Kelsea Ventures

Business & Content Strategy For Creatives

Kelsea Ventures

Business & Content Strategy For Creatives

How to Start a Podcast for Free: A Step-by-Step Guide

by | Jan 15, 2025 | Podcasting | 0 comments

Want to start a podcast but don’t want to spend a lot of time or money figuring out the tools? You’re in the right place. I launched my podcast, Recover with God, without spending a single penny, and I’m here to show you how you can do the same.

I know it can be overwhelming trying to find the right free resources. That’s why I’ve put together a list of the exact tools I used to record, edit, and publish my podcast—all at no cost. Whether you’re just getting started or looking for affordable alternatives, this guide has you covered.

Free Podcast Tools I Used:

  • Spotify for Podcasters – Podcast hosting platform
  • YouTube – Another hosting option
  • Zoom – Recording interviews or solo episodes
  • Pixabay – Royalty-free music for intros and outros
  • VEED.IO – Editing intros, outros, and social media teasers
  • Riverside.fm – Editing podcasts
  • Audacity – Free audio editing software
  • CloudConvert – Converting video to audio files
  • Canva – Designing cover art and social media posts
  • Google Docs – Organizing questions and episode notes

How to Start Your Podcast for Free

1. Choose Your Hosting Platform

  • Spotify for Podcasters: The easiest and free way to host your podcast. Upload your episodes, add show notes, and you’re ready to go. It’s simple to distribute your podcast to other platforms like Apple Podcasts and iHeartRadio.
  • YouTube: Another free platform, especially if you want to share video versions of your podcast. You can upload directly or use your RSS feed to add it to YouTube Music.

2. Recording Your Podcast

  • Zoom: Use the free version of Zoom to record interviews or solo episodes. It’s easy to use and lets you download recordings straight to your computer.
  • Spotify for Podcasters: If you prefer an in-app recording option, this platform offers that as well.

3. Add Music

  • Pixabay: Find royalty-free music for your intro and outro. No need to pay for music rights—Pixabay has a large library of tracks to choose from.

4. Editing Your Podcast

  • VEED.IO: Edit your intro, outro, and create social media teasers for your episodes. It’s user-friendly and perfect for quick edits, though the free version does come with some limitations (like watermarks).
  • Riverside.fm: For full podcast editing, Riverside.fm is a great option. It allows you to easily add intros, outros, and edit your podcast with captions and split tracks.
  • Audacity: If you’re looking for a free audio editing software, Audacity is a trusted option. It’s perfect for editing and refining your podcast episodes.

5. Converting Files

  • CloudConvert: Need to convert your video podcast to audio? CloudConvert lets you do this for free up to 25 conversions per day.

6. Design Your Cover Art

  • Canva: Create professional-looking cover art and social media posts using Canva’s free templates. You can also remove watermarks from your social media videos by overlaying them with your own graphics.

7. Organize Your Content

  • Google Docs: Use Google Docs to organize your show notes, guest questions, and episode descriptions. It’s a simple tool that keeps everything in one place.

Basic Equipment Needed

You don’t need fancy equipment to start a podcast. I used a basic mic and wired earbuds. If you don’t have a mic, you can try using your computer’s built-in mic as long as you’re in a quiet space. Lighting? A window works just as well as a ring light.

How Much Does It Cost?

If you stick with the tools mentioned above, the cost is zero. You can use free podcasting software, record with tools you already have, and design everything with free apps. The only thing you might need to invest in is a good mic or headphones if you want to upgrade your sound quality.

Starting a podcast doesn’t have to break the bank. With the right free tools, you can launch and grow your podcast without spending a dime. Ready to get started? Pick up that mic and let your voice be heard!

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