Maybe you’re a fan of the podcast format, and you’re thinking about starting your podcast. An excellent idea! Now, the question is: how much does it cost to start a podcast?
I’ll give a rough breakdown of the cost for whatever podcaster you want to be.
Maybe you’re looking for a method to express yourself creatively.
Launching a podcast is undoubtedly a fun way to do that.
Perhaps you’ve been blogging for a while and want to supplement your message with a podcast.
Podcasting is on the rise for various reasons, and now is the best time to get started.
One of the most appealing things about podcasting is that it is really inexpensive to get started.
From the comfort of your own home, you can produce a high-quality podcast on a shoestring budget.
With not much funding, you can connect with your listeners and make a real difference in their lives.
Let’s break down the fundamentals of what you’ll need to get started.
Of course, you’ll want to order what you’ll need confidently and concentrate on getting your podcast out there.
If you have a computer, you can get everything you need for less than $100.
I promise you can have a high-quality podcast with a bit of dedication.
Is Your Podcast Going To Be A Hobby Or A Business?
But first, let’s take a look at the objective because I know two different groups will read this.
First, there are the hobbyists.
If you’re a part of that group, you’ll only want a ballpark figure to see if you can afford it.
That’s fine; I’ll get to all of your inquiries right away.
Second, there are entrepreneurs.
If that’s the case, you’ll want to know how much money you can make on top of what you’ll have to shell out.
Related Reading: Podcasting For Business – Learn How You Can Boost Your Hustle Today.
Stuff You’ll Need To Start A Podcast:
Let’s begin with what you’ll need to get this podcast off the ground.
Aside from an intriguing podcast title, what elements make up a successful podcast?
This section discusses the components you’ll need and the types of people participating at each level.
After that, we’ll move on to the actual costs in the next section.
Here are the elements we’ll talk about:
- Podcast equipment (microphones, recorders, cameras, etc.)
- Software (media hosting, editing solutions, etc.)
- Cover art (the graphic representation of you and your show)
- Music and sound effects (sound design to spruce up your show)
Let’s examine what these elements look like at each type of podcaster:
The “I’m Just Doing This For Fun” Podcaster
What’s the bare minimum that you need to have to start a podcast?
First, you’re going to need a good-quality microphone to record audio.
Q2U Samson Mic is what I use. Check it out on Amazon here.
There are plenty of budget options for that piece of equipment.
Then you’ll need a podcast hosting account to distribute it to your target audience. Here’s a whole article, or for a shortcut, just get who we use (BuzzSprout)
You can use something to edit your recordings – Audacity is a Free Option.
You could bang out the straightforward, homemade cover art for your show, and you can start podcasting away.
This is presuming, of course, that you already have a computer for recording and uploading to your host.
The bare minimum is a great place to start, and even business podcasts have thrived on it for years.
I frequently advise people to start with the bare minimum and stick to it for the first ten episodes.
For one thing, it reduces the difficulties to a minimum, giving you no reason not to release new episodes consistently.
It’s then much easier to build a following and practice as you go.
The “I Want My Podcast To Sound Professional” Podcaster
So, you want to take a DIY approach.
But you’d still like some expensive equipment to ensure that your message is communicated as effectively as possible.
At this point, I suggest investing in two high-quality mics.
You can use one and keep the other for in-person visitors or co-hosts.
To record podcasts, you’ll need a digital recorder.
Most professional microphones require professional recording gear and will not function properly with a computer.
It also means you’re now portable, allowing you to go out and capture high-quality audio at events or interview places.
Last but not least, depending on your intentions, you may require online recording software.
If you wish to talk to faraway co-hosts or interviewees, you’ll need to sign up for one of these services.
You’ll now be outsourcing cover art and music.
Fiverr and Flexjobs are significant marketplaces to outsource such tasks.
You can pay someone who specializes in the field to perform it for you if you want it done well.
That way, you can be positive you’re getting the finest possible representation of your business.
Related Reading: How To Create A Podcast Studio – Click Here To Setup Yours.
The “I want to learn everything right now” Podcaster
Do you want to be sure of your strategy and be able to get going as quickly as possible?
If that’s the case, you’re most likely an avid learner.
Many people who invest in high-quality equipment also invest in learning how to operate it.
They’ll also invest in classes to teach them how to establish and efficiently run a podcast.
For example, new podcasters would benefit from a thorough walkthrough of the editing process.
That entails preparing your show for success and releasing it effectively.
You’ll also know how to promote it on social media, craft outstanding material, and pinpoint the best mode of monetization.
Education saves time and avoids mistakes.
So if you’re a business podcaster or want to make money from it, proper education is a necessity.
It may also be worthwhile if you’re a hobbyist who isn’t highly technical.
You might want to ensure that you can attract as many fans as possible.
Courses are pretty beneficial, but they can be pretty pricey.
Make sure you fit into this category to be sure it’s a worthwhile purchase.
The “I just want to make great content” Podcaster
Do you wish to put the technical aspects of podcasting aside?
Equipment, editing, bit rates, hosting, RSS feeds, Apple Podcasts submission, and show publishing aren’t your thing?
Do you want to focus on what you’re good at, making and recording music using your voice?
If that’s the case, then you’re a content churner.
Some folks want to hit the record button and talk.
They can write and deliver a great message.
However, they lack the ability or desire to turn that message into a live podcast episode.
Podcast-producing services were created for those people.
But how much does it cost to hire a podcast production company?
Podcast production services will take your unprocessed audio and convert it into a polished product.
This entails removing errors and silences, adding music and sound effects, leveling, compressing, and mastering the file.
Then these files are uploaded for people to subscribe to on Apple Podcasts and other platforms.
For most businesses, this is a given.
If you want to generate money from the show, you should focus on providing exceptional content.
It may make sense for hobbyists to outsource editing after reaching a certain point.
It stops being fun after a while.
How Much Is Your Dream Podcast Going To Cost?
We’ve gone over all of the scenarios now, and I hope you found yourself in one of them.
Many people begin with the essential requirements and work their way down the list, eventually producing a professionally produced show.
Others enter at a high-quality level and stay there indefinitely.
Let’s see how much it’ll cost, whatever podcaster you’re going to be.
The “I’m Just Doing This For Fun” Podcaster
Let’s start with a justification.
You may have a built-in microphone on your laptop or headphones in the back of the closet.
However, a respectable minimum level of equipment should be considered.
You could get a decent headset microphone for as little as $50.
Q2U Samson Mic is what I use. It already yields fantastic audio quality.
If you can get your hands on one, it will help you deliver your content much more successfully.
It’s possible to get free podcast hosting or use your existing web hosting, but I wouldn’t recommend either option.
I’ve already talked about the importance of using dedicated podcast hosting.
I assume you’re going to put in the time and effort.
So, a solid, dependable hosting account is the very least you can do to make your show flourish.
Here’s a full article on different podcast hosts, or for a shortcut, get who we use (BuzzSprout).
Finally, there’s your brand.
You don’t even need music to reflect your presentation at this point.
Simply use a speech introduction and then dive right into the topic.
You can find free and low-cost music for your podcast if you must have tunage.
At this stage, I prefer to use a tool called Canva for cover graphics.
Canva has a podcast cover art template and some excellent free designs.
It allows you to make something beautiful even if you don’t have any design expertise.
It won’t be unique, and it will likely follow a template already in use by others, but it will suffice.
Cost Breakdown:
- Decent headset microphone: $50
- Dedicated podcast host: $15 per month
- Music: $0
- Cover Art: $0
The “I Want My Podcast To Sound Professional” Podcaster
It’s time to get technical.
You’ll need Two Samson Q2Us, a Zoom H5 recorder, two good quality XLR cables, and a respectable set of studio headphones.
This genuinely professional setup will allow you to record high-quality podcast episodes for many years.
It will also allow you to go out and do great-sounding in-person interviews.
You’ll also have the freedom to chat with a co-host every week.
The Q2Us have the added benefit of being able to be plugged straight into your computer as a USB microphone.
Depending on your intended format, you might wish to acquire a Zoom PodTrak P4 instead of a Zoom H5.
The P4 is a versatile podcast recorder that may be used to record local, phone or online discussions on multitrack.
You can even use real-time music and effects.
You might also use some call recording software that is available online.
You may hire a regular graphic designer to create the cover art at this stage.
They’d charge anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a thousand dollars or more.
You’ll want to have some intro music and bespoke audio branding built for music and effects like popular podcasts do.
This means collaborating with a company like Music Radio Creative.
They will generate a professionally produced and sounding podcast intro and outro for you.
Cost Breakdown:
- Two Samson Q2Us: $150
- Two XLR Cables: $30
- Zoom H5 or Zoom PodTrak: $250 or $200
- Podcast recording software: $10 per month
- Studio headphones: $30
- Dedicated podcast host: $15 per month
- Cover art: $195(ish)
- Music: $170(ish)
- One-off cost: $805
- Monthly cost: $30
The “I want to learn everything right now” Podcaster
There are several podcasting courses available on the internet.
For example, The Podcast Host Academy provides a comprehensive range of services, but I admire many others.
Naturally, prices vary but consider The Podcast Host Academy as an example.
The courses cost $350 for 12 months of access, and they walk you through the whole launch process.
They’ll teach you everything from planning, strategy, and formats through interview skills, presentation, equipment, recording, and editing.
Finally, it addresses the topics of releasing, promotion, and monetization.
For a quality course on a specific area of podcasting, expect to pay between $250 and $550.
You could expect to pay upwards of $2000 for something covering the whole subject plus one-on-one help.
Whether you want to do it all at once or select courses on specific topics, it’s up to you.
Cost Breakdown:
- Castos’ Podcast Launch Service: Starts at $2,500
- The Podcast Host Academy Courses: $350
The “I just want to make great content” Podcaster
The third option I discussed is having your podcast professionally produced.
I’ll offer you a range for this one because there are as many pricing options as there are suppliers.
And there are a plethora of suppliers to choose from.
Reliability, quality, and experience are all factors to consider.
I’ve written an entire piece about podcast production costs, but the gist is this.
If your show isn’t business-critical, low-cost producers are fine.
If you don’t mind it being of varying quality, an independent producer can do it for roughly $30 per episode.
For many hobby or non-serious podcasters, this is completely fine.
However, if the purpose of this presentation is to boost your exposure and sales, it must be of high quality.
This necessitates the involvement of a production team.
You should expect to pay roughly $45 for each episode and up.
Bear in mind, though, that you don’t need to pay a podcast producer to handle your production.
Alitu, a podcast maker online software, was created with the goal of automating all of the cleaning and processing.
They also cover editing and uploading.
Cost Breakdown:
- Shoestring Budget: $30 per episode
- Or Alitu podcast maker app: $28 per month or $280 per year
- Professional podcast production: At least $45 per episode
Related Reading: Best Podcast Hosting Companies – Click Here To Learn More.
How Much Does A Podcast Really Cost?
It isn’t easy to give final pricing because you can choose from the options I’ve provided.
I’m afraid this is one of those “it depends!” situations where I can’t give you a clear answer.
However, based on the two most general groupings, I can give you an estimate of the total costs.
Hobbyists
If you’re starting as a podcaster, you’ll be set with the bare minimum.
You might also benefit from a course.
The goal of a course is to talk about something you’re passionate about and create a community around it.
Sure, the goal is to keep things simple.
However, you still need to know how to utilize your equipment, plan a show, and advertise it.
I believe that learning from others saves you so much time that it is worth it.
Many of you will be able to figure out the process on your own.
For others, it’s a great confidence booster, and I’ve seen a lot of shows fail due to a lack of confidence.
Cost Breakdown:
- Upfront cost: $330
- $15 per month
Entrepreneurs
Now, a company’s purpose in podcasting is to generate a profit on its investment in the medium.
It doesn’t have to be money — it may be leads, brand exposure, or fan authority.
However, it must return in some way.
That means it’s worthwhile to invest time and money to get it right.
A company could use the method described above: the bare minimum plus a course to get started.
Existing employees can be pulled away from their primary responsibilities for a set amount of time each week.
They can work on editing, publishing, and other projects.
Many organizations have employees that are genuinely enthused about the concept.
It could even be a habit that improves someone’s job performance.
However, other businesses prefer to focus on their strengths while leaving the technical aspects of podcasting to the professionals.
In that instance, a corporation should invest in high-quality recording equipment and enlist the help of a production partner.
The partner company will almost certainly provide enough experience to eliminate the requirement for a course.
The latter is more common in giant corporations, whereas the former is more common in small businesses.
I’m not sure if it’s a budget issue or a mindset issue.
In any case, here’s how much the business podcasting technique costs.
Cost Breakdown:
- Upfront cost: $950
- $330 per month
Resources
If everything above seems overwhelming, here are some resources for you to check out:
Fiverr
Fiverr is a website that offers low-cost graphic design services, with bundles starting at $5.
Expert graphic designers can produce an excellent thumbnail for your podcast for very little money.
Fiverr also has a mobile app so that you can search for designers on the go.
Simply type “podcast artwork” into the search bar and scroll through the results until you find a designer you like.
Audacity
Many professional and amateur podcasters use Audacity, an open-source software tool (similar to Firefox for the internet).
It’s free software for Mac, Windows, and Linux, so it’s accessible to almost everyone.
Audacity has many capabilities you’d find in more expensive audio editing software, even though it’s free.
Audacity allows you to layer tracks, edit recordings, and export your episode to various file formats.
It also lets you record directly from your microphone.
Audacity is an excellent alternative if you have a Windows or Linux computer.
Garage Band
Mac users already have this fantastic app at their disposal.
You may layer numerous tracks, add an intro and outro to each episode, and add audio files quickly.
Plus, you can export your file as a .wav or .mp3 file with GarageBand.
You may also record directly into GarageBand from your microphone.
This removes one extra step from the process of creating each episode.
Alitu
Alitu is a web app that allows you to create podcasts.
It was created with the goal of making production, editing, and publishing as straightforward as possible.
You can make a podcast with Alitu without understanding anything about audio production.
You can either record inside Alitu (such as solo segments on online calls) or simply upload recordings from elsewhere.
You can also do phone recordings or a Zoom Webinar.
Alitu will handle the rest. It will do conversion, leveling, noise reduction, and other tasks to improve the sound quality of your audio.
Then you may use Alitu’s editing capabilities.
These include top and tail features and the ability to fix any errors in your audio content.
After that, the episode builder will allow you to piece together as many clips as you need.
From solo portions to adverts to listener call-ins, it will automatically add your theme music at the beginning and finish.
Lastly, you may download or upload the finished episode directly from the app.
Related Reading: Best Podcast Host For Beginners – Click Here To Pick Your Podcast Host.
Final Thoughts
I hope this has given you a good idea of how much the podcasting community spends.
I think it’s also given you a good notion of where you are on the scale.
I’m sure this post has given you what you should think about before starting.
Now that you know exactly what you’ll need to launch your podcast, it’s time to get started.
Make a deadline for yourself to release your first podcast episode and write it down.
Your biggest roadblocks to reaching your listeners and positively impacting their lives are indecision and inaction.
Please don’t put it off.
Produce a podcast that you enjoy, and that is valuable to your listeners.
I hope you find a way to do so with a cost that you’re comfortable with.
See you out there in the podcasting space!
