Thinking about starting a podcast? Well, with over 546.7 million active listeners out there, now is the perfect time to jump in.
“But how to make a podcast?” It all begins with a solid concept. Then, you need to focus on the technical details, like choosing the right equipment and learning how to edit audio.
All these steps will help you create engaging content that highlights your expertise and builds your audience and personal brand—all through storytelling.
Without further ado, let’s dive into learning how to podcast in 2025.
How to Start a Podcast with Many Listeners in 2025
These are the steps to start a podcast that you need to know:
1. Know Why You Want to Start a Podcast
Why do you want to kick off this project? That’s the first question to ask yourself when thinking about how to start a podcast.
Are you looking to share a passion? Maybe you want to enhance your personal brand? Or maybe you’re hoping to earn some money from your podcast?
You need to be clear about your purpose when making a podcast. And it doesn’t have to be your first project as a content creator.
Even big names start podcasts to try out new ideas or content format. Take Remi Cruz, for example. She started her Pretty Basic Podcast as a fresh take on her main channel, MissRemiAshten, which focuses more on cooking and lifestyle.
In short, your purpose can be about education, entertainment, personal branding, or making money. But don’t jump to conclusions. Look for data that backs up your goal.
2. Figure Out Who Your Podcast Listeners
You’ve figured out your purpose? Great. Now, how to create a podcast? The next step is think about who might listen to it. Without listeners, it’s hard to hit those goals you’ve set.
You can’t guess who your potential listeners, right? So, you need to do some research, starting with the demographics.
Find information about their age, gender, location, and education. If necessary, you might even want to know their income level. But, it all comes down to your goals and the type of content.
For example, since 66% of podcast listeners have a college degree and earn about $75,000 a year, you can change your content to focus more on information to connect with them better.
And don’t just focus on demographics, but explore psychographics, too. Get to know their interests, struggles, values, and lifestyles.
Also, if you have different kinds of listeners, then make a persona. It’s a profile that describes your audience, including their age, interests, and even some made-up names.
3. Choose the Right Topic for Your Podcast
The next step in how to create a podcast is picking a topic. Yes, this matters a lot because it can make or break your success.
Basically, you need to find a sweet spot between your passion and your audience’s interests for a podcast topic.
Being yourself is great as it sets you apart. But it can be tough to attract listeners. On the flip side, if you chase trends, you might get some attention, but you risk losing your unique voice.
Also, don’t go too broad, but don’t get too narrow either. For example, if you’re into gaming, you could cover all gaming news, but don’t narrow it down to just indie games with a small following.
So, mix it up. Talk about the new GTA VI coming out in 2025, or dive into why Disco Elysium is one of the best games with unique angle.
Since 22% of podcast listeners in the U.S. enjoy comedy, why not sprinkle some humor into your content? It’s a great way to stand out and make your topic more engaging.
4. Plan Out Your Podcast
You can’t just pick a topic and hit the record button. So, how to do a podcast well? Start by defining your goals.
They don’t have to be rigid, but using the SMART method can help. It stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Why do you need this?
You can then check if you’re hitting your targets for downloads, unique listeners, or subscribers. Plus, you can keep an eye on financial goals like sponsorship income, or membership growth.
After that, make sure to think about your podcast’s structure too. Will you go solo, have a co-host, or invite guests in interviews?
If you love sharing your own stories, a solo podcast is great. But, for expert insights, interviews are the way to go.
The next thing on how to start a podcast is to to define your content strategy. Decide if you want deep dives, casual chats, or a mix. Some podcasts work well with 15-minute episodes, while others shine with hour-long talks.
You also need to figure out how often to post your podcast. You can go for weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly uploads. Many successful podcasts tend to release a new episode every 5 to 7 days.
Read Also: How to Create a Content Calendar
5. Pick a Name for Your Podcast
If you knew your podcast was going to be a hit, what would you name it?
Well, if you’re still looking for the best name, then take your time. It is important to find a name that feels just right. This is a key step in how to start a podcast. You want something you’ll be proud, don’t you?
So, you can think about words that reflect your identity as a podcaster or your chosen topic. The goal is to come up with a unique podcast name and represents your personal branding.
Now, how about “99% Invisible”? That’s a great one. What if “Pod Save America,” “Snap Judgment,” or “Comedy Bang! Bang!”
Those are all great names, but they’ve already taken. So, you can only use the podcast channel above for inspiration on how to choose a name for your own podcast.
You can play with alliteration, hyperbole, onomatopoeia, puns, and many more. You can also decide if you want to use one word, two words, or even one sentence.
6. Find the Right Equipment for Your Podcast
What do you need to start a podcast? Yes, the right tools. And since it’s all about the conversation, good sound quality is a must.
So, start with microphones. If you have a cheap gaming mic like the Razer Seiren Mini or a streaming mic like the HyperX QuadCast S, you’re all set. USB microphones are user-friendly with plug and play features.
Don’t forget a pop filter. It helps reduce those annoying popping noises. Plus, you can grab a mic stand. That’ll keep your mic stable and at the perfect height.
If you want something even simpler, a clip mic like the Rode SmartLav+ that connects to your phone is a great choice for beginners.
There’s more to it. You need headphones for audio checks and a solid computer for recording and editing. You can also get podcasting software, and if you’re doing video podcasts, make sure it can handle that too.
Think about getting an audio interface or mixer. It’ll help you manage sound levels better and boost recording quality, perfect for interviews or shows with co-hosts.
7. Make Your First Podcast Episode
“Let’s get started on that podcast episode!” It’s great to feel excited, but the last thing you want is to hit record and suddenly forget what to say.
Many new podcasters face this challenge. That’s why having a script or an outline can help keep the chat going smoothly.
Podcast script is a written guide that outlines the episode’s content and structure. In a podcast script, you’ll find a few key parts:
- Bumper Music — This is the catchy opening tune or sound that signals your podcast is starting.
- Welcoming Introduction — Here, you introduce yourself and give a quick overview of what the episode is about.
- Segments — These are the main pieces of information you’ll share throughout the episode.
- Segues — These smooth transitions help you move from one segment to the next.
- Conclusion — Wrap things up by summarizing the main points you covered.
- Outro — This is the closing music that signals the end of your episode.
If your podcast script is ready, that’s a great start. But, don’t forget audio quality. Before recording, do a quick sound check to make sure your setup is good for a clear recording.
Don’t forget to practice your speaking. You don’t want to stumble over your words or mumble. Many people take this for granted in the steps on how to podcast well.
You can easily record your podcast using recording software like Audacity. If you want, check out podcast platforms like Anchor which lets you podcast right from your phone.
8. Edit for a Better Podcast
Mistakes can happen while recording your podcast, and that’s normal. But instead of hitting pause or starting over, fix them during editing. So, always edit your podcast before uploading.
That’s the standard approach on how to start a podcast. Unless you prefer the raw, unfiltered vibe. But even if that’s your thing, skipping editing may make your work seem less professional.
So how to make a podcast with good editing? Start by listening to your entire recording. While you listen, write down any mistakes or awkward pauses.
You can sort them into categories like info errors, mumbling, background noise, or timing issues. After you’ve marked those spots, open up your audio editing software and cut out the extra stuff.
Don’t forget to work on your sound quality. Tools like WavePad Audio Editor are great for tweaking levels and remove the background noise. If you encounter sound jumps, use equalization to smooth them out.
But, editing isn’t just about fixing mistakes. It’s about enhancing the overall experience of your podcast. Don’t forget to include an intro and outro that show off your unique style.
9. Choose a Podcast Hosting Platform
You’re ready to upload your podcast episode, but where do you put it? That’s where a podcast hosting platform comes in.
This is the home for your episodes, where they’ll be shared with your listeners. So, pick wisely. It’s a key step in starting your podcast.
Don’t let all your hard work go to waste. You’ve planned, recorded, and edited your episodes, so make sure your podcast gets the attention it deserves with a reliable hosting service.
Which do you like better, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify? They both have their pros and cons. Apple Podcasts is great for connecting with other Apple users, Spotify gives you more options for customization.
If you’re new to podcasting, Spotify for Podcasters (Anchor) is good. It’s free and multiplatform. Plus, the layout is user-friendly.
You might also want to check out Buzzsprout, Podbean, or even Amazon Prime Music. And when picking a podcast hosting platform, just remember to look at these key points:
- Storage limits
- Ease of use
- Distribution options
- Pricing
- Analytics features
- Customer support
10. Share Your Podcast with the World
You can’t just upload your podcast episode and expect people to listen to it. That’s not how it works. You need to tell people about your channel and every new episode you release.
So yes, promoting your podcast is an important step in how to make a podcast grow. Even Joe Rogan uses his social media to let everyone know when he has a new episode.
When it comes to promotion, you have two main options: organic and paid. Organic methods use social media, email newsletters, and other ways to build an audience slowly.
On the flip side, paid promotion uses ads on platforms like Facebook and Google to spread your message quickly. But if you’re just starting out, this might not be the best fit for you.
Not only that, you can choose between solo or collaborative promotion. Solo means you handle all the marketing yourself. Collaborative means you work together with others to reach a larger audience.
Read Also: Best Social Media Scheduling Tools
11. Check Your Podcast Performance
What’s the next step to create a podcast that attracts a big audience? It’s all about monitoring your analytics. This is a key part on how to start a podcast, too.
Think about it: you’ve made a great episode and promoted it well. But how do you know if people are actually listening? How can you tell if they enjoy it or what topics they like best?
Without data, you’re just guessing. You won’t really know how your podcast is performing. And that’s not ideal if you want to grow your channel and be among the top podcasters.
If you don’t pay attention to how your podcast is performing, you might run into some problems. Without tracking the numbers, you won’t know what to improve, resulting in wasted effort on episodes that don’t drive progress.
So, how to podcast using data? Start by learning the key metrics from podcast hosting platforms. Some of them are:
- Unique Listeners — This number tells you how many different people tuned in to your podcast during a specific time. It’s a good way to see your reach.
- Followers — This counts how many folks hit the “Follow” button on your podcast. Followers are more likely to get updates about new episodes, which means they’re more engaged with your content.
- Starts — This tracks how many times people started an episode. It shows initial interest, but keep in mind, it doesn’t mean they stuck around to listen.
- Streams — This counts when someone listens to an episode for at least 60 seconds. It’s a sign that they’re giving it a shot.
- Downloads — If you’re using certain hosting platforms, you can check how many times your episodes have been downloaded.
- Average Consumption — This metric shows how long, on average, listeners stay with each episode. It gives you a sense of how engaging your content is.
- Audience Insights — This gives you a peek into who your listeners are, including their demographics and interests. It’s valuable info for understanding your audience better.
Here’s how to use this info for your podcast. If an episode about a popular game is gaining more Streams, your listeners are interested. This is a cue to create more content on that game.
If you notice them losing interest, it might be time to change things up. You could be talking too much, and they might not be getting what they need. So, just get to the point.
Take a look at how many people are sharing your episodes or leaving reviews. This can help you understand what your audience likes.
12. Make Money from Your Podcast
You’ve learned a lot about how to start a podcast. But don’t forget an important part: making money from it. So, why is this so important?
As your podcast grows, so do your earning chances. While many start podcasts out of passion, more listeners can turn that love into profit.
The numbers tell the story. Podcast earnings are on the rise, with estimates in the U.S. hitting $2.38 billion. That’s a huge opportunity for creators looking to make money.
So, how much can a podcaster make? Take Joe Rogan, for example. He made headlines with his big deal with Spotify, which could be worth up to $100 million. On top of that, he makes money from ads on YouTube and by selling merchandise.
If you want know how to create a podcast, you should think about how to make money, too. So, what are your choices?
- In-app monetization — you can earn revenue from podcast platforms by selling premium content, offering exclusive episodes to subscribers, or joining ad revenue sharing programs.
- Sponsorships — you can partner with brands that match your podcast topics. With a solid listener base, you can earn up to $100 per episode from companies paying for ad spots.
- Third-party monetization — you can make money by sharing exclusive content, selling merchandise, or accepting donations through apps like Gank. Think of it as a way to offer bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes looks, and much more.
Read Also: How to Make Money as a Content Creator
Starting a Podcast: A Wrap Up
Starting a podcast is easier than you might think, right? Those 10 steps are straightforward, even if you are new.
But the rewards can be huge. Think about earning $100 to $500 per episode. Sure, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. So, putting in the work and staying consistent is key.
By sharing your unique ideas and building a loyal audience, you can make money through sponsorships, merch and more through platform like Gank.
This is your chance to turn your passion into profit. So, why not jump in?
FAQ about How to Make a Podcast
How does a beginner start a podcast?
We talked about this earlier. First, think about your goals and who your audience is. That’ll help you pick the right topics and platforms to connect with them. Don’t forget to consider the format or strategy for your podcast, too!
What is required to start a podcast?
To start a podcast, you’ll need a good microphone, headphones, recording software. You’ll also need a hosting platform to share your episodes. Make sure you have a quiet place to record and pick up some basic audio editing skills to make your podcast sound great.
How do I start a podcast with no audience?
Don’t worry. It’s normal to start without an audience. Just focus on making good podcast content that fits your topic. Share your podcast on social media, and think about working with other podcasters to reach new listeners.
Can anyone start a podcast for free?
Yes. There are manyplatforms like Anchor where you can start a podcast for free right from your phone. But if you invest in some good equipment, your podcast will sound way better and attract a bigger audience.
How long should a podcast be?
Podcast episodes can be short or long, but they typically last between 20 and 60 minutes. The key is to keep your content engaging and to the point. Instead of worrying about hitting a certain time, focus on delivering value to your listeners.
How do I record a podcast?
Just hit the record button on your podcast platform. But don’t forget to set up your microphone right. And, take some time to edit your podcast for clarity and flow before you hit publish.
