Starting a podcast can seem like a huge investment, especially if you’re a beginner unsure about the costs and equipment. A common question that arises for many new podcasters is: How much does it cost to get started, and what equipment should you buy?
The good news is that with Spotify for Podcasters, it’s possible to get started for free or with minimal investment.
Let me walk you through how you can do this and what your options are depending on your budget.
Table of Contents
Starting a Podcast for Free:
If you’re just testing the waters and want to see if podcasting is something you enjoy, there’s a way to get started completely for free. Here’s how:
1. Use Your Phone as a Microphone
You don’t need fancy gear to begin. Most smartphones today have decent microphones built in. You can record your voice directly into your phone’s mic. This is a great way to start without spending anything.
After recording your podcast, you might want to edit it before publishing. You can transfer the audio file from your phone to your PC or Mac. From there, use a free editing tool like:
2.1. Audacity: A free, open-source audio editor that’s great for beginners.
2.2. GarageBand (Mac users): This comes pre-installed on Mac computers and is easy to use for basic edits.
3. Publishing Your Podcast
Once your podcast is edited, you’ll need a platform to upload it. Luckily, there are free options available:
4. Spotify for Podcasters: This is a free podcast hosting platform that allows you to publish your podcast episodes. It also distributes your show to popular podcast apps like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, ensuring that your audience can easily find and listen to your episodes.
By following these steps, you can launch your podcast without spending a single dollar.
It’s a great way to test the waters and see if podcasting is something you want to pursue long-term.
How To Start A Podcast With No Audience and No Money
Recommended Budget Microphone:
Audio Technica ATR 2100x:
For as little as $50, you can purchase the Audio Technica ATR 2100x. This microphone is highly recommended for beginner podcasters for several reasons:
USB and XLR connectivity:
The ATR 2100x can connect to your computer via USB, making it simple to use with most laptops or desktops. The XLR option allows you to use it with professional audio equipment later on if you decide to upgrade your setup.
Good sound quality:
It offers excellent audio quality for its price, helping your podcast sound more professional.
Editing Software
Once you’ve recorded your podcast using your new microphone, you can continue to use AutoPod, Audacity or GarageBand for editing, as both of these tools are free and effective for basic editing needs.
Free Hosting Options
You can still use Spotify for Podcasters as your hosting platform at no cost, even if you’ve invested in a better microphone. This setup allows you to continue podcasting without worrying about paying for hosting or software.
Total Low-Cost Setup:
- Microphone: $50 (Audio Technica ATR 2100x)
- Editing Software: Free (Audacity or GarageBand)
- Podcast Hosting: Free (Spotify for Podcasters)
- Optional Paid Hosting: $12 to $19/month
Summary of Podcasting Costs on Spotify:
| Cost Category | Free Setup | Budget Setup | Professional Setup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recording Equipment | Smartphone (free) | $50 microphone | $50-$100 microphone |
| Editing Software | Audacity or GarageBand (free) | Audacity or GarageBand (free) | Paid software (optional) |
| Podcast Hosting | Spotify for Podcasters (free) | Spotify for Podcasters (free) | Paid hosting ($12-$19/month) |
| Additional Equipment | None | Optional | Mixer, headphones, soundproofing |
| Total Cost | $0 | ~$50+ | $200+ depending on upgrades |
Should You Upgrade?
Once you’ve gotten into the flow of podcasting and decided you enjoy it, you might start considering other upgrades.
These could include:
- Paid podcast hosting: If you want more control over your podcast, you might consider moving to a paid hosting platform that offers advanced features like detailed analytics or the ability to monetize your episodes.
- Additional equipment: As you grow your podcast, you might want to invest in a mixer, headphones, or soundproofing equipment to improve the overall quality of your recordings.
How to Start a Podcast for Free & Get on Spotify?
Step 1: Choose a Podcast Hosting Platform
The first thing you need is a podcast hosting platform. This is where your podcast files (usually MP3s) are stored, and the platform will distribute them to major services like Spotify, Apple Music, and more.
There are plenty of options available, such as:
- Anchor (now called Spotify for Podcasters)
- Podbean
- Buzzsprout
If you’re just starting out, I highly recommend going with Anchor (now part of Spotify).
Here’s why:
- Free to use: It’s completely free with unlimited hosting.
- Automatic distribution: It distributes your podcast to all the major platforms automatically.
- Monetization opportunities: It can match you with potential advertisers.
- Easy transition: If you decide to switch to another platform later, it’s easy to transfer your podcast.
If you want to explore other hosting platforms, I’ve compiled a guide with comparisons of different podcasting hosts.
It’s available for subscribers, and it breaks down the features, pricing, and pros and cons of each service.
Step 2: Set Up Anchor/Spotify for Podcasters
To get started, head over to podcasters.spotify.com and either sign up or sign in if you already have a Spotify account.
Here’s how to get set up:
- Sign up or log in to your Spotify account.
- Agree to the terms and conditions.
- Choose your podcast name.
Step 3: Brainstorm Podcast Name with ChatGPT
If you don’t already have a podcast name, you can use tools like ChatGPT to generate ideas. Simply tell it what your podcast is about, and it will give you suggestions.
For example, I asked ChatGPT for names related to entrepreneurship and business. After going through a few suggestions, I landed on The Raw Entrepreneur.
Tip: When choosing your name, think about your podcast’s tone and branding.
In my case, I wanted something no-nonsense and provocative, matching my brand and style.
Step 4: Create Your Podcast Description
Now that you have a podcast name, the next step is writing a podcast description. This is a brief summary of what your podcast is about and will appear on platforms like Spotify. You can once again use ChatGPT to help craft this.
Here’s a tip for writing the description:
- Keep it aligned with your podcast title and branding.
- Make sure it reflects the tone and content of your show.
For example, if your podcast is about entrepreneurship, your description could be something like: “The Raw Entrepreneur is a no-nonsense, real-world podcast that dives deep into the challenges and rewards of being a business owner.”
Step 5: Choose Your Podcast Category
Choosing the right podcast category is essential to reaching the right audience. For example, if your podcast is about business, you might choose categories like:
- Entrepreneurship
- Self-Improvement
- Education
I chose Entrepreneurship because it’s the most obvious fit for my content, and I want to rank in that category.
Step 6: Design Your Podcast Cover Art
Your podcast cover art is the first thing potential listeners will see, so it’s important to make it visually appealing. Here’s how to create a standout cover:
- Look at other podcasts in your niche for inspiration.
- For example, my friend TJ has an entrepreneurship podcast with a mountain and suit theme, representing adventurous entrepreneurs. I liked the idea of using mountains but wanted something more modern and minimalistic.
- Use ChatGPT to brainstorm cover ideas. I asked it for minimalist designs with geometric shapes, representing different aspects of entrepreneurship.
- Generate your podcast thumbnail using AI tools.
- If you need something more customizable, use Canva. Upload your background image and overlay text, ensuring your title and any other important details are clear.
Pro Tip: Don’t get hung up on making the perfect cover art right away. You can always improve it later. The most important thing is to get started.
Step 7: Upload Your First Episode
Once your podcast cover is ready, it’s time to upload your first episode. Here’s a checklist to make sure you’re ready:
- Record your first episode: Ideally, you’ve already recorded it. If not, get it done.
- Choose a title: The title should reflect the content of the episode. For example, I titled mine The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Podcasting.
- Write an episode description: Use ChatGPT to help generate a concise and clear description that matches the tone of your show. Keep it no-nonsense, just like the podcast description.
Conclusion:
However, none of these upgrades are necessary when you’re just starting out. The key is to not let the cost of equipment stop you from starting. Many successful podcasts have started with minimal investment, and as your podcast grows, you can upgrade your equipment and hosting when you’re ready.
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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