o, you want to start a podcast. Hop on the train! Podcasting is now more popular than ever, and it's one of the best ways to share your ideas, build an audience, or even grow your business. But where do you start and what do you need? What gear do you need? How do you record, edit, and publish your episodes? I’ll walk you through the entire process step by step. Keep reading, to see how you start a successful podcast in 2025.
1. Choose Your Podcast Topic & Format
Before you buy any gear, figure out what your podcast is about. Ask yourself:
- What do I love talking about?
- Who is my target audience?
- Will I be doing solo episodes or interviewing guests?
- How long will each episode be?
Once you have a clear vision, it’s time to set up your podcast.
2. Get Your Podcast Equipment
You don’t need to spend a fortune to start podcasting, but having the right gear makes a big difference. I've discussed this before in a different blog, to show what is the best gear at each price point. Here you can read that article. Let’s go over your options.
Low/Mid-Budget Podcast Gear
The easiest way to start is with your phone, but if you want to improve quality, here’s what I recommend:
Cameras:
- Logitech C920 HD Pro – around 70-90 €/$
- Elgato Facecam – around 120-160 €/$
- Sony ZV-1 – around 500-600 €/$ (best option if you have the budget)
Microphones:
- Fifine K669B – around 30-40 €/$
- RØDE NT-USB Mini – around 100 €/$
Lighting:
- Viltrox L116T LED Panel – around 50 €/$
- Neewer 700W Softbox Kit – around 90-105 €/$
If your budget is tight, skip the lighting and invest in a good mic instead. There are more than enough cheap options to fix your lights.
High-End/Professional Podcast Gear
If you want a professional-level setup, here’s what I’d go for:
Cameras:
- Sony a7SIII (3500 €/$) – A fantastic camera for podcasts.
- Sony FX3 (4700 €/$) – Overkill for most podcasts but great for video production.
Microphones:
- Shure SM7B (350 €/$) – The best option, but requires an audio interface like the Scarlett 2i2.
Lighting:
- Nanlite Forza 300 (900 €/$) – A high-end light used by professionals.
- Godox SL60W (150 €/$) – Great value for money, get two with diffusers for the best setup.
3. Record Your First Episode
Once you have your setup, it’s time to record. Here are some quick tips:
- Record in a quiet room to avoid background noise.
- Use free software like Audacity or GarageBand for audio recording.
- If you're filming, use OBS Studio or Ecamm Live for a professional video podcast. This software is great to record audio & film in the same software.
4. Edit Your Podcast
Editing doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’re just starting out, use:
- Audacity (Free) – Easy and beginner-friendly.
- Adobe Audition (Paid) – More advanced features and is a little bit easier to use.
- Descript (Paid) – Edit your podcast like a text document, which can be great.
Cut out long pauses, filler words, and background noise for a clean final product. But be careful, don't cut too much, leave some room for silence.
5. Publish & Promote Your Podcast
Once your episode is ready, you need to publish it. Here’s how:
- Choose a hosting platform – Buzzsprout, Anchor, or Podbean are great options.
- Submit your podcast to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.
- Promote your podcast on social media, YouTube, and your website. Youtube and Spotify are great ways to publish your podcast. And TikTok and Instagram are great to get people listening to your podcast.
