What Is a Podcast? How to Start One and Why It's Worth It

In this article

1. What is a podcast?
2. Types of podcasts
3. How to start a podcast
4. Step 1: Plan your podcast
5. Step 2: Plan your episodes
6. Step 3: Choose your show and episode format
7. Step 4: Prepare your branding and intro
8. Step 5: Get the right equipment
9. Step 6: Pick recording and editing software
10. Step 7: Write a script
11. Step 8: Record
12. Step 9: Choose a podcast host
13. Step 10: Submit to directories
14. The benefits of podcasting
15. A brief history

As a content creator you can share what you know through blogs, videos, social posts, slide decks and more. One of the most personal ways to connect with an audience, though, is a podcast.

People listen to audio while they commute, work out or do chores, and the growth of smartphones and streaming apps has made spoken content part of everyday life. Podcasting gives businesses and individuals a way to be heard, which builds a kind of relationship that written text rarely can. Over time, a focused show can also make you a recognised voice in your niche and send listeners to your website or store.

Before getting into how to start one, let's be clear on what a podcast actually is.

What is a podcast?

A podcast is a series of audio recordings on a specific topic or niche, such as travel, fashion, fitness or business. Because it is audio, people can listen while doing something else; it doesn't demand full attention the way an article or video does.

That convenience is a big reason for podcasting's popularity. Shows are available on apps like Spotify and Apple Podcasts as well as on websites, and creators don't need a big budget or deep technical skills to get started. You can teach a step-by-step process, share opinions or simply talk about a passion.

In short, a podcast:

• is audio content, similar to a radio show or an audiobook;
• can be accessed freely on a phone or computer with an internet connection and a pair of headphones;
• teaches or shares information on a subject, just like a blog or video channel.

Types of podcasts

Knowing the main formats helps you choose the one that suits your purpose.

The interview podcast

One or more hosts interview a different guest in each episode. Interview shows need relatively little prep: research the guest, invite them and plan your questions. Hosts do need good soft skills, including clear communication, active listening and confidence, both to persuade guests to come on and to ask candid questions.

The solo podcast

A single host records an episode on a subject, almost like a monologue. You might share opinions, react to news or run a Q&A. Solo shows are easier to produce because there are no guests to book or conversations to steer.

For example, a solo business podcast could explain how to start a company, what you need to get going, and which personal experiences helped you run your business well.

The multi-host podcast

Two or more hosts discuss a topic together. If you have a business partner or friend who wants to co-host, this is a great starting point. Listeners hear a subject from several perspectives, the back-and-forth breaks the monotony of a single voice, and each host carries less of the pressure.

You don't have to commit to one format forever. Many shows mix solo episodes with interviews.

How to start a podcast

Here is the process, step by step.

Step 1: Plan your podcast

Planning gives you a path to follow. Grab a notebook and answer a few key questions before you buy any equipment.

What is your aim?

Why do you want to create a podcast? If you're a business owner, freelancer or marketing manager, the goal will usually be to attract an audience and customers, promote your products and services and let people know about your business.

Others podcast purely for a hobby or passion, recording in their spare time about something they love. Once you know your purpose, you can work out who your target audience is, which depends on your niche.

Decide on a niche

A niche is the specific topic your content focuses on. Keeping your show focused helps you attract a defined audience instead of trying to impress everyone, which isn't possible. Once you know your audience, research their interests, likes and dislikes, and shape your content around them.

Say you choose beauty and fashion. Researching your audience will help you share the trends they actually care about. Make sure the topic is deep enough to support many episodes, but not so broad that you can't identify your listeners. "Outdoor activities", for instance, is very broad; narrowing it to hiking makes your audience much clearer. You can always expand later.

It also pays to look at demand and supply. If there are already far more shows on a topic than people looking for them, your podcast may get lost. If listeners want content on a topic that few creators cover, that's an opportunity worth taking.

Decide whether you need a co-host

If you're making a multi-host show, choose your co-host early. A friend, colleague or business partner can make conversations livelier and share the technical work, such as editing and promotion.

The downside is that you both need to stay motivated for the long haul, and if one person drops out the show can stall. There's no rule that every episode needs both of you, so you can always continue solo if a partner leaves.

Name your podcast

Your podcast's name is the first impression listeners get. There are three common approaches:

• A catchy name. A clever, intriguing name gets clicks, but make sure people can still find your show when they search for your topic. Add a description that explains what the name means.
• A descriptive title. Simply describe what the show covers, for example "The Fashion Podcast". Keep it to three or four words. You'll say the name in every episode, so it should roll off the tongue.
• Your name. Using your own name works once you already have an audience, but strangers won't know what the show is about. A podcast called "Efa Yasin" about rock climbing tells listeners nothing; "Rock Climbing with Efa Yasin" does.

Whatever you choose, leave room to grow. If you currently talk about hiking, a name like "Mountain Adventures" lets you cover other mountain activities later.

Step 2: Plan your episodes

Episode length

Your content should decide the length, not the other way round. Don't cut good material just to hit a target.

As a rough guide, many shows aim for something close to a typical commute, around 20 to 45 minutes, so listeners can finish an episode in one sitting. If you record a fantastic two-hour interview, consider splitting it into two episodes. Once you're publishing, ask your listeners whether episodes feel too short or too long.

Publishing frequency

Consistency matters. When you publish regularly, your audience builds a habit around your show; leave long gaps and they forget you. A weekly episode is a common, sustainable rhythm for many shows.

Another option is to podcast in seasons: release a themed block of perhaps 6 to 12 episodes, then take a planned break. Seasons are easy to turn into an ebook or a course later. The risk is losing momentum, or your audience's interest, during long breaks. Explain the break and tease the next season's theme to keep listeners curious.

Episode titles

Avoid vague titles like "Episode 1" or "Episode 2"; they give listeners no reason to press play. Use descriptive, searchable titles such as "tips for...", "how to..." or "a step-by-step guide to...". Descriptive titles are also much easier to find when people search podcast apps by keyword.

Step 3: Choose your show and episode format

Beyond solo, co-hosted and interview shows, you might try:

• Documentary. You act as narrator, weaving together events, conversations and interview clips. This needs strong storytelling skills.
• Round table. One host leads a discussion with several guests who each share their perspective on a topic.
• Docudrama. A mix of documentary and drama that presents information in a story-led way.

Then settle on an episode structure. An interview episode might follow this pattern:

1. Teaser
2. Introduction with music
3. Welcome to listeners
4. Interview
5. Request for feedback and reviews
6. Outro music

A fixed structure keeps episodes consistent. Always introduce yourself at the start, because every episode will have new listeners as well as regulars.

Step 4: Prepare your branding and intro

Podcast artwork

Your cover art is what people see while browsing a podcast app, and it's the image that appears when your show is shared on social media. Make it bold, simple and readable at small sizes. Apple Podcasts asks for square artwork between 1400 x 1400 and 3000 x 3000 pixels, so design to those dimensions. If design isn't your strength, hiring a graphic designer is money well spent.

A professional intro and music

A polished intro helps your show stand out. Some creators use specialist services to produce a voiced intro, and most add music as a hook. You can source royalty-free music from stock libraries such as Pond5, PremiumBeat or Storyblocks, or look for tracks released under Creative Commons licences. Always check the licence terms before using a track.

Step 5: Get the right equipment

To start, all you need is a computer, an internet connection and a decent USB microphone. Equipment quality affects sound quality, but beginners are better off learning on simple gear before upgrading. Popular options include:

• A dynamic microphone such as the Shure SM58. This is the same kind of handheld mic singers use on stage, and it's famous for being extremely durable.
• A portable recorder such as the Zoom H1. Recording to an external device protects you if your computer crashes or loses power mid-session, and you don't need to be connected to a computer at all.
• Closed-back headphones. Monitoring your audio while recording helps you catch echo and background noise before it ruins an episode.
• A pop filter. This cheap accessory sits in front of the mic and reduces the popping and clicking sounds your mouth makes when you speak close to it.

Step 6: Pick recording and editing software

Plug your mic into your computer, make sure your software is using it as the input device, and hit record. Some widely used tools are:

• Audacity. Free, open-source, multitrack audio editor that runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. A strong alternative to paid editors.
• Alitu. Browser-based and built for beginners. It automates much of the technical work: cleaning up audio, adding music, stitching segments together and publishing episodes directly. Upload your recordings and it handles the rest, which shortens production time.
• Adobe Audition. A professional editor for Windows and Mac with advanced features, suited to people with higher-end gear who plan to podcast long term.
• GarageBand. Free on Macs. Create a template with your intro, outro and other fixed elements and reuse it for every episode to save time.

If you have the budget, you can also hire a freelance audio editor to mix your episodes.

Step 7: Write a script

Imagine hitting record and realising you don't know what to say. A script prevents that. It can be a full essay-style draft or a detailed outline, almost the blog-post equivalent of your episode.

Writing the first few scripts takes time, but it gets easier once you have a strong hook. When you read from a script, avoid sounding robotic or monotonous; listeners will leave quickly. Read as if you're having a conversation. Practice is the only real shortcut here.

Step 8: Record

Treat the microphone as a person, not a piece of equipment. If you run a business podcast, picture the mic as a potential customer. Talking to someone makes you sound more confident and engaging, and helps listeners feel a direct, personal connection with you.

Vary your tone, too. Changing your pace and emphasis according to what you're saying keeps people listening. Studying good interviews and talk shows is a useful way to learn how presenters modulate their voices.

Step 9: Choose a podcast host

Once recorded, your audio needs a home. A podcast hosting service (media host) stores your files and generates the RSS feed that lets people listen, subscribe and download. Some creators publish through their own website; others rely on the host's own pages.

Well-known hosting providers include Transistor, Buzzsprout, Libsyn, Captivate and Blubrry. Compare their storage limits, analytics, private-feed options and pricing against your plans. Work out how many episodes you'll publish per month and how long they'll be. An hour-long weekly show needs far more storage than a 20-minute monthly one.

Step 10: Submit to directories

Directories such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify are where most listeners find, follow and download shows. Good hosting providers make this easy, either with automatic submission or step-by-step guides.

To list your show on Apple Podcasts:

1. Make sure your host has generated an RSS feed for your podcast.
2. Sign in to Apple Podcasts Connect with your Apple Account.
3. Add a new show and enter your RSS feed URL.
4. Check that your details and artwork display correctly, then submit.

Apple reviews new shows before they appear in the directory, and you'll be notified by email once yours is approved.

Spotify accepts podcasts through its creator platform: sign in, add your show's RSS feed, verify ownership through the email address in your feed, and fill in your show details. Many hosting providers can also distribute to Spotify for you.

The benefits of podcasting

A good alternative to video

Video is everywhere, but it isn't easy. Many people feel awkward on camera, and good video needs lighting, sound gear and the skills to use them. A poorly made video can even hurt a brand's reputation. Podcasts are simpler to make, and you never have to appear on screen.

Portable and easy to consume

Listeners can take episodes anywhere on their phones and listen whenever they have a spare moment. Once they follow a show, new episodes arrive automatically.

A personal connection

When people hear your voice, opinions and stories, they get to know you. Even though the communication is one-way, podcasts build familiarity and trust, and people are far more easily persuaded by someone they feel they know than by a stranger.

Time-efficient for listeners

People can learn while commuting, working or relaxing at home. Inside a company, a podcast can even replace some meetings by sharing updates that people listen to on their own schedule.

Engaging content

Tone, humour and conversation make audio more engaging than plain text, especially in interview and co-hosted formats where several voices trade ideas. Many hosts also find that listeners are receptive to products they recommend, because of the trust built over many episodes.

Lower costs

A digital show avoids the printing, postage and venue costs of traditional ways of reaching people. You can share information with a large audience for very little.

Better speaking skills

Hosting regularly builds confidence and sharpens public speaking without the pressure of a live audience. Over time this can lead to speaking opportunities, and teams can use internal podcasts to help members practise sharing their ideas.

Easy to create

You don't need complex processes or expensive gear. A good microphone, headphones and free editing software are enough to produce clear audio. Just remember to promote your show once it's live; listing it in the major directories is the first step.

More traffic

A podcast can introduce your brand to new people. Listeners who like what they hear will visit your website, especially if you mention it and add links in your show notes. As your audience grows, you can also earn from sponsorships and ads.

A source of ideas

Interview, round-table and co-hosted shows expose you to other people's experiences and viewpoints. Every conversation teaches you something new about your field.

A brief history

Podcasting took off in the mid-2000s. Former MTV VJ Adam Curry and software developer Dave Winer are widely credited as pioneers of the medium, and the word "podcast" (a blend of "iPod" and "broadcast") was coined in 2004. Since then, smartphones and dedicated audio apps have turned it into a mainstream way to learn and be entertained.

Frequently asked questions

How do I listen to a podcast?

On a computer, search for the show's name in a browser and play episodes from its website or a web player such as Spotify. On an iPhone or iPad, open the Apple Podcasts app, search for the show, press play, and tap Follow to get new episodes automatically. On Android, use an app such as Spotify, YouTube Music or another podcast app in the same way.

What do I need to start a podcast?

A computer, an internet connection, a USB microphone, headphones, free editing software such as Audacity or GarageBand, and a podcast hosting account to publish your RSS feed.

How long should a podcast episode be?

As long as your content needs. Many shows land between 20 and 45 minutes, but a tight 15-minute episode or a long-form interview can work just as well if it holds attention.