How to Start a Podcast in 9 Steps [2026]

Developing a podcast concept means clearly defining your topic, target audience, format, episode length, publishing schedule, tone, and podcast name before you record or publish your first episode.

Establishing these elements in advance creates a stable framework for content planning, branding, and long-term audience growth.

Topic/Niche

Your podcast niche is a clearly defined subject area focused on a specific listener interest, goal, or problem rather than a broad category.

Highly successful podcasts focus on serving a well-defined listener group with a shared interest or challenge. A specific niche improves discoverability, strengthens audience loyalty, and supports long-term content consistency.

When selecting a podcast topic, ask yourself questions like:

• What am I passionate or knowledgeable about?
• Can I consistently create content on this subject over time?
• Are people already searching for or engaging with content on this topic?

Examples of focused podcast niches:

• Instead of “Fitness” → “Strength Training for Women Over 40”
• Instead of “Business” → “Freelance Marketing for Tech Startups”

Podbean Tip: Use Podbean’s Discover page or Apple Podcasts charts to explore categories and see what’s trending or underserved.

Audience

Your target audience is the group of listeners it’s created for—people who share similar interests, backgrounds, or goals and are most likely to enjoy and connect with the show.

Clearly defining the audience helps shape content direction, episode tone, and marketing strategy. A well-defined listener profile improves engagement and long-term retention.

Key listener attributes to define include:

• Demographics: Age, gender, location, profession
• Interests & habits: What do they listen to? What problems are they trying to solve?
• Goals & challenges: What motivates them? What do they want to learn or feel from your podcast?

Documenting this listener profile ensures consistent alignment when planning episodes and refining show direction.

Format

Your podcast format refers to the structural style used to deliver content and determines production workflow, editing complexity, and host-audience interaction.

There are several common podcast formats:

• Solo show: one host delivers content (ideal for thought leadership and personal insights)
• Co-hosted format: two or more hosts engage in discussions (which adds variety and dynamic interaction)
• Interview-based podcast: hosts speak with guests each episode (perfect for expert-driven or industry-specific content)
• Narrative or scripted format: involves highly produced episodes with storytelling, narration, and sound design (great for fiction, documentaries, or investigative series).

The selected format affects time investment, audience engagement style, and production requirements.

Determine Episode Length

There is no universal ideal podcast episode length. The ideal duration depends on your content, your audience's preferences, and how effectively you can maintain their engagement throughout the episode.

Typical episode length ranges include:

• 10–15 minutes: Perfect for bite-sized episodes, quick news recaps, or offering tips and tricks. These shorter episodes work well when your content is more concise or focuses on a single idea.
• 20–30 minutes: A good middle ground that’s commuter-friendly and manageable for weekly content. This duration allows for a deeper dive into topics without overwhelming the listener.
• 45–60+ minutes: Ideal for long-form interviews, in-depth discussions, or storytelling formats. These episodes provide enough time to explore complex topics or have detailed conversations with guests.

Episode length should support listener retention without exceeding the attention capacity of the intended audience.

Choose a Publishing Frequency

Podcast publishing frequency refers to how often new episodes are released and directly influences audience expectations and growth momentum.

Common publishing schedules include:

• Weekly: Most widely adopted schedule for consistent audience growth
• Biweekly: Allows additional production time between episodes
• Monthly: Suitable for highly produced or research-intensive shows
• Seasonal: Structured storytelling released in themed segments with breaks between seasons

Before you launch your podcast, creating a three-month content plan prior to launch helps maintain consistency and reduces the risk of missed publishing deadlines.

Podbean Tip: Use Podbean’s Scheduled Publishing to plan your episode releases in advance.

Define the Tone and Style

Your podcast tone refers to the emotional and communication style used throughout episodes and establishes expectations for listener experience.

Common podcast tone profiles include:

• Informative and professional
• Conversational and casual
• Humorous and sarcastic
• Inspiring and motivational
• Empathetic and supportive

To ensure your podcast reflects your authentic voice, record short test clips before launch allows creators to evaluate which tone best aligns with their brand identity and target audience preferences.

Name Your Podcast

Your podcast name is the primary identifier of a show and plays a critical role in discoverability, branding, and audience recognition.

An effective podcast name should be:

• Clear: Immediately communicates the topic
• Searchable: Contains relevant keywords listeners may use when searching for shows in your niche.
• Memorable: Easy to spell, pronounce, and recall

What to avoid when naming a podcast:

• Obscure or unclear puns
• Long or complex phrases
• Names already used by existing shows or brands

Before finalizing a name, creators should search on platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google to confirm availability and avoid potential brand conflicts. This helps avoid confusion and potential copyright issues.

Example: Instead of “The Health Show, use a more specific title such as “Daily Habits for Healthy Living.”

Professional-sounding audio helps establish credibility, retain listener attention, and improve the overall experience. Investing in the right microphone and headphones ensures clarity during recording and precision during editing — even if you're podcasting from home.

Microphone

Clear, professional-sounding audio helps make your podcast more engaging and enjoyable for listeners.

There are two main types of microphones suitable for podcasting: USB microphones and XLR microphones. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose the right one:

USB Microphones (Recommended for Beginners)

• Simplicity: Plug-and-play setup—connects directly to your computer or mobile device.
• Affordability: These microphones are usually more budget-friendly and don’t require extra equipment like an audio interface.
• Popular Choices:
  • Blue Yeti: Known for excellent sound quality and versatility.
  • Samson Q2U: Affordable and offers both USB and XLR outputs for flexibility.
  • Audio-Technica ATR2100x: A reliable, cost-effective option with good sound quality.

XLR Microphones (Recommended for Intermediate and Advanced Users)

• Professional Quality: Requires an audio interface or mixer, but offers superior sound quality.
• Flexibility: XLR microphones allow for more control over your audio setup.
• Popular Choices:
  • Shure SM7B: A high-quality microphone favored by many podcasters for its rich sound.
  • Rode PodMic: A durable, well-designed microphone that produces clear, professional sound.

Headphones

A good pair of headphones allows you to monitor your audio clearly, catch issues early, and improve editing accuracy.

For podcasting, closed-back headphones are recommended because they isolate audio, minimize leakage, and provide accurate monitoring. An over-ear design is also preferable for comfort during longer podcasting sessions.

Popular headphones for podcasting in 2026 include:

• Sony MDR-7506, known for its affordability, durability, and excellent sound isolation
• Audio-Technica M20x, which offers premium sound quality and comfort
• Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro, providing superb audio detail and long-term comfort.

For more detailed headphone reviews, recommendations, and buying tips specifically tailored to podcasting needs, please explore our comprehensive guide on headphones for podcasting.

Recording your first podcast episode involves preparing your content, setting up your recording environment, testing your equipment, and capturing clean, consistent audio.

This is the production stage where planning becomes a finished episode ready for publishing.

Plan Your Content (Outline or Script)

Begin with an outline or a script to organize your ideas.

A detailed script means writing out almost everything you’ll say. This ensures you cover every point and minimizes filler words, but it can sound a bit rigid if read exactly word-for-word.

In contrast, a bullet-point outline lists key topics or talking points. This format gives you freedom to speak naturally and add spontaneous thoughts while still keeping you on track.

However, if you host with Podbean, You no longer have to write every word from scratch. With the Podbean AI Creator, you can convert blog posts, guides, or even rough notes into professional, podcast-ready audio scripts.

This tool is perfect for repurposing your existing written content or creating structured outlines that ensure your episode flows naturally without missing key points. If you prefer to record your own voice, the AI can still provide a bulleted "reverse-engineered" outline to keep you on track.

Podbean Tip: Even with an outline, have a clear goal for each segment (e.g. intro, main point, conclusion) to stay focused.

Practice Your Delivery

Rehearse your script or outline aloud before recording. Practicing your episode a few times will help you sound confident and natural.

When you speak through your content, you’ll likely spot any awkward transitions or repetitive phrases.

Record a quick test reading and listen back: this helps you catch pacing issues or unclear sections.

• Do a Read-Through: Record 1–2 minutes of your content and play it back. Note any places that feel stiff or stumble.
• Mind Tone and Pace: Aim for a steady, conversational tone. Vary your pitch slightly to emphasize key points and avoid monotony.
• Fix Filler Words: Pay attention to “um,” “like,” or long pauses. Edit these out in practice so your final recording sounds tighter.

Podbean Tip: Try practicing in the same room and with the same equipment you’ll use for the actual recording. This makes your rehearsal more realistic and helps identify any environment issues early.

Microphone Techniques

Keep about 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) between your mouth and the mic. This distance avoids distortion and reduces plosive bursts from “P” and “B” sounds.

Speak directly into the mic and try to maintain the same distance throughout. Avoid turning away or leaning in too close, which can cause volume spikes.

• Use a Pop Filter: If you have one, place a pop filter a couple of inches in front of the mic. It blocks harsh air blasts from plosive consonants and makes your sound smoother.
• Stay Steady: Don’t move your head around while talking. Facing the mic consistently gives a stable sound level.
• Monitor Yourself: Wear headphones while recording. Hearing your own voice live helps you notice if you’re too quiet, too loud, or if any background noise creeps in.

Create a Quiet Recording Space

Background noise and echoes can ruin an otherwise great take. Even the best microphone can’t remove a loud fan hum or traffic noise.

Pick a quiet room away from busy streets or appliances. Surround yourself with soft materials – for example, hang blankets on bare walls or record in a carpeted room.

It is recommended to use soft furnishings or foam to absorb sound reflections and dampen echo.

• Eliminate Noise: Turn off air conditioners, fans, or any electronics that hum. Close windows and doors to block outside sounds.
• Absorb Echo: Put rugs on hard floors and curtains on walls. You can even drape a thick blanket over a chair or stack books around your mic to reduce reverberation.
• Test for Quiet: Before you start, stay silent for a few seconds and listen. If you hear hiss, hum, or distant noise, try to identify and fix the source.

Podbean Tip: If you can’t completely soundproof the room, try moving your mic away from corners (where sound can build up) and recording with your back to a wall covered in soft material to minimize echo.

Record a Test Track

Before recording the full episode, do a quick test. Speak naturally for about 30–60 seconds and record it. This helps you check levels and quality upfront.

Listen back and ask: Is the volume comfortable? Are there unexpected noises? Are you too close or too far from the mic? Adjust as needed (microphone gain, distance, or positioning) and test again until the audio is clear.

• Use Your Actual Content: Even on the test run, practice a bit of what you’ll say, so your tone and pacing match the real recording.
• Check Technical Settings: Ensure your recording software or app isn’t clipping (red levels) and that the audio isn’t too soft.
• Refine Step by Step: It’s normal to redo tests a couple times. Each time, move the mic or tweak settings incrementally for best results.

Use Podbean’s Advanced Recording Features

Group Recording (Multiple Hosts/Guests)

If you have co-hosts or remote guests, Podbean’s Group Recording makes it easy. On Android or iOS, up to 9 participants can join a session. Each person’s audio is recorded separately in addition to a cloud mix.

This means you get clear individual tracks for editing after the fact. To use this, invite your guests via the Podbean app link and start the session together.

Live Recording (Livestream)

For a dynamic first episode, try Podbean’s Livestream. You can broadcast your episode live to listeners and engage in real time, then save the recording when you finish. This is ideal for spontaneous conversations or Q&A sessions.

To go live, use the Podbean app or web platform to start a show. Your audience can listen and chat live, and when the stream ends, Podbean gives you the recording to use as a podcast episode.

After recording, editing refines your raw audio by removing mistakes and distractions. It also lets you add intro/outro music and balance levels so your content comes across clearly.

A polished, well-mixed episode makes a professional impression—crisp, even audio keeps listeners tuned in, while poor sound or leftover errors can drive them away.

Common Industry Tools and Workflows

• Trimming & Cutting: Podcasters routinely remove errors, long silences, and filler words (like “um” or “ah”) to tighten the flow of the episode.
• Segmentation & Merging: They split the recording into sections and then stitch clips together. Multi-track editors let producers combine separate tracks (e.g. host and guest audio) into one smooth file.
• Noise Reduction & Cleanup: Background hiss, hum, or pops are reduced with noise-reduction tools and filters to improve clarity. Editors often remove remaining breaths or clicks and fix any small glitches.
• Leveling & Compression: Volume levels are balanced so all voices and music play at a consistent volume. For example, a compressor is used to “equalize the levels between the two speakers” so listeners don’t need to adjust their volume. Equalization (EQ) is applied to warm up voices and tame harsh frequencies.
• Adding Music & Effects: High-quality intros, outros, stings, or background music tracks are inserted to give the podcast a professional sound and clear transitions. These elements are often prepared in templates so they can be reused episode after episode.

Podbean’s Unique Editing Features

Podbean makes podcast editing simple while giving creators the tools to sound polished and professional. With easy post-production features like cutting, splitting, merging, and adding background music, podcasters can quickly shape your recording into a clean, engaging episode. You can also add intro and outro segments to create a consistent, branded listening experience.

Editing is effortless with Podbean’s waveform-based interface, letting you replay your audio, zoom in for precision, and remove unwanted sections in just a few taps. Podcasters can split audio anywhere on the waveform and merge multiple files together smoothly, making it easy to combine interviews, segments, or voiceovers into one seamless episode.

For an even faster workflow, Podbean AI helps optimize your audio and generate content in one step. Once your audio is ready, the Podbean AI Audio Optimization takes over the metadata process to boost your SEO.

• Noise Reduction & AutoEQ: Automatically eliminate background hiss and remove undesirable frequencies for a warm, "studio-quality" sound.
• Cut Filler Words and Silence: With one click, the AI identifies and trims "ums," "ahs," and elongated silences to create a tighter, more professional flow.
• Intelligent Leveler: It balances volume levels between different speakers and music segments so your listeners never have to adjust their volume.
• Automated Show Notes & Titles: The AI analyzes your audio to generate captivating titles and detailed episode summaries that highlight value for the listener.
• AI-Enhanced Transcripts: Improve accessibility and search engine visibility with accurate, auto-generated transcripts that search engines can index.
• Precise Chapter Markers: The AI creates timestamped chapters with titles, allowing listeners to easily navigate your episode and providing more text for search engines to crawl.

Podbean Tip: Editing tools, as well as Podbean AI, are available on Podbean’s iOS and Android apps, so you can record and refine episodes on the go.

Common third-party podcast editing tools

• Audacity: A free, open-source, cross-platform editor used for multi-track editing, noise reduction, and effects.
• GarageBand: Apple’s free audio production tool for Mac and iOS, commonly used for beginner podcast editing.
• Adobe Audition: A professional-grade editor offering advanced restoration, precision editing, and multi-track mixing.

These tools provide deep manual control but often require:

• File exporting and importing
• Multiple software steps
• Steeper learning curves
• Longer production time

Choosing a hosting platform is one of the most important decisions for your show. A strong platform handles storage, distribution, analytics, and monetization so you can focus on content.

For example, Podbean supports over 150,000 active podcasts (15.2 million episodes and 14.3 billion downloads as of early 2025). A good host should offer features like unlimited storage and bandwidth, automatic submission to major directories, detailed analytics, and monetization options.

Comparing Top Platforms

• Podbean: Podbean offers a comprehensive free plan, with paid plans starting at $12/month for 16 hours of monthly audio uploads and unlimited downloads/bandwidth. Podbean supports both audio and video podcasts. The platform also features Podbean AI Studio, which helps podcasters create, optimize, and promote their content from an initial idea with professional ease. For creators looking to grow, the Podbean Ads Marketplace enables monetization and helps generate passive income. Comprehensive, advanced, IAB-verified analytics are included at no extra charge.
• Buzzsprout: Buzzsprout is a beginner-friendly hosting platform known for its intuitive upload process and customizable, embeddable player. Paid plans start at $19/month and include 4 hours of monthly uploads. While it offers polished player widgets and detailed listener statistics, Buzzsprout focuses exclusively on audio podcasts and applies both upload caps and bandwidth limits on its paid tiers.
• Libsyn: As one of the industry’s oldest hosting services, Libsyn’s paid plans start at $12/month for 3 hours of monthly audio uploads. While all plans include unlimited monthly downloads and support for both audio and video, Libsyn charges an additional fee for access to advanced, IAB-verified analytics.

To explore all the hosting features Podbean provides, check out Podbean’s Podcast Hosting Features.

Create Eye-Catching Podcast Artwork

Your cover art is often the first impression listeners have. Good artwork grabs attention and conveys your show’s theme.

Standard Podcast Cover Art Specifications:

• Size: Between 1400 and 2048 pixels square.
• Resolution: 72 dpi minimum.
• File Type: JPG or PNG.
• Color Mode: RGB color space.

Tips for standout artwork:

• Clear and simple: Use a bold, legible title font. Avoid clutter or tiny details. If your design includes text (like the show name), make sure it’s large enough to read on a phone screen.
• Color and contrast: Bright, contrasting colors pop in directories (which have light and dark themes). A vivid palette helps your cover catch the eye against others.
• Brand consistency: Match your colors, style or logo to your podcast’s brand or website for a professional look. Over time, listeners will recognize your show by its cover image.
• Test at small size: Before finalizing, zoom out to a thumbnail view. If elements blur or text becomes unreadable, simplify the design or enlarge key elements.

Tools and Software to Help Design Your Podcast Artwork

You don’t need to be a graphic designer to create professional-looking podcast artwork. Here are tools for all skill levels:

• Beginner-friendly tools:
  • Canva: Templates, easy drag-and-drop functionality, beginner-friendly.
  • Adobe Express: Similar to Canva with Adobe’s premium quality design tools.
• Intermediate to advanced:
  • Adobe Photoshop: Professional graphic design software for precise and detailed artwork.
  • Affinity Designer: Powerful, affordable alternative to Photoshop.

All these tools can export to JPG/PNG formats at the right size and color mode. The key is to experiment with layouts and use high-quality images or illustrations.

Write an Engaging Episode Description

Each episode’s description (show notes) is like a trailer – it convinces people to listen. A good description explains what the episode (and your show) is about and why it’s worth their time.

As a rule: tell listeners who your podcast is for, why they should care, and what they’ll gain. Then use a strong call-to-action. For example:

• Start with a one-line hook or intro: “Welcome to [Show Name], where [Host] explores [topic/niche].” This quickly sets context and credibility.
• Explain the episode content: Briefly outline the topic or guest. What problems do you solve? What interesting points will listeners learn? Focus on listener benefits. (E.g. “In this episode you’ll learn…”).
• Add a CTA: End with an encouragement like “Subscribe so you never miss an episode” or invite them to follow on social media/visit your website. This turns passive reading into action.

Example Structure:

"Welcome to [Podcast Name], where [Host Name/Description] dives deep into [specific topic or niche]. Each week we cover [types of content or episodes] to help you [benefit to the listener]. New episodes every [frequency]. Follow now and never miss an episode!"

Podbean Tip: When writing descriptions, include relevant keywords (for SEO) naturally, and always proofread. A typo-free, compelling blurb can improve your show’s discoverability.

Advanced Publishing Options

Most hosting platforms offer extra settings to fine-tune your episode releases. Podbean, for example, includes:

• Episode type: Label each entry as a Full Episode or a Trailer/Bonus. This clarifies for apps whether to list it as a main episode or preview.
• Explicit Content Tag: Clearly mark episodes as explicit if they contain strong language or adult themes. This ensures your show complies with directory standards and reaches the right audience.
• Seasons & Episode Numbers: Assign season and episode numbers to organize your show (e.g. “Season 2, Episode 5”. This helps listeners follow multi-season series in order.

Podbean Tip: Always tag explicit content accurately to avoid censorship or strikes. Also use the episode scheduling feature (on Podbean and other platforms) to pre-plan releases – this keeps your posting regular even if you’re away.

Podcast distribution is the process of submitting your podcast’s RSS feed to multiple listening platforms and directories. It ensures your show is listed on apps like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and others so listeners can easily find and subscribe.

When you publish a new episode, it syncs across all subscribed platforms via the RSS feed, expanding your reach to a wider audience.

Benefits of Podcast Distribution:

• Greater Discoverability: Listing your podcast in popular directories makes it easier for new listeners to discover your show via search or category browsing.
• Automatic Episode Updates: Once your RSS feed is submitted, podcast apps automatically fetch new episodes, so subscribers on each platform get the latest content without manual uploads.
• Broader Platform Reach: Being on multiple platforms exposes your show to different user bases. For example, Apple Podcasts has around 28 million active users, and Spotify reaches about 640 million monthly users as of 2025. Broad distribution means tapping into all these audiences.

Here are the steps for getting listed in the top two major podcast directories.

Submit Your Podcast to Apple Podcasts

Apple Podcasts is one of the largest podcast directories and is considered essential for maximizing audience reach. Many smaller apps also draw from Apple’s listings, so getting on Apple can automatically spread your show to other services.

Requirements:

• A unique title and clear description
• A logo (1400x1400 to 3000x3000, JPG or PNG)
• At least one relevant category
• At least one published episode
• A selected language

Submission:

Use Apple Podcasts Connect (with your Apple ID) or your hosting platform’s one-click integration to submit your RSS feed to Apple.

For example, in Podbean you can go to Dashboard → Distribution → Podcast Apps → Apple Podcasts, set your content rights and update frequency, agree to Apple’s terms, and click “Submit to Apple Podcasts”. This sends your feed to Apple for review.

Once approved, all future episodes are published automatically.

Submit Your Podcast to Spotify

Spotify has become a leading platform for podcast listening, so getting listed here is a high priority. The platform boasts a massive user base (around 640 million monthly active users as of 2025) and is a top source for podcast discovery

Requirements:

• Have a podcast title and podcast description.
• Upload an original podcast logo, square, between 1400 x 1400 to 2048 x 2048 pixels , in JPG or PNG format.
• Add at least one podcast category.
• Published at least one episode (MP3 audio files only).

Submission:

You can submit your podcast via your hosting provider’s Spotify integration or through Spotify’s own podcasters portal.

On Podbean, for instance, go to Distribution → Podcast Apps and click “Add” next to Spotify, then accept Spotify’s terms and conditions.

In any case, you’ll provide your RSS feed URL to Spotify’s system and agree to their terms of service. Spotify will then ingest your feed directly (“passthrough” from your host) once you’ve submitted.

After submission, Spotify will process your podcast listing. You’ll get a confirmation email with a link to your show’s Spotify page once the podcast is live on their platform

Submit Your Podcast to Amazon Music

Amazon Music (and its sister platform Audible) is another major directory where you should list your podcast. With millions of active users — including many Amazon Prime members — Amazon’s podcast service can broaden your audience, and it integrates with Alexa voice devices for hands-free listening.

Portal Access:

Go to the Amazon Music for Podcasters portal (podcasters.amazon.com) and sign in with your Amazon account. Once logged in, click the option to “Add or Claim Your Podcast” to begin the submission process.

RSS Feed Submission:

Enter your podcast’s RSS feed URL when prompted. Amazon will send a verification email to the address associated with your RSS feed to confirm ownership of the podcast. Click the verification link (or enter the code provided) to prove that you own the show’s feed.

After verification, Amazon will list your podcast on both Amazon Music and Audible platforms (you only need to submit once for both).

Other Podcast Directories

Beyond the major platforms above, there are many other directories and apps where you can list your podcast.

Submitting your show to additional platforms can help you reach listeners who use different apps or niche services.

Notable examples include TuneIn (often used for smart speakers and radio app users), iHeartRadio, Player FM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, Boomplay and more.

Each directory may have its own submission process (usually involving providing your RSS feed and some show details), but the general idea is the same – you want your RSS feed on as many relevant apps as possible.

Podbean’s One-Click Distribution

If you host your podcast with Podbean, distributing to all these directories becomes even easier. Podbean simplifies the process by offering one-click submission to multiple top platforms from your dashboard.

Instead of registering and submitting your RSS feed on each directory individually, Podbean’s distribution feature lets you deploy your podcast to places like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and others in just a few clicks.

This not only saves you time but also ensures your podcast meets each platform’s requirements automatically.

To build a loyal listener base and increase your podcast’s visibility, proactively promoting your show is essential. This means actively sharing episodes on social media, creating a central website, using embedded players, and engaging with fans and other creators.

Podbean and similar platforms offer tools (like embeddable players and advertising slots) to help boost reach, but the core strategies involve consistent publishing and community engagement.

Leverage Social Media Platforms

Social media is a key discovery channel for new listeners. In fact, one analysis found that 38% of podcast listeners find new shows via social networks.

Platforms should be chosen based on your audience: for example, Facebook skews older, while TikTok and Instagram draw younger listeners.

As Podbean notes, neglecting Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube means “missing out on a massive opportunity for exposure and growth”.

• Use the right platforms: Identify where your target audience hangs out (e.g. LinkedIn for business podcasts, TikTok for younger crowds) and focus your efforts there.
• Post engaging content: Don’t just announce a new episode – share audiograms, video clips, quotes, polls or memes from your show. Visual or interactive posts grab attention better than plain text and encourage shares.
• Build interaction and shareability: Ask listeners to tag the show or submit questions on social media. For example, inviting followers to @ your account with their questions or fan art encourages dialogue and makes your podcast visible to friends of your fans.

For YouTube creators, Podbean can even generate a video version of your audio episode to help you reach a wider audience across multiple platforms.

Build a Centralized Podcast Website

A dedicated podcast website serves as your show’s home base and helps with discovery. It puts all episodes, subscription links, and contact info in one place under your control. A well-designed site can also improve SEO and credibility.

• Host episode archives and links: Include links to every episode, your RSS feed, and listings on Apple Podcasts/Spotify, so new fans can easily find and subscribe. This centralizes content and makes sharing easier.
• Include newsletter sign-ups: Offer an email subscription or newsletter on your site. Collecting listener emails lets you announce new episodes or bonus content directly, ensuring loyal fans don’t miss updates.
• Share announcements and media: Use the site for news (guest reveals, tour dates) and a media kit or press page. Having a press kit (show bio, host photo, stats) makes it easy for guests or sponsors to learn about your podcast.

Embed Your Episodes with Podcast Players

Make listening seamless by embedding podcast players directly on your site or blog posts. Podbean (and many hosts) provide embeddable players that visitors can play without leaving your page. This removes barriers – users can hit play immediately without needing to open another app or download a file.

• Use embeddable player code: Copy the player embed code from your hosting dashboard and paste it into your website or blog. This lets visitors listen on-site in a familiar player window.
• Customize the player: Many platforms let you adjust colors, size, and episode count. Match the player’s look to your branding to create a cohesive feel for your site.
• Embed in social and newsletters: Some platforms even allow you to embed players in social media posts or email newsletters, so followers can listen right where they see the announcement.

Maintain a Consistent Publishing Schedule

Consistency is crucial for growth. Regular releases build listener trust and set expectations. In the crowded podcast space, “content quality matters — but consistency is what separates amateurs from authorities,” experts note. A predictable schedule (e.g. weekly or biweekly) helps listeners form a habit of tuning in.

• Choose and keep a schedule: Decide how often you will publish (weekly, biweekly, etc.) and stick to it. A regular cadence is “one of the best ways to grow your podcast over time,” since erratic releases can cause listeners to lose interest.
• Plan ahead: Batch-record or schedule episodes in advance to avoid gaps. Having a buffer of finished episodes lets you keep posting even if you’re busy.
• Communicate with your audience: If you do need to pause or change your schedule (holidays, life events), let your listeners know in advance so they won’t feel abandoned.

Engage with the Podcasting Community

Active participation in podcasting communities can expose your show to new listeners and collaborators. Join Facebook groups, Reddit forums (like r/podcasting), and Discord servers where creators and fans gather. These forums allow self-promotion, feedback, and networking with other podcasters.

• Join relevant groups: Participate in communities related to your topic or general podcasting (e.g. Podbean’s Facebook group, r/podcasting). Share your episodes when appropriate, ask questions, and contribute value.
• Cross-promote with peers: Collaborate with other podcasters in your niche: swap guest appearances, shout-outs, or episode promos. Each show can tap into the other’s audience, giving both more exposure.
• Interact directly with listeners: Encourage listener involvement (mailbags, Q&A episodes, fan mail segments). When fans ask questions or leave reviews, mention them on-air. This personal touch makes listeners feel seen and more likely to stay loyal.

Consider Podcast Advertising and Promotional Tools

Beyond organic growth tactics, consider paid promotional options. Podbean’s platform, for example, offers ad placements to boost your visibility.

On the Podbean app, you can buy banner ads that run on the homepage, or in-player ads that recommend your podcast to users listening to related shows. These are paid options designed to put your show in front of more ears.

• Podbean banner ads: Advertisements across the Podbean app’s homepage banner can reach thousands of podcast listeners for the ad period.
• Podbean player recommendations: Your show can appear as a “You May Also Like” suggestion inside other podcasts’ players, targeting listeners of similar shows.
• Ads on podcast apps: Many apps (Spotify, Overcast, etc.) offer their own ad platforms. For example, Spotify Ad Studio lets you run audio ads to podcast listeners, and other podcast apps sell banner or audio ads to hosts.
• Monitor and adjust: If you try paid ads, track their performance (clicks, listens) and target your spend toward the demographics and topics that perform best.

By combining these strategies – using social media wisely, centralizing your podcast on a dedicated site, embedding easy-play players, publishing consistently, engaging with the community, and leveraging promotional tools – you’ll increase your show’s visibility and build a stronger, more loyal audience.

Podcast analytics are crucial for growth. Tracking listener metrics reveals who’s listening, where, and how long.

In fact, podcast analytics tools typically measure “downloads, plays, listener demographics, [and] retention rates”. By monitoring metrics over time, you can identify which topics and formats resonate and adjust your strategy accordingly.

In practice, this lets you double down on high-performing content and tweak or retire what isn’t working.

Compared to industry standards, Podbean’s analytics are on par with major platforms. For example, Spotify for Podcasters provides similar data on listener demographics and retention and Apple Podcasts Connect emphasizes plays and drop-off rates.

Many podcasters use those tools alongside their host’s stats for a full picture. Podbean, however, brings these key metrics into one place. By cross-referencing Podbean’s trends with platform-level stats, you get a comprehensive view of audience behavior.

Podbean’s Stats Features

• Downloads & Episode Trends: Podbean counts every episode access (download or stream) as a download. You can track total downloads per episode and view trends over time. A “Latest vs. Top Episodes” chart compares your newest episodes with all-time top performers, making it easy to spot growth spikes or declines and repeat what works.
• Geographic Breakdown: The “Where Your Audience Comes From” map shows listener locations by country, helping you tailor content and promotions to key regions. If you see strong downloads from the U.K. or Canada, for example, you can add region-specific segments or time releases for those audiences.
• Platforms & Sources: Podbean shows which devices (Android, iOS, etc.) and apps (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, browsers, etc.) your audience uses. These insights help you optimize distribution—for example, making sure episodes play smoothly on top devices or focusing marketing on the directories that drive the most listens.
• Audience Engagement: Podbean goes beyond play counts by tracking likes, comments, and listener retention. You can see total interactions and a retention graph showing what percentage of an episode people finish. High retention signals strong engagement, while drop-off points reveal where listeners tune out—an industry-standard insight for improving content.

Podbean Tip: Don’t just track raw numbers—use your analytics to guide decisions.

Starting a podcast might feel overwhelming at first, but with the right tools and a clear plan, it’s easier than you think. The most important step is simply getting started—choose your topic, hit record, and improve as you go.

With Podbean, you can record, edit, publish, and grow your show all in one place, so you can spend less time stressing over the technical details and more time creating content your audience will love.

Your podcast doesn’t have to be perfect on day one—it just has to be real, consistent, and uniquely yours. Can’t wait to see your podcast on Podbean!

1. Do I need professional equipment to start a podcast?

Not at all. You can start with just your smartphone and a pair of earbuds using the Podbean app. As your show grows, you can upgrade to a USB microphone and headphones for better audio quality.

2. How much does it cost to start a podcast with Podbean?

Podbean offers a free plan to get started, which includes hosting, basic analytics, and access to the Podbean app’s recording features. We also offer affordable hosting plans with more storage, advanced analytics, monetization tools, and more.

3. Can I record and edit my podcast directly in the Podbean app?

Yes! The Podbean app lets you record solo or with guests, trim audio, add background music, and publish episodes directly — all from your phone.

4. Can I invite guests or co-hosts to record with me remotely?

Definitely. With Podbean’s Group Recording and Live Stream feature, you can invite up to 9 participants to record together from anywhere.

5. Do I own my content?

Absolutely. You retain full ownership of your content when using Podbean. We just help you share it with the world.