How to Start a Podcast: Step-by-Step Full Guide & Free Checklist

If you’re a first-timer or new to podcasting, starting a podcast can feel overwhelming. I get it. 

I’m Stephen Robles, host of Primary Technology podcast, and I’ve been hosting podcasts for over 15 years. Primary Technology garners over 15,000 monthly downloads and is about to cross 300,000 downloads going into its second year.

Along the way, I’ve learned a lot –sometimes the hard way.

In this guide, I asked other podcasters for their top tips on how to create a podcast and what they wish they knew starting out.

I've used their answers and my insights to create this step-by-step, comprehensive guide.

Read on to learn everything you need to launch your podcast —no experience needed.

The quick-fire guide to starting a podcast

If you're not ready for a deep dive –or you simply want a checklist to organize your actions– download this quick guide.

It will give you an overview of everything you need to create your podcast, from set-up to publishing and monetization.

Ready for the deep-dive expert walkthrough? Keep reading.

Why should you start a podcast?

Wondering if going through all the effort of creating your own podcast is worth it?

It is, and here’s why:

• Lead generation: Podcasts are an effective lead generation machine. A Veritonic study showed that 40% of consumers are more likely to purchase from a podcast ad rather than a social media ad.
• Monetization: It takes work, but you can make money podcasting.
• Community: You can build a community around a topic you care about.
• Networking and collaborations: You'll likely interview and meet a wide range of people to learn from and work together with.
• Thought leadership: Podcasting can position you as a trusted expert in your industry.

How to start a podcast in 11 easy steps

1. Plan your podcast topic

The first step is creating a concrete podcast plan. You want to define your goals, target audience, and niche.

Start by looking at your why, who, what, and how: 

a. Find your “why” and “what”: The reasons why you podcast

Figuring out why you want to create a podcast motivates you to be consistent and guides your podcast topic. 

Think about what you want to achieve through podcasting and why you chose to start a podcast in the first place. 

• Is this just a hobby? 
• Are you trying to attract new customers? 
• Or, maybe you’d like to build a community?

The “why” of a show is also the reason why your audience should listen to you. Define what you are offering them:

• A quick escape with humor? Solving a specific problem?
• A smart solution to their specific problems?
• Educational content to teach them something new?

Try summing it up in one sentence. This will be the core essence that will describe your show and set it apart from all the others.

b. Choose your “who”: Define your audience

You might enjoy making a podcast for yourself — but if no one’s listening, what’s the point? 

Before you create content, get crystal clear on who you’re creating it for.

Ask yourself:

• Who is my ideal listener?
• What do they care about?
• What are they struggling with?
• How can I speak their language?

Different audiences respond to different styles, and you should shape your tone, format, and style to their needs. A polished, high-end production show might resonate with executives. Meanwhile a looser, unfiltered format could click better with everyday listeners who value authenticity.

“You need to define your target audience first. Many people skip that step and focus on what they enjoy creating—and that’s okay, because your niche needs to be something you truly care about. But your content should be tailored to a specific group. Vague content won’t land with anyone, it won’t get you where you want to go.” - Jade Beason, Podcast Host and Founder of The Creator Project

c. Pick your “what”: Outline your podcast topic and niche

When you think about what your podcast will be about, the topic should really be something you just can't stop talking about.

Enjoying your topic helps you stay consistent in the long run, but it also needs to be focused. Going niche makes it easier to plan content and attract the right audience.

Here are a few questions that may help you hone in on a specific topic:

• What am I an expert in?
• How can I help solve my audience’s pain points?
• What gaps can I fill in the market?

Once you have a few ideas, check Spotify Charts, Google Trends, and Reddit to validate them and check if there’s real demand.

Choose a podcast name

Next, think about your podcast name. Your name should align with your brand and be easily discoverable on search engines.

“Podcasts I see grow organically really well are podcasts that are trying to grab an actually searched keyword.” - Alban Brooke, Buzzsprout Head of Marketing

Choose a name not already in use. This way, you’ll be the only podcast that shows if people search for you. Remember to claim any domains or social media accounts with your name so nobody else does before you.

2. Choose a podcast format and structure

Now that you’ve decided your why, who, and what, it’s time to choose your how. 

How are you going to structure and create your podcast? Let’s look at the format, length, and structure.

Select a podcast format

Think about the best way to convey your podcast topic. 

While the most popular podcast format is an interview show, there are so many interview shows you may struggle to differentiate yourself.

If you’re podcasting about history, a documentary style is a good option. If you’re creating a news podcast, use reporting. 

Some of the formats you can try include:

• Solo-host monologue: Only one host presents the entire show.
• Co-hosted show: Two co-hosts present the show. 
• Interviews: Host(s) invite guests to discuss a topic with them. 
• Reporting: Host(s) cover and analyze the facts of events or news. 
• Storytelling, scripted narratives: Host(s) tell or act out a story. 
• Documentaries: In-depth discussions through interviews and research. 

Once you’ve made up your mind, pick a podcast category to improve your discoverability on Apple or Spotify.

Also, consider if you’re podcasting solo or with a Co-host. I find that podcasting with my co-host helps with consistency. You develop a rapport that makes recording easier and more fun and supports a more natural conversational flow. 

Quick tip! You don’t have to stick to one format for all your episodes. While it creates consistency, mix things up if it works best for your show.

Read more: Choosing A Podcast Format & Best Practices To Follow

Find an ideal podcast length and frequency

More than 50% of podcasts are over 30 minutes. But is this the correct length for your new podcast?

The right length depends on how much value you can deliver without filler. Don’t go on tangents: keep it short and focused.

My advice is to match episode length to your publishing frequency. If you publish: 

• Daily: A 10-minute podcast is manageable. 
• Weekly or several times a week: Stay within 30-50 minutes. 
• Less frequently: You could go over an hour, but only if you offer value.

Consistency matters more than frequency. Your audience should know exactly when to expect your next episode. Choose a schedule that works for you — and stick to it.

“I never sell on my show, even though I have a company. For me, it’s about learning and providing value. My listeners want to learn. They want to be inspired. They want to hear something that could immediately make an impact in their work.” - Anna Furmanov, Host of the Modern Startup Marketing Podcast

After publishing the first few episodes, check your podcast analytics to see which days and times generate the most downloads for your podcast. The most popular release times tend to be:

• Monday 8–10 AM EST
• Tuesday 9 AM EST
• Wednesday 7 PM EST

But this can differ depending on your audience.

I always recommend recording at least two or three episodes before you launch. This gives you a buffer to stay consistent, especially when life gets busy.

3. Create podcast branding assets

As much as you shouldn’t judge a podcast by its cover, your visuals make up the first impression audiences get from your show.

Besides creating a brand logo, you’ll need podcast cover art. This is the visual you’ll use to display your show on listening platforms like Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Branding is about managing perception. It's not just a logo or a visual identity—it's how you make people feel, what they think of you, and how they talk about you when you're not in the room. Your brand is the promise you make and the experience you deliver. - Chris Do, Podcast Host of Futur

We’ve got full guides on creating podcast covers and inspiring logos to help you. But, don’t overcomplicate things by trying to make the best artwork in the world right from the start. You could always revisit it in the future. 

Just keep it easily identifiable and tailored to what your audience might find attractive. For example, pixel graphics are perfect for a podcast on 8-bit retrogaming.

AI tools like Canva or Tailor Brands can help you design your cover art with minimal effort.

Quick tip! Design your cover at 3000 × 3000 px, under 500 KB, in JPG or PNG format. This way you'll be compliant with major podcasting platforms right out of the gate.

Adding music

If you want to feature music you didn’t create on your show, you’ll want to obtain a synchronization license.

Many podcasters rely on “fair use” laws that let them play a small portion of a copyrighted work without a license. But, all it takes is one lost lawsuit for you to lose a lot of money.

Make sure you get a license to use someone else’s music or rely on royalty-free music.

4. Set up your podcast equipment

Your next step is to set up your podcast recording equipment. Luckily, you don’t need a fancy studio or equipment to create a professional podcast.

a. Define your budget

Launching a podcast can cost anything between $0 and thousands of dollars, depending on your goals, set-up, and promotion plan.

Here are your main options:

• No-budget podcast: You can start completely free using your phone, free editing tools, and free hosting platforms. Check our full guide to starting a podcast for free to learn how.
• Low-budget podcast: With $50–$100, you can get a decent mic, maybe headphones, and pay around $15/month for hosting.
• High-budget podcast: For studio-quality production, expect to invest $500–$1,000+ on premium gear, software, and branding.

As a beginner, I suggest starting with a lower budget setup. Many podcasters end up buying things they don’t need, and as your podcast grows, you can always invest back into it.

b. What equipment do you need to start a podcast?

Technically, you can start a podcast with just a computer, a reliable smartphone, and a good idea. But if you’re serious about creating an enjoyable podcast, start with these basics:

Podcast microphone(s)

You don’t need to break the bank on a high-end mic when you're just starting out. With the right tools, like Riverside’s AI audio enhancement, even an affordable $12 lapel mic can sound surprisingly good.

That said, if you’re ready to level up your audio quality, your microphone is the first upgrade worth investing in. 

For beginners, I suggest going for a plug-and-play USB mic with a cardioid pattern. This just means the mic picks up sound from the front.

Recommendations: ATR 2100X (budget-friendly), Shure MV7+, Earthworks Ethos (the microphone I often use)-  .

Read more: 9 Best Podcast Microphones for Every Need and Budget

Podcast Headphones‍

Headphones aren’t a must to start. But, they stop audio bleed or echo, and increase your editing precision since you hear the audio your equipment picks up live.

I prefer to use wired headphones as there’s less lag, and I don’t need to recharge them.

Recommendations: Sennheiser 280 PRO, Audio Technica ATH-m20x

Read more: The 11 Best Podcast Headphones

Laptop or desktop computer

Any computer or laptop should do, but make sure your device is compatible with your podcasting software.

Recommendations: HP Spectre x360, Macbook Air.

Read more: An Overview Of The 10 Best Laptops for Podcasting

Podcast camera

You only need a camera if you're recording a video podcast. While you can use your computer’s built-in webcam, you’ll get much better quality with an external webcam or a smartphone. Most newer iPhones and Androids shoot in 4K — perfect for high-quality video without buying extra gear.

Recommended: Sony ZV-E10, Panasonic HC-V770K.

Read more: Podcast Camera: Choosing The Best One For Video Podcasting

Additional equipment

There’s some additional equipment you might want to consider to ramp up your game:

• Pop Filter
• Audio interface or podcast mixer (You’ll need one if you’re using an XLR mic)
• Microphone stand
• Video lighting
• Sound-proofing materials

The above aren’t absolute necessities. But they will boost your podcast show's quality, keep your audio clean, and improve your video output.

‍

For an in-person setup

If you’re recording in person, you’ll need to make sure every guest has their own mic. It’s best to record with multiple mics using a mixer or audio interface. 

 XLR microphones require an audio interface to connect to your computer, but they make recording with multiple mics easier.

5. Choose podcast recording and editing software

You can find free and paid podcast software. If you’re beginning, look for a dedicated podcast maker that is user-friendly and easy to use. 

Some non-negotiables to look for include:

• Separate tracks for multiple guests and co-hosts.
• High audio and video recording quality. Aim for 4K video and 48 kHz audio.
• Local recording where everything records directly from your device instead of relying on your web quality.
• Easy editing. You likely won’t need half the tools of the more advanced editors anyways.
• An all-in-one solution that integrates all your podcast recording and editing needs together.

Remote podcast software: Riverside

My top choice to meet all the above is Riverside. With Riverside, you can record and edit all your podcasts on one platform. And I find you can do this in less than half the time.  

Record with up to 10 participants and get separate high-quality video and audio tracks for each. Everything records directly on each person’s device to keep the quality crisp, no matter your connection.

After recording, edit in minutes with the AI-powered podcast editor. Trim your recording using the transcript, cut filler words in a click, and customize with b-roll, music, and captions.

All that's left to do is hit publish, which you can easily do through Riverside’s Spotify integration.

Some of my favorite features are:

• Easy-to-use interface whether you’re a beginner or a professional.
• Remote recording with up to 10 participants.
• Separate audio and video tracks for all participants to simplify editing.
• Host and producer controls for smoother recording sessions.
• Uncompressed recordings for maximum recording quality.
• Text-based editor so you can trim your recording as quick as deleting text.
• AI audio editing where you can equalize audio, remove filler words, and enhance audio quick. 
• Highly accurate animated captions, all in a click, and all styled your way.
• Automatic AI show notes, episode descriptions, titles, and chapters.
• Podcast clip generator to turn key moments into short, shareable videos.
• iOS and Android mobile apps for podcasting from your phone.
• Media board where you can add sound effects, live while recording.
• Live streaming with tools for live podcast audience call-ins. 

So, for me, Riverside covers all my needs and more. 

I’ll let you see for yourself. You can sign up for free and start recording a podcast pretty much straight away.

In-person podcast recording and editing software

You could easily use Riverside for recording in-person podcasts. We’ve got a whole guide on a Riverside in-person setup. 

Other options include:

• GarageBand: This software is more for music production. But it’s an accessible, free podcast digital audio interface for any Mac users.
• Audacity: If you’re looking for more in-depth audio control, then this is a solid free podcast audio platform.  
• Adobe Audition: I only recommend Audition to those with more editing experience. You’ll get tons of tools, but if you don’t know how to use them, it’s not worth the cost.

Extra podcasting software

A few extra tools can make your workflow smoother, from planning to promotion. Here are some to try:

• Riverside AI Transcription & Show Notes: Instantly generates accurate transcripts, episode titles, descriptions, chapters, and show notes. Great for saving time and boosting SEO.
• Headliner: Create quick audiograms to promote episodes on social media.
• Calendly: Makes it easy to schedule interviews and block out time for recording.
• Wix: A good option for building a podcast website with a live episode player.
• ChatGPT or Notion: I use these for brainstorming, outlining episodes, and keeping my ideas organized.
• Audio Hijack (Mac): Great for routing and recording separate high-quality audio tracks from any app or input on your Mac. 
• Podstatus: Sends you email alerts when your podcast charts in different countries or categories. Great for tracking performance and wins.
• Jasper: An AI writing assistant that helps with repurposing podcast content into emails, blogs, and social posts.
• Distribution.ai: A tool that automates content distribution across platforms, so you can post your episodes (and promos) everywhere without manual work.

These aren’t must-haves, but they definitely help keep your podcast consistent and professional.

“Use your content to create content that creates even more content. From one podcast episode, you can generate blog posts, pull the transcript into Jasper or Distribution.ai, and break it down into new ideas. Then tools like ChatGPT and Canva help turn those into micro assets and visuals.” - Ross Simmonds, Podcast Host of Create Like the Greats

6. Prepare your first podcast episodes

Now it’s time to start preparing your first episodes.

Schedule guest interviews

Start by scheduling any interviews. I prefer to prep questions in advance and keep interviews under 45 minutes to help everyone stay sharp and on-topic.

I usually find guests on social media, but you can also use a matching platform like PodMatc. h Just remember to build real connections, not not send cold pitches.

“Tools like Twitter and LinkedIn are great for discovering emerging voices, but I always make sure to engage with their content first, so the conversations feel more authentic and valuable. It’s all about building relationships over time, not just cold pitching”. - Jay Clouse, Podcast Host of Creator Science

Create an episode layout

An episode outline can help you avoid tangents and keep the flow tight. 

Writing a podcast script before recording each episode is always a good idea. But, treat it as a guide, not something to read word for word. Scripts can help you stay structured, but sounding too scripted can kill the natural flow.

ChatGPT, Claude.ai, or a script generator could act as your brainstorming buddies when you need inspiration and feel stuck. 

Your podcast needs should follow an order or sequence. I suggest you:

• Start with a hook and an intro.
• Cover the main content of your show (generally an interview).
• End off with a conclusion, followed by an outro, and a call to action.

“Add a call-to-action when you ask your listener to do one thing at the end of your episode. This encourages podcast growth and can attract new listeners.” - Rick Barron, Podcast Host of That’s Life, I Swear.

Also, consider where to place ads or other extra podcast segments. 

Don’t make your audience wait for the content they’re tuning for — get to the point as soon as possible. In previous years, podcasters often started their shows with small talk. This seems to be way less popular nowadays. 

For my podcasts, I use the first 30 to 45 seconds as a trailer. This allows users to get a quick idea of each episode’s main points.

Sometimes, I include an engaging or funny clip, so first-time listeners are hooked right away with something interesting or entertaining.

“Doing any sort of preamble, like a warm-up or lead-up to the episode again loses my listeners. So I dive right in, especially when I have a guest – I don't do a reading of their bio or anything. A lot of their expertise comes out through my questions.” - Andréa Jones, Host of The Mindful Marketing Podcast

7. Start recording your podcast

Before you start recording, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Position your mic around 2-4 inches away, and at a 45-degree angle to your face.
• Keep your frame clean and avoid a distracting backdrop. I add a personal touch with accent lights and a color-switching LED.
• Recharge batteries or plug-in equipment so nothing cuts out midway.
• Record in a quiet environment. You can even soundproof a room for a DIY home studio setup.
• Don’t rush or slurp your words. Speak confidently and clearly.

You also want to make sure you sound natural. Speak like you're talking to one person, not a crowd,  it helps you sound more conversational. Rick Barron, who's hosted 186 episodes on his podcast, That’s Life, I Swear, says:

“As I started my podcast recordings, I found myself sounding like I was reading from a script. Listening to other podcasters for guidance, it hit me that they didn’t sound like they were reading, but having a conversation with you. I then used my scripts as a reference only, and took that leap of faith to just speak with my audience. Engage with emotion, don’t rush but engage with the listening. Pause at times to allow an important fact sink in…add emphasis.”

Recording will look different depending on your setup:

Remote recording

Recording a podcast remotely is ideal for less tech-savvy podcasters. Use software with local recording, like Riverside, and simply invite your guests to your virtual studio and hit ‘Record’.

In-person recording 

This is best for chemistry and flow. Just remember: one mic per person. You’ll connect all mics through a mixer, and you can record directly to your computer.

For the full step-by-step, check out our guide on how to record a podcast.

Hybrid recording 

Since you’re combining in-person and remote recording, this requires some extra technical skills. Make sure all devices sync properly and test audio levels on both ends.

Here’s a full guide on how:

8. Edit your podcast recordings

Great editing turns a rough recording into a polished, professional episode. With automated tools like Riverside, it takes just a few minutes.

If you haven’t used a text-based editor before, it’s really easy: just edit the transcript like a doc, and it edits the audio and video too. Then, auto-clean your audio, generate captions, show notes, and social clips — all in a few clicks.

My editing checklist:

1. Shape the story: Remove tangents and sequence clips to shape your narrative.Clean up the audio: Remove background noise, harsh sounds, long pauses, and filler words. Equalize audio levels so all speakers are within the same volume.
2. Add captions: They’re important for accessibility, and with tools like Riverside, it takes a second to add animated captions to your show.
3. Add branding (for video): Customize your background or add a logo.
4. Spice up your show: Add intro, outro, music, and visual effects.
5. Merge tracks and export: Save videos as MP4s and audio as WAV files for uncompressed quality. (MP3s work if file size needs to be reduced).
6. Create promotional clips. Draw in viewers and turn your episodes’ key moments into short shareable social media videos.

Read more: Podcast Editing: How to Do It In 10 Steps (Complete Tutorial)

9. Publish your podcast show

Your first few episodes are set. Now it’s time to publish your show on different podcast listening platforms.

To do this, you’ll need to:

1. Upload your episodes to a podcast hosting site where you store your podcast content.
2. Push your content from your podcast host to a listening directory, where your audience can access your show.

If you use Riverside, this process is as smooth and simple as it gets, thanks to Riverside's integration with Spotify for Podcasters. This means you can record, edit and publish your podcast directly on Spotify from one place.

Here's our dedicated guide on how to start a podcast on Spotify.

Uploading your podcast to a hosting platform

Choose a podcast hosting platform that offers you enough storage, but make sure it’s compatible with your listening directory. Look into the features your podcast host provides, as many come with analytics and monetization tools.

Here are some options to explore:

For video podcasts go for:

• Spotify for Creators (formerly known as Anchor)
• Podbean‍
• Blubrry
• Podomatic

For audio podcasts try:

• Transistor.fm
• Buzzsprout
• Spreaker‍
• Libsyn‍
• Simplecast
• Red Circle
• Captivate.fm

Read more: Best Podcast Hosting Platforms

Creating a podcast description and show notes

Podcast descriptions explain what your show is about and what listeners can expect from your episodes. There are a few things to remember when writing your description:

• Include a captivating hook that draws in listeners to your show, like a shocking statement or provoking question.
• Keep your descriptions clear and concise. A few sentences to introduce yourself and your show are sufficient.
• Incorporate keywords related to your podcast topic to increase your discoverability in search engines. 

We’ve gathered some great  examples in our podcast descriptions guide. But here’s an example from Freakonomics:

You need to have a description for your podcast, but you also need to write up: 

• Show notes that summarize each episode and introduce the guests.
• Episode titles or headings.
• Episode chapters that help your listeners with navigation.

On Riverside, all the above happen automatically. AI show notes generates show notes, summaries, and episode chapters in one click.

Distributing your podcast to a directory

Each platform may require a slightly different process, but generally, to publish your podcast, you’ll need to:

1. Upload your first (few) episode(s) to a podcast hosting service.
2. Create an RSS podcast feed. 
3. Submit this RSS feed to the podcast directories you’d like to publish to.
4. Once approved, any new episode you upload onto your podcast hosting site should automatically get published on your chosen directories. 

Quick Tip! When submitting your podcast, choose a category that matches your niche. This helps place your content in front of the right audience and lets it target the right charts.

You want your show to be in as many places as you can. So don’t just submit your audio RSS feed on the 2 or 3 most popular platforms, but also to the other listening apps in this list:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Amazon Music and Audible
• YouTube 
• Deezer
• Transistor
• TuneIn

To help you out, check our guides on how to get started on the three most significant platforms: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

• How to Upload Your Podcast to Apple Podcasts (iTunes)
• How to Upload a Podcast to Spotify
• How to Start a Podcast on YouTube in 7 Steps 

Don’t forget to use shorts to increase your exposure and engagement. I create my shorts with Riverside’s Magic Clips and then simply upload them to YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.

10. Promote and monetize your podcast

Once your episode is ready, it’s time to get listeners. Promotion and monetization are the steps that will turn your podcast into a revenue stream.

Promoting your podcast

A strong launch builds early momentum and helps you get discovered faster. I always treat launch day like an event, not just a post. 

Here’s a quick recap of my launch day checklist:

• Publish 2–3 episodes to hook new listeners.
• Create short teaser clips for socials.
• Share your podcast on all your platforms (email, socials, website).
• Ask friends and early listeners to leave a review.
• Submit to all major directories (Spotify, Apple, etc.).
• Schedule a follow-up email with episode highlights.

Bonus resource: Check all the best strategies to promote your podcast with this expert guide from Social Snippet

Remember that growth takes time. Here are some podcast promotions and marketing tactics that could help you in the long-term:

• Invest in SEO to increase your discoverability on search engines. Add relevant keywords to your podcast descriptions, show notes, titles, and transcripts.
• Create a podcast website to build your online presence and expand your reach by repurposing episode transcripts into blog posts.
• Join a promotion platform or network to build connections. You can try agencies like True Native Media or Frqncy Media.
• Build an email list early. Use it to send updates, new episodes, and bonus content.
• Build a community by replying to listener feedback and hanging out where your audience is (Reddit, Discord, X, etc.). 
• Create short, shareable teaser clips and post them on social media at regular intervals. (You can create these instantly with Riverside's Magic Clips).
• If you’re making a podcast to make money, you might want to invest a small ad budget. Even $5–$10/day in paid promotions on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube can help get your podcast in front of the right people.

It's also a good idea to be aware of trends and hot topics. Andréa Jones who averages 8000 listeners monthly on The Mindful Marketing Podcast, says this is the tactic that gave her unexpected traction:

‍“As a mindful marketing strategist, I don't typically like to do hot topics, but people love them. When I am going through a bit of a slump, or I feel like I've done a lot of evergreen episodes, I will throw in a hot topic. People will go: Oh, I gotta listen to this today. And bada bing bada boom. Now I'm layering in mindful marketing tactics, and they don't even know.”

Monetizing your podcast 

Over 55% of listeners have made purchases from podcast ads. This means if you’ve got the right audience, you could make good amount of money from podcast sponsorships and advertising.

Sponsorships and affiliate marketing

If you can provide value, don’t be afraid to reach out to potential sponsors. You don’t need to have tends or hundreds of thousands views. 

Start by reaching out to companies you already use or admire. Show them a simple media kit with your listener demographics, engagement metrics, and why you’re a good fit.

When we were ready to launch our tech podcast, Primary Technology, I reached out to a company I had worked with in the past and asked them to become our “launch sponsor”. I created video content specifically about them, and they agreed—and even renewed their sponsorship the following year!

Use platforms like Podcorn, MatchMaker.fm, or Gumball to find sponsors that accept small to mid-size shows. Try Amazon Associates and Buzzsprout Affiliate Marketplace for affiliate marketing links.

Read more: How to Get Podcast Sponsorships

Subscriptions, donations, and merchandise

If promoting products isn’t your thing, you can still monetize by offering extra value directly to your audience.

• Subscriptions: Offer bonus episodes, early access, or ad-free content to paid subscribers. Mention your support tier mid-episode and link your support page in every episode description.
• Donations: If you’ve built a loyal fanbase, ask your audience for donations. Thank supporters in episodes or offer perks like call-ins during live recordings to boost engagement.
• Paid merch: Start small with simple things like branded stickers, mugs, or tees using platforms like Printful or Bonfire. Once your audience grows, experiment with more custom or limited-edition products.

I've made this video guide to help you monetize your new podcast (with no sponsorships behind it): 

How much money can you make from a podcast?

You can make anything from a few hundred dollars to a full-blown income. Besides the number of listeners, this is affected by your advertisements, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and more. 

For example, if you charge $40 for a single advert in an episode, you could earn around $400 with a following of 10,000 listeners. This is based on a cost per mill rate. Suppose you post 12 episodes per month, then this alone equals to $4,800 per month. 

11. Assess your podcast’s success

Continually assessing your podcast’s performance helps you improve your content and grow faster.

I always track my metrics like downloads, audience demographics, and peak engagement times by analyzing my episodes' analytics . Metrics reveal how well a podcast is doing and gives me cues to tailor future episodes more for your audience.

Celebrating early wins like your first 100 downloads, first reviews, or a DM from a listener is a good way to define milestones. Once content starts resonating, I usually integrate feedback from users to refine the format or adjust the topics. The best shows always evolve with their audience!

‍“New podcasters think that they need to jump right in with absolute perfection. And I just don't think that's possible. That breeds imposter syndrome…Typically, it takes some time to build up a listenership. So, consider those first episodes as practice and just publish them.” - Andréa Jones, Host of The Mindful Marketing Podcast

Bonus: Resources and guides on podcasting

Now that you’ve got a good idea of what starting a podcast involves, you may want to dive deeper into some topics. Here are a few resources and guides to help you out. 

• Master the Art of Podcasting with Rebecca Sananès: Award-winning producer Rebecca Sananès shares her secrets to a compelling podcast.‍
• How to Start a Podcast: Over 100 YouTube videos on podcasting.
• Conversation Creators by Riverside.fm: Riverside’s official Facebook group where you can connect with other podcasters and ask your burning questions.
• Riverside webinar hub: Riverside hosts webinars regularly so you can interact and learn with a team of experts, plus ask your questions live.

Bonus resource: Here is a super practical checklist on how to launch a podcast from Creatively Contenting.

FAQs on How to Start a Podcast

Why is podcasting challenging?

Some common podcasting challenges may include:

Imposter syndrome: The biggest blocker is doubting yourself so much that you stop taking action. 

As a shy person myself, I can relate to this. Remember, things won’t be perfect from the start, but they will get better with time.

Technical knowledge: It’s a myth that you must be a tech expert to podcast (unless you’re launching a tech podcast, of course!). With software like Riverside, you can create your podcast setup smoothly.

Podcasting can cost: Don’t splurge on equipment. Get basic headphones, a mic, and use your phone as a camera. 

Sure, podcasting may come with some challenges at first, but the deeper you go into your podcasting journey, the easier it gets.

Who can start a podcast?

The great thing about podcasts is that anyone can do it! 

The barrier to entry is very low: You don’t need technical or speaking skills to get started, and you don’t need a massive budget, either. If you’ve got the passion and the willingness to experiment, you can do it.

If you’re wondering how old you must be to start a podcast, there’s no official age limit. Some platforms like Spotify require you to have a parental guardian’s consent if you are under 13. So, while you can certainly start at any age, you may need an adult to guide you if you’re younger.

How do you talk on a podcast?

The key is to keep your voice sounding as natural and clear as possible. To create a good podcast, remember to:

• Speak at an audible volume 
• Position your microphone correctly
• Pause for effect where appropriate
• Speak slowly and enunciate your words
• Shift your tone to add expression to your speech
• Talk conversationally so your audience can relate to you

How many followers do you need to start a podcast?

You don’t need an audience to start your podcast. Many successful podcasters started with zero followers. Just be patient and build over time through consistency and promotion. 

Check out our guide on how to start a podcast with no audience for a full breakdown on how to make it possible. 

How much money does it cost to start a podcast?

Launching a podcast can cost anything between $0 and thousands of dollars, depending on your goals, set-up, and promotion plan. 

You can technically start for free, but most low-budget setups start around $100 or more. 

Of course, it can cost well over this, depending on your choice of equipment, software, and other expenses. You might be looking at the $500-$1000 range if you invest in higher-end equipment and premium software.

Here is a full guide on the cost of creating a new podcast.

How to check if a podcast name is taken?

There’s no ultimate tool to search whether your podcast name is taken or not. 

Some like Podpage, Namecheckr, or ListenNotes can help check name availability, but no one of them guarantees 100% accuracy. You must manually search the name on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google to see if it's already in use. 

You can also search domain registrars (like GoDaddy or Namecheap) and social platforms like Instagram, X, and Facebook.

Do podcasters pay their guests?

Most podcasters don’t pay guests, especially on smaller shows. Many guests join for free publicity or to promote their own work or businesses. While some high-profile figures may ask for honorariums, the opposite might be true as well. Sometimes, guests actually pay hosts to be featured in very popular podcasts.

Do you need a license to start and publish a podcast?

You don’t need a license to be a podcaster—but if you want to feature music you didn’t create on your show, you’ll want to obtain a synchronization license. 

Many podcasters rely on “fair use” laws that let them play a small portion of a copyrighted work without a license; however, all it takes is one lost lawsuit for you to lose a lot of money. 

It’s best to get a license to use someone else’s music or avoid using it altogether. Another option is to rely on royalty-free music.

How to start a podcast at home?

Creating a podcast at home isn’t much different than creating it in a studio nowadays. 

You’ll need good remote recording software in order to record your podcast in HD online. Then, focus on creating a podcast studio at home:

• Ensure you record in a space that is soundproof or quiet.
• Consider investing in a microphone, headphones, camera and a lighting kit.
• Decorate your background in a way that looks appealing on camera.
• Explore virtual backgrounds if your actual background is not up to standard.
• Use editing software that enhances and balances your audio. For example, try Riverside’s Magic Audio, which makes any recording sound studio-quality with one click.

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