While creating a podcast can be a very fun experience (and a great way to make some money too!) it can be a very time-consuming process, especially if you’re doing everything yourself.
“From recording to editing, distribution, advertising, and much more, beginners to podcasting are often unprepared for how much work goes into just one episode,” says podcasting expert Martin from WiredClip.com.
“Certain apps are essential to podcasting, as they can streamline production, distribution, and marketing tasks. They can help with everything from recording high-quality audio, editing your episodes, hosting your podcast, distributing it to various platforms, tracking analytics, and promoting your show.”
To help, we put together all you need to know to up your podcasting game – read on for the ultimate guide to take your podcasts to the next level!
What Is A Podcast?
Before we move to the apps and tools, let’s first define what a podcast is. A podcast is a form of digital media consisting of audio or video files that are released episodically. Podcasts have been around since 2004, but back then they were known as “audio blogging.”
In 2023, podcasts are all the rage – with thousands of people launching their own podcasts every day.
What Do You Need To Start A Podcast?
In order to get started with podcasting, you will need the following:
A Computer And Internet Connection
The first thing you need is a computer that can handle the load of recording and editing audio files. You will also need a good internet connection to upload your podcast to the various podcast hosting platforms.
A Microphone And Recording Software
You’ll need a decent microphone for recording your podcast, as well as software for editing and mastering your audio files. There are plenty of free options available, such as Audacity and GarageBand, or you can invest in professional-grade software such as Adobe Audition.
Podcast Hosting Platform
You will need to host your podcast on a platform such as Libsyn or Podbean. They will provide the necessary RSS feed for your show and submit it to all the major podcast directories.
Marketing And Promotion
Finally, you’ll need to promote your podcast in order to reach an audience and grow your show. This can include using social media platforms, creating audiograms, or even running ads on various podcast directories.
Apps & Tools for Podcasting
Understanding the right tools on the market can help you to create a great podcast. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been producing podcasts for years, here are some of the best apps and tools to help streamline production, distribution, and marketing tasks:
Anchor
Anchor is a free, easy-to-use podcast creation, distribution, and monetization platform that also offers a built-in recording tool. Anchor makes it simple to publish your podcast on major podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and so is great for beginners.
Audacity
Another popular option is Audacity; this is a free, open-source, cross-platform audio software that is excellent for recording and editing your podcast. It’s a powerful tool with a range of capabilities, but it does have a bit of a learning curve.
GarageBand
If you are using a Mac to create your podcast, GarageBand is a free DAW (digital audio workstation) that you can use to record and edit your podcast.
Adobe Audition
Adobe Audition is a professional-grade software that allows you to record, edit, and master your podcast episodes. This is a paid service, but it offers extensive features for those looking to take their podcast to the next level.
Zencastr or SquadCast
These remote recording platforms allow you to record high-quality remote interviews with multiple people. They can record each guest locally, eliminating the common problems with internet-based call recordings.
Auphonic
Another great option is Auphonic – this is an online tool that levels and masters your audio files, making them sound more professional.
Libsyn or Podbean
Podcast hosting platforms distribute your podcast to all major directories. They also provide analytics to help you understand your audience.
Headliner
Headliner is a great tool for creating audiograms, or visual sound bites, of your podcast for social media promotion.
Canva
Canva is a useful graphic design tool that can be used to create podcast cover art and social media promotional graphics.
Buffer or Hootsuite
Promoting and marketing your podcast is a key part of its success, and these are two social media scheduling tools that can help you manage your podcast’s online presence and promotion.
Transistor
Another podcast hosting platform that offers unlimited shows and high-quality analytics in their pricing plans.
Martin describes how “If you want to try podcasting and want to make your life easier, using these tools will likely save you a lot of time and effort and result in a more professional end product.”
Final Thoughts
Podcasting is a great way to reach an audience and share your voice. It requires planning, production, and marketing – but with the right tools, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. Using the apps and tools mentioned above will streamline the production process and help you to reach more listeners.
