How to Start a Podcast in 2021

Podcasting is a popular and powerful medium that can help you share your voice, message, or story with the world. Podcasting can also help you build your brand, audience, or community, and earn money from sponsors, donations, or subscriptions. However, podcasting can also be challenging and competitive, especially in 2021, when there are millions of podcasts on the internet. Here are some tips and tricks that can help you start a podcast in 2021:

Define your niche and audience

The first step to start a podcast in 2021 is to define your niche and audience. You need to have a clear idea of what your podcast is about, and who it is for. You can choose a niche that matches your passion, expertise, or experience, and that is unique, specific, and relevant. You can also choose an audience that is interested, engaged, and loyal, and that you can serve, entertain, or educate. Defining your niche and audience can help you create a podcast that stands out, attracts, and connects with your listeners.

Choose a name and a format

The second step to start a podcast in 2021 is to choose a name and a format for your podcast. You need to have a catchy and memorable name that represents your podcast and your niche, and that is easy to spell, pronounce, and search. You can also have a subtitle or a tagline that explains or summarizes your podcast and its value proposition. You also need to have a format that suits your podcast and your audience, and that is consistent, structured, and engaging. You can choose between different types of formats, such as solo, interview, co-hosted, panel, or storytelling, and different lengths, frequencies, and styles of episodes, depending on your preference and purpose.

Get the equipment and software

The third step to start a podcast in 2021 is to get the equipment and software that you need to record, edit, and publish your podcast. You need to have the following equipment:

• Microphone: This is the device that captures your voice and converts it into an audio signal. You can use a USB microphone, which plugs directly into your computer, or an XLR microphone, which connects to an audio interface or a mixer. You can also use a dynamic microphone, which is more durable and less sensitive to background noise, or a condenser microphone, which is more delicate and more sensitive to sound quality. You can also use a pop filter, a windscreen, or a shock mount, to reduce plosives, breaths, or vibrations.
• Headphones: This is the device that allows you to listen to your voice and your audio, and to monitor your recording and editing. You can use closed-back headphones, which block out external noise and prevent sound leakage, or open-back headphones, which allow some sound to pass through and create a more natural soundstage. You can also use earbuds, which are more portable and discreet, or over-ear headphones, which are more comfortable and immersive.
• Audio interface or mixer: This is the device that connects your microphone and your headphones to your computer, and that allows you to adjust the volume, gain, or effects of your audio. You can use an audio interface, which is a simple and compact device that converts analog signals to digital signals, or a mixer, which is a more complex and versatile device that allows you to mix multiple inputs and outputs, and to add equalization, compression, or reverb.
• Computer or smartphone: This is the device that you use to record, edit, and publish your podcast, and that stores your audio files and software. You can use a computer, which is more powerful and reliable, or a smartphone, which is more convenient and accessible. You can also use a tablet, a laptop, or a recorder, depending on your preference and budget.

You also need to have the following software:

• Recording software: This is the software that you use to record your voice and your audio, and to save your audio files in a format that is compatible with your editing software and your podcast host. You can use Audacity, which is a free and easy-to-use software that works on Windows, Mac, or Linux, or GarageBand, which is a free and user-friendly software that works on Mac or iOS. You can also use Adobe Audition, which is a professional and powerful software that works on Windows or Mac, or Anchor, which is a free and simple software that works on Android or iOS.
• Editing software: This is the software that you use to edit your audio files, and to improve the quality, clarity, and consistency of your podcast. You can use the same software that you use for recording, or you can use a different software that has more features and functions. You can use Audacity, GarageBand, Adobe Audition, or Anchor, as mentioned above, or you can use other software, such as Logic Pro, Pro Tools, or Reaper, depending on your preference and skill level.
• Podcast host: This is the service that you use to upload, store, and distribute your podcast episodes, and to create your podcast feed, which is a file that contains the information and links of your podcast and its episodes. You can use a podcast host, such as Buzzsprout, Podbean, Transistor, or Libsyn, which are reliable and affordable services that offer various features and benefits, such as analytics, monetization, or promotion. You can also use a podcast host, such as Anchor, SoundCloud, or Spotify, which are free and easy-to-use services that offer unlimited storage and bandwidth, but have some limitations and drawbacks, such as ownership, control, or quality.

Record and edit your podcast

The fourth step to start a podcast in 2021 is to record and edit your podcast, according to your name and format. You can follow these general guidelines:

• Recording: Before you record, you need to prepare your content, such as your script, outline, or notes, and your environment, such as your room, equipment, or guests. You also need to test your sound, such as your microphone, headphones, or levels, and to check your settings, such as your input, output, or format. When you record, you need to speak clearly, confidently, and naturally, and to avoid noises, mistakes, or interruptions. You also need to have fun, be yourself, and enjoy the process.
• Editing: After you record, you need to transfer your audio files to your computer, and to open them in your editing software. You also need to backup your files, and to save your project frequently. When you edit, you need to trim, cut, or split your audio, and to remove any silences, ums, or errors. You also need to adjust the volume, balance, or panning of your audio, and to add any effects, transitions, or music. You also need to listen, review, and refine your podcast, and to export it in a format that is compatible with your podcast host, such as MP3 or WAV.

Publish and promote your podcast

The fifth and final step to start a podcast in 2021 is to publish and promote your podcast, and to reach and grow your audience. You can follow these general guidelines:

• Publishing: Before you publish, you need to create your podcast artwork, which is a square image that represents your podcast and your niche, and that is at least 1400 x 1400 pixels. You also need to write your podcast description, which is a short and catchy text that explains or summarizes your podcast and its value proposition. You also need to choose your podcast category, which is a broad or specific topic that your podcast belongs to, and that helps your listeners and platforms to find your podcast. When you publish, you need to upload your podcast episodes to your podcast host, and to fill in the metadata, such as the title, description, tags, or artwork of each episode. You also need to submit your podcast feed to various podcast directories, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Stitcher, which are platforms that allow your listeners to access, subscribe, or rate your podcast.
• Promotion: After you publish, you need to promote your podcast, and to attract and engage your listeners. You can use various channels, such as social media, email, website, or blog, to share your podcast and its episodes, and to interact with your audience. You can also use various strategies, such as SEO, keywords, or hashtags, to optimize your podcast and its visibility, and to rank higher on search engines or platforms. You can also use various methods, such as giveaways, contests, or collaborations, to incentivize your listeners and to grow your audience. You can also use various tools, such as analytics, feedback, or reviews, to measure your performance and to improve your podcast.