How to Start a Podcast: A Beginner’s Guide

If you want to create or start a brand-new podcast and have no idea where to begin, you’re in the right place. Many successful podcasts started with little knowledge but grew with the right approach. In this guide, you’ll learn five essential tips on how to start a podcast for beginners.

1. Name Your Podcast and Create Artwork

The first step in launching your podcast is to choose a name and design eye-catching artwork.

When deciding on a name, don’t overthink it—you can always change it later. Many successful podcasters have rebranded after years of running their shows. A simple approach is to pick a word that represents your theme and add your name to it.

Once you’ve settled on a name, the next step is creating your podcast artwork. You have two options:

• DIY with Canva: Canva.com offers podcast artwork templates where you can replace stock images and customize text to fit your brand.
• Hire a Designer on Fiverr: If you want a professional touch, Fiverr.com has affordable designers who can create custom artwork for your podcast.

Make sure your artwork meets the required dimensions across all podcast platforms.

2. Choose a Podcast Hosting and Distribution Platform

A podcast distribution platform is essential for making your podcast available on multiple streaming services. These platforms allow you to upload your audio files and distribute them to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more.

One option is Podcastle, which simplifies the distribution process. With Podcastle, you can:

• Go to “My Show”
• Select “Create New Show”
• Follow the on-screen prompts to connect your RSS feed to major platforms

By uploading your podcast to one platform, it automatically distributes it across multiple directories.

3. Record Your First Few Episodes

Starting with multiple episodes gives you a buffer to maintain consistency. You have two release strategies:

1. One per week: If you record four episodes upfront, you’ll have a month’s worth of content before needing to record the next.
2. Batch release: Launching with three episodes gives listeners immediate content to engage with.

Your first episode can introduce yourself and your podcast’s purpose, while the next episodes establish your standard format.

Choosing the Right Microphone

Great audio quality is key to a professional-sounding podcast. Here are microphone options based on your needs:

• Beginner (Free Option): Use your smartphone’s built-in mic with the Podcastle app for improved sound quality.
• Budget-Friendly: The Samsung Q2U ($70) includes a stand and cables, delivering excellent sound for its price.
• Professional: The Samsung Q9U ($100) offers a richer sound but requires a mic stand.

If you need a wireless option, the Rode Wireless Me ($150) works well for solo creators, while the Rode Wireless Pro is ideal for interviews.

Recording with Guests

Having multiple people on a podcast increases engagement. You can invite remote guests using Podcastle’s recording feature, which allows multiple tracks for better audio control.

4. Edit Your Podcast

Unlike video editing, podcast editing is simpler. The goal is to enhance the listening experience without over-polishing.

Podcastle offers built-in AI-powered editing tools, including:

• Magic Dust AI: Enhances audio quality automatically.
• Silence Removal: Eliminates long pauses.
• Auto-Leveling: Balances sound levels between speakers.
• Filler Word Detection: Removes “um” and “like” for a cleaner audio flow.

Additionally, you can use Podcastle’s royalty-free music library to add an intro track for a professional touch.

5. Publish and Promote Your Podcast

Once your episodes are edited, it’s time to publish and market your podcast.

Optimizing Podcast Titles

Choose engaging titles that encourage clicks. Podcastle’s auto-transcription feature can help generate relevant titles based on your episode content.

Uploading to Podcast Platforms

• Upload your audio to your chosen distribution platform (e.g., Podcastle).
• Ensure your podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
• If you’re uploading video episodes to YouTube, select “New Podcast” in YouTube Studio to create a dedicated podcast playlist.

Promoting Your Podcast

To grow your audience, share short video clips on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts.

Use AI tools like Opus Clips to automatically generate engaging snippets from your podcast episodes. These short clips serve as teasers that encourage new listeners to tune in.

Final Thoughts

Starting a podcast is easier than ever. By following these five steps—naming your podcast, choosing a hosting platform, recording quality episodes, editing effectively, and promoting your content—you can successfully launch and grow your podcast.

The key to long-term success is consistency. Keep producing and sharing episodes, and your audience will grow over time.

Looking for a platform to streamline your podcast production? Check out Podcastle to simplify recording, editing, and distribution.