how to start a podcast cheap

How much does it cost to start a podcast?

In fact, if you already have a computer and you're operating on a shoestring budget, you can record, edit, and launch a podcast for less than $200. On the other hand, if you want to use higher-end equipment, starting a podcast can cost a few thousand dollars.

Can I start a podcast for free?

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

Can just anyone start a podcast?

Anyone can start a podcast. You just have to record your episodes and publish them online. However, turning your podcast show into a successful business is altogether a different story.

Is it free to upload a podcast to Spotify?

It could cost you anywhere from $50 on up to buy gear to record your show, but the tools for distribution, which used to be costly, are now free, thanks to Spotify's 2019 purchase of the podcasting app and website Anchor.

Do podcasts make money?

Sponsorships are the most common way podcasters make money. This is when the podcast promotes the sponsor during the show. You probably hear your favorite shows plug their advertisers a few times in every episode. How much you earn from a sponsor depends on the number of downloads your episodes earn.

How does a beginner start a podcast?

Table of ContentsChoose a Podcast Topic You Can Commit To.Pick Your Podcast Name.Write a Compelling Podcast Description.Decide on Your Podcast Format.Get Your Podcast Artwork and Music Created.Purchase Your Podcast Equipment and Test Your Podcasting Software.Choose Your Podcast Hosting Service.More items...

How long should podcasts be?

The length of your podcast also depends on your subject, industry or genre. It could be that around 15-20 minutes perfect for your listeners. But maybe your specific audience wants more in-depth, exploratory information; in which case, 45-90 minutes would provide more value.

How long does it take for a podcast to make money?

Relying on the experience of Marc Clair, a podcast host, and producer, it may take as long as 18 months before you start seeing results. That's if you produce a show weekly. In his words, things can be faster than stated if you have luck, a marketing budget, and irresistible content.

How much does it cost to have a podcast on Spotify?

You can start using podcast hosting provider Buzzsprout for free, but you're better to opt for their $12 a month plan. That way, your episodes won't be deleted after 90 days, and you can upload more content, too.

How do you start a podcast with no audience?

20 step guide for starting a podcast with no existing audiencePick an idea (ideation)Create a listener persona (marketing)Pick an angle for your show (ideation)Define your brand idea (marketing)Choose your recording gear.Draft or script coherent c.a. 5 episodes.Record your episodes and cut your material.More items...

How do I create a free Google podcast?

To start, here are the basic steps you'll need to follow:Visit the Google Play Podcast Portal (opens in new tab)Click the “Add A Podcast” Button.Paste in your podcast's RSS feed URL.Click “Submit RSS Feed”Verify Ownership (uses email in RSS feed)Review your podcast info.Click “Publish Podcast”Wait For Approval.

Can you start a podcast without equipment?

Fortunately, it is possible and not too difficult to start a podcast for free. You can take advantage of free recording software such as Audacity and publish your show on directories. By eliminating your startup costs, you can work on growing your show at no risk to your wallet.

Step 1: Recording Audio

There are a few ways to do a podcast, and although you could opt to record just your voice, this tutorial is meant to show you how to record several people at once. The two key components I use are Skype- the free VOIP service, and MP3 Skype Recorder- a free Skype recorder. Download both programs, and set up Skype first, then the recorder.

Step 2: Editing the Audio

After you finish recording your show, you will be left with an Mp3 file, that can be used by itself for the podcast, but may require some trimming, or augmenting. There are 2 programs I use for this business, and they are both free to try- but there is no limit on how many times you reinstall and "try" again.

Step 3: Hosting the File

Hosting the Mp3 file seemed difficult to do for free when I started out, but I quickly found a great solution that works for both on-site playback and RSS feed access. That source is Archive.org. You simply create an account for free (no serious personal data collected), and start uploading. archive.org

Step 4: Creating an RSS Feed

Creating an RSS feed can be more daunting than recording the show at first, but a little research and dedication makes it easy. Step 1: Set up a blog for the show on Blogger.com. While my primary blog features the show, it was more convenient for me to set up a show-specific blog.

Step 5: Submitting the Show to ITunes

Submitting a podcast to iTunes is sort of like getting approval to sell your niche product at Wal-mart. Its a great way to get your show out there, and hopefully gain you something of a reward. Simply download iTunes, create an iTunes store account, go to "podcasts", click "submit a podcast", and paste the RSS link we just created.

Step 6: Helpful Tips

Here's a few tips I recommend for a little more success with your show. 1. Spend time conference calling with your prospective co-hosts *before* the show. The difference between people who know how to have a conference call and the people who don't is night and day, and its tough to listen to the latter. 2.

Essential Equipment under Low Budget

The things that are absolutely essential during any recording or podcasting to make your podcast perfect and professional can definitely come under your cheap budget.

Podcast Hosting

If you are dreaming of starting a hugely popular podcast in the future, you will need an excellent hosting platform to do it.

Extra Setup and Equipment you can Buy

After all the necessary things you have got for your podcast, you can opt for some extra equipment that can help you to make professional podcast episodes.

Why use a pop filter on a podcast?

It can also reduce the sound of breathing in as well as thuds. In addition to helping your sound quality, a pop filter will also protect your microphone from saliva build-up ensuring that your microphone will work for years. Pop filters are affordable podcast equipment that should not be overlooked.

How to get the best out of a microphone?

To get the best out of your microphone, you should include a microphone stand in your cheap podcast setup. Having a microphone stand allows you to better position the microphone so you get the best sound possible. But it also lets you create a comfortable recording set up at your desk.

What is the best microphone for podcasts?

Better suited for vocal recordings, the Blue Snowball Microphone is a great option for stating a podcast on a budget. It features three pattern mode options for recording including recording the sound directly in front of the microphone. Its microphone records clear sounds that are free of distortion and feedback.

Why do you need a recorder for a podcast?

Even when starting a podcast on a budget, having a recorder as part of your cheap podcast equipment allows you freedom and flexibility for recording a podcast. These mini machines allow you to capture your recordings with high-quality audio no matter where you are.

Can you use a Fifine microphone on a PC?

Fifine Metal Condenser Recording Microphone. The Fifine Metal Condenser Microphone may be inexpensive and small, but that doesn’t reflect in its sound quality or ease of use. And, as this is a USB microphone, it can be used on both PC and MACs. All you need to do is plug it in and it’s ready to use.

Does the Blue Snowball Microphone come with a stand?

And the Blue Snowball Microphone comes equipped with a desktop stand and USB cable so you can start using right away. Blue Yeti Nano Premium Microphone. The Blue Yeti Nano Microphone was built with podcasting in mind. Just because you are on a budget, it does not mean that you need to sacrifice sound quality.

Can headphones make a recording sound unusable?

The recording is full of background noise interfering with the sound quality, and the volume is all over the place. It’s completely unusable. If you have a good set of headphones, you can avoid such an occurrence from ever happening. And a good set doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

What are some good podcasting tools?

Let's take a look at some dirt-cheap podcasting tools and, where applicable, their totally free alternatives. 1. Microphone. Enlarge Image. The Snowball Ice, a great starter microphone for under $50. Blue Microphones. There's one thing standing between your mouth and your listeners' ears, and that's a microphone.

How much does a blue mic cost?

Blue Microphone's Yeti is a top-rated and popular choice; it sells online for $90-$110. 2. Soundproofing. A fancy microphone won't do you much good if you can't find a quiet place to record.

Can I start a podcast with a voice?

Just as anyone with a keyboard and an opinion can start a blog, anyone with a voice can start a podcast. Ideally it should be a nice voice with something original to say, but that's up to you to work out. One big question facing novice podcasters is how to get started -- or, more accurately, how much to get started.

What is a podcast host?

Media or Podcast hosts are services that store your audio and allow your listeners to listen, download, and subscribe to your podcast. One common misconception when learning how to start a podcast is that you upload your podcast to places like iTunes. This actually isn’t the case.

What is the point of a podcast?

The whole point of a podcast is that people listen to it, so give them a reason to click on one of your episodes. Make it clear to people what they will get from listening to your show. If you look on any podcast directory you will see shows with titles like “How To…”, “Five Tips For…” etc.

How long is Zoom free?

A popular option is Zoom.us, which is a video conferencing tool that's free to use for 2 people, and free for up to 40 minutes for a group of people. Read the pros and cons of Zoom in podcasting here. A much better option is to opt for a dedicated ‘double-ender' call recorder.

How many episodes of a season of podcast?

When you start a seasonal podcast, each season will usually have a theme. You might create episodes based on that theme or topic for 6-12 episodes, then have a break. After a month or two, you’ll launch a new season (with another theme/topic) and repeat the process.

What my first cheap podcasting setup should include?

Assuming that you are starting on your own and you will not have any guests or celebrities on your show to begin with, you will need a single person setup.

First cheap podcasting setup: Equipment

The only equipment that you need to start a podcast is a microphone and a computer to record the audio.

First cheap podcasting setup: Software

You need a software to record the sound from your microphone and edit it after recording as per your requirement.

First cheap podcasting setup: Graphic Design

Well if you have some basic knowledge of photoshop or any other similar software then you can do it yourself.

First cheap podcasting setup: Music

Since you are on a budget, you can try free music available online or you can buy a small piece of music online and use it as your intro music. You can also couple it with some free stock music to make some nice combinations.

First cheap podcasting setup: Hosting

This is the last and one of the most important pieces of the puzzle. You can start with a free starter plan for hosting and invest in future as you grow, or you can invest upfront and buy a hosting plan that will take care of your needs for some time to come.

Summery

In order to begin your podcast at a cheap starting point, while maintaining the quality of audio it is essential to spend the money on the right front.

What is buffering in social media?

It enables you to plan and queue up your social media content well in advance, and set the times that will work best for your audience on the different platforms .

What is canva for podcasts?

Canva is a handy graphic design platform, which you can use to create social media graphics and all sorts of other visual content. It makes it super easy to create professional-looking images and artwork for your podcast! The free plan offers 250,000+ free templates to help you get started, and hundreds of thousands of free photos and graphics for you to use to create your own work of art.

What app do podcasts use?

A podcast host stores your content, including your metadata and artwork, online, and then distributes your show’s RSS feed so that your listeners can access your episodes via their podcast listening app of choice, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Stitcher.

How much space does Podbean have?

Podbean also offers a free basic plan for podcast hosting. This plan offers 5 Hours total storage space (500MB) and 100GB monthly bandwidth, as well as access to basic podcast stats. You also receive your own podcast site, RSS Feed and iTunes Support.

What is the best free tool to use for note taking?

And the free tool to help you do all this and so much more is Evernote…. 1. Evernote. Evernote is a great resource you have at your disposal and is a great asset for improving your overall workflow. It’s an app designed for note taking, organizing, task management, and storing all your bright ideas.

How many hours can you record a podcast?

Zencastr currently has a great free plan which will enable you to record up to 8 hours per month for up to 2 guests in MP3 format.

What do I need to invest in audio?

There are some basics that you will need to initially invest in – good quality microphones, earphones or headphones, perhaps a pop filter and a sound mixer, depending on your set-up. These are vital to getting that high-quality audio you’re after and are worth every cent!