How to Start a Podcast in 2025

Start a Podcast

Ever caught yourself thinking, “I could talk about this all day”? Well, maybe you should!

Podcasting is the perfect medium to share your voice, build a community, and even create a new revenue stream. The best part is you can do all of this without needing a Hollywood budget or fancy studio.

We’re about to walk you through every step of creating your own podcast – from that initial spark of an idea to hitting “publish” on your first episode and beyond.

You’ll get practical, actionable tips that will transform you from podcast listener to podcast creator faster than you can say “don’t forget to like and subscribe.”

Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

1. Planning Your Podcast

Before you rush out to buy expensive equipment or start recording, take some time to plan. The most successful podcasts aren’t just random conversations. They’re thoughtfully crafted content with a clear purpose and audience.

Choosing a Topic

Picking a topic is your crucial first step. The perfect podcast topic sits at the intersection of what you’re passionate about, what you know a lot about, and what others want to hear.

Watch: Thinking of Starting a Podcast? Here’s How to Choose a Topic for Your Show

As Joe explains in the video, resisting the urge to “talk to everyone” is essential. When you try to appeal to everyone, you end up connecting with no one. Instead, drill down from broad topics to specific niches.

For example:

  • Too broad: Technology
  • Better: Consumer technology
  • Perfect: Consumer technology for parents

This specificity makes your show more recommendable and helps you stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Ask yourself:

  • Who exactly is my audience?
  • What specific problem or interest am I addressing?
  • What unique perspective can I bring?

Selecting a Format

Your podcast format should align with your strengths, goals, and content.

Watch: How to Start a Podcast: How to Pick a Format for Your Show

Common podcast formats include:

  • Solo shows: Just you and the mic, sharing expertise or stories. Great for establishing authority but requires comfort with speaking solo.
  • Interview shows: Conversations with guests, bringing fresh perspectives to each episode. Perfect if you love asking questions and meeting new people.
  • Co-hosted shows: You and a friend or colleague discussing topics together. Creates natural conversation and distributes the workload.
  • Narrative/storytelling: Crafted stories with multiple elements, often scripted. More production-intensive but can be deeply engaging.

Consider which format plays to your strengths.

Are you great at asking insightful questions? An interview format might be perfect.

Not comfortable being the sole voice? Find a co-host whose energy complements yours.

The good news is whatever podcast format you choose, you don’t have to be locked into it forever. Many successful shows evolve over time, and some even mix formats between episodes.

Naming Your Podcast

Your podcast name is the first impression potential listeners will have. It needs to be clear, memorable, and searchable.

Watch: 🎙️ How to Choose a Good Name for Your Podcast

The ideal podcast name strikes a balance between creativity and clarity. While a clever pun might make you chuckle, if it doesn’t tell listeners what your show is about, they’ll likely scroll past it.

Joe recommends adding a descriptive tagline to your podcast name if you want to keep a creative or branded main title. This approach gives you the best of both worlds: a unique name plus the SEO benefits of descriptive keywords.

For example:

  • “The Morning Brew: Daily News for Young Professionals”
  • “Code Talks: Software Development Insights from Industry Veterans”

Once you’ve brainstormed a few names, do your research to make sure they’re not already taken.

Watch: How to Choose A Domain Name for Your Podcast

Check these platforms to avoid naming conflicts:

Secure your domain name and social media handles as early as possible, even if they’re slight variations like “podcastnameshow” or “thepodcastname” if the exact match isn’t available. Just make sure you add your actual podcast name somewhere in your bio on your social media profiles so people can easily find your podcast!

Planning Your Episodes

Never start a podcast without having several episodes planned. This prevents the dreaded “what do I talk about next?” struggle that derails many new podcasters.

Watch: 🤖 Effectively Use AI to Generate Podcast Episode Ideas and Topics

AI tools can help kickstart your creative process. As Joe demonstrates, simply explaining your podcast concept to an AI assistant can generate dozens of episode ideas tailored to your show.

Aim to have 20-30 episodes mapped out if you’re planning weekly releases – that’s 4-6 months of content! This gives you a comfortable runway and helps establish themes and patterns for your show.

For each episode idea, create a basic outline including:

Having this roadmap will make recording much smoother, especially when you’re just getting started.

2. Essential Equipment and Setup

Good news: You don’t need professional studio equipment to start a quality podcast. But you do need to understand the basics of capturing clear audio.

Basic Equipment Needs

Watch: 🎙️How to Record & Edit a Podcast Episode

Your essential podcast gear includes:

  1. A decent microphone: The Samson Q2U is a fantastic starter option at around $70. It’s a dynamic USB/XLR microphone that rejects background noise better than condenser mics like the Blue Yeti.
  2. Headphones: Closed-back headphones like the Audio Technica ATH-M30x or M50x prevent audio bleed and help you monitor your sound. Never record without headphones!
  3. Recording environment: Find a quiet space with minimal echo. Soft surfaces like carpets, curtains, and furniture help absorb sound. In a pinch, recording in a closet full of clothes works surprisingly well!

You can always upgrade your equipment later, but starting with these basics will ensure your podcast sounds professional enough to engage listeners from day one.

Recording Software Options

While there are many recording options available, these are the standouts for podcasters:

  • Riverside.fm: Excellent for remote interviews, recording separate tracks locally for optimal audio quality. Offers a freemium model with 2 hours of free recording each month.
  • SquadCast by Descript: Great for recording and editing, with text-based editing capabilities.
  • Audacity: Free, open-source recording and editing software with tons of tutorials available online.

For solo shows, you can record directly into your editing software. For interviews, dedicated podcast recording platforms offer more reliability and better quality.

Creating Your Podcast Artwork

Don’t underestimate the importance of good podcast cover artwork. It’s often the first thing potential listeners see when browsing podcast apps.

Watch: ✨ How to Make Your Podcast Artwork Visually Stand Out

Effective podcast artwork should:

  • Stand out in a crowded directory (analyze what colors are underused in your category)
  • Be readable as a small thumbnail
  • Clearly communicate your podcast’s topic/vibe
  • Use high-quality images and typography
  • Avoid violating copyright or trademark law

Tools like Canva or Adobe Photoshop work well for creating artwork. If design isn’t your strength, consider hiring a freelancer. Good artwork is worth the investment.

3. Setting Up Your Podcast Hosting with RSS.com

Every podcast needs a home base. A podcast hosting platform stores your audio files and generates your RSS feed (the technology that distributes your show to all podcast apps).

Creating Your Account

Watch: How to Start a Podcast in 5 Minutes

Setting up an RSS.com account is straightforward. Here are the steps to get started:

  1. Go to RSS.com and click “Get Started Free”
  2. Enter your email and create a password
  3. Verify your email address
  4. Create your new podcast by entering a title, description, and artwork
  5. Set your podcast’s URL (this will be your show’s address on RSS.com)
  6. Select categories that fit your podcast’s content
  7. Add author information and copyright details if desired

The entire process takes just minutes, and you don’t need any technical knowledge to launch your podcast.

Setting Up Your Show Details

Your podcast description and category selections are crucial for discoverability. Take time to craft a compelling description that clearly explains what listeners will gain from your show.

For categories, select those most relevant to your content. This helps listeners find you when browsing by topic. You can select a primary category and one secondary category.

Recording Your First Episode

Before submitting your podcast to directories like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, you’ll need at least one episode in your feed. Many podcasters start with a trailer before they launch so they can submit to podcast directories right away. This helps you drum up hype for your show before it goes live.

Watch: Just Start a Podcast? Here’s Why You Need a Trailer

A good podcast trailer has the following features:

  • Is short (1-3 minutes)
  • Hooks listeners with a compelling opening
  • Explains what the show is about
  • Introduces the host(s)
  • Outlines the format and release schedule
  • Ends with a clear call-to-action (usually to subscribe)

Think of your trailer as a movie preview. It should give potential listeners a taste of your style and content while making them eager for more.

4. Distributing Your Podcast

Creating your podcast is only half the battle. Now, you need to get it in front of listeners.

Getting on Major Podcast Platforms

Watch: Expand Your Podcast’s Reach on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Beyond

RSS.com makes distribution incredibly simple with these features:

  1. Automatic submission means with the click of a button, you can submit your show to directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more.
  2. YouTube distribution allows you to convert your audio episodes into engaging videos for YouTube using RSS.com’s Podviz technology.
  1. RSS.com also offers guided distribution to many of the major podcast directories like Deezer and TuneIn.

Once your podcast is distributed, all new episodes you publish will automatically appear across all platforms.

Click here for a podcast directory list we recommend. The more places you can get your show listed, the better!

Setting Up Your Podcast Website

Having a dedicated website for your podcast creates a central hub for listeners and improves discoverability.

Watch: How to Get a Podcast Website

With RSS.com, you automatically get a customizable podcast website that includes:

  • Episode listings with play buttons
  • Subscription links to major platforms
  • Your show description and artwork
  • Optional donation buttons
  • Social sharing tools
  • Mobile-responsive design

This website updates automatically whenever you publish new episodes, creating a low-maintenance hub for your content.

YouTube Strategy for Podcasters

YouTube has become a major discovery platform for podcasts, with many listeners finding new shows there first.

Watch: Your Top YouTube Podcasts Questions Answered!

Should you add video to your podcast? It depends on your content and resources.

Watch: Should You Add Video to Your Podcast? Pros, Cons, and Best Practices

Key points to consider about YouTube podcasting:

  • Even audio-only podcasts benefit from YouTube presence (RSS.com’s Podviz creates engaging visualizers)
  • Organize your podcast into a dedicated playlist on YouTube
  • Match your podcast episode titles in your feed and on YouTube
  • Be aware of YouTube’s policies regarding ads and monetization
  • Consider if video truly enhances your content or is just an extra step

If you decide to include video, keep in mind that visual content requires different planning than audio-only. You may need to adjust your presentation style and show structure.

5. Growing and Promoting Your Podcast

Let’s help listeners find your awesome new show.

Marketing Your Podcast

Watch: How to Promote Your Podcast & Grow Your Fanbase

Too many podcasters make the mistake of “field of dreams” marketing – assuming that if they build it, listeners will come. In reality, podcast growth requires consistent promotion.

Effective promotion strategies include:

Don’t waste your podcast content by only using it once. RSS.com’s features help you maximize each episode’s reach through transcripts, embedded players, and video conversion.

SEO for Podcasts

Search Engine Optimization isn’t just for websites – it’s crucial for podcasts too.

Watch: Podcast SEO – Get More Listeners by Optimizing Your Show

Optimizing your podcast for search involves:

  • Using relevant keywords in your podcast name, episode titles, and descriptions
  • Adding a descriptive tagline to your podcast name
  • Selecting appropriate categories and tags
  • Creating detailed show notes for each episode
  • Using metadata effectively (host field, author information)

Many listeners discover podcasts by searching for specific topics. If your episode titles are vague (“Episode 14: Chat with Jane”) rather than descriptive (“How to Build a Six-Figure Freelance Business with Jane Smith”), you’re missing out on potential listeners.

Leveraging Transcripts

Transcripts make your podcast content more accessible and discoverable.

Watch: Grow Your Podcast With Episode Transcripts

RSS.com offers free AI-generated transcripts on all paid plans, providing benefits like:

  • Improved accessibility for deaf or hard-of-hearing listeners
  • Better SEO as search engines can index your spoken content
  • Content repurposing opportunities (blog posts, ebooks, social content)
  • Enhanced user experience on your podcast website

Podcast transcripts transform your audio content into searchable text, extending its reach and usefulness far beyond the listening experience.

Exploring Live Streaming

Live streaming creates real-time connection with your audience.

Watch: The Power of Live Streaming for Podcasters

Live streaming your podcast allows you to:

  • Get instant feedback from listeners
  • Test new content ideas before committing to them
  • Create a sense of community around your show
  • Generate additional content from the same recording session

Platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and StreamYard make live streaming accessible to podcasters at any level. RSS.com supports podcasting 2.0 features like the live item tag, which allows listeners to tune into live recordings directly from supported podcast apps.

6. Monetizing Your Podcast

While passion may drive your podcast, creating revenue streams can help sustain it long-term.

Revenue Strategies

Watch: Unlock Podcast Profitability with RSS.com’s Monetization Tools

RSS.com offers multiple monetization options including:

  • Apple Podcast Subscriptions: Create premium content for subscribers
  • Donation links: Add PayPal, Patreon, or other funding links to your show
  • Sponsorship opportunities: Get matched with sponsors through RSS.com (for shows with 1,000+ monthly downloads)
  • Value-for-Value: Receive Bitcoin payments through integrations with services like Alby

Most podcasters use a combination of these strategies rather than relying on a single revenue source.

Understanding Advertising and Sponsorships

When you’re ready for sponsors, it’s important to understand the differences between them.

  • Host-read ads: You read the ad copy in your own voice and style (usually higher-paying)
  • Dynamic insertion: Pre-recorded ads placed into your episodes automatically (dropping soon with RSS.com!)

Sponsorships work best when there’s genuine alignment between your audience and the sponsor’s product or service. Don’t promote products you wouldn’t use yourself. Your audience’s trust is your most valuable asset.

Direct Listener Support

Many successful podcasters find that direct listener support creates more sustainable revenue than advertising. For example:

  • Membership programs: Offer exclusive content, early access, or ad-free episodes
  • Crowdfunding: Platforms like Patreon allow recurring support from listeners
  • Value-for-Value: Allow listeners to send cryptocurrency micropayments during episodes

These models work best when you’ve built a dedicated audience who genuinely values your content.

7. Advanced Podcast Strategies

Once you’ve mastered the basics, these advanced strategies can take your podcast to the next level.

Using Analytics to Grow Your Show

Watch: Understanding Podcast Analytics: Get The Insights You Need to Grow

Podcast analytics help you understand what’s working and what isn’t. RSS.com provides comprehensive podcast analytics, including:

  • Download trends over time
  • Geographic data showing where listeners are located
  • Device and platform information
  • Episode comparison tools
  • Listening patterns by day and time

Use this data to inform decisions about content, release schedule, and marketing focus. For example, if analytics show most listeners tune in on weekend mornings, consider scheduling releases to align with this pattern.

Recording Remotely

Remote recording has become the norm for many podcasts, especially those featuring guests.

Watch: How to Record a Podcast Remotely – Mobile Podcasting Tips

When recording remotely, consider:

  • Using purpose-built tools like Riverside or SquadCast for best audio quality
  • Having a backup recording method (Zoom plus local recording)
  • Using mobile setups for on-the-go recording (DJI Mic or Rode Wireless Go)
  • Testing all equipment before important interviews

Mobile recording opens up new possibilities—capturing thoughts while traveling, conducting on-site interviews, or creating content when inspiration strikes.

Setting Up a Podcast Network

As your podcasting experience grows, you might find yourself wanting to launch additional shows.

Watch: How to Manage Multiple Podcasts: Setting Up a Podcast Network with RSS.com

RSS.com’s Podcast Networks plan makes managing multiple shows simple and affordable. Use this approach when:

  • You have shows addressing different topics or audiences
  • You’re collaborating with different co-hosts on separate projects
  • You want to create internal and external podcasts
  • You’re building a true podcast network with multiple creators

The platform allows unlimited podcasts under one account, with shared analytics and streamlined management.

Exploring Podcasting 2.0 Features

The podcast medium continues to evolve with new interactive features.

Watch: Launch Your Podcast into the Future with Podcasting 2.0 🚀

Podcasting 2.0 features supported by RSS.com include:

  • Chapters: Add visual and navigational markers to episodes
  • Transcripts: Synchronized text with clickable timestamps
  • Value-for-Value: Receive micropayments directly during episodes
  • Live item tag: Enable live streaming directly in podcast apps
  • Podroll: Recommend other podcasts to your listeners

These features enhance the listening experience and provide new ways to engage with your audience.

8. Making Your Podcast Successful Long-Term

Podcasting isn’t just about launching – it’s about sustaining and growing over time.

Consistency and Quality

The most successful podcasts deliver reliable quality on a consistent schedule. Listeners build your show into their routines, and inconsistent publishing can break that habit.

Watch: Podcasting is Better with Friends

Consider building a team to help manage your podcast:

  • Co-hosts to share the content creation load
  • Producers to handle technical aspects
  • Virtual assistants for administrative tasks
  • Editors for post-production

RSS.com’s collaboration feature allows you to add team members with appropriate access levels, from full admin rights to analytics-only roles.

Continued Learning and Improvement

The podcasting is constantly changing and growing.

Stay current in the medium by:

  • Following industry news sources
  • Networking with other podcasters
  • Experimenting with new formats and features
  • Soliciting and implementing listener feedback

Most importantly, listen to your own episodes critically. Identify areas for improvement and implement changes gradually.

Measuring Success

Success looks different for every podcast. Define what matters to you. Here are a few things to consider tracking:

  • Download numbers
  • Listener engagement
  • Revenue generation
  • Professional opportunities
  • Personal fulfillment

Track progress against your specific goals rather than comparing yourself to podcasting’s biggest hits.

Bonus Tip: Join RSS.com Affiliate Program

Once you’ve experienced the benefits of RSS.com firsthand, you might want to recommend it to others – and get rewarded for doing so.

Watch: Make Money with RSS.com’s Generous Affiliate Program!

The RSS.com affiliate program offers:

  • 50% commission on the first three months of monthly plans (up to $29.98)
  • 50% commission on annual plan sales (up to $89.94)
  • A generous 60-day conversion window
  • Marketing materials and support

This program creates another potential revenue stream for podcasters while helping fellow creators find a reliable hosting platform. 

It’s Time to Launch!

If you made it this far in our post, we’re guessing you’re serious about launching and growing a podcast. Starting a podcast has never been more accessible or rewarding. With RSS.com’s user-friendly platform and comprehensive features, you have everything you need to create, distribute, and grow your show.

The most successful podcasts aren’t necessarily those with the biggest budgets or fanciest equipment. They’re the ones that consistently deliver valuable content to their specific audience.

Your voice matters. Your perspective is unique. Your potential audience is waiting. It’s time to start a podcast. Ready to get started? Head to RSS.com podcast hosting today and launch your show!