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Guide

How to start a podcast

Seven steps from idea to your show playing in Apple Podcasts, Spotify and everywhere else. No jargon.

  1. 1

    Decide what your show is about

    Pick a topic you could happily talk about for 50 episodes, and a clear listener in mind. "Personal finance for people in their twenties" beats "money".

    • Write one sentence: what your show is, who it is for, and why they should listen.
    • Choose a format: just you, you and a co-host, or interviews with guests.
    • Decide how often you will publish. Weekly or fortnightly is a good rhythm to start.
  2. 2

    Name your show and design artwork

    Your name and artwork are what people see first in Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Make both clear at a glance.

    • Keep the name short, easy to say out loud and easy to spell.
    • Search Apple Podcasts and Spotify to check nobody else is using it.
    • Artwork must be square, 1400×1400 to 3000×3000 pixels, JPG or PNG. Use big, bold text that reads at thumbnail size.
  3. 3

    Get your kit together

    You don't need a studio. Good sound comes mostly from the room and how close you are to the mic.

    • A USB microphone is plenty to start. Headphones stop echo when you have guests.
    • Record in a small room with soft furnishings: curtains, cushions, a wardrobe full of clothes.
    • Stay about a hand-width from the mic and keep the distance steady.
  4. 4

    Record and edit your first episode

    Free tools like Audacity (Windows, Mac and Linux) and GarageBand (Mac) are all you need.

    • Plan a simple outline: an intro, three main points and a sign-off.
    • Do a short test recording first and listen back on headphones.
    • Trim long pauses and mistakes, then export as MP3 or WAV. Podro handles the rest.
  5. 5

    Upload to Podro

    Create your free account and the starter kit helps you set up your show in a couple of minutes.

    • Add your title, description, category and artwork.
    • Upload your episode. Tick "Even out the volume" for consistent loudness.
    • Publish straight away or schedule it.
    Create your free account
  6. 6

    Submit to the podcast apps

    Your Directories page has step-by-step instructions for each app. You only do this once per app.

    • Start with Apple Podcasts and Spotify, which together reach most listeners.
    • Then YouTube Music, Amazon Music, TuneIn and the rest.
    • From now on, new episodes appear in all of them automatically.
  7. 7

    Grow your audience

    Consistency beats perfection. Keep publishing, and give people easy ways to find you.

    • Share each episode with your show website link and embed the player on your blog.
    • Ask listeners to follow and rate the show in their app.
    • Use your stats to see which episodes land, and make more like them.

Ready when you are.

Start your podcast free