podcast recording studio

How to start a podcast

So you want to start a podcast...Congrats! We are super excited hear what you create.

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You might feel very alone right now, but trust us, you're not. A recent count says there are more than 600,000 podcasts, with 30,000 new shows added each month, and believe it or not, those all started somewhere. Just because lots of people are creating podcasts doesn't mean it's easy, but never fear! We've scoured the web to highlight plenty of trusted resources that'll help guide you every step of the way, from naming your show to promoting your published episodes.

Let's start with the very basics:

What even is a podcast?

Podcasts were born of the internet, so its definition is a wee bit technical. Technical and important, but certainly not scary. A podcast is a special type of RSS feed that contains audio or video files, and these feeds make it so people can publish files to other people automatically. RSS stands for “Really Simple Syndication” - and it does exactly what the title says: this feed format makes it really easy for the content it contains to be distributed. Not one person or organization owns podcasts, anyone can both create them and consume them, and that is central to their importance and beauty.

Anytime a podcaster publishes a new episode it is added to their show’s RSS feed, and is automatically sent to podcatchers (an application that can read RSS feeds, we make a great one!) so listeners everywhere can download or stream your podcast on their phone or computer.

And the name? “Pod” refers to an early device to access these small pieces of content (the iPod) and “Cast” comes from “broadcast.”

Before you start: Conceptualizing your show

Now that you’re clear (if you weren’t already) about what a podcast is, let’s jump in on how to start. Before you do anything, orient yourself with these words of wisdom from pros about conceptualization of your show, what pitfalls to avoid, and whether a podcast is even the right format for your project (better to find this one out sooner rather than later).

If you’re short on time, or just looking for a general overview of the entire podcast creation experience, this explainer from Anchor takes you through concept, production, publication, promotion, and growth all in one succinct guide.

Pre-production

Okay. So, you’ve got a concept. You know that a podcast is the right medium for this project. Now it’s time to...hit record? We’re close: planning and pre-production awaits you next.

This is your chance to define your audience, identify what success means for your show, conduct your research, sketch out your production schedule, name your show, and more. These are essential next steps, and while it sounds like a lot, as your friendly—perhaps a little nosy—next-door neighbors we must remind you that failing to plan is planning to fail. And we definitely want you to succeed.

Ideas and planning

Creative

Technology

Funding

Production

Reap the sweet reward of all that pre-production and planning with a smooth transition into production. Here, you’ll find tips, tricks, and advice from the most seasoned radio makers and podcast creators about writing scripts, structuring stories, choosing equipment, and voicing.

Making a trailer

Writing

Hardware & Software

The process

Perfecting your web presence

If you want your podcast to be the best it can be, an effective web presence is a not-so-secret ingredient for success. Submit your podcast to podcast directories and highlight podcatchers that help new listeners hear your show. Make your website as user-friendly as possible, and utilize social media to engage your listeners. These guides break down what’ll help bring eyes and ears to your show.

Prepare for launch!

You’re making this great thing (yay!) and you want to make sure the world hears it. Or, at least, that someone hears it. How do you make sure people know when your podcast goes live?

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