Podcast FAQ

things needed to start a podcast

by Halie Paucek Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
image

The 10 Technology Items You'll Need to Start a Podcast.

  • 1. A good microphone. Audio is one area that you won't want to cut corners with. Your audience will be able to overlook a number of issues with your ...
  • 2. Headphones.
  • 3. A pop filter.
  • 4. A boom.
  • 5. A Skype account.

Steps to Start a Podcast
  • Decide why you want to start a podcast.
  • Choose a podcast topic, theme, and name.
  • Select a podcast format and structure.
  • Create podcast branding.
  • Set up your podcast equipment.
  • Find the best podcast recording software.
  • Prepare for your first few podcast episodes.
Jun 23, 2022

Full Answer

What do you need to know before starting a podcast?

  • Publish Schedule …what day and when will you publish new episodes for your show?
  • Launch Date …an exact start date no matter what on your calendar.
  • Length of Episodes… how long is each podcast recording going to be?
  • Episode Format …interviews, stories, team approach, topic-based, or a series, to name a few.

More items...

How do you start a podcast as a beginner?

  • Set a definite date and time for publishing
  • Have one evergreen recorded podcast (As a backup plan)
  • Mention Website link at the start & end of Show notes
  • Use an animated video overlay and publish your podcast on YouTube.
  • Connect with best minds in your industry by inviting them to be a guest on your podcast show.

Why you should not start a podcast?

You are fascinated by the outcome, but don’t know the grind it involves.

  • Choosing an idea (it’s not as easy as it sounds),
  • Deciding the episode topics and duration,
  • Researching and writing a script,
  • Interviewing people to corroborate facts, or to be a part of your show,
  • Rehearsing for the recording,
  • Setting up quality podcast equipment (also, buying it!),
  • Sound editing,

More items...

Why now is the right time to start a podcast?

There’s no time like the present to start a podcast, whether you want to use it to build your speaker profile, create relationships with influencers, or sell your products and services.

image

What type of equipment is needed to start a podcast?

For a conventional podcast, you need at a minimum a microphone, headphones, a computer, recording and mixing software, and internet access.

What 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.

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.

Can anybody 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.

What do I need to start a podcast?

So, here are the 9 things needed for a podcast: To make your life easier, I’m listing both equipment and Softwares you need to start with. 1. Microphone. This is obvious but let me explain it in detail. A podcast is an audio-focused space. So the microphone is something you don’t want to compromise with.

What equipment do I need to make a podcast?

The 2 basic things needed for podcasting are a computer/laptop and a microphone. Obviously!

What is the best mic for a beginner?

To begin with, you can go with USB Mics which will be really easy to connect with your Computer or a laptop. Here are the 2 best beginner mics out there: Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB. Blue Yeti. If you have more budget, you can go with XLR Microphones.

How to expand your podcast reach?

One of the best ways to extend your podcast’s reach is by listing it on iTunes. If you do this, you’ll want to have a sweet-looking image next to your show’s name -- your cover art. This is the photo that people will see when browsing through shows or listening to yours -- so it does matter.

What cable do you need to connect a mic to a mixer?

If you choose this option, don’t forget to grab an XLR cable to connect the mic to the mixer. 2. Headphones. Your headphones don’t have to be top of the line, but you will want something that’s up to the job.

Do you need a boom for podcasting?

Though they're not strictly necessary when you’re first starting out, a suspension boom to hold the mic for you is necessary if you want to become a podcasting pro. Aside from saving you from arm cramps, a boom is also great for sound quality, as you won’t have to worry about the mic drifting away from you as you speak into it.

Can you tag a podcast?

Most podcast and recording software will allow you to tag your podcasts using ID3 tags, but if not, you can easily do it with an ID3 editor. This will allow you to store important information such as the title, track number and artist in the podcast -- and will allow the album art to appear when people download it.

How long should a podcast be?

Determine the podcast length. You need to respect your audience’s time and set a reasonable episode length that is consistent throughout the series. Twenty minutes is generally the ideal episode length for a podcast, as most people listen to podcasts while commuting to and from work.

Why do people start podcasts?

There are so many reasons for starting a podcast! Some of those reasons are to grow your business, connect with people in your niche, create a relationship with your audience, and self-fulfillment. As of January 2020, there are over 1 million podcasts available, with over 30 million podcast episodes to listen to.

What is a podcast host?

The podcast host is the intermediary between your podcast and your audience. After providing the description and posting the relevant artwork, the podcast is published on the hosting service. You will receive your podcast’s RSS feed link from the host.

Why do podcasts need to be pre-planned?

Every podcast must be pre-planned with a tailored approach to make sure that the quality remains consistent throughout the entire show.

How to make your podcast visible?

To make your podcast visible in the digital space, you need to sign up with a hosting company. These are platforms that store your files and provide access to your listeners so that they can download and subscribe to your podcast.

What is a personal trainer's podcast called?

For example, a personal trainer’s podcast could be called ‘The Fitness Podcast, ’ which perfectly highlights the niche of the podcast. But you must avoid using long names because you will be saying the name quite often in your podcast.

What are the different types of podcasts?

The structure of your podcast is critical. Here are a few podcast formats to choose from: 1 Interview style – This is the most popular format these days as each episode introduces the listener to exciting and inspirational people from a specific niche. The format is generally unscripted and free-flowing and requires minimum editing. 2 News and current events show – This format focuses on sports, politics, technology, or any other hot topic that lets you provide non-stop fresh content to your listeners. 3 Multi-host show – A podcast with more than two people creates intrigue and can be highly entertaining with a conversational tone. There will be less pressure on you since the responsibility of presenting great content to your audience is divided among all hosts. 4 Solo style – In these podcasts, you can tell a story in each episode that is relevant to the topic of your podcast. It could be in any tone as long as the content is educational or motivational. By occasionally inviting a guest on the show, you can entice the audience and engage them in your podcast.

Computer

Common sense right? You need a computer to record and upload your .mp3 files. Most people will do just fine with what they have, but if you looking to upgrade I would invest in something that will last you a few years.

Microphones

Don’t use your computer’s built-in microphone. The easiest way to get started is to use a USB microphone. If you have multiple people or you want more flexibility, you will need one or more microphones with an XLR output.

Audio Interface

This is basically the bridge between your microphone and your computer. It converts the analog signal from the mic into a digital signal that the computer can use.

Mixer

Similar the audio interface above, but a mixer gives you more control over levels, inputs, outputs, and more. Also crucial if you plan to regularly have call-in guests so you get set up a mix-minus line for your remote guests.

Headphones

Headphones prevent many mistakes and retakes. It can be weird to hear yourself speaking live at first, but you’ll get used to it. It’s highly recommended you get used to this. You don’t want to record something for an hour only to realize something wasn’t turned on or there was a loud buzz the whole time.

Headphone Amplifier

When you have several hosts, you’ll need a headphone amp so that each of you can have your pair of headphones. Think of it as a headphone splitter and amplifier in one.

Mic Stands

Positioning your microphone properly will greatly improve your posture and sound quality. A decent boom arm or mic stand will allow you to easily move the microphone to a comfortable position – and equally important in my mind, you’ll be able to free up desk space and store the mic within reach, but out the way when you’re not using it.

How many people listen to podcasts?

Once a fringe platform, podcasts are now surprisingly mainstream. According to Nielsen, six out of 10 people understand what they are, and 112 million Americans -- 40 percent of the nation’s population -- have listened to at least one. Though podcast listeners lean male, it isn’t by much: 56 percent are men, while 44 percent are women.

Can you head off issues before a podcast?

Until you do it, you have no idea what to expect. Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t head off issues before you go live . Expect a certain amount of learning as you go, but be ready to explore the technology before fully launching your podcast.

Can you release podcasts publicly?

And if you’ve planned in advance and have great content in the bag, you can simply not release it in lieu of a better one. Before you release your podcasts publicly, try to have several on hand. That way, you get the relief of a buffer zone. Don’t try to start too quickly. You can always ramp up your delivery later.

Can your target personas find your podcast?

Your target personas won’t find your podcast without a little help, so promote it like your life depends on it. I utilized our company’s email list, my personal social channels, and myriad other platforms. In addition, I requested that each guest promote his or her episode.

How are podcasts democratizing the world?

Like blogs and social media, podcasts are democratizing the way people share their thoughts with the world, with the episodic audio series continuing to gain traction with listeners seeking both entertainment value and educational dialogue.

How much does a MacBook Pro cost to record podcasts?

A number of podcasters we spoke to use the Apple MacBook Pro ( $1449.99 on Amazon.com ), which gets you up to 10 hours of battery life and features an eighth-generation quad-core Intel Core i5 processor for hyper fast and reliable recording. The 13″ model is super thin and lightweight (just over three pounds), making it easy to tote around on location.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9