Podcast Programs: Setting Up Software
Last week we released “Podcast Tech: Setting Up Equipment“, where we discussed podcast tech that will help you with podcast production. This week we want to continue the conversation and discuss podcast programs and the software that will help you produce your show! As with the equipment, not all of this is required to create your podcast but it will help you!
Setting up Production
When it comes to production there are some podcast programs that you really need in order to get your show going. Such as recording, hosting, and editing. Depending on your computer you may be able to record/edit on an included app. For example, on a Mac, you can likely use iMovie/Garageband. But there is editing software that gives more flexibility and may be easier to use. Below we will discuss some options!
Hosting –
Podcast programs for hosting allow you to upload content for your viewers to listen, subscribe, and share your show. Below are some suggestions for hosting but these are not the only options for hosting podcast programs. Stay tuned in for a more in-depth blog on this topic coming out in March!
Captivate: Starting at $17/month – their analytics tools help you reach your goals.
Buzzsprout: Free option with paid plans starting at $12/month – the paid options have unlimited storage and you can even get some stats using the free version.
Spotify for Podcasters (formerly Anchor): Is free — “for everyone, everywhere, for free” — what sets Anchor apart, besides price, you get one WordPress site with your plan.
Editing –
Editing is important if you don’t want your listeners to hear your raw files. These podcast programs allow you to add music, chop your recordings, and add effects/vocals. As with hosting, we have a more in-depth post on podcast programs for editing. So if you’re reading this and are thinking to yourself “I’d love even more information on podcast programs for editing” check out our blog “Podcast Editing Programs“. Here are some suggestions:
Audacity: Free to download and use. With features such as effects, plugin support, and analysis
Adobe Audition (Premiere for video): Starting at $36/month, comes with 100GB of storage
Hindenburg: Starting at $10/month – can be installed on up to 3 computers (though the $10/month is for the use of one person).
Descript: With a free version and a paid starting at $12/month – while the free version only gives you one watermark free video per month it has a word removal filter!
Garageband – Free to download onto your Mac
Recording
Whether you are recording audio only or adding video podcast programs for recording can be super helpful. Please see our suggestions below:
Zoom: Free plan allows you to meet (and record) up to 40 min at a time!
Riverside: Free plan that includes unlimited single-track audio recording or paid plans starting at $10/month with 5+ hours of separate audio/video tracks. For $24/month you get 15 hours of audio/video tracks and live call-in recording!
Zencastr: Free version allowing unlimited recording and up to 12 participants per recording. Their first paid plan starting at $20/month features a live editing sound band and has advanced analytics.
Squadcast: Plans starting at $20/month features 2 member seats. If you’re hosting more than one podcast their second tier may suit you. At $40/month you can record 3 shows.
Promotion
Now that you are thinking about all of the technology that you need to record, edit, and host your podcast, we want you to think about a few more important podcast programs. These programs will come in handy in promoting your podcast. Especially, if you are doing everything in-house you will want to create graphics, post on socials, create audio grams, etc. These things will help you gain followers, and in tandem, attention for your show. Here are a few suggestions we have:
Canva
You can create a free account or pay for premium content. Canva allows you to create your own products from scratch or to use templates (some free) to help guide your design. We use Canva for many things, such as creating graphics and cover art.
Headliner
With free and paid options, Headliner allows you to add animations, captions, gifs, etc. to your audiograms. From there you can export directly to your social media. This makes editing and repurposing content easier.
Social media schedulers
Such as Buffer or Later help you batch create, edit, and plan your social media posts. Using a social media planner helps avoid burnout by allowing you to stay ahead of your promotion work so that you don’t feel stressed to get out content weekly (or whatever your schedule is).
Conclusion
As usual, these are suggestions for podcast programs to help make your life and your podcast production easier. That being said, even if you have these podcast programs, production takes time and effort. If you are finding that production is taking the joy out of creating your podcast, reach out to us here at GGC! We are here to help and would love to bring back the passion in your show!
Hav
This blog post was updated on November 28th, 2023
