Advertisement

How To

Apps, Software and Tips for Becoming a Podcaster

Apps, Software and Tips for Becoming a Podcaster
Softonic Editorial Team

Softonic Editorial Team

  • Updated:

If you’ve always fantasized about hosting your own radio show, a podcast is the perfect way to make your dream come true. To create one, you only need the initiative, a lot of things to say, and a few hours a week to record it. A podcast is really just a pre-recorded radio show that anyone can listen to without needing to hear it live.

There are many ways to create podcasts, and fortunately there are now countless tools that make it easy. Forget about using programs for recording followed by complicated sound editors. Now there is software designed exclusively for creating podcasts, and you can use it on both your desktop and your phone.

In today’s article, we’re going to share a roundup of the best programs for recording podcasts on both PCs and mobile devices. In addition, we have some useful tips for getting your start in this world. Are you ready?

What’s a podcast?

Let’s start by going over what a podcast is, exactly. The term was coined in 2004 when iPod was in its heydey and everyone was crazy about Apple’s multimedia player. With it, a new way of listening to the radio was born, the so-called “podcast.” The name is simply a combination of “iPod” and “broadcast,” but the possibilities are endless.

A podcast is really just a radio show that can be downloaded and listened to anytime. The magic lies in the fact that you can record one without using expensive radio equipment or crossing your fingers in hopes that some listener will tune into your station by chance. Now you can record your show at your convenience, post it online, and wait for your followers to download and listen to it whenever they want.

How to record a podcast and not die trying

Creating a podcast isn’t hard, but if you want your show to be a success, you’ll need to spend many hours on it and be consistent to keep your followers happy. Not sure where to begin? Don’t worry! Keep reading for some basic tips.

Choose a topic you’re passionate about

At the risk of stating the obvious, before recording a podcast, you need to choose a topic for it. We recommend selecting something you’re passionate about or have a lot of knowledge about, because your enthusiasm is what will captivate your audience.

Keep in mind that podcasts have a limited duration and that the average person has a maximum attention span of an hour and a half, so stick to your topic and try not to get sidetracked. Podcasts on a single subject tend to attract more followers than ones covering a variety of interests.

Plan your podcasts

Now that you have your topic, it’s time to start recording your podcast… or is it? We recommend not rushing headlong into your shows without planning what you are going to say first. Create a script, prepare some notes, or, if you’re the kind of person who likes to improvise, simply write an outline of the topics you want to cover in your podcast. Otherwise, you run the risk of beating around the bush or drawing a blank and generating an uncomfortable silence.

Book some guests

This could be a bit hard at first, but as your podcast attracts more followers, we recommend contacting some potential guests. They can have debates with you, contribute interesting information, and generate a compelling dialog that will help to hook your followers even more.

Ask your listeners for feedback 

An easy way to connect with your listeners is to ask them what they think of your show, how you might improve it, and what subjects they want you to cover in your next podcast. An easy, effective way to get this valuable feedback is on social media.

Create a Facebook or Twitter page for your show and promote it during your podcast. It’s a good idea, for example, to ask your listeners some questions and encourage them to write you, which will help improve your show. What’s more, when your followers see that you’re paying attention to them, they’ll become more devoted listeners and recommend your podcast to their friends.

Apps for creating podcasts

Now that we’ve given you some basic tips on planning your podcast, it’s time to discuss the technical details. The following is a roundup of apps specially designed for creating podcasts. We hope you like them!

Anchor

Anchor, a free app, claims to be the easiest way to make a podcast, and we can’t argue with that! To use it, just download the app, hold your phone up to your mouth, and press the red button on the display. Then you can start recording your program.

Once you’ve finished, Anchor lets you edit your work, and you can copy, cut and even insert audio clips. This is especially interesting if, for example, you have saved an interview you want to share. You have the option of adding sound effects and even music from apps like Spotify.

After editing your program, you can upload your podcast to your own Anchor channel. There, your followers can listen to your recording and even interact by leaving you a “like.”

You can download Anchor quickly and easily below.

Anchor DOWNLOAD
9

Spreaker Studio

Spreaker Studio is a comprehensive app for creating professional-quality podcasts. One of its strengths is the fact that besides recording, it offers live broadcasting. This can add a new twist to your podcast and fun new possibilities for interacting with your followers.

Using Spreaker Studio couldn’t be easier. Just press the record button and start your podcast. After you finish recording, you can edit your track as much as you want, add sound effects and even create music or voice mixes.

When your podcast is finished, Spreaker Studio lets you upload your show to the app channel and to your website, and even share it on social media. And it’s completely free!

You can download Spreaker Studio quickly and easily below.

Spreaker Studio DOWNLOAD
8

Podbean

Our final pick for mobile apps is called Podbean, a great app that can be used for free or under a more comprehensive paid subscription.

Podbean stands out for letting you create professional podcasts in the blink of an eye. The free version lets you record your program, albeit with limited bandwidth and total space. Still, it’s enough to generate a high-quality podcast and get your start in this world.

The Podbean editor is packed with features in both the free and paid versions. That said, subscribing to the app will make it possible to check your podcast stats and add your files to any website using its online player.

You can download Podbean quickly and easily below.

Podbean DOWNLOAD
9

Programs for creating podcasts

If you prefer to record your podcast on your desktop instead of your phone, don’t worry. We also have a selection of the best programs you can download to your PC. Let’s have a look!

Audacity

Audacity is the king of free audio recording and editing programs. You can use it to create your podcast, as its highly intuitive interface will make it easy to record your show.

When you’re finished, just use the software’s editing tools to adjust the sound and pauses and to add music and sound effects. You’ll have your podcast ready in no time at all.

You can download Audacity quickly and easily below.

Audacity DOWNLOAD
9

Voicemeeter Banana

Voicemeeter Banana is a truly interesting option for anyone who wants to host a podcast with guests.

Besides being an excellent audio recording and editing program, Voicemeeter Banana allows multiple mics, so other people can participate in your podcast over Skype. That way you can hold interviews or have collaborators on your podcast from the comfort of your home.

You can download Voicemeeter Banana quickly and easily below.

Voicemeeter Banana DOWNLOAD
8

ZenCastr

Our final pick is ZenCastr, an excellent option if you’re looking for a powerful program that you can use without having to download anything.

ZenCastr is professional software that lets you record and post podcasts directly on its platform. One of its strengths is the fact that, since it’s an online platform, other people can participate in your podcast without the need for additional programs. And this is all possible without affecting the sound quality!

Besides being extremely versatile and allowing edits while recording, ZenCastr is quite easy to use. That makes it a perfect option whether you’re a newbie or a professional podcaster.

You can visit the ZenCastr website by clicking here.

We hope you liked our selection of programs, apps and tips for becoming a podcaster. What’s the topic of your podcast? Tell us about it in the comments section!

Softonic Editorial Team

Softonic Editorial Team

Editorial Guidelines