How to Start a Podcast in 2025: Planning, Recording, and Promoting

If you can speak well, have a solid grip on a topic, and know how to connect with people, you’ve already got what it takes to start a podcast. Don’t let the technical stuff scare you off. Yes, it’s wonderful to have pro equipment and an army of marketing team behind you, but many great podcasts started with nothing more than a phone, a quiet room, and a free hosting platform.

If you’re interested, we’re going to break down exactly how to get your podcast off the ground—from planning your concept to recording your first episode and getting it in front of the right audience. 

Step 1: Plan Before You Record: 4 Must-Answer Podcast Questions

Before you hit record, you need more than just a mic—you need a clear vision. Below are four foundational decisions every successful podcaster makes early. Treat them as your blueprint. If you get these right, everything else becomes 10x easier.

1# What is Your Podcast’s Purpose?

Start with your intention. What’s driving you to start this podcast? Do you want to educate, entertain, build a personal brand, promote a business, or just explore a passion project? Be honest with yourself—your clarity here will shape every other decision.

Then, dial into your niche. In 2024, the most saturated categories were True Crime, Self-Help, Entrepreneurship, and Pop Culture. But even in crowded spaces, shows that brought a fresh take thrived.

• The Diary of a CEO, grew massive because the host (Steven Bartlett) offered honest, vulnerable stories with high-profile guests—something his audience craved.
• The Psychology of Your 20s stood out in self-help by targeting a very specific age group with relatable, research-backed insights.

Finally, ask yourself: Do I have something unique to say? Am I knowledgeable, relatable, or passionate enough to keep people listening—and coming back?

If you’re unsure, talk it out with friends or test a few pilot ideas privately and find what sticks.

2# What Will Be Your Podcast Format?

Format defines the tone and workflow of your entire show. Choose the one that fits both your style and your content goals. Here are some common options:

• Solo Podcast – You carry the show alone. Great for personal brands and niche expertise.
  The Mindset Mentor with Rob Dial, Hardcore History” by Dan Carlin
• Interview-Style – You bring on guests. Ideal for thought leadership or storytelling.
  The Tim Ferriss Show., Call Her Daddy
• Co-Hosted – You and a co-host bounce ideas, debate, or riff off each other.
  SmartLess, Girls Gotta Eat
• Narrative/Storytelling – Highly produced, with a script. Best for true crime, documentaries, or fiction.
  Serial, Welcome to Night Vale
• Panel Discussions – Multiple guests discuss a topic together. Good for opinion-driven, topical, or industry content.
  The Vergecast, The Daily Tech News Show, Pod Save America

Think about your strengths. If you’re a strong speaker but introverted, solo might suit you. If you’re a great connector, your interview style could shine.

3# How Do You Want to Name and Brand Your Podcast?

Your name is your first impression—make it count. Aim for something short, memorable, and relevant to your topic or tone. Ideally, it should also be searchable (SEO-friendly) and brandable. Best practices from pros:

• Use clear keywords (e.g., “Marketing School,” “Crime Junkie”).
• Check domain and social media availability.
• Avoid inside jokes or references that won’t age well.

Once the name’s locked, design a logo and podcast cover that fits the tone and stands out in small formats. Bright colors, bold fonts, and a clean layout work best. Tools like Canva, Looka, or 99designs can help, or hire a freelance designer if your budget allows.

4# How Do You Want to Create Your Content?

It’s easy to dream up a 45-minute weekly show—until you realize that means researching, scripting, editing, and promoting it every week. So start by asking:

• Do I have enough topics to fill 10+ episodes?
• If I go short-form (5–15 minutes), do I have time and content ideas to keep that pace?
• Will I work in seasons (8–12 episodes) or an ongoing weekly format?

If you’re unsure, outline your first 10 episodes. Do you feel energized or overwhelmed? That’s your answer. Then figure out if you’ll script, use bullet points, or freestyle. Balance ambition with realism. The goal is not to impress in episode one—it’s to still be podcasting by episode 20.

Step 2: Setting Up Your Recording Environment

Once your concept is solid, it’s time to make your podcast sound good. You don’t need a full studio, but you do need quality and quiet.

1# Select a Recording Space

Choose a quiet, low-echo area—carpeted rooms with soft furniture, curtains, or even a closet full of clothes can work wonders for sound absorption. Avoid spaces with hard surfaces like tile floors or bare walls unless you add DIY soundproofing (blankets, pillows, or foam panels help).
If you plan to bring guests—either in person or virtually—you’ll need extra considerations:

• In-person guests: Make sure your space has room for a second mic and seating that doesn’t creak or echo.
• Remote guests: Good Wi-Fi, clean mic input, and using software like Riverside, SquadCast, or Zoom (with a backup recording) are musts.

2# Getting Essential Equipment

You don’t need to break the bank, but don’t cut corners either. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Microphone–Start with a good USB mic like the Audio-Technica ATR2100x or Samson Q2U. For pro quality, go XLR with a mic like the Shure SM7 B (requires audio interface).
• Headphones–Closed-back headphones like Audio-Technica M50x or Sony MDR-7506 help you monitor sound and catch issues while recording.
• Audio interface or mixer–Only needed for XLR mics. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is beginner-friendly and reliable.
• Pop filter and mic stand–A pop filter removes harsh “P” sounds, and a stand keeps your mic stable and at the right height.
• Computer–Any decent laptop or desktop with enough RAM and storage to run recording software smoothly.

Img: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

3# Recording and Editing Software

Here are some great options for recording and editing:

• Audacity: Free, open-source, beginner-friendly, and widely used. Great for basic editing.
• GarageBand (Mac): Free, easy to use with clean interface. Good for simple edits.

• Adobe Audition: Professional-grade, powerful tools, popular with pros.
• Hindenburg: Designed specifically for podcasters, with automatic leveling and easy interface.
• Descript: Innovative tool that lets you edit audio like a text doc. Very intuitive and popular for podcast editing.

If you’re new, start with Audacity or Descript. They’re easy to learn and get the job done.

Can You Start Podcasting with Just an iPhone?

Absolutely. Many successful podcasters began with nothing but an iPhone, earbuds, and a quiet room. Apps like Anchor, Spreaker, or Ferrite allow you to record, trim, and even publish right from your phone. It’s not studio-grade, but with a bit of care (and maybe a clip-on lav mic), it’s a great way to get started and build momentum before upgrading equipment.

Step 3: Recording Your First Podcast

Your debut episode doesn’t need to be perfect, but it should set the tone for everything that comes after. A great first episode usually does three things: it introduces you, explains what the show is about, and tells listeners why they should come back. 

Think of it as your elevator pitch in audio form. Keep it around 10–15 minutes, and be honest, direct, and personal. StartUp by Alex Blumberg opens with a raw, awkward pitch to an investor—it’s gripping because it’s real.

1# Writing or Freestyling Your Episode

If you’re going freestyle, that’s fine—but don’t wing it completely. Create a bullet-point outline. Include:

• A hook to open the episode
• Main points or segments
• Transition cues (to avoid rambling)
• A call-to-action at the end

For example, Joe Rogan may look casual and conversational, but his team does pre-episode prep, and guests are guided with themes and flow—he knows where he wants to go, even if he takes side roads to get there.

If you’re scripting, keep it conversational. Write how you speak, not how you’d write an essay. Read it out loud and tweak it to feel natural. Practice it once or twice before recording, and allow yourself room to ad-lib.

2# Interviewing Guests

Interviews are their own craft. To do it well:

• Research your guest thoroughly (past work, interviews, bios).
• Write 8–12 questions, starting broad, then narrowing in.
• Open with something warm or unexpected to disarm them.

Listen to How I Built This by Guy Raz—you’ll notice how he makes his guests feel at ease while digging into meaningful stories. He asks smart follow-ups and listens more than he talks.

Have a plan, but let the conversation breathe. Some of the best moments come from follow-up questions, not the script. If you mess up, pause, take a breath, and repeat the sentence. You’ll get better with every episode.

3# During the Recording: What to Watch For

• Clap once at the start (makes syncing easier if you’re editing video + audio).
• Use headphones to avoid echo and catch issues.
• Speak clearly and confidently, but don’t fear pauses—they’re more natural than “ums” and “likes.”
• Watch your environment: Mute phones, silence background apps, and close windows or doors.
• For guests, record a short tech check—audio quality, lighting (if video), and ensure both sides are using headphones.

Take breaks if needed. Editing gives you freedom later, so focus on capturing your best energy now.

Step 4: Editing Your Podcast

Now that you’ve recorded, it’s time to polish your episode. Editing is where a good podcast becomes a great one. Start with the basics.

• Cut out long pauses and unnatural filler words.
• Remove background noise using tools like noise gates or AI-enhanced plugins.
• Add music intros, outros, and transition effects (just make sure you have the rights to use them).

• Noise reduction & EQ adjustments: Use EQ to enhance vocal clarity—cut muddy frequencies (around 200–400Hz) and boost mids/highs.
• Dynamic processing: Apply compression to even out volume and normalization to maintain consistent loudness.
• Multi-track editing: For interviews, edit each speaker on a separate track. This gives you more control over volume, noise, and pacing.

Free tools like Audacity offer most of this. Paid options like Adobe Audition and Hindenburg Journalist provide smoother workflows and cleaner results.

Show Notes and Transcripts

Every episode deserves a proper companion in text form. Not only does it make your podcast more accessible, but it helps your audience engage deeper and improves how your show appears in search engines.

• Show notes should include a catchy summary that tells people what the episode is about and why it’s worth their time. Add timestamps for key sections or questions, especially in interviews. List any resources or tools mentioned, link to your guest’s site, and include your own social handles and CTA (“Subscribe,” “Leave a review,” etc.).
• Transcripts are especially useful for accessibility and SEO. Services like Descript, Otter.ai, or Castmagic can automatically generate transcripts. Some creators polish these and publish them as blog posts. Others offer them as bonus content. Either way, having your spoken content in text format makes your podcast searchable and more shareable.

Step 5: Choose Your Hosting Platform & Distribution

Podcast hosting platforms store your audio files and generate an RSS feed, which you’ll submit to directories. Here’s a breakdown of popular hosts and what they offer:

Once hosted, you’ll submit your RSS feed to podcast directories:

• Mainstream: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Pandora, iHeartRadio.
• Niche/regional: JioSaavn (India), Podchaser, Stitcher (if supported), Deezer.

Some hosts offer one-click distribution to these directories—take advantage of that!

Step 6: Promoting Your Podcast

If you’re new to the industry with no existing audience, you’ll need to put in serious effort to get your podcast noticed. That means becoming strategic, consistent, and willing to test what works.

But even if you already have a platform, remember: your podcast still needs its own voice and rhythm. Audiences don’t always follow you from one medium to another automatically. You have to earn their time again.

• Teaser trailers & countdowns: Hype your launch with short audio or video clips. Share behind-the-scenes and sneak peeks.
• Build an email list: Offer downloadable goodies (like bonus content) in exchange for emails. Send episode updates directly to inboxes.
• Leverage social media: Post audiograms, quotes, and reels on TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Tag guests and use relevant hashtags.
• Collaborate with other podcasters: Do guest swaps, trade promos, or even appear on smaller shows in your niche. Platforms like PodMatch or MatchMaker.fm help you connect with creators in similar genres.
• Paid ads: Try Facebook and YouTube ads targeting your niche. Podcast-specific platforms like Overcast also offer sponsorships.
• SEO for podcasts: Make your title, episode descriptions, and show notes keyword searchable. 
• Connect with listeners: Host Q&A shows, have listener shoutouts, or hold contests.
• Repurpose your content: Transcribe audio into blog posts, YouTube videos, Instagram carousels, or even a newsletter.
• Build a website or landing page: While not absolutely necessary, having a dedicated website or landing page will serve as your podcast’s home base. It lends more credibility and allows you to have complete control over the way your brand is represented online.

Step 7: How to Monetize Your Podcast

Now comes the big question: Can you actually make money doing this? The short answer: yes. Here are three core strategies podcasters use—and how to make each one actually work:

1# Sponsorships & Ads

Niche shows with loyal audiences attract brands looking for specific markets. Industry rates typically range from $18–$50 per 1,000 downloads (CPM), but direct deals can vary wildly, especially if you offer custom integrations, newsletter mentions, or social posts in a package.

2# Listener Support & Memberships

Use Patreon, Supercast, or Buy Me a Coffee to offer early access, bonus content, or private Q&As. This model works especially well if you have a strong connection with your listeners. 

Some podcasters earn thousands per month from just a few hundred supporters. Even better? It’s recurring income and independent of downloads or ad rates. Just mention it consistently in your episodes (especially after delivering value).

3# Sell Your Own Products or Services

This is where many podcasters find the most sustainable revenue. Your podcast builds trust, so when you offer products or services that align with your content, conversions often follow. Like a wellness podcaster selling guided meditations or coaching, or a parenting show with an eBook or private support group. 

This model lets you keep 100% of the revenue and position your podcast as a powerful marketing engine, not just a content platform.

Step 8: Improving Your Podcast: What to Track, Test, and Tune

Think of your podcast like a product—it improves with feedback and iteration. Here’s how to stay sharp:

• Track meaningful metrics: Focus on listener retention, not just download counts. Use Spotify & Apple dashboards to see drop-off points.
• Ask for feedback often: Use Instagram polls, email replies, or listener shout-outs. Small asks = big insights.
• Test intentionally: Try new formats (short solo vs. interviews), release days, or CTA placements—and watch results.
• Study what works: Deconstruct top podcasts in your niche. What’s their hook? How’s the pacing?
• Stay connected: Join podcasting communities like Podcast Movement, Reddit, or local creator groups to trade tips and stay motivated.

Conclusion

Successful podcasts don’t start with perfect equipment or studio-level editing—they start with you. Your curiosity, your voice, and your ability to connect with listeners are what will carry your show.

Focus on what you do best. Are you great at telling stories? Lean into that. Are you naturally good at asking insightful questions? Make interviews your strength. Your unique skill is your biggest asset—and once you hone that, everything else (tech, editing, promotion) can be learned or outsourced later. So take the leap. Hit record. Get better as you go. 

FAQs

Q: How do you give stars to a podcast?

Search for the show name on the platform like Apple Podcast or Spotify. Go to its main page, and you’ll see the option to rate it. Usually it’s under the show’s title or description. Tap the stars (1 to 5) and submit.

Q: How do I get 1,000 listeners for my podcast?

To gain an audience for your podcast, post consistently, give good content, and regularly promote. Share every episode across social media, submit to every major directory, and even ask your guests to promote. Also, engage with your audience and use SEO in titles/descriptions.

Q: Do podcasts make money?

Yes! Podcasters get brand sponsorships that pay for product placement through Patreon by audience, merchandise sales, coaching, courses, and more. Usually, the good money comes after you’ve built some traction, although some niche shows are also earning well.

Q: How does a podcast go viral?

There’s no magic formula to viral a podcast. Typically, highly emotional, controversial, hilarious, or unusually helpful content gets shared en masse and becomes viral. Sometimes, it’s also the result of social promotion and ads, but ultimately, you need audience engagement the most.

Q: How many followers do you need for a podcast?

There’s no fixed number, but even 500 engaged listeners can be valuable, especially in niche markets. Most advertisers start to take notice around 1,000 downloads per episode. Focus more on loyal audience growth than vanity numbers.