What is a podcast?
A podcast file a digital audio file made available on the Internet for downloading to a computer or mobile device, typically available as a series, new installments of which can be received by subscribers automatically.
Instead of having written blog posts, podcast is all about delivering content based on audio.
Podcasting Stats
As of February 2019, there are over 660,000 podcasts/shows that are available on various platforms. And the number of podcast episodes were 28 million.
Why is podcasting popular?
Podcast is popular because it came during the massive influx of content in the virtual world.
With thousands of blogs created on a daily basis, there are just too much content in the world.
We are drowning in the sea of content — and the ability to listen to content makes podcasting an extremely popular option.
Entrepreneurs who are commuting to work or travelling spend a lot of their time listening to podcast because it is easy and hassle free. The ability to start or stop, fast forward or backward make podcasting even easier to digest for busy people.
Why is podcasting important?
Postcasting is important for businesses because it provides a different platform for you to share your content.
With podcasting, you will be able to reach out to a wider range of audience, that don't have much time to read.
Plus, you can easily reach out to audience who listen to podcasts during commute and those who prefer audio version.
How to start a podcast?
Starting a podcast is easy (thanks to today's technology).
The first step is to decide on a podcast niche. A few examples to help you are as follow:
The second step involves creating an artwork/design for your podcast.
Remember that the podcast artwork requires a minimum size of 1400 x 1400 pixels and a maximum size of 3000 x 3000 pixels.
You can use Canva to design your podcast artwork for free, or use freelance graphic designers on Fiverr as low as $5 per gig.
How good should my podcast artwork be like?
It is okay to have an average podcast artwork if you are just starting your own podcast show.
You can easily change the podcast artwork anytime based on your liking. Therefore, don't worry if your first podcast artwork doesn't look good!
How to record a podcast?
Now, let's talk about recording a podcast.
How do you record a podcast?
For starters, recording your own voice (and listening to it) is very, very odd.
The most important part about recording a podcast is the podcast equipments.
Here are the best podcast equipment.
Microphone. Any microphone will work for recording your podcast, but listeners can usually tell the difference between low and high quality microphones.
If you’re not sure what to look for, I recommend you to start with Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB Cardioid Dynamic USB/XLR Microphone (aff on Amazon) that costs around $64. It is the best microhpone for podcast beginners (noise reduction and USB enabled).
Audio Editing Software. For the actual recording and editing, you’ll need a Digital Audio Workstation (or DAW). As complicated as it sounds, it is important to use an audio editing software to ensure that the podcast audio is clear and ultimately providing a great user experience for the podcast listeners.
Audacity is the only free and open source programs that works perfectly well for those who are starting a podcast.
Two other popular podcast equipments are Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools (link on Amazon) and Mackie PROFX8V2 8-Channel Compact Mixer with USB and Effects (link on Amazon) which are used by searsoned podcasters.
Pop Filters. For some podcasters, using pop filters is an optional feature but for me, it's mandatory. The clearer your audio can sound, the better. Pop filters, while not required, are fairly cheap and can keep your plosives from making a nasty sound on your recording.
Pop Filter, by PEMOTech is a decent option that doesn't cost a bomb. It's only $8 on Amazon.
Related Guide: Best Sites to Buy SoundCloud Plays and Followers (2021)
Step by Step Guide To Record A Podcast (Like A Professional)
Step 1: Define your podcast niche/topic
Just like blogs, there are a ton of podcasts out there. That means that you can probably find a podcast about everything under the sun already.
Don’t get discouraged!
While just about every broad topic is already covered, you just have to find your spin on things to make an old idea something new.
Every topic is possible in podcasting and therefore, stop wasting time in trying to find the best possible podcast niche.
The podcast niche of choice don't have to be popular. You just need to have passion in the podcasting (topic) and you will be golden.
Step 2: Download and setup Audacity
Audacity is a great DAW for podcasting beginners. It’s open source, free to use as long as you like, and is available for Windows, OS X, and Linux.
Here are the exact step you need to take in order to install and setup Audacity correctly for podcasting.
If the audio in your MP3 test file sounds okay, you’re ready to start recording your podcast in Audacity.
Step 3: Record and edit podcasts using Audacity
Audacity is very straight forward and easy to use. However, this DAW program might be complex especially for beginners.
Here are some tricks to help you record podcast using Audacity.
Once these are done, you have completed the process of recording the main part of your podcast (yaa-hoo!).
Press the Stop button to stop the recording.
Step 4: How to add music and make edits to the podcast using Audacity?
Always remember that recording a podcast is just the first step.
Producing excellent (or good) podcast episode is another — and spend as much time here as when you are planning and recording the podcast show.
Follow these steps to add music and edit your podcast in Audacity.
Step 5: How to cut a specific podcast section using Audacity?
It happens — swearing, wrong use of words etc.
Here are the exact tutorial to cut a specific podcast section in Audacity.
Bonus: How do you record a podcast with multiple microphones or Skype?
I wish there is an easy way for this but no — it requires a bit of money and effort to record a podcast with multiple microphones and on Skype.
According to Audacity support team, Audacity can only recognize one audio input recording at a time. Thus, here's the work around if you are using multiple microphones or Skype to record your podcast.
Step 6: How to tag and export MP3 file in Audacity?
You would need to edit the file's metadata (also known as "tagging") in order to export it out as MP3.
What is a metadata in a podcast?
Metadata is information that displays no matter what the filename is and includes things like title, track number, album, and the name of the artist.
How do you export audio as an MP3 using Audacity?
Here are the steps you need to take in order to do so.
Metadata is important because it helps you to manage your podcast episodes in a very clean order.
When it comes to editing your metadata, make sure you spend time inputting as much information as possible.
Conclusion: How to record a podcast for free?
I hope you find this guide useful and you are on your way to recording your podcast episode!
What do you think? Leave a comment below!