Page Text: April 06, 2022
How to Start a Podcast: Complete Step-by-Step Guide [2022]
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.
It's broken into 10 easy steps and gives you everything you need to confidently create, launch, and grow your podcast:
Step #10: Launch and grow your show
Step #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 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
Personality tests → Enneagram in the workplace
Business → How to start a non profit
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 titled Our 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
Memorable
Similar to your business name or brand
Once you have a title in mind, run it through a podcast name checker to make sure the social 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. It's likely that you'll tweak your podcast concept before you release your episodes, and you don't want to have to redo your artwork.
Step #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 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
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%)
Source: Buzzsprout Platform Statistics
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%)
Source: Buzzsprout Platform Statistics
Step #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 couple of things to consider before getting your first mic.
Dynamic or condenser
Dynamic mics work best for podcasting. They pick up lower frequencies 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:
Any headphones you already have
2. Two-person setup ($400)
At $200, the Zoom P4 is a cost-conscious replacement for the RODECaster Pro.
Recommended accessories
Zoom PodTrak P4 Review and Audio Test
Step #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 or even free.
Remote recording software
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 video within a browser. Files continuously upload to the cloud during recording so you never lose your work.
Cost: $10+ per month
Studio-quality recordings
SquadCast makes it easy to set up a remote podcast interview and capture high-quality, lossless audio.
The initial setup is harder than Zoom, but the sound quality is much better because it records local WAV files to each person’s computer.
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 lower quality than the other options.
Editing software
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 it is not available on Windows computers or Android phones.
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.
Descript also has video and screen recording and an in-browser editing suite.
4. Hindenburg Pro | $12 per month
Difficulty: Moderate
Compatibility: Mac and Windows
Hindenburg is a pro-level audio editing software specifically for podcasters and journalists.
The workspace features simple tools made for spoken word and automated options to streamline your workflow. Sign up for a 30-day trial to see what you think.
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 with high accuracy and a fast turn-around.
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.
RELATED YOUTUBE VIDEOS
How to Record Long-Distance Podcast Interviews
Step #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.
Step #6: Edit your audio
Podcasting editing aims to clean up the audio and make basic changes to its structure. If you try to make your podcast sound too produced, you'll get overwhelmed.
Follow these four tips to streamline your editing workflow.
1. Create an engaging intro
Your podcast intro lets you tell your listeners what you’re about, the value you bring, and convince them to stick around.
You can get royalty-free music for no cost or purchase your show's intro music through one of these resources:
Soundstrike
Audio Blocks
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.
RELATED YOUTUBE VIDEOS
How to Edit a Podcast in GarageBand
Export audio file
Once you've finished editing 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 service like Anchor , you'll need to export your file in their recommended format.
PRO TIP
Don't worry about ID3 tags. Buzzsprout will add the correct ID3 tags to your audio files, automatically.
Step #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
Try to potential listeners understand 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's essential that it looks 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
1. Buzzsprout's Canva integration
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.
2. Adobe Spark
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.
3. Fiverr
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 good artwork in their portfolio.
4. 99Designs
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.
Step #8: Set up podcast in Buzzsprout
To get started, sign up for a free 90-day trial of Buzzsprout.
If you decide to upgrade to a paid plan, you can upload up to three hours of new content every month.
Fill out your podcast information
Go to Podcast Setting 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 artwork you already created or 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 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
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. You can keep your transcripts here 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 transcripts.
Magic Mastering
It’s challenging to fine-tune your audio. Magic Mastering levels out your audio, removes background noises, and makes voices sound more full.
Once you have an account, you can try out this feature for free on one episode!
Visual Soundbites
Visual Soundbites create a video clip of your audio and animate it with an image and waveform.
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.
RELATED YOUTUBE VIDEOS