Podcasting has become an incredible tool for educators and content creators, especially when engaging students.
It allows students to participate actively in creating content, rather than just consuming it, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
As a teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how podcasting can enrich in-person classroom discussions and transform them into something interactive, even when students are working remotely.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the top 6 podcasting apps for students. I’ll share my personal preferences, including which apps are free, which have paid options, and the pros and cons of each.
My Top Podcasting Apps for Students
1. Anchor
Anchor, owned by Spotify, is an excellent starting point for anyone—students, educators, or casual podcasters—looking to create a podcast for free.
It’s incredibly user-friendly and allows you to record directly from any device, including smartphones, Chromebooks, and iPads.
This flexibility is a big advantage for classrooms where students may have different types of devices.
However, Anchor does have limitations, particularly when it comes to editing. It offers only basic editing tools, so if you’re looking for more advanced options, you might want to pair it with another editing tool.
Still, its simplicity and collaboration features make it a good fit for educators who want their students to collaborate on podcasting projects.
Key Features:
- Free to use: 100% free with no hidden fees.
- Device Compatibility: Works on smartphones, Chromebooks, and iPads.
- Collaboration Features: Students can work together on podcast projects.
- Limited Editing: Basic editing features only.
2. Spreaker
I’ve been using Spreaker for over four years to host my podcast, and it’s become one of my favorite platforms.
What initially attracted me to Spreaker is its free plan, which offers five hours of recording time. However, if you need more storage, their pro plans offer a variety of options.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the available plans:
| Plan Name | Storage/Features |
|---|---|
| Free Speech | 5 hours of recording time. |
| On Air Talent | More storage, professional tools, and higher-tier collaboration. |
| Broadcaster | Advanced publishing options and better sound quality. |
| Anchorman | Full-featured, ideal for large projects or schools. |
One of the coolest features of Spreaker is its Spreaker Studio.
If you’re recording from home or on the go, Spreaker Studio offers tools for voice mixing, music, and sound effects, allowing you to easily incorporate different audio elements into your podcast.
Key Features:
- Free Plan: Up to 5 hours of recording.
- Pro Plans: More storage and features.
- Spreaker Studio: Includes music and sound effect mixing tools.
3. Synth
Synth, created by Swivel, started as a short-form audio tool designed for students to record short snippets of audio.
However, it has evolved into a full-blown audio-driven discussion platform.
This makes it an excellent choice for building safe, judgment-free environments where students can engage in meaningful conversations, both inside and outside the classroom.
Synth offers a standard plan, which includes 10 channels and basic podcasting tools, while their Pro plan offers unlimited channels and personalized support.
Synth is especially great for schools that prioritize safe digital environments for their students.
Key Features:
- Safe for Students: Judgment-free platform.
- Standard Plan: 10 channels included for free.
- Pro Plan: Unlimited channels and support from the Synth team.
4. Soundtrap
Owned by Spotify, Soundtrap is primarily a music creation tool, but it’s also excellent for creating podcasts.
While it’s better suited for music production, its collaboration tools make it perfect for group podcasting projects among students.
The free version gives users a 30-day trial, after which schools or districts would need to purchase a license.
Soundtrap allows students to create music using digital instrumentation, voiceovers, and narrations, all of which can be used for podcasting. It’s particularly great for schools looking to combine music and podcast creation.
Key Features:
- 30-day Free Trial: After that, it’s a paid service.
- Collaborative Tools: Ideal for group projects.
- Music & Podcast Creation: Incorporates music with voiceovers and narration.
5. WeVideo
WeVideo does require a paid subscription, it’s an incredibly powerful platform for students and educators alike.
WeVideo allows users to create and edit both podcasts and videos, offering features such as screen recording and the ability to publish directly to social media platforms like YouTube.
WeVideo has different pricing tiers, including Power User, which allows for 30 minutes of publishing per month, 20GB of storage, and basic HD quality.
Their Unlimited Plan, the most popular, offers unlimited publishing time, unlimited storage, and full HD resolution.
Key Features:
- Video & Podcast Creation: Supports multiple media types.
- Paid Subscription: Requires a subscription after a free trial.
- Educational Plans: Includes teacher and school licenses.
6. Flipgrid
Finally, Flipgrid is my number one recommendation. It’s a Microsoft-owned, completely free platform designed to facilitate classroom discussions through video, but now it also includes mic-only mode for podcast creation.
Educators can create topics, and students can respond through video or audio, making it a versatile tool for content creation.
Since Flipgrid is free, I recommend it over paid platforms like WeVideo or Soundtrap.
Teachers can create topics and have students respond in mic-only mode, which can then be repurposed into podcast episodes.
Students also have the flexibility to create their own grids and topics, fostering an environment where they can become podcast creators.
Key Features:
- Free: 100% free to use.
- Mic-Only Mode: Great for podcast creation.
- Versatile: Supports both video and audio discussions.
Final Thoughts
Podcasting is a powerful tool for transforming students from content consumers into content creators. These apps provide varying features and benefits, but each is designed to help students engage more deeply with learning by producing their own content.
Sonu is a passionate blogger who reviews the latest AI tools. With a focus on providing insightful and unbiased reviews, Sonu helps readers navigate the evolving world of artificial intelligence.
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