what is needed to start a podcast

Here are nine pieces of equipment necessary to start a podcast:

• A Quality Camera
• Desk-Mounted Microphone Stands
• An Audio Interface
• High-Quality Headphones
• A Pop Filter
• Commitment: Trust the Longevity of the Process
• An External Microphone
• Audacity Software
• Acoustic Panels

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.

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Should you really start a podcast?

How to Start a Podcast

• Step #1: Choose a topic you love. ...
• Step #2: Pick a podcast title. ...
• Step #3: Write a sound description. ...
• Step #4: Get your artwork created. ...
• Step #5: Pre-plan your episodes. ...
• Step #6: Pick your podcast hosting provider. ...
• Step #7: Prepare and make a recording. ...
• Step #8: Publish an episode. ...
• Step #9: Submit to directories. ...

What are some best practices for starting a podcast?

Podcast Best Practices: Creating an Intro and Outro. The intro of any podcast sets the stage. Your intro will either grab your listener’s attention or lose it. Your outro should always wrap up the podcast and leave a call to action. Keep reading to discover the podcast best practices for creating an intro and outro. The Intro

How many people do you need to start a podcast?

How to Start a Podcast: Every Single Step for 2021

1. What's Your Podcast For? So firstly, why do you want to make a podcast? ...
2. Who is Your Podcast For? So first day, get the big question in: Who are you making this podcast for? ...
3. Give Them a Reason to Listen Whether you're providing information that will help someone to lose weight (in the case of our personal trainer), or doing a really entertaining ...

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What equipment do I need for starting a podcast?

A Complete List of Podcast Equipment for BeginnersA computer.An XLR or USB microphone.Mixer.Pop filter or windscreen.Headphones.Microphone stand.Acoustic treatments.Recording and editing software.More items...•

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.

How do you start a podcast for beginners?

The Steps of starting a podcast:Work on podcast name and niche.Get your podcast cover image.Get Podcast intro + outro music.Get Podcasting equipment.Create an environment and process.Record your first podcast.Get Podcast hosting.Upload & publish your first podcast.More items...

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.

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.

Can I do a podcast from my phone?

0:314:33How to record a podcast with your phone - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYes the answer is yes you can absolutely just podcast. With your phone and a set of headphones. SoMoreYes the answer is yes you can absolutely just podcast. With your phone and a set of headphones. So first want to talk about the gear that you need to be able to record your podcast episodes.

What makes a podcast successful?

Keep the topic simple. A podcast with focus is going to be much easier for potential listeners to understand. You might think a wide appeal will get a wider audience but more often a narrow appeal means there's less likelihood others are doing the same thing. And the listeners you get will be very excited to find you.

What is the best app for podcast?

Google Podcasts helps you find the best shows for your tastes with a homepage that directs you to popular podcasts based on genres and what's trending. Google Podcasts is also pre-installed on Android products, making it the default podcast app for those devices.

Which platform is best for podcast?

What are the Best Podcast Hosting Platforms?Fusebox. ... Blubrry Podcasting. ... Spreaker. ... PodcastWebsites. ... Audioboom. Best hosting platform for taking your podcast to the next level. ... Libsyn. The most reliable podcast hosting site. ... Soundcloud. Best platform for audio content creators. ... Podomatic. Best freemium podcast hosting platform.More items...•

How long should a podcast be for beginners?

#3 The Length of Your Show Although there are no rules regarding the episode length, it's worth keeping in mind that short episodes will make new listeners more likely to try out your podcast. We recommend keeping the length under 30 minutes when starting out.

What are the benefits of starting a podcast?

Popular content platform because they are easy to consume. Great way to build an audience and build authority. You don’t need experience to start a...

Do podcasts make money?

Popular podcasters can make $25 to $50 for every 1,000 host-read podcast ads. Jeromy Sonne, co-founder of audio advertising service, Decibel , rep...

What are some free podcast hosting sites?

Anchor Acast Buzzsprout Podbean

Can you start a podcast for free?

Yes, you can create and set up a podcast for free by using a free podcast hosting service and free audio software and uploading your shows to sites...

What mic do I need for a podcast?

You’ll want to avoid the mic that comes built into your computer and, instead, opt for something like the Audio Technica ATR-2100-USB or Blue Microphones Yeti USB. Or, you could spend a bit more and choose a dedicated XLR microphone -- like the Samson SAC01, and a mixer, for superior quality and better control over the sound. If you choose this option, don’t forget to grab an XLR cable to connect the mic to the mixer.

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.

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.

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.

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 speak directly into a microphone?

When talking directly into the microphone, your b’s and p’s will sound amplified. You can avoid this by speaking to the side of your mic, rather than directly into it, or get yourself a pop filter. They’re cheap -- but priceless.

Who is Brenton Hayden?

Brenton Hayden is the founder and chairman of the board of Renters Warehouse. A Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Business graduate, Hayden leads a team of over 140 employees and franchises in 21 states with a portfolio of managed properties valued at just under $1 billion.

Why upload podcasts to Spotify?

Spotify is an up-and-coming 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.

How many podcasts are there in 2019?

In 2019, US weekly podcast listeners averaged seven podcasts each week.

How many people listen to podcasts a month?

According to Edison Research, the number of Americans listening to podcasts every week increased 175% over the last five years, with roughly 90 million listening to a podcast each month.

What should a podcast name be?

Your podcast name should speak to you and your audience. Ideally, listeners should know what the podcast is all about from just the name alone. Having a very descriptive name can help. However, this isn’t entirely necessary, since most podcast platforms include a “hook” or short description along with the podcast name. This helps optimize your podcast’s searchability on platforms such as Apple Podcasts or Google Play. For example, “Grub Podcast: All about healthy eating and helping you cook better” or “Xtreme: Interviews with famous skateboarders, such as Tony Hawk, Chad Muska and Rick Howard.”

What should the cover of a podcast be?

Your podcast cover art needs to be beautiful. Don’t neglect this aspect of your podcast, as Apple Podcasts in particular seems to only feature podcasts (more on this later) with professional-looking artwork. You may need to invest some money in hiring a professional to design your cover art. Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a pro, use words and images that are large enough to be clearly legible at almost any size.

What is the best microphone for podcasting?

Blue Yeti ($129.99 USD). This podcast microphone is often recommended for podcasting beginners. The Blue Yeti is a great condenser microphone that produces studio-quality recordings for podcasts with ease.

Why is podcasting important?

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 allows you to reach a brand new audience: people who might otherwise never find or consume your long-form content because they prefer the audio format.

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.

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 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.

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.

How to choose a topic for a podcast?

To choose a topic that you want to talk about, you should have a general idea of what you plan to discuss. The more you know about that topic, the better the results will be of the podcast. You can research other podcasts by listening to as many as possible and learn about a particular niche, the tone most podcasters choose to adopt, and the sound quality to aim for. You should also consider trending topics and aim to work around them to deliver exactly what your audience wants .

How do podcasts grow?

So you must produce fresh material regularly to meet the expectations of your audience. You must also stick to a calendar that helps you to organize your content to meet the demands of your audience.

Why do podcasts have titles?

A podcast title can help the listener anticipate the content and purpose of your podcast. We suggest you put some thought into choosing a title for your podcast. You are free to choose a title that best reflects your target audience. Here are a few things you should consider when brainstorming for the perfect title.

What podcast player to use for WordPress?

I recommend using Fusebox Podcast Player. This player is very light and doesn’t slow down your WordPress website.

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.

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 does it mean when you speak into your mic with P and B?

When you speak directly into your mic with P (s) and B (s), your voice is amplified.

What are podcasts made of?

They are made of flexible threads with rubber inside them. So whenever there’s a vibration which not traveling through the air, it will absorb them and hence, not hindering your podcast.

Why do you need a boom when recording?

So you’re comfortable while recording. Also, using a boom would help you to maintain your pitch. If you use your hand to hold the mic, chances are there would be a lot of pitch modulation as your hands won’t be stable.

Should I have my own website for my podcast?

Also, if you want to monetize your podcast, you should always have your own website. Here, I would recommend Bluehost WordPress Web Hosting.

Why is podcasting better than blogging?

It has deeper engagement, as listeners tend to stay tuned in longer than with blog content. Podcasts work as multitasking options, too—you can listen to a podcast while you cook or while you drive. The same can’t be said for blog posts or any form of visual content.

How often do podcasts post?

Forty percent of the Top 25 podcasts with a regular posting schedule publish once per week. The next most common frequency is twice per week. Of the Top 25, only three podcasts did not have a discernible schedule to their posting. It seems that some publishing rhythm is preferred over no rhythm.

What day is the most common day to post podcasts on iTunes?

Sixty percent of podcasts with a regular schedule posted early in the week, before Wednesday. The most common single day was Tuesday (which just so happens to be the day when new music hits the iTunes store, presumably meaning more visits who might see a new podcast).

What is audio used for?

Audio is being used in clever ways to fit into the content plans of some of the top forward-thinking websites and blogs. Tim Ferris—author of The Four-Hour Work Week — started a very popular podcast from his blog. Copyblogger runs their Lede podcast amid their traditional awesome marketing posts.

How long does it take to get approved for a podcast?

Apple will give you a confirmation message, letting you know that there may be a review process for your podcast. This is typically within 24 to 48 hours but can take up to five days. You will receive an email letting you know if you’re approved. Three to five days after that, people can begin searching and finding your podcast in the Apple Podcasts app.

How to sync podcast with blog?

Embedding audio is perhaps the best way to sync your podcast with your blog content. Many top blogs use their podcast as an additional blog post, adding the audio directly into the body of the post and providing either a full transcript of the podcast or a list of topics and resources covered in the podcast.

How to make a podcast sound professional?

Your best bet for a podcast that sounds organized and professional is to practice beforehand by figuring out what you’re going to say and coming up with an outline for your recording. You don’t have to go so far as to script things out. Just have a road map for where you’re headed and what you want to touch on.

How to improve microphone sound quality?

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.

What cable should I use for a XLR?

I recommend starting with a mid-range XLR cable like the Rapco Horizon.

What is the best podcast editing software?

For beginners, the podcast editing software I recommend is Audacity or Garageband. They’re both free and relatively easy to use and learn. The next level up is Adobe Audition, and if you already have a Creative Cloud subscription, it’s probably a good idea to just go with that.

Why do you need a shock mount for a microphone?

A shock mount will prevent or minimize unwanted sounds from tapping the desk to typing to moving your boom arm to small vibrations that you might not even notice . Most microphone makers also offer a compatible shock mount, and some even provide one with the mic.

How to prevent plosives on mic?

A pop filter or windscreen will greatly minimize or prevent plosives. Put your hand in front of your mouth and say “power” – feel the air on the “p”? That’s what you’re protecting the mic from – those air blasts can easily send a mic into the red.

What is the best device to record interviews on the road?

Digital Recorder. If you’re doing interviews on the road, a portable digital recorder will be your best friend. You can always get started with an external mic for your iPhone, but a dedicated handheld recorder will give you a lot more flexibility (they can even double as a USB interface).

Why do we need 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.