Have you noticed how everyone seems to be talking about podcasts these days? It’s like the world has collectively tuned in. But why the sudden surge in popularity? And what’s with all the celebrities getting in on the action? Intrigued by the recent boom in popularity, I’ve been asking these questions myself. It’s not just about the sheer volume of podcasts out there but also the range of voices and topics they cover.
What makes podcasts so appealing? For starters, they provide a level of accessibility and flexibility that few other mediums can match. Podcasts can be enjoyed anytime and anywhere, which makes them perfect for commutes, workouts, or lazy Sunday afternoons.
How about for creators and listeners? For creators, the barrier to entry is lower than ever with minimal equipment and technical know-how. Anyone can become a podcaster and share their voice with the world as long as they do their research. On the flip side, for those of us on the receiving end, podcasts let us unwind from the chaos of our everyday lives. Whether we’re seeking entertainment, education, or simply a sense of connection, they allow us to immerse ourselves in stories, ideas, and conversations. At the end of the day, they not only entertain but also enlighten and inspire.
The Podcast Industry
Before we talk about the ins and outs of starting your own podcast, let’s take a step back and briefly explore the podcasting industry. In recent years, podcasts have experienced a remarkable surge in popularity. According to a new Podcasting Today report by Nielsen and Edison Research, “the total US podcast audience has grown 68% in the last five years” (Podnews). What was once considered a niche medium has now transformed into a lively online network of audio storytelling.
One of the most notable aspects of the podcasting boost is its impressive growth trajectory. At a glance, “there are over 464 million podcast listeners worldwide” (Backlinko). As of 2023, according to “The Infinite Dial” report by Edison Research, “42% of Americans ages 12 and older have listened to a podcast in the past month” (Pew Research). This just shows us how much podcasts, and audio content in general, have become a part of many people’s routines.
The cool thing about podcasts is that there’s something for everyone. Among the top podcast genres in the U.S. are comedy, news, society and culture, true crime, sports, business, education, health and fitness, TV and film, religion and spirituality (Edison Research). This wide range of genres not only guarantees that listeners can find something they enjoy but also reflects the appeal and accessibility of podcasts as a medium.
How to Start Your Own Podcast
Ready to start your own podcast? You might be wondering, why do people even start podcasts? Most do it “as a hobby” or a “creative outlet” while other reasons include to build a personal brand or grow a business. But where do you begin? Let’s break it down into steps to get your podcast up and running smoothly.
Define Your Podcast’s Topic
Before you hit record, take some time to define what your podcast will be about. Think about your passions and expertise, whatever it is you want to share with your audience. Your podcast’s topic will be the foundation of your show, so choose something that you’re genuinely interested in and that will resonate with listeners.
Select the Right Equipment and Software
Once you’ve established your podcast’s topic, it’s time to gather the necessary equipment and software. Don’t worry, you don’t need a fancy studio setup. Start with the basics! This includes a good microphone, headphones, recording and editing software. There are options available for every budget and skill level, so do some research to find what works best for you. Here are a few details that might help:
- In 2020, the top brands for microphones were Rode, Blue, and Shure. The Blue Yeti (17% reported use) is the most popular choice overall.
- 74% of podcasters use headphones. This means the other 26% are risking not knowing if there are audio problems while they record (Riverside).
- “48% of respondents use Audacity to edit their podcast, with Adobe Audition in 2nd place” (Podcast Host).
Plan Your Content
Now that you have your topic and equipment sorted, it’s time to start planning your podcast episodes. Brainstorm ideas for episode topics, think about how you want to structure each episode, and come up with compelling titles that will attract listeners. Don’t forget about podcast scripting! There are a number of options such as the word-for-word script, the detailed episode outline, and the flexible bullet point plan. Find what works best for you, there is no right or wrong way to do it.
Also, remember to aim for consistency in your content and release schedule to keep your audience engaged and coming back for more. Here are a few considerations:
- “The most common podcast length is between 20 and 40 minutes” (Podcast Host).
- “Around 35% of podcasts publish an episode on their hosting platform every 3 to 7 days, and 40% every 8 to 14 days” (Riverside).
- “Wednesdays and Thursdays seem to be the most popular days for publishing” (Podcast Host).
Record and Edit
Once your content is planned out, it’s time to hit the record button. Find a quiet space to record your episodes and focus on capturing the best audio quality possible. When you’re satisfied with your recording, it’s time to edit. Start by trimming the start and end, any unnecessary mistakes or parts, adjust volume levels, and consider noise reduction. Last but not least, add some music or sound to make your podcast feel polished. Listen to it several times to make sure you have a smooth flow from start to finish.
Publish and Promote
Now it’s time to share your podcast with the world. But first you will need to choose a podcast hosting platform, which is where you will store your audio files, set up your episodes, and publish them. You don’t need to upload anything directly to Apple Podcasts or Spotify because these listening apps will read the episodes right from your podcast host. There are a number of free and paid options available so do your research and pick the one that works best for you and your budget. Here’s a quick breakdown of 4 free options (Podcast Host):
- Podbean’s free package has the following limitations: 5 hours of audio, maximum, forever and 100GB monthly bandwidth.
- RedCircle’s free package has the following conditions: Upload up to 2 hours of audio each month but episodes go offline after three months of publishing.
- Spotify for Podcasters is best for newcomers just testing the waters.
- Spreaker’s free plan includes a single podcast and up to 6 months of basic stats.
Once your podcast is live, don’t forget to promote it to reach a wider audience. Utilize social media and optimize your podcast for search engines to maximize your reach and attract new listeners.
Takeaways
In the end, it’s clear that audio storytelling holds a universal appeal. Podcasts not only provide a fun and flexible medium for storytelling but also meaningful connections. Whatever your motivation may be for starting your own podcast, there’s never been a better time to jump in. Just like any creative endeavor, creating a podcast requires dedication and effort. Embrace the ups and downs, experiment with different ideas, and enjoy the process. And remember to take your time, do your research, and don’t underestimate the impact of thorough planning. I hope that this brief guide provided you with valuable insights and a solid foundation for getting started.