who's subscribed, or someone who's just listened to only one episode?

You can look at things like social media followings, site traffic, ratings, and reviews to get some sort of an idea of how popular a podcast is.

Put The Theory Into Practice: Get Recording Your Podcast With Riverside

The main takeaway of these podcast statistics is that podcasting is a huge and growing platform with a massive audience to tap into. Knowing the demographics of podcast listeners and comparing your podcast against a benchmark will help you define success for you.

Leveraging these key stats and our actionable tips will help your podcast capture and maintain a loyal listener base. So, what are you waiting for? Find more guides for producing your podcast and get recording onRiverside!

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Podcast Statistics and Trends (& Why They Matter)

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‍ As of 2022, according to the Infinite Dial, 62% of Americans will have listened to a podcast ever in their lives. This is an estimated 177 million Americans and an increase from 57%, the percentage of the same statistic in 2021.

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Most famous apps to listen to a podcasts on

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Most famous apps to listen to a podcasts on

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Spotify, Apple Music, Pocket Casts,  Audible, Apple Podcasts & Google Podcasts. According to ZDnet and their research team Spotify is ranked #1 as the best podcast app to use due to its variety of different podcasts and how easy it is to use.

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If you're interested in starting a podcast but don't know where to begin, completing the following steps will set you up for success.

1. Define Your Niche or Topic

Narrowing down a topic or niche may seem limiting, but doing so will help you better focus your content and build an audience in the long term. It will also help you build trust and more definitively establish yourself as a subject matter expert.

Pick a topic that's broad enough that you could reasonably talk about for multiple episodes, seasons, etc., but specific enough to draw in a certain type of person or demographic.

Research Existing Podcasts

Before you dive into recording your first episode, it's a smart move to do a little digging to see if there are any other podcasts that are similar.

You may find that there are few to no podcasts on your selected topic, or that your niche is already pretty crowded. Even if it's the latter, doing your research can help you figure out how to position your podcast in a way that sets you apart.

Choose Your Format and Cadence

Your podcast can be a solo act or a group one-the choice is up to you. If you want to host your podcast alongside someone else, you'll need to coordinate how to do so effectively. In a similar vein, if you want to interview guests on your show, you may need to do some initial outreach.

Your cadence is your publishing schedule, i.e., how often will you release a new episode. Some podcasts release new episodes every day, while others release episodes biweekly. You'll need to determine the best cadence for your schedule. Adhering to whatever cadence you've set will help build trust and familiarity with your future audience.

Define Your Audience

Arguably the most important question you'll need to answer before creating your podcast is: who is this podcast for? Having an ideal listener in mind will help you create content that is both valuable and relevant. Try to nail down basic information about your ideal listener, such as:

How old are they?

Where do they reside?

What do they do for work?

What forms of media do they already consume?

Do they already listen to any podcasts?

What do they do in their spare time?

What problems do they commonly face?

What do they wish they knew more about?

2. Build Your Brand and Online Presence

Naming your podcast is a hugely important step. You want your podcast's name to relate to your subject matter or likeness, as well as be clever or memorable. Avoid using the word "Podcast" in your show's name-it's redundant and takes up valuable character space.

Speaking of character space, strongly consider the total length of your title. Longer doesn't necessarily mean better. In fact, a study by Pacific Content found that most podcast titles are 29 characters or fewer.

In addition to a title, you'll need to spend time creating your branding elements. Branding elements encompass your show's cover art, color palette and any custom design or audio work.

You can design your cover art yourself using a free design tool such as Canva, or hire a professional graphic designer to help you capture exactly what you're looking for.

For custom audio sounds, such as intro or outro music, you can work with a professional musician or studio. Otherwise, you can find sounds that fit your style and vibe from a royalty-free music library.

Create a Website or RSS Feed for Your Podcast

Now that you have an episode or two of your show recorded, you'll need to make it accessible. One way to do this is to create a website for your podcast. You can build a website using free or paid tools, but we recommend opting for paid ones if you know you want to have more customization options and a professional feel. On your website, you can host download links or embed your episodes so that others can listen and enjoy.

Another option is to create an RSS feed using a podcast-specific hosting site (such as Anchor or BuzzsSprout) instead of a traditional web host (such aslike WordPress or Wix). The term "RSS feed" might ring a bell if you blogged in the earlier days of the iInternet. Modern podcast distribution software still relies on solely on RSS feeds, but you don't need to have a full- blown website in order to submit your podcast to Apple, Spotify, or other directories.

There are many companies that will host your podcast and create an RSS feed for you for free or at a low cost. All you'll need to do is upload your episodes and basic information, and you'll have an RSS feed that you can then use to submit to podcast directories.

Create Social Media Profiles

Typically, if you're starting a podcast you will want to create social media profiles using the name of your podcast. While it might be appealing to create a profile on a number of different platforms, it's worth considering which your audience uses most and focusing on those. This is because social media can provide a great marketing opportunity, but only if you actually use it.

Set Up an Account With a Podcast Platform (i.e., Spotify)

This step is optional, but highly recommended if you want to reach as many listeners as possible. To make your podcast more discoverable, you can submit it to a directory. Most major directories rely on your podcast's RSS feed to verify its legitimacy and ownership, which is why you'll need to make sure you have one in place beforehand.

Some of the most popular podcast directories worth submitting to are:

After your podcast has successfully been uploaded to a directory, anyone who uses the directory will be able to find your podcast if they search for it by title or keywords.

3. Source Recording Equipment and Editing Software

It's very likely that you can record audio using the computer, tablet or phone you already have. However, for a better, clearer sound, most podcasters recommend investing in a separate podcast microphone. Podcast microphones can cost as low as $20 to as much as $10,000.

You don't need to pay for podcast editing software if you don't want to or are unable to. GarageBand is a great free option if you have an Apple device, and so is Audacity, which is free on any device. Otherwise, you can invest in more advanced, premium software such as Adobe Audition, Logic Pro X or Hindenburg Journalist.

If you don't feel comfortable or have no interest in editing your podcast, outsource it to a freelancer. You can find a freelance podcast editor to work with through sites such as Fiverr, Upwork, Craigslist or Facebook.

4. Record and Edit Your First Podcast

Once you've nailed down your equipment, you're ready to record. Some podcasters write scripts beforehand so that they know what to say ahead of time, while others wing it. The choice is up to you.

Even if you write a script, you'll likely have to take breaks, pause, re-record and/or edit your audio to produce a final, polished version. As with anything else, the more you do it, the better you'll get. Podcasting is a skill in itself that takes time and practice to do swiftly.

Name Your Episode Titles

Each episode you record should have a unique name. Your episode titles should accurately describe what the episode talks about and, if applicable, who the guest speaker on the episode is.

While it may be tempting to create clever or witty names for your episodes, it's more strategic to name your episodes aptly and accurately. Doing so will aid your podcast's SEO, meaning it will be easier for listeners to discover your podcast in search engines or on podcast directories.

Craft a Compelling Show Description and Episode Descriptions

To tell potential listeners what your show is all about, you'll need to write a general synopsis as well as descriptions for each of your episodes. For your general synopsis, be as clear and concise as possible while answering these basic questions:

What is your podcast about?

Who is your podcast for?

What can listeners expect to hear?

Why should people listen to your podcast? What will they gain from listening?

How often/when do you release new episodes?

How/where can people connect with you other than by listening to your podcast?

Your episode descriptions should be similarly concise, but you'll have the opportunity to insert relevant links to resources, products or anything else you talk about.

Submit Your Episode to Directories

Once you have your podcast ready to go, the next step is to submit (or upload) it to your podcast platforms of choice.

5. Promote Your Podcast

Once your podcast can be discovered and downloaded, it's time to spread the word about it. You can take a grassroots approach, such as sending direct links to your close friends and family, creating a paid social media ad campaign or anything in between-the choice is yours.

One popular method of publicizing your podcast is via social media channels such as Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and TikTok. If you already have an established following on social media, you can use your existing accounts to promote your podcast. If not, you can create new accounts for the sole purpose of promoting the podcast and connecting with your community.

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How To Start A Podcast And Make Money In 2022

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Starting a podcast can be fun, engaging and lucrative. Depending on your goals, you could be starting a podcast as a fun hobby, a side hustle or as a business right from the get-go. In this article, we'll explain how to start a podcast, including the must-dos, the don'ts and how to earn money.

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Hart, J. (February 05, 2023). Tri-State doctors, mental health organizations talk about youth depression with parents, teens. WCPO. https://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/hamilton-county/cincinnati/tri-state-doctors-mental-health-organizations-talk-about-youth-depression-with-parents-teens

Travers, M. (January 11, 2023). Treatment Executive Highlights Two Worsening Mental Health Issues For Teens: Over-Isolation And Paralyzing Self-Focus. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/traversmark/2023/01/11/treatment-executive-highlights-two-worsening-mental-health-issues-for-teens-over-isolation-and-paralyzing-self-focus/?sh=182a36344d18

Hou, C-Y. (January 25, 2023). Parents worry about growing post-pandemic youth mental health crisis. The Hill. https://thehill.com/changing-america/well-being/mental-health/3828861-parents-worry-about-growing-post-pandemic-youth-mental-health-crisis/

Jaoude, E., Treurnicht, K., & Pignatiello, A. (February 10, 2020). Smartphones, social media use and youth mental health. Canadian Medical Association Journal. https://www.cmaj.ca/content/192/6/E136.short

Podcastle team. (July 25,2022). Podcasting Demographics: Who Listens to Podcasts in 2022?. Podcastle. https://podcastle.ai/blog/podcasting-demographics/

Podcast pontifications. (March 1, 2022).Teens & Young Adults Prefer Listening To Podcasts. Podcast pontifications. https://podcastpontifications.com/episode/teens-young-adults-prefer-listening-to-podcasts

Riverside FM. (January 2, 2023). Podcast Statistics and Trends (& Why They Matter). Riverside FM. https://riverside.fm/blog/podcast-statistics

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Launching a podcast can feel overwhelming if you're doing it by yourself, but you don't have to do it alone.

Since 2009, Buzzsprout has helped over 300,000 podcasters launch their podcast, and we've used everything we've learned to create this guide.

We broke this guide into 10 easy steps that give you everything you need to confidently create, launch, and grow a great podcast!

1. Develop a podcast concept

Choosing the right podcast concept for your new podcast is a big part of attracting the right listeners and staying committed to your show.

Follow these tips to narrow your niche and clarify your message.

Define your goals

Why do you want to start a podcast? It's important to know your why, even if it's to have fun with friends.

Some good reasons for starting a podcast are:

to generate leads for a business

be recognized as an industry leader

share an important message

Podcasting has a lot of benefits for brands and businesses, but it's important to be realistic about your goals.

While some podcasters shoot to fame, most have a small target audience that they build over time.

Pick a podcast theme or topic

You should feel excited to regularly discuss and research your podcast topic. The more you enjoy your topic, the less likely you'll experience podfade.

Once you have some ideas, do some market research to survey the competition in your genre.

Search your show's topic in Apple Podcasts. Listen to a few episodes and ask yourself what you could do differently.

There's always a unique angle or perspective to offer.

PRO TIP

To test out your own podcast concept, try to come up with ten episode ideas. If ideas don't come easily, you might want to change topics.

Make it specific

When you zero in on a niche, you attract a more specific and engaged audience. Podcasts that appeal to a broad audience can end up reaching fewer people.

People are also more likely to recommend a niche podcast to a friend than a generic one.

To make your podcast niche, focus on a sub-category or sub-demographic.

Drill down on what makes your podcast different. What unique perspective can you bring to your podcast's topic?

EXAMPLES OF FINDING A NICHE

Mental health → Mental health for lawyers

Drones → Drone racing

Nutrition → Nutrition for diabetics

Personality tests → Enneagram in the workplace

Business → How to start a nonprofit

Name your podcast

Your podcast name is a core part of your brand. It makes a strong first impression on listeners and sets the tone for your podcast.

Here's Apple's advice on how to name your podcast:

It's important to have a clear, concise name for your podcast. Make your title specific. A show titledOur Community Bulletin is too vague to attract many subscribers, no matter how compelling the content.Pay close attention to the title as Apple Podcasts uses this field for search.

Podcast names should have the following characteristics:

specific and succinct

available

memorable

similar to your business name or brand

Once you have a title in mind, run it through a podcast name checker to ensure the social media accounts and domains are available. You also don't want to use someone else's podcast name.

PRO TIP

Don't create podcast artwork, yet. You'll tweak your podcast concept before you release your episodes, and you don't want to have to redo your artwork.

2. Choose your podcast format

Your format should complement your podcast and feel sustainable.

Ask yourself what gives you energy. Do you love connecting with podcast guests, or do you feel your best going solo?

If you choose to have cohosts, try to keep your group small. Podcasting with more than two or three people makes scheduling a challenge.

Keep in mind that some shows require more production than others. For instance, fiction podcasts usually require more editing than interview podcasts.

These are some common podcast formats:

interview podcasts

cohosted podcasts

scripted non-fiction

news recap

educational podcasts

scripted fiction

Optimal podcast episode length

Make your episodes as long as they need to be and no longer.

Some podcasts are less than five minutes long, and others have episodes the length of a short audiobook. Here are the most common episode durations:

less than 10 minutes (14%)

10-20 minutes (15%)

20-40 minutes (31%)

40-60 minutes (22%)

Over 60 minutes (7%)

Podcast publishing schedule

Podcasting can be a full-time job or something you do on the side. You might decide to publish daily or every two years like Serial.

We recommend publishing once a week to develop a connection with listeners and create the habit of producing consistent content. These are the most common publishing frequencies:

0-2 days (7%)

3-7 days (36%)

8-14 days (39%)

15-29 days (17%)

Over 30 days (1%)

3. Setup podcast recording equipment

You don't have to buy expensive equipment to have good audio. Lots of popular podcasts have a basic setup.

Let's review what to look for in a podcast microphone. Then, we'll make our top podcast equipment recommendations.

Best podcast microphones

A good podcast mic enhances your audio quality and makes editing easier. Less background noise in your recording means less editing on the backend.

Here are a few to consider before getting your first podcast mic. Our top recommendation is the Samson Q2U which you can buy on Amazon for about $70.
Dynamic or condenser
Dynamic microphones work best for podcasting. They pick up lower frequencies and have less sensitivity. This means you'll have less background noise to edit out later.

Condenser mics have more sensitivity and pick up a wider range of frequencies. Sensitivity is good for recording music but isn't ideal for spoken word.
XLR or USB
Podcast mics have two types of connections: XLR or USB.

XLR mics give you maximum flexibility. There are a lot of XLR mics to choose from, and they usually have a long life. But XLR mics require an interface or mixer to hook up. This can get expensive for beginners.

USB microphones are less expensive and plug directly into your computer. You can also run it through an interface if you record with multiple people.

USB mics are affordable, practical, and sound great. This mic is the best option for the majority of podcasters.

TOP MIC RECOMMENDATIONS:

Example podcast setups
1. One-person setup ($70)2. Two-person setup ($400)3. Three-to-four-person setup ($960-$1,080)
At $200, the Zoom P4 is a cost-conscious replacement for the RODECaster Pro.
RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES:

4. Choose your podcast software

Once you've recorded your podcast, it's time to make edits. This is where you can structure your episode and optimize audio.

Fortunately, podcast editing software is often affordable. There are even some high-quality, free podcast editing tools.

Remote recording software

If you frequently do remote interviews, you'll need software specifically for long-distance recordings.
1. Riverside.fm

Cost: $9+ per month

Studio-quality recordings

Riverside allows you to record local audio and video, even if you don't have a great internet connection.

Users can take listener call-ins, livestream to social media, and edit videos within a browser. Files continuously upload to the cloud during recording, so you never lose your work.
2. SquadCast

Cost: $10+ per month

Studio-quality recordings

SquadCast makes it easy to set up a remote podcast interview and capture high-quality, lossless audio.

Squadcast's sound quality is much better because it records local WAV files to each person's computer. The initial setup is more complicated than Zooom, but this tutorial can help.
3. Zoom

Cost: Free - $15/month

Average recording quality

Most guests have experience with Zoom

Zoom is a go-to remote recording tool with average audio quality. And most people already know how to use it.

The app's default features compress audio, but you can improve the audio by using the best settings for Zoom recordings.

PRO TIP

Don't use Skype to record your podcast. Skype calls are typically much more compressed and of lower quality than the other options.

Editing software

1. GarageBand | Free

Difficulty: Beginner

Compatibility: Mac and iOS

GarageBand comes pre-installed on most Apple computers. If you don't have it, you can easily download it for free. We think GarageBand is a more intuitive interface than Audacity.

GarageBand is not available on Windows computers or Android phones. This tutorial can help you learn how to navigate the workspace.

2. Audacity | Free

Difficulty: Moderate

Compatibility: Mac, Windows, and Linux

Audacity is a free, open-source audio editor with pro-level features. This DAW is more than enough for most podcasters to produce great episodes.

Audacity has a steeper learning curve than GarageBand, but we have many Audacity tutorials to help you navigate the platform.

3. Descript | $10+ per month

Difficulty: Moderate

Compatibility: Mac and Windows

Descript is an all-in-one editing tool that lets you record, transcribe, mix, and edit your audio files like you would a text document.

Descript can automatically remove filler words and dub over a phrase with text-to-speech voice cloning.

This Descript tutorial shows how to use the video and screen recording feature and the in-browser editing suite.

4. Hindenburg Pro | $12 per month

Difficulty: Moderate

Compatibility: Mac and Windows

Hindenburg is a pro-level audio editing software designed specifically for podcasters and journalists.

The workspace features simple tools made for spoken word and automated options to streamline your workflow. This Hindenburg walkthrough gives you an idea of the workspace.

Alternatives:

Other podcast software

These tools aren't required but can improve your workflow and help optimize your content.

1. Otter.ai | $13 per month

Otter.ai is an automated transcription service. The tool is highly accurate and has a quick turn-around time.

Buzzsprout has an Otter.ai integration, so you can easily upload your Otter transcripts into your dashboard when they're ready.

This service is a great option if you speak English. If you speak another language or have a heavy accent, it won't render accurate results.

2. Magic Mastering | $6 per month

Magic Mastering automatically levels out and optimizes your audio file, like an Instagram filter for your podcast.

This tool helps simplify your workflow and guarantees your podcast meets industry best practices.

3. Audio Hijack | $64 one-time fee

Audio Hijack lets you record audio from any website or application and save it as an audio file.

Audio Hijack is an excellent option if you livestream with Twitch, StreamYard, or Facebook Live.

5. Record your first episode

Recording your episode requires a little preparation on the front end. Follow these three steps to set yourself up for success.

1. Write a podcast outline

Rambling is one of the most common mistakes new podcasters make, and the best way to fight this tendency is by writing a podcast script or outline.

Even taking a few minutes to jot down a list of bullet points will dramatically improve the flow of your episode.

If you're working with a cohost, share the outline with them so you can work on it together.

2. Pick a good place to record

If possible, record in a quiet room with lots of furniture, curtains, rugs, or carpet.

Noise bounces off of hard, flat surfaces, so eliminate these where you can. You can also sound treat your space with foam panels on the walls.

3. Set up your recording equipment and software

Connect your mic to your computer or audio recording device.

If you have a USB mic, plug the cable into your computer's USB port. If you have multiple hosts, run each mic through an audio interface and plug the interface into the computer.

If you have an XLR mic, connect its cable to a USB interface or an external audio recording device like the Podtrak P4.

Once plugged in, go to your audio editing software settings and select your audio input.

Microphone technique

Position your mouth 2" to 4" away from the microphone for the cleanest sound, but the optimal distance may vary based on your microphone.

If you notice too many plosives or harsh sibilance in your recordings, the simplest solution is to move off-axis from the microphone.

Set your mic up to the side, angled slightly toward your mouth. This adjustment prevents bursts of air from hitting the capsule and results in more natural audio.

Record test track

Try recording yourself talking at a consistent volume at several different positions. Then, listen to the recording to see which position gave you the best audio quality.

Don't worry about mistakes, stammers, or silence. You can make your edits in the next step.

6. Edit your audio

Podcast editing is primarily for cleaning up the audio and making basic changes to the structure. Try to keep the process simple. If you focus too much on production, you'll get overwhelmed.

Follow these four tips to streamline your editing workflow.

1. Create an engaging intro and outro

Your podcast intro tells your audience what you're about, and the value your podcast brings. When done well, your intro hooks listeners and convinces them to stick around for the whole episode.

You can get royalty-free music for no cost or purchase your show's intro music through one of these resources:

2. Edit for content, then distractions

Edit for content on your first pass and work on noise issues or other distractions on your second go-around.

If you focus on noise issues too early, you might polish sections you remove later on. Focus on getting the content right first, then double back to fix audio issues.

3. Fade between tracks to remove unwanted noise

When you cut sections of audio, you can sometimes get little pops or clicks in the finished product.

Use the fade tool at the beginning and end of clips if you run into those issues.

4. Create a punch-list

If you don't want to listen to an entire episode multiple times, create a list of audio distractions to check during your second pass.

This list can save time and ensure you don't miss anything.

Export audio file

After you edit your podcast, export it as a .WAV file. Buzzsprout will automatically add ID3 tags and convert your file to the correct file format.

If you use another podcast hosting platform like Anchor, you'll need to export your file in the format your hosting site recommends.

PRO TIP

Don't worry about ID3 tags. Buzzsprout will add the correct ID3 tags to your audio files automatically.

7. Create podcast artwork

Your podcast cover art is the first thing potential listeners see on Apple Podcasts or social media.

Good artwork implies quality content, and 62% of new listeners are more likely to listen to a podcast if they like its cover art.

Your podcast artwork should follow these technical specifications based on Apple's Podcast Artwork Requirements:

square Image (3000 x 3000 pixels)

resolution of 72 dpi

PNG or JPEG file types

colorspace RGB

5 Tips to make your podcast artwork stand out

Follow these five tips to make artwork that stands out in podcast directories and attracts new listeners.

1. Visually communicate the subject of the podcast. Potential listeners should know what your podcast is about just by looking at your artwork. Too much symbolism or ambiguity can turn people away.

2. Design for a variety of sizes. You will use your artwork across several mediums and platforms, so it must look good even at 55 x 55 pixels.

3. Don't use too many words or fonts. Don't use more than four words on your cover art, and make sure it's legible even in small sizes. You should also limit yourself to two complementary fonts.

4. Avoid podcast imagery. Just as movie covers don't have pictures of DVDs and TV sets, your podcast cover art shouldn't show podcasting equipment. You don't need to remind people that they're listening to a podcast!

5. Use consistent branding. Your podcast artwork is a part of your overall branding. Feel free to make subtle changes to artwork to fit various layouts and pages, but the imagery should stay consistent.

Tools to design your podcast artwork

Buzzsprout's Canva integration allows you to create your own podcast cover within your Buzzsprout account.

Choose from 250,000+ templates, edit the template to match your podcast brand, and click Send to Buzzsprout.

Using this tool automatically guarantees that your cover art meets spec requirements for every podcast app.

Adobe Creative Cloud Express (previously Adobe Spark) is a free service similar to Canva.

Create a free account and browse a catalog of templates, text styles, and color pallets to design your unique podcast logo. When you're done, download your file as a .jpg or .png.

Fiverr is a more affordable way to outsource your artwork. Prices vary based on the experience of the designer.

Make sure you pick a designer with examples of good artwork in their portfolio.

99Designs lets you run a contest where designers compete to create the best design. Designers submit their ideas based on your guidelines, and you pick your favorite!

You can use this link for $20 off any contest.

8. Set up podcast hosting

A podcast hosting service like Buzzsprout stores your audio files and distributes them to podcast platforms so listeners can find your show in directories like Apple Podcasts.

You can try Buzzsprout free for 90 days to see how you like it. Then, follow these steps to set up your account!

Fill out your podcast information

Go to Podcast Info inside Buzzsprout to fill in your podcast title, artwork, and description. This information helps you appear in search engine queries.

Your podcast description is where you tell listeners what they can expect from your content. It's also a good place to use keywords to draw people's attention.

If you have a business podcast, use related words and phrases so readers know your content is relevant to them.

Upload podcast artwork

Upload your podcast artwork into the designated field.

You can upload pre-made artwork or use click the Canva button to create your cover art within the dashboard.

Pick a podcast category

This is where you pick which category your podcast appears in Apple Podcasts (formerly iTunes).

Pick the category that best fits your podcast. You can always change this later.

You can also pick a subcategory to narrow your niche. It's better to be at the top of a subcategory than further down a general category.

Upload your first episode

Drag and drop your file into the dashboard and then schedule when you want it to go live.

Individual episodes have their own metadata, including an episode title, and can even have their own episode artwork.

Write podcast show notes

Your Episode Description is where you can write your show notes.

These notes show up with your episode in podcast apps and next to your episode on your podcast website. Quality show notes can help with your SEO and overall accessibility.

Try to include these things in your show notes:

helpful links

ancillary information

contact information

short summary of the episode

Most major apps support formatting within your episode notes, but not all do. Keep that in mind when you format your episode description text.

Bonus features in Buzzsprout

Now that you have the basics done, you can check out these extras to optimize your podcast.
Buzzsprout customizable website
Every podcast should have a website where your podcast lives. All Buzzsprout podcasters can create a free customizable website where you can keep your transcripts and episodes and have more information on your podcast and hosts.

You can set up this website within Buzzsprout and put it on your own domain. This site is primarily for podcast listening, transcripts, and show notes.
Transcripts
Transcripts help with your accessibility. Some people just prefer to read rather than listen to your content.

Within Buzzsprout, you can transcribe your episode using the Otter.ai integration or transcribe it yourself. Upload your transcript, and we'll distribute it to every directory that supports the feature.
Magic Mastering
It's challenging to fine-tune your audio. Magic Mastering levels out your audio, removes background noises, and makes voices sound full.

Once you have an account, you can try out this feature for free on one episode!
Visual Soundbites
Visual Soundbites are video clips of your audio animated with your podcast artwork image and waveform.

These soundbites are a great way to promote on social media and stand out in someone's feed. Posts with a visual component get an average of seven times the engagement.

9. Get listed in podcast directories

Podcast directories, like Apple Podcasts, are a centralized place for podcast listeners to find new shows.

Getting listed in the top podcast directories is a critical part of your podcast marketing strategy. Most of your new listeners will find your podcast through these directories.

Here are the steps for getting listed in the top three major podcast directories.

Submit podcast to Apple Podcasts

Apple Podcasts is the world's number one podcast directory, accounting for 37.4% of all podcast downloads.

Here's how to get into Apple Podcasts:

Log in to Buzzsprout

Go to the Directories tab

Click Get Listed under Apple Podcasts

Log in to Apple Podcasts Connect

Click Validate

Click Submit

It can take up to 24 hours for a podcast to be approved, as Apple does a human review of every new podcast. You'll receive an email once your show is approved.

Submit podcast to Spotify

Spotify launched its directory in 2018 and is now the second-largest podcast directory, with 26.8% of all podcast downloads.

Here's how to get listed on Spotify:

Login to Buzzsprout

Go to the Directories tab

Select Get Listed under Spotify

Select Submit Podcast to Spotify

Once you submit your podcast to Spotify, it should be listed almost immediately.

Submit podcast to Google Podcasts

Google Podcasts makes your podcast visible in Google web searches and on Android phones. This directory accounts for 2.4% of all podcast downloads and works differently from its competitors.

Rather than submitting your podcast to a directory, you just make sure Google can crawl your podcast website.

You can manually submit your podcast RSS feed to Google to help speed up the process.

All Buzzsprout websites are compatible with Google Podcasts. Most podcasters see their episodes show up in Google results in a couple of weeks.

If you use another podcast platform, check out this article on how to get a podcast into Google Podcasts.

Other podcast directories

Once you get listed in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts, your podcast is in front of 95%+ of all podcast listeners.

Submit to these smaller directories to further broaden your reach:

10. Launch and grow your show

When it's time to launch your podcast, you have two options. Choose whichever one feels best to you.

Strategy #1: The grand opening

A grand opening is when you build hype for your show before its launch. This is the approach used by most podcasters with an existing following.

Pick a launch date a few weeks away and reach out to people who might be interested.

You can pay for ads, submit to Apple Podcasts' New and Noteworthy, or reach out to publications.

Strategy #2: The soft open

A soft open is more discreet. With this method, you publish episodes as if people are listening, but wait to promote your episodes.

This strategy lets you get comfortable, iron out kinks, and overcome imposter syndrome.

When you see your podcast succeed in a lower-pressure environment, promoting it more confidently is easier.

Imposter syndrome

A lot of podcasters feel like a fraud when they first start. Maybe you dislike your voice or feel inadequate to speak on your topic.

It's easy to sideline yourself, but you have a valuable perspective to offer. Know that this is a normal phase of podcasting that gets easier.

7 Marketing tips to grow your listenership

It takes time to get the word out about your podcast. Follow these five steps to build a successful podcast marketing strategy.

1. Share your podcast with friends and family

Share your podcast with loved ones and ask for feedback. You can get their honest opinions and have them leave your first reviews on Apple Podcasts.

2. Create a Buzzsprout Ad

You can grow your listenership by running a podcast promo with Buzzsprout Ads. Podcast promos are more effective than traditional ads since they target the right audience for your show.

When you create a Buzzsprout podcast promo you:

target people who listen to podcasts

find listeners already interested in your podcast's topic

reach 5,000 listeners for just $100

When listeners click on your ad, they'll be taken to your podcast page, where they can subscribe to your show and get notified of new episodes.

3. Post episodes on social media

Sharing podcast content on social media helps you build a connection with your listeners that can be hard to achieve over just audio.

You can create Visual Soundbites for Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, boost tweets on Twitter, and post content on LinkedIn. If you do this right, you could pick up ten new listeners over your first few episodes.

If you're comfortable filming yourself, we've seen multiple podcasts go viral after posting original content to TikTok.

4. Join groups and forums

Providing value on forums like Reddit, Quora, or Facebook groups helps direct people to your podcast.

Respond to relevant, recent questions you can confidently answer. Include a link to one episode to direct your podcast traffic.

Aim to post one or two answers like this for each new episode.

5. Cross-promote with other creators

Cross-promotion lets you partner with other podcasters and promote each other's shows.

This marketing method lets you get your podcast in front of a new audience.

You can contact fellow creators on Podchaser or find hosts' contact information on their websites or social media.

6. Overcast Ads

The Overcast podcast app runs ads exclusively for podcasting. In our experience, we get 100 new subscribers each ad cycle. This is an excellent way to get your first 100 subscribers if you have the money.

7. Create a call to action

A call to action (CTA) is one thing you ask your listeners to do after listening to an episode, and it can be a powerful way to reach your podcasting goals. You can ask listeners to:

subscribe to your show and leave a review

download a lead magnet

sign up for your email newsletter, etc.

Just make sure to limit yourself to one CTA per episode so you don't overwhelm your listeners.

Free resources

If you encounter any issues during your launch or have questions while podcasting, consult these Buzzsprout resources.

Celebrate your launch!

If you've made it this far and are ready to publish your episode, we encourage you to submit it soon and celebrate your accomplishment.

Launching your first podcast is an achievement, so congratulations from the entire Buzzsprout team! We can't wait to see how far your podcast takes you.

Alban Brooke

Alban Brooke is the Head of Marketing at Buzzsprout and the co-host of Buzzcast. Have any questions about this guide? Reach out on Twitter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to start a podcast?

The cost of starting a podcast varies depending on the quality of the podcast equipment you purchase. If you already have a computer and start with more affordable options, you can spend $60-100 on a microphone and headphones. If you purchase an audio interface, podcast recording software, and higher-quality gear, you can spend over $1,000.

Do podcasters make money?

Yes, podcasters can make money through various direct and indirect monetization methods, including sponsorships, paid subscriptions, selling physical products, and online courses. However, the amount earned depends on factors such as the size and engagement of the audience, as well as the chosen monetization strategies. Nonetheless, with proper planning and execution, podcasting can be a lucrative venture.

How do I start a podcast with no experience?

Starting a podcast without experience requires a solid marketing strategy to attract new listeners. The best podcast marketing channels include social media, getting listed in directories like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, optimizing new episodes for SEO, and publishing consistently.

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How to Start a Podcast: Complete Step-by-Step Guide [2023]

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Launching your first podcast can feel daunting, especially if you try to find all the answers on your own. This step-by-step guide walks you through everything you need to start, launch, and grow your first podcast in as little time as possible!

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Disclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

If you're looking for a guide that walks you through how to start a podcast, you're absolutely in the right place...

Starting a podcast isn't difficult, but there are a number of steps you'll need to go through in order to get it launched.

In this podcasting tutorial, we'll walk you through every step of the process:

Choosing a topic & name

Show and episode format

Cover art creation

Intro & outro music

Equipment selection

Audio recording & editing

Submission to Apple Podcasts (iTunes)

Promotion tips

And much more...

Bonus: Free 10-Day "How To Start A Podcast" Email Course
Just click the link and enter your email to get the first lesson:
Click Here To Get The Free "How To Start A Podcast" Email Course
Just a few of the things you'll learn:

What to podcast about

Equipment you'll need

How to record & edit

How to promote your podcast

Get started today!

Podcasting is a much less crowded and competitive space than blogging, making now the perfect time to get started.

As of November 2023, there are just over 2 million podcasts, but over 600 million blogs!

In case you're wondering, I've helped thousands of people start a podcast in the last several years and have started a few shows in different industries myself.

Looking to start a podcast quickly? Sign up with Buzzsprout, upload your audio files, and submit to Apple & Spotify.

Let's get started:

Planning

This is the initial (often overlooked) stage to make a podcast. You'll want to spend a good amount of time here before you move on.

Feel free to get out a notebook or a whiteboard so you can start planning your podcast like a pro.

Choose A Topic

You want your podcast to be focused on a particular topic or niche.

Try to narrow it down to something you can speak about for many episodes (100+) but that isn't so broad that you won't appeal to your potential audience.

For example, instead of having an "outdoor" podcast, talk about hiking - or even more specific, like hiking 14ers.

You can always expand your topic later as you get more popular.

Important: see the section about choosing a name to make sure you don't limit yourself.

Pick A Co-host (optional)

Do you have a friend, business partner, or coworker that you want to co-host with?

It can be much easier to start podcasting if you have a co-host.

You will naturally have a more engaging conversation if you both share your points of view on a topic. It can also be helpful to have someone to keep things on track.

Plus, you can split additional tasks of editing, promoting, and more.

There can be downsides though.

You'll want to make sure both of you are committed to it for the long term. And it helps to set a schedule from the beginning so you know when you will be recording every week.

There aren't rules here though. If your co-host drops off, you could still continue the podcast without them. Or you could start solo and add a co-host later.

The important thing is to just get started.. so let's choose a name:

Choose A Name

If you look at the top Apple Podcasts charts, you'll see a variety of different names.

Some are descriptive of what the show is about, while others don't mean much.

I'm actually going to seemingly contradict what I said earlier: You want to choose a name that is broader than your topic.

Using the hiking example earlier, if we choose "The 14er Cast" as our name, what happens when we want to talk about backpacking & ultralight camping too?

Instead, choose a name that will let you expand if you decide to later. Maybe "Mountain Adventures (Above & Below 14K ft)" would work as it gives a hint to hiking 14ers but gives you the option to talk about all kinds of stuff if you want.

I just came up with that as I was writing this, I'm sure you could do better!

Action Step: Purchase a domain name (opens in a new tab) for your podcast.

Another option is to get a free domain name with a Bluehost web hosting plan. You can search right here on this page - try it out!

I also have some more tips on choosing a domain name here if you want.

Show Format

Length

You'll find a number of "experts" claim that certain lengths are perfect for podcasts. The problem is that's just BS.

You don't need a 28-minute podcast because that's the average driving time. Or under an hour because people can't pay attention longer than that.

There are 5 minutes podcasts and there are 6-hour podcasts. Find whatever works for you and run with it!

What I would try to avoid is making it longer than it needs to be because you went off-topic for 15 minutes.

Here's a great image from Pop Up Podcasting that shows "easy, good, or long - pick two":

Style

Interview shows are popular, but that doesn't mean you have to do one.

You can do solo (or co-hosted) shows half the time and interview shows the other half.

One big benefit of doing interviews is that they help a ton with getting new listeners - especially if you make it easy for your guest to share with pre-written templates and graphics.

Episode Format

So what does a specific episode sound like? I wrote this post about podcast intros, but it has a bunch of examples of different episode formats for popular podcasts.

Here's one example:

Get creative with this part.

Different segments make it easier to share small clips on social media too.

But remember that for every episode you put out, you will have both repeat listeners and new listeners so you should try to speak to both of them.

Preparation

Now that you've written down your topic, format(s), and secured a domain name, we'll need to get a few things prepared ahead of launch...

Create Cover Art

Your cover art is the first impression most people will see as they browse through Apple Podcasts or their favorite podcast app.

It's might also be the image someone sees when you share your show on social media.

Buzzsprout has written an excellent article about designing cover art, so I would definitely start there.

If you have a little bit of a budget, I highly recommend 99 Designs to get yours created.

You'll get hundreds of different designers to produce a draft - then you can choose the ones you like to have them further refined.

Get A Professional Intro (Optional)

Music Radio Creative is the best place to get professional-quality voiceovers and intros.

Having a third-party introduce you just takes your perceived value up a notch, which is a great way to stand out when first starting a podcast.

Choose Intro Music

I'm a big fan of PremiumBeat for podcast music.

It's easy to search, you get a full license, and they have a bunch of different styles.

Take a look at this post on royalty-free music for more options.

Most people don't need an unlimited subscription-style music service - just a song or two.

Get A Microphone

Audio quality is important but it doesn't have to cost a ton to get a good quality microphone for podcasting. One of the most popular podcasting microphones is the Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB.

It's both a USB microphone and has an XLR connection which lets you upgrade your recording equipment without needing a new mic.

I recommend taking a look at our podcast starter kit post for more options here, especially if you plan on having a co-host or two.

Podcast Guests

If you are doing an interview show, now is the time to get a list together of who you want on your podcast.

Then start reaching out to them.

It can help to use a service like Acuity Scheduling so people can book right on your calendar when it's convenient for you.

This saves the headache of going back and forth working out a meeting time - and means you can focus on getting more guests!

Plus you can ask them for certain info like their Skype username or an intro you can read when they schedule with you.

To record your interviews when you're not in-person (or if your co-host doesn't record in the same room with you) I use and recommend Iris.

Recording & Editing

Alitu (The Easy Way)

If you haven't used editing software before, even simple actions in GarageBand or Audacity can be quite intimidating.

It's understandable: audio production is completely full of jargon!

If that's the case, then Alitu might be the way to go.

It's a 'podcast making' tool that automates a lot of the confusing technical parts, and practically builds your episode for you. It's all based right inside your browser, so no software to download, and it works on any computer connected to the internet.

It is built to be super simple to use and does pretty much everything:

Takes care of audio cleanup

Lets you add music

Helps you piece together your audio segments

Has direct publishing of your episodes.

All you need to do is upload your recordings, and use the fool-proof podcast-specific editor to take out any big mistakes. Alitu does the rest!

Even better, Alitu includes a library of music and jingles which you can use as your theme tune, or as transitions between segments.

Whether you're a complete beginner, or an experienced podcaster looking to drastically cut down on your production time, you should definitely give Alitu a try. It comes with a 7-day free trial, so sign up here and try it out!

GarageBand (Free Option)

I'm going to show you how to use GarageBand for recording and editing.

Other audio editing software is similar but most have more advanced features that you don't need when getting started. Popular options are Adobe Audition & Audacity (both work with Mac & PC).

You can also check out our full post on podcast editing software.

Create A Template

Before you get started, it will be much easier if you create a template that you can reuse every time you record a podcast episode.

What this means is that you will have your intro & outro music already placed, space for ad spots, as well as your tracks for your voice or an interviewee.

Keep in mind this will look different depending on your episode format - create a podcast template that works for you. Here's one I use:

I'll just open the template up, click File -> Save As, and save the file as my episode name (i.e. 008-episode-8-title).

This will also keep any effects you have applied to the tracks, including compression, EQ, or anything else. I'll show you the settings I use in the editing section below.

Record Your First Episode (Or 3)

Solo

If you're just recording a solo episode or want to record an intro to an interview you did, simply select the track you want to record to (see the light gray Podcast Audio track selected above) and click the red Record button up top:

Multiple Hosts

If you have multiple hosts, you'll need to click Track -> Configure Track Header and check Record Enable.

This will give you the option to enable multiple tracks to record at once and you'll see the Record Enable button on each track:

You'll click that button on each track you want to record, then click the big record button up top. Easy enough!

Remote Interview

Many people use Skype for recording remote interviews and the easiest way to actually record the audio (or video) is with Ecamm Call Recorder For Skype (Mac only) or Pamela (for Windows).

If you want better audio quality than Skype or Zoom allow, or a way to have individual audio files for more than 2 people, services like Iris are excellent. They are designed for remote recording and podcast interviews.

When you are done recording, you'll have two separate tracks that you will place on top of each other like this:

This also shows another template that you may want to use. The Podcast Audio track is only used for solo shows, and the Interview tracks are only used for interview shows.

Edit Your Episode

There are a couple of things you can easily set up once (and save in your template) that will make your podcast (and your voice) sound much better.

Keep in mind that everyone's voice is different so there aren't perfectly universal settings, but these may give you a good starting point:

1. Select the track you want to work with (start with your voice)

2. Click an empty space in the Plug-ins box

3. Add compression by going to Dynamics -> Compressor:

4. I use these settings (sometimes I'll add more gain):Play around with them and just click the power button next to the compressor plugin to easily compare.

5. Next we're going to add EQ (under EQ -> Channel EQ).

6. Here are my settings:

100 Hz: 24dB/Oct roll off, Q: 0.79

160 Hz: -2.5dB, Q: 2.20

500 Hz: -1.0dB, Q: 0.71

930 Hz: -0.5dB, Q: 3.20

3400 Hz: +0.5dB, Q: 0.71

5400 Hz: +2.5dB, Q: 0.71

I'm not going to get into what all that means, but if you just do one, the low-end roll-off (on the left) will be a good start.

Or you can just download my Podcast Vocal EQ settings here (.pst file on Dropbox).

The last step I'd recommend is going to Auphonic to apply some normalization for loudness (LUFS), leveling, and filtering. It will also automatically add ID3 tags should you need them.

Launch!

Get A Podcast Host

I use and highly recommend Buzzsprout podcast hosting after trying many different companies over the years.

Plus you'll get a free $20 Amazon gift card after you sign up for a paid plan!

Feel free to check out our complete podcast hosting guide if you want to see other options, but another great choice for larger brands is Transistor.

You can also look at this list of the best podcast platforms.

Once you've signed up, you'll need to fill out some required information about your podcast (name, description, categories, etc.).

Upload Your First Episode

If you use Buzzsprout, this process is super simple.

If not, it's possible you need to mess with things like embedding ID3 tags into your MP3. Sounds confusing and unnecessary - let's not do that.

You'll just need to click the "Upload" button:

and they'll apply some magic processing to your mp3 file.

Then you'll need to fill out the episode title, description, summary, publish date, and episode #.

If you want to use Seasons, put a "1" there, otherwise leave it blank. If you use a lot of bad words, click the explicit checkbox.

It can be helpful to create a template for your episode description (in a separate text document) to reuse for every episode - I use something like this:

Click save and repeat this step for your initial release of episodes.

It's recommended to launch a podcast with more than 1 episode so that people don't have to wait to hear more.

3 to 5 episodes is a good number to start with.

Submit To Apple Podcasts (iTunes)

I have a separate guide on how to submit your podcast to iTunes but within Buzzsprout just click Apple Podcasts under the Directories tab and follow the steps they've put together.

After that, grab your podcast RSS feed and submit it to other podcast directories too.

As you upload new episodes, your host will automatically update your RSS feed and any podcast directory you're listed on will also update with your new episode.

Spread The Word

Use Buzzsprout's social sharing feature to generate teaser videos and start sharing!

There are other companies that will help you generate different styles of audiograms, but having it built into your host makes it really easy to create (and it won't cost you extra).

Wavve and Headliner are two excellent choices if you want to create more custom podcast videos to share.

Check out this article on podcast promotion to for a bunch of other marketing tactics. One of the most impactful ones is building your own website (see next step below).

Recommended Steps (After Starting A Podcast)

Your job isn't done once you start a podcast. Here are my recommendations to help make your show more appealing and easier to grow:

Create A Website

WordPress (Easy To Medium Difficulty)

Podcast hosting companies usually give you a website, but if you want to be taken seriously get yourself a separate WordPress host.

For beginners, Bluehost is easily the best option (plus you'll get a free domain name for the first year).

If you need a bit more guidance, start with this how to start a WordPress blog post for the initial steps.

I have a list of excellent WordPress plugins that a podcaster would need too.

And if you need more help, I have a course called Podcast Website LaunchPad that walks you through everything.

Podcastpage (Easiest Method)

Podcastpage is a website builder and hosting all-in-one made specifically for podcasts. Kind of like Wix but designed for the needs podcasters.

No coding is necessary. You just choose one of their themes, customize to your liking, and optionally integrate email marketing or Google Analytics.

You can add pages or blog posts, customize your audio player, and make it easy for your visitors to subscribe!

It works with any podcast hosting provider and pricing is fair, starting at $80/year or $8/month.

Check it out and sign up for a free trial here.

Get Transcriptions

Transcriptions are an excellent way for search engines (like Google) to "read" your podcast episodes. They also give your audience another way to look something up quickly.

You don't have to start out with them, but it's another one of those things that will set you apart.

Buzzsprout has a built-in transcription service (on paid plans) that costs $.10/minute, but my favorite transcription service is Rev - give them a try.

Create Show Notes

Show notes can be transcriptions like above, a simple summary of what you talked about, or a full blog post tailored more toward reading than listening.

Some people do a combination.

On this site, we start with written content first and then create podcast episodes after.

Embed Your Episode

Grab your episode embed code and place it on your show notes page so people can listen from your website.

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The Ultimate Guide To Starting A Podcast (Free Forever)

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Learn how to start a podcast in 2023 with this step-by-step tutorial. You'll learn everything from coming up with an idea to recording to launching!

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You don't need to be a very technical person, nor does it require a lot of money to learn how to start a podcast. This guide will be your A to Z step-by-step walkthrough on how to get started with audio podcasting and why you should create a podcast. We'll cover everything from the very technical to the abstract of podcasting concepts.

As a business owner, learning to start a podcast is something you should consider to help you reach this growing audience and expand your business through content marketing.

How to start a podcast in 13 steps

1. Understand how podcasting works

If you understand the value of creating content (e.g., blogging) for your business and brand, then you understand the value of podcasting. Creating a podcast lets you reach a brand new target market: people who might otherwise never find or consume your long-form content because they prefer the audio format.

The audience for podcasting has grown significantly in recent years. According to Edison Research's 2020 report, The Infinite Dial, 57% of Americans over the age of 12 have listened to a podcast, and 78% of Americans are now familiar with podcasting, a 4.72% year-over-year increase. In 2020, US weekly podcast listeners averaged six podcasts each week.

Some benefits of running a podcast include:

You don't need to be an established content creator or have a blog to become a successful podcaster.

A podcast is an excellent way to build an audience from scratch and position yourself as an authority in your industry.

Podcasts are a popular content platform because they're easy to consume. People can listen to podcasts on the go, in the car, at the gym, and even at work.

Midroll found that 61% of listeners purchased a product or service after hearing it advertised on a podcast.

Most podcasts are free. They're free to create and free to listen to.

One of the best things about podcasting is the intimate connection you build with your audience. These listeners will spend 30 minutes or more with you at any given time. In this day and age, where social media has shrunk attention spans, that amount of attention is pretty rare giving you the ability to dive deep into topics.

Podcasts can be played one of two ways.

1. Streaming or downloading the podcast from the RSS feed, either in a feed reader like Feedly or on the blog/podcast website where the podcast is hosted or embedded.

2. Using a player such as Apple Podcasts or Pocket Casts. Play any of the episodes in the feed on a device, such as a smartphone or tablet. These are sometimes called "podcatchers." Podcast players sync the data from the RSS feed to give a listing of episodes, show data (such as episode name and show notes), artwork, and a link to the show file (usually an MP3).

Identify a podcast theme

The first thing you need to do to start your podcast is identify a theme. It's important that when you do this you stress test your idea by writing out at least 20 episode topics, including what you would discuss and who you would interview, if you were interviewing someone.

A stress test is critical, because if you can't think of 20 episodes, you'll probably run out of ideas before your podcast ever picks up steam. You need to make sure your idea has a good foundation. For example, The School of Greatness by Lewis Howes just passed 1,220 episodes. Great podcast themes have longevity.

When choosing your podcast theme, take this into consideration: will you be happy and satisfied making new episodes on this topic two years from now? Choose something you're passionate about. Your passion will be your greatest motivator to keep you disciplined when things get difficult.

Once you decide on a theme, ask yourself the following questions:

1. What's the goal of your podcast? Some reasons include generating leads for a business, building authority on a topic, and earning passive income.

2. What's the "why" behind the podcast? Marry your practical reason with an intrinsic purpose to stay motivated. What is the message or mission you want to share with the world?

3. Who is the show for? Create an avatar of your ideal listener. It'll help you better understand how listeners think and feel, so you can address them directly. It also helps create a more intimate feel for your podcast that connects with listeners.

Consider:

What interests they have

Their beliefs

Their activities and lifestyle

Their favorite things

4. How will your show stand out? What are the notable things about your podcast that would cause people to talk about it? A simple way to stand out is by choosing a niche that is an inch wide but a mile deep. Niches help you eliminate perceived competition. Another way to stand out is through your style and personality.

Spend time to develop an actual premise. The main reason a show may fail is it lacks a compelling premise.

Jay Acunzo, Host of Unthinkable

Consider how your podcast will help your listeners. If you can create educational material that is also entertaining, you'll foster more enthusiastic and excited listeners who tune in weekly to your show.

Know your why. What's your reason for doing the podcast? This will help you gain traction, build momentum and stay committed.

Aoife O'Brien, Founder of the Happier at Work podcast

Decide on a format

The next important component is the podcast format. What will your podcast be like and how will it be structured? Here are some ideas:

Interviews. These podcasts feature a single host who interviews individuals who fit with a particular theme. Think The School of Greatness.

Scripted non-fiction. Typically, these podcasts have a single theme for the entire season. Think .

News. These podcasts give you the news in a super digestible format. Think NPR's Up First.

Educational. These scripted non-fiction podcasts primarily seek to teach something. Think Revisionist History.

Scripted fiction. These podcasts are similar to radio dramas and are often scripted and highly produced. Think .

Once you've chosen a format, ask yourself:

Are you going to do interviews?

Will there be a co-host?

Will you fly solo?

All of these formats can make great podcasts. It's important to have a format nailed down, because it impacts the type of equipment and software you need to invest in to produce your show.

When it comes to format, two of the most common questions beginners have are:

🇶 How long should my podcast episodes be?

🇦 Episode length depends on how long you need to give your audience value, but not longer.

🇶 How often should I publish my podcast?

🇦 Consistency, not volume, is the key. No one wants to subscribe to a podcast that is unpredictable. Choose a publishing schedule that will be easy to maintain. You can always scale up later.

Create your podcast brand

Next let's talk about developing your podcast brand. You want to put some care into your branding because it's the first impression new listeners have of your podcast.

Name your podcast

Don't underestimate the power of a name. Your podcast name should speak to you and your audience. Listeners should know what the podcast is all about from just the name alone.

Here are a few guidelines for choosing an excellent podcast name:

1. Make it four words or less.

2. Keep it succinct and intriguing.

3. Avoid the words "The" and "Podcast."

4. Make it easy to spell and pronounce.

5. Decide on a name you enjoy saying out loud.

6. Make sure it's not taken by another brand.

A lot of podcast platforms include a "hook" or short description along with the podcast name. However, don't get too hung up on this. Make sure to include keywords that make it easier for people to find your podcast, but avoid keyword stuffing or you could be penalized.

Choose your category

There are many podcast categories to choose from: news, arts, culture, and much more. Listeners browsing these categories for new shows will do so by interest, so it's important to choose a category that accurately represents your podcast.

If your show is listed in a category that's completely irrelevant to its content, you will run the risk of being removed from some directories.

According to Statista, the top 10 podcast genres (by share of weekly listeners) in the US are:

Description

Take writing your podcast description seriously. It's the thing that possible listeners read that will help them decide whether to listen to your podcast or not. Each podcast directory gives you a different character limit. For example, Apple Podcasts gives you 4,000 characters (which is a lot of words), but between 400 and 600 is the sweet spot.

Take The Unofficial Shopify Podcast, for instance. The description is around 480 characters and tells you exactly what to expect:

New episodes every Tuesday

Answers to your burning growth questions

Insights from ecommerce and Shopify experts

When writing your podcast description, be sure to:

Make it engaging

Ask a question

Describe what you're about

Include your podcast's value proposition

Remember that podcast platform are search engines also. You'll want to include relevant keywords so people can find your show when searching for new podcasts.

Cover art

As your first impression, your cover art needs to be beautiful, stand out, and visually communicate your subject.

Here are some best practices:

1. Your cover art should be a minimum of 1,400 by 1,400 pixels and maximum of 3,000 by 3,000 pixels.

2. Compress files to optimize for mobile use.

3. Don't use too many words in your artwork

You can easily create cover art for free using Canva. If you lack an eye for design, you can easily find highly skilled designers on Fiverr or 99designs.

Choose your podcasting equipment

Now that we have your podcast's brand down, let's discuss the tools you'll need to start. Truth is, if your podcast doesn't sound great, nobody is going to listen for long. Most people listen to podcasts in headphones-bad sound quality isn't just distracting, it's uncomfortable. So having the right podcast equipment isn't a nice-to-have, it's a must-have.

Having the right podcast equipment is a must-have, not a nice-to-have.

First let's talk about microphones. When it comes to mics, there are three major categories.

USB mics. USB mics are the most accessible for people starting out, as you just need to plug them into your computer's USB port, open your recording software, and you're good to start recording. They are the most affordable and easiest to work with, but have the worst sound quality compared to other mics.

Popular USB mics include:

Dynamic mics. These mics reject background noise well and, as a result, are a great choice when you have two people speaking. They are also durable and don't require external power. Dynamic mics are often used by radio announcers, broadcasters, musicians, and podcasters.

One con to dynamic mics is that their lack of sensitivity means you need to keep your mouth close to the mic to ensure consistent recording levels.

Popular dynamic mics include:

Condenser mics. Also known as capacitor microphones, these mics are known for excellent audio quality and sensitivity. These mics require 48V phantom power or batteries to operate. Condenser mics are much more suited for quiet, sound-treated spaces, as they are a lot more sensitive.

Popular condenser microphones include:

Can you start a podcast with just an iPhone?

The short answer: yes. Since iPhones have microphones, they have everything you need to record audio. However, the audio may not be as clear or as professional sounding as you'd like.

That being said, there are several apps you can download that will turn your iPhone into a podcast audio recorder. Podcast hosting services, such as Podbean and SoundCloud, also offer in-app podcast recording capabilities. Many of these apps are available for Android devices, too:

Podcast recording equipment to improve quality

Beyond microphones, here is some other gear that can boost the quality of your production.

Pop filter (typically $5-$20). Pop filters help keep the clicking noises your mouth makes when speaking close to the microphone from being recorded. It prevents the sound of plosives, which are really harsh consonant sounds like p's or b's.

Desktop microphone stand or boom pole: Boom arms help keep your podcast microphone in front of you, hands free. They also allow you to easily adjust the height and distance from your mouth on the fly, so you can move around while you podcast or simply keep your mic out of sight when you're not recording. This is handy if you're recording at your home office desk.

You can pick up a Neewer Broadcast Studio Mic Boom Arm for around $33.

Over-the-ear headphones. Unlike earbuds, over-the-ear headphones offer noise rejection, better sound quality, and more comfort.

Two solid options are:

1. Sony ZX series stereo headphones ($20). A good pair of headphones is important if you're interviewing guests. You don't want to have their speech come through your speakers and get picked up by your microphone, which would cause echo.

2. Sony MDR7506 professional headphones ($95). If you have a bit more in your budget, these headphones are an industry standard and ideal for monitoring recording and listening back to audio when editing.

Shock mount. This tool suspends the microphone and prevents vibrations. Most microphone brands offer their own compatible shock mounts. There are some universal microphone shock mounts, like Rycote, that allow you to easily attach microphones of different shapes and sizes easily.

XLR connections

If you're opting to use a USB microphone, then an interface isn't something you'll need. Simply plug your microphone directly into a USB port on your computer and select your microphone as your audio input in your recording program settings.

But if you are using a condenser or dynamic microphone, these require an XLR connection.

For this, you have three options:

1. An audio interface like the Focusrite Scarlett series. An interface is a piece of hardware that expands and improves the sonic capabilities of a computer, giving you the ability to connect professional microphones. They act as a middle man, allowing sound to go in and out of your computer.

2. Hook up your XLR microphone to an external audio recording device. This means you can record independently of your computer and can host a podcast episode anywhere. External audio recorders will save your audio to an SD card that you can upload to your computer later when you start editing.

3. A podcast machine. Companies like Rode have created standalone podcast machines that give you recording, effects processing, and an intuitive console to control it all. These are typically on the more expensive side and are a better option for upgrading to later than starting out with.

Get recording software

Now once you have all the hardware, you'll need to use software for recording and sound editing.

Audio recording software

The software recommended in this section will allow you to record the audio from your microphone and save it as an MP3 file. The following software will also let you edit your recordings.

Adobe Audition (PC/Mac; $20.99 per month). If you want really powerful audio editing software with all the bells and whistles, Adobe has it with Audition. It might be more than what you'll need to edit your podcast, but if you're using a mixer and high-end equipment, it could be a good idea to look at Adobe Audition as well.

Audacity (PC/Mac; free). Audacity is a great alternative to paid premium audio-editing software. It's easy to use and there are a lot of tutorials available online to help you.

GarageBand (Mac; free). GarageBand comes with all MacBooks and is good enough for most of your audio editing needs. GarageBand allows you to record the audio from your podcast microphone and save it as an MP3.

Call recording software

If you plan on conducting interviews for your podcast, you might want to use software that records your calls. If you're using a mixer that records all sound from your computer, this software won't be required.

However, if you're using a basic setup and a tool like Skype or Google Hangouts to conduct interviews, here are some recommended call recording tools:

Zencastr (PC/Mac; free to start). Record remote interviews in studio quality by sending a link and receiving a separate track for each guest.

Ecamm Call Recorder (Mac; $39.95). Record Skype calls on your Mac.

Dialpad Meetings (PC/Mac/iOS/Android; free to start). The free conference call software allows participants to join the call via desktop or phone, and the moderator can record the calls.

Callnote (PC/Mac; free to $9.95 per year). Callnote records Skype, Google Hangouts, Viber, FaceTime, Facebook, GoToMeeting, and WebEx conversations.

Outline your first episode

No matter how good your recording is, there is no substitute for great content and a confident performance. Your podcast can't just sound great, it needs to be worth listening to.

A key to making this happen is creating an outline.

Unless your podcast is meant to be scripted, you don't need to script the entire show. You just need to create an outline based on the transformation you want your audience to have.

Start with the end in mind. What's the purpose of this episode? What's the take away that you want your listeners to have? Picturing your listener avatar while creating an outline can be incredibly helpful.

A good outline includes a hook to grab the audience's attention, introductions for guests, interview questions, talking points, transitions, and closings. These not only help make the podcast go smoother, but also show your guests that you came prepared.

Here is a generic episode structure that you can use to fill out your outline:

No matter how good your recording is, there is no substitute for great content and a confident performance.

Record your podcast

Recording a podcast seems a lot more complicated than it really is. It takes the following series of steps to prep and manage an effective podcast recording.

1. Find a room with solid sound

Try and choose a space with minimal noise. Think about things in your environment that might make noise. Is there a fan on your computer? Refrigerators? Cellphones? Cats? Dogs? A television? A cleaner recording will be easier to handle later on in the process.

If you have hardwood floors or rooms with a lot of windows, try and minimize echo. While it is most effective for professionals, you don't need to spend a bunch of money on sound treatment right off the bat. Echo can be really easily reduced with movers blankets. Soft objects absorb sound and help create a cleaner recording.

2. Adjust your systems

Adjust system preferences to make sure that sound from your microphone is going into the computer. If you're using a condenser microphone, ensure that phantom power is running.

Open software and change bars and beats to time. Since you're recording a podcast, not music, we don't need bars and beats.

3. Set a conservative recording level

Set a conservative recording level. Never record audio that is too loud. You can always make things louder later on, but if you record too loud, your recording will sound distorted.

To set a good, modest input level, speak at a normal-to-loud speaking voice, and aim to make this level around -20 dB, or about halfway up (yellow) on most meters.

Then test with a hearty laugh or emphatic phrase to make sure the level never peaks above 0 dB or goes "into the red."

4. Record a high-quality audio file

Compression artifacts, which are noticeable sound distortions, compound over time. So make sure your initial recording is a high-quality WAV or AIFF file. Resolutions of 24 bit, 48 kHz are great. Even though you'll probably be uploading your podcast as an MP3 or AAC for distribution, you want to start off with a high-resolution format.

5. Be consistent with your mouth placement and tone.

Pay attention to where your mouth is in relation to the microphone. You don't want to have wide-ranging volume levels. Try setting your microphone up slightly to the side so those bursts of air don't go directly into the diaphragm.

Don't set it up at too extreme of an angle or you will be working against the pickup pattern of directional microphones.

6. Make a test recording

When setting up your podcast recording environment for the first time, it can be helpful to listen to a test recording in comparison to other podcasts' quality. Try listening to your test recording through headphones, car speakers, cellphone speakers, a laptop etc.

7. Always record 30 seconds of silence

This helps you capture the noise print (kind of like a sonic fingerprint) of the room and will be helpful in post-production

💡 Pro tip: Don't be self-conscious about your voice. You don't need a radio voice to get people listening. Everyone hates the sound of their voice at first and, eventually, you'll get used to hearing it.

Record an intro and outro

Having an intro and outro for each episode of your podcast adds flair and personality. Usually, they are short voiceovers with intro music that covers the podcast, the episode number, the host(s), and the "hook" or tagline of the podcast. These intros/outros are also sometimes called bumpers.

A great podcast intro will hook your listeners and give them a glimpse into the value your podcast is going to deliver. It should tell listeners:

Who you are. In one sentence, introduce yourself, highlighting your experience and why your perspective matters.

What your podcast is about. In one or two sentences, state clearly and concisely what your podcast's purpose is.

How they'll benefit from listening. This is the most forgotten, yet most important, part of a great podcast intro. You need to tell the listener how your podcast is going to improve their life.

An excellent podcast outro thanks listeners for tuning in, includes your tagline, and gives them something to do next. This is called a call to action and really helps to develop a deeper relationship with your audience.

Here are some example actions you might want your listener to take:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Join your email newsletter

Support your show on Patreon

Follow you on social media

💡 Pro tip: Only give one call to action per episode. The more things you ask your listeners to do, the less likely they are to take action.

If you've got the chops, you can record these yourself. Alternatively, you can hire someone with a great voice to create your podcast music and record your intro and outro for you. I've used Fiverr in the past to create the intro and outro for my podcast.

Edit your podcast

Editing your podcasts allows you to add your intro and outro, stabilize the volume, and remove gaps of dead air and any mistakes you might have made. Any of the software recommended above (e.g., Adobe Audition, Audacity, GarageBand) should do the trick.

For a lot of people, editing is the less appealing part of podcast production. But it's not an optional part of the process.

The reasons for this are simple:

1. Often, conversations can result in tangents. Less is more. Cut the fat and only keep the good parts.

2. Poor quality audio can result in listener fatigue. This is when the act of listening takes too much effort and focus, causing the listener to get tired and exit early.

The most common editing mistakes:

1. Music too loud. Make your music softer than you think it needs to be. Then listen to your intro in a variety of environments and with several different devices (car stereo, headphones, in the kitchen, etc.) to hear how it will sound to your listeners.

2. Too long of an intro. Your intro should move at a quick pace, roughly 20 to 30 seconds in length. Don't let it overstay its welcome.

3. Using copyrighted music. Unless you get permission from the artist and the recording label to use a track, you can't use it. However, there are plenty of royalty-free music options that easily solve this problem:

When editing, your first pass should be to edit the content to make a cohesive and engaging podcast. Your second pass should be to clean up the audio.

Some pro-tips to make your audio sound more professional:

1. Remove gaps of dead air, as these will be highly noticeable to a listener.

2. Crossfade between tracks to avoid any jarring transitions.

3. Use noise reduction to filter out any unnecessary background noise.

4. Use a high-pass filter to let sounds above a certain frequency to pass through while everything else is filtered out. Because most speaking voices don't generate any fundamental frequencies below about 85 Hz, you can set a high-pass filter around 80 to 100 Hz to help remove rumble and plosives that your listeners won't want to hear anyway.

5. Use equalization to compensate for certain frequencies that might seem to stick out in the recording. Don't cut or boost anything more than 6 dB, as you want the recording to sound natural.

6. Add compression to even out your sound and ensure that the loudest parts are closer to the average volume of the recording. While this is a really helpful tool, don't use it in extremes. Start with a ratio of 2 to 1.

7. Use a de-esser. A common problem you may run into with vocal recordings is the harsh presence of "s" and "t" consonants in words, called sibilance. A de-esser gets rid of this unpleasant sound and makes the voice easier to listen to for longer periods of time. Again, less is more.

8. Master your audio to bring your podcast to a loudness range that is similar to other podcasts. Peak level represents the volume before the sound starts to distort. Generally, a peak level of -1 dB is good for podcasts. Your RMS level is the average level of your signal. An RMS level around -16 dB to -12 dB is a great range.

If you don't have time or interest in editing your podcast, don't let that stop you. You can hire someone to edit your episodes for you. There are freelancers on Fiverr and Upwork. There is even a professional service for this very purpose called We Edit Podcasts.

Decide on podcast hosting

One common thing people misunderstand about podcasts is that you don't upload them directly to platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. Instead, you'll need a separate host for your audio files.

Do to this, you use a podcast hosting platform, like:

Once you have your podcast hosted, you submit an RSS feed. An RSS feed is a standardized way to syndicate content to podcast directories. It ensures that your episodes are automatically placed on directories, adding all the necessary code to ensure that your listeners see all the proper titles and descriptions and hear the right audio file.

If your podcast is hosted through Buzzsprout, then you can submit your podcast to all of the major directories directly from your dashboard. It's that simple.

💡 Pro tip: Before launching your podcast, try and have three to five episodes recorded and edited. Launch the first three so your first listeners have a few episodes to get to know you better. Keep two to release in your regular publishing schedule. That way, you'ree ahead of production and won't ever feel like you're creating down to the wire.

There are many directories where you can list your podcast. I'm going to recommend the most popular, but you can distribute your podcast across as many channels as you'd like. You're going to be asked for your podcast's name, description, category, artwork, etc.

Apple Podcasts

Apple Podcasts is the largest podcast directory and it should certainly be your focus. If you're only going to submit your podcast to one directory, this is it. To learn how to upload to Apple Podcasts, head over to the Apple Podcasts for Creators page to create an account and submit your podcast.

Stitcher

Stitcher is the second largest podcast directory and another great way for people to discover your podcast. Basic Brewing Radio, for example, is a podcast on Stitcher that discusses homebrewing beer. Wine enthusiasts, on the other hand, can tune in to the Wine for Normal People podcast.

SoundCloud

SoundCloud is another channel where you can list your podcast to amplify your reach. PlayStation, for example, has built up an audience of nearly 5,000 subscribers for its SoundCloud podcast.

YouTube

You might want to put your podcast up on YouTube to reach even more people. You'll need a video file to upload as you would for any other YouTube video. For the visuals, you can use a static branded image that complements your other artwork. Or you can include a video.

Spotify

Spotify is a leading directory for podcasts because of its popularity with music streaming and ability to make relevant music and podcast recommendations. The directory is growing quickly, so you want to get your podcast in its feed to improve visibility. Start by heading over to Spotify for Podcasters and follow the steps to submit your show. It can take two to five days to appear on the podcast listings, but usually shows up in a few hours.

Google Play

Starting a podcast on the Google Play store is a great way to reach more potential listeners. Start by visiting the Google Podcasts Manager. Click Add a Podcast and paste your podcast's RSS feed URL, then click Submit RSS Feed. Once you verify ownership of your podcast and review the info, publish the podcast and wait for approval.

Market your podcast

When you launch, there's an opportunity for you to be featured in the New & Noteworthy section on Apple Podcasts. Just imagine how much this could grow your podcast in a short period of time. This would give your new podcast a lot of traction.

To get noticed by Apple Podcasts and increase your chances of being featured, you'll want to launch your podcast in a way that you receive some listens and reviews immediately. This is going to put you in the position to be featured. While it still isn't guaranteed, launching your podcast this way will help you grow organically, too.

To do this, make the launch of your podcast an event and generate buzz around it. Create a landing page for your podcast, letting people know what you have planned. This landing page should also give people the chance to opt into a mailing list, which you can use to reach out on launch day.

Building a small audience pre-launch is critical, since it can help create a snowball effect.

The day you debut your podcast, you should launch it with a few episodes, ideally three. This is a good number of episodes to have your audience listen to immediately without overwhelming them. If you launch with just one episode, you likely won't get the listen numbers you need to get noticed by Apple Podcasts.

You also need to show your listeners that you'll be putting out content regularly, and that there's something to subscribe to. Having multiple episodes at launch (i.e., showing episode #1, episode #2, etc.) implies that there's much more to come.

Announce the launch to your email list, and ask them to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review after listening. It's really important that you encourage your subscribers to leave a review, as having reviews (and subscribers) the first day can help you get noticed by Apple Podcasts, increasing your odds of getting featured.

Some other simple marketing ideas include:

Use tools such as repurpose.io and wavve.co to create little snippets of your audio in video format and publish it on social channels.

Create transcriptions of your episodes to improve your SEO and get found through Google.

Leverage your guests' audience to spread the word about new episodes.

Be a guest on other people's podcasts.

Monetize your podcast

There are different ways to monetize your podcast. Your focus first should be to build your audience and their trust. Then you can think about monetization.

Aside from ads, there are other ways to make money podcasting:

1. Sponsorships. This is when the podcast promotes a sponsor during the show. How much you make from sponsorships depends on how many downloads your show gets. Sponsors typically pay on a cost-per-1,000 basis, with rates ranging from $18 to $50 CPM.

2. Direct support. Direct support is when a host asks listeners for money to support the show. If people love your content, they'll likely throw some money your way to help keep the podcast running.

3. Affiliate sales. Podcasters can also earn money from affiliate marketing. Rather than make money per download, you will typically make a percentage of what you sell for the company you're promoting.

4. Selling products. One common way podcasts make money is by selling products that complement the show. This can include merchandise, consulting services, books, live events, courses, and more.

After you have a few podcast episodes launched and have begun to build an audience, you can begin to think about monetizing your podcast.

Best podcast business tips

Now that you know how to start your first podcast, keep the following tips in mind before and after you hit the Record button:

Make mistakes

Mistakes are a part of life. Every mistake you make, whether in podcasting or your personal life, are valuable lessons gained. You learn from them and become better. Don't be afraid to make one. You can always try again.

[Your first podcast] won't be perfect. I livestream my podcast and all kinds of things end up happening. The Internet won't work, the audio is delayed, you name it, it probably has happened. Just roll with the punches and make it interesting and human.

Professional podcaster Christoph Trappe

Keep moving forward

We've all felt stuck or unmotivated at some point in our lives. When that happens with your podcast, it can feel impossible to move forward. Reconnect with your purpose. Podcasting can take time to get traction and see results, so you need to stay motivated.

Stick with it and be consistent, even if you're not seeing amazing results right off the bat. Keep on keepin' on and make it a constant feedback loop with your listeners.

Kaleigh Moore, founder and co-host of Freelance Writing Coach podcast

Relax

Try to not be too self-conscious about your voice. You don't need a professional voice to get people listening. Speak naturally.

If your voice sounds shaky or nervous, remember that improving your confidence on the mic takes a lot of practice. When I listen back to my first few podcasts and compare them to today's, I can see how much I've improved.

Remember that you can always clean up and edit the audio after you're done recording. If you lose your spot or forget your next point, don't be afraid to sit in silence until you can regain your composure and continue. You can edit those gaps and mistakes out later.

You don't need a professional voice to get people listening. Speak naturally.

Avoiding reading from a script

Your podcast should sound natural. People who listen to podcasts don't want to hear an audiobook. They're used to listening to the dynamic conversations and discussions that happen on podcasts. It's OK to have a few bullet points to work off of, but practice speaking about topics off the top of your head.

Make guests feel comfortable

When conducting an interview for the first time, it's really important that you focus on making the guest feel comfortable. Before hitting Record, make sure to warm the guest up and build rapport. Creating a welcoming environment will go a long way to getting more insightful answers.

You'll want to make sure that you have questions prepared, but don't be afraid to divert from them. Ask follow-ups that prompt them to go deeper. Sometimes the real magic happens when the conversation begins to flow naturally.

Start your podcast today

You can create a successful podcast today. Begin with the podcast listing information and start looking on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for podcasts that are doing what you want to do. If you already have an external microphone, record a short episode today, introducing yourself and your podcast idea.

When diving in, get comfortable talking into a microphone for a long period of time and then listen to yourself afterward. You don't have to upload the episode you record today, but it's good to get some practice and familiarity with the process.

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Illustration by Till Lauer

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How To Start a Podcast: A 13 Step Guide For 2023

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You don't need to be a very technical person, nor does it require a lot of money to learn how to start a podcast. This guide will be your A to Z step-by-step walkthrough on how to get started with audio podcasting and why you should create a podcast.