How to Make a Podcast for Free: Quick Start Guide

Did you know that over 5 million podcasts are available worldwide, with millions of listeners tuning in regularly? Perhaps you want to get in on this and start a podcast of your own, but you’re freaking out about the costs of equipment, hosting, all the things. 

Believe it or not you can actually start a podcast without spending a dime on it. But should you? 

In this post, we’ll explore how to start a podcast completely free. Keep reading for practical advice that won't cost you anything but time and creativity. 

Planning Your Podcast Concept

Before hitting that record button, we need to lay some groundwork. A well-planned podcast has a much better chance of success than one started on a whim!

Related: Read our guide on how to plan a podcast

The first step in learning how to make a podcast free is defining your unique angle. In other words, what will be your podcast topic?

Ask yourself:

– What are you passionate about?

– What knowledge can you share that others would find valuable?

Podcasting is crowded, but there's always room for authentic voices with something meaningful to say.

Think about your target audience too. 

– Who are they?

– What are their interests?

– What problems can you help them solve? 

Understanding your listeners helps shape your content in ways that will keep them coming back for more. Figuring out your podcast topic can also help you easily determine the best podcast name.

Next, consider your podcast format.

– Will you host solo episodes where you share your expertise?

– Maybe you'd prefer an interview-style show with guests, or perhaps a conversational format with a co-host? 

Don't forget to decide on your podcast episode length and frequency as well. While many podcasts run 30-50 minutes, shorter formats can work wonderfully if you publish more frequently. 

The key is consistency! Your listeners should know when to expect new content from you.

Essential Free Podcast Equipment for Podcasters

One of the biggest misconceptions about podcasting is that you need expensive equipment. The truth? You probably already own everything you need to at least get started!

Of course, this assumes you have at least a smartphone and/or a computer to work with. If you don't we highly recommend checking with your local libraries and universities. Many have podcast equipment that you can use for free.

But for everyone else who does a smartphone or computer, let's keep exploring how to podcast for free!

What to Record Your Podcast With

Your smartphone is a powerful piece of podcast equipment. It's a notes memo, and it's a recording device. Modern phones have surprisingly good microphones that can capture clear audio when used correctly. By recording in a quiet room and positioning your phone properly, you can achieve quality recordings without spending a penny on equipment.

Many smartphones also make for great video recording tools too! So, if you want a video podcast, but don't have a microphone or camera, you could try using your phone to create it. 

If you prefer using your computer, that works too! Your laptop's built-in microphone can serve as your starting point. (But, we won’t deny that splurging on a podcast microphone will significantly enhance your sound quality.)

To improve your audio quality without spending money, get creative with your recording environment. Soft surfaces absorb sound and reduce echo, so try recording in a closet with hanging clothes, or under a blanket to create a makeshift podcast recording studio. Position yourself in the quietest part of your home, away from noisy appliances and street sounds. 

You’ll also want to sign up for the free version of Adobe Podcast. With their Enhance Speech tool, you can clean up your audio and make it sound like it was recorded in a professional studio. Free accounts can clean up 30 minutes of audio twice a day (with an hour maximum).

Mastering Free Recording Software

Audacity stands out as the gold standard in free podcast recording software. This powerful audio editor is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux, making it accessible to virtually all podcasters. 

Getting started with Audacity is straightforward. After downloading and installing the program, you'll find a user-friendly interface with all the tools you need to record and edit your podcast. The software allows you to record directly through your microphone, import existing audio files, and edit multiple tracks simultaneously. 

For those who prefer alternatives, several other free recording options exist. GarageBand comes pre-installed on Mac computers and provides excellent recording capabilities with an intuitive interface. 

For remote interviews, Riverside.fm's free plan allows you to record up to 2 hours per month, capturing a separate audio and video track. Note: The free plan will place watermarks on your videos.

Some podcasters even use Spotify for Podcasters (formerly known as Anchor), which offers both recording and hosting services in one platform. This streamlined approach can be especially appealing for beginners who want simplicity.

Also see: Podcast Editing Software: How to Simplify Your Workflow 

Recording Your First Podcast Episode

Creating an optimal recording environment is crucial when making a free podcast. Find a quiet space in your home where you're unlikely to be interrupted. The ideal location should have minimal echo and background noise. 

Before recording your podcast, prepare your voice with simple warm-up exercises. Hydrate well, practice your introduction a few times, and take a few deep breaths to calm any nerves. Having a script or detailed outline helps tremendously, especially when you're first starting out. 

When recording, position yourself about 4-6 inches away from your microphone (or phone) and speak clearly. Try to maintain a consistent volume and pace throughout your recording. It's perfectly fine to pause or make mistakes—these can be edited out later.

Podcast Editing Like a Pro

Editing transforms your raw recording into a polished podcast episode. Audacity offers all the essential editing tools you need without costing a cent. 

Start by removing any obvious mistakes, long pauses, or filler words ("um," "uh," etc.). Next, apply noise reduction to minimize background sounds. Audacity's noise reduction feature works by sampling a section of "silence" in your recording that contains only the background noise, then removing that sound pattern throughout the entire file. 

Add your podcast intro and outro music to establish your brand. Free Music Archive and Musopen offer royalty-free music you can legally use in your podcast. Just be sure to check the specific license requirements for any music you choose. 

Finally, normalize your audio to ensure consistent volume levels throughout your episode. This makes for a more professional listening experience and prevents listeners from constantly adjusting their volume.

Free Podcast Hosting Solutions

Once your episode is edited and ready to go, you'll need somewhere to host your podcast files. Hosting is where your audio files live online, and from there, they're distributed to platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 

Spotify for Creators (formerly Anchor then Spotify for Podcasters) stands out as one of the best free podcast hosting options. It provides unlimited hosting with no time limits and automatically distributes your podcast to all major listening platforms. The interface is intuitive, making it perfect for new podcasters. 

Another excellent option is Spreaker, which offers a free plan with 5 hours of audio storage. While more limited than Spotify for Creators, Spreaker provides robust analytics and monetization options as your podcast grows. 

When setting up your podcast, you'll need to create an RSS feed—a special URL that podcast directories use to fetch your latest episodes. Most hosting platforms generate this automatically, but it's important to ensure your feed contains all the necessary information: podcast title, description, cover art, and episode details.

If you’re considering a paid service for podcast hosting – which we highly recommend – you can check out our post How to Choose the Best Podcast Hosting Platform for some solid advice.

Publishing Your Podcast to Major Platforms

Getting your podcast on the major listening platforms is essential for reaching a wide audience. The good news is that most free hosting services handle this distribution process for you. 

For instance, Spotify for Creators automatically submits your podcast to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts (the replacement for Google Podcasts), and other major directories. This saves you the hassle of individually submitting to each platform. 

If you're using a hosting service that doesn't offer automatic distribution, you can still submit your RSS feed manually to each platform. The process typically involves creating an account on each platform (like Apple Podcasts Connect) and submitting your RSS feed URL. 

Don't forget about your podcast cover art! Your cover art is often the first impression potential listeners have of your show. While professional design services can be expensive, free tools like Canva, DALL·E by OpenAI, and even ChatGPT allow you to create eye-catching podcast covers. 

Remember that your artwork should be square (3000 x 3000 pixels is recommended) and should clearly communicate what your podcast is about at a glance.

Promoting Your Podcast at Zero Cost

Creating your podcast is just the beginning – now you need listeners! Promotion doesn't have to cost money if you're strategic about it. 

Social media platforms offer free and powerful ways to promote your podcast. Share engaging snippets from your episodes, behind-the-scenes content, or quotes from guests to generate interest. Each platform has its strengths: X for quick updates, Instagram for visual content, and Facebook for community building. 

Don't underestimate the power of cross-promotion. Reach out to other podcasters in your niche and propose guest appearances on each other's shows. This mutually beneficial arrangement introduces your podcast to an already engaged audience interested in your topic. 

Create a simple website for your podcast using free platforms like WordPress.com or Wix. Having a dedicated home for your show improves your professional image and gives listeners another way to find you through search engines.

Measuring Success and Growing Your Podcast

Understanding how your podcast is performing helps you make informed decisions about content and promotion. Most free hosting platforms provide basic analytics that show you download numbers, listener demographics, and popular episodes. 

Pay attention to which episodes perform best and try to identify patterns. Are interviews more popular than solo episodes? Do certain topics generate more engagement? Use these insights to guide your future content. 

Consistency is key to sustainable podcasting. Create a production schedule that's realistic for your lifestyle and stick to it. It's better to release episodes less frequently but on a regular schedule than to start with an ambitious weekly schedule that you can't maintain.

From Free Podcast to Thriving Show

Creating a podcast for free is a smart way to enter the medium of podcasting without financial risk. We've walked through every step of the process, from planning your concept to promoting your show, all without spending a dime. 

Remember that many successful podcasters started exactly where you are now. They used what they had, focused on content quality, and built their audience gradually. Equipment upgrades and monetization can come later, once you've established your voice and grown your listener base. 

The most important factors in podcasting success aren't expensive microphones or fancy studios. They're consistency, authenticity, and a passion for your topic. If you bring those elements to your free podcast, you're already on the path to creating something remarkable. 

And hey, if you want another freebie, we’re offering a free trial of Castmagic. Our AI suite of products help you come up with podcast titles and descriptions, generate highly accurate transcripts, write social media posts, and so much more. Click here to try it for free now!