What Software Do I Need to Record a Podcast?

How to Make Money from a Podcast in 2025

The Beginner's Guide to Getting Started with Podcasting

How to Find Your Podcast Niche

Why Podcast Format Matters

What Equipment Do You Need to Start a Podcast?

Best Podcast Recording Software Options

Audacity

Free, Beginner-Friendly

Audacity has been around for years, and for good reason, it's free, open-source, and surprisingly powerful. You can record audio directly into the platform, record and edit tracks, and apply basic effects. Although the interface appears somewhat dated, it remains a solid option for those just starting.

Pros: It's completely free, which is perfect for new podcasters on a tight budget. It has a robust range of basic editing features, like cutting and splicing audio. The software is open-source and has a large community of users for support.

Cons: The user interface is outdated and can be a bit confusing for new users. It lacks advanced features, such as remote guest recording and noise reduction plugins, which are available in paid options.

Best for: Budget-conscious beginners seeking a reliable, no-frills recording solution.

GarageBand

For Mac Users

If you're on a Mac, you already have a strong tool for recording podcasts. GarageBand comes pre-installed and offers intuitive multitrack recording, simple editing, and built-in effects. Although designers created it for music production, it also works well for podcasting.

Pros: It's a powerful and free tool for Apple users. The interface is clean and intuitive, making it perfect for beginners. Multitrack recording makes it easy to add music and other audio layers.

Cons: It's only available for Mac and iOS devices, which limits for Windows users. It lacks some of the more advanced features of professional audio tools.

Best for: Apple users seeking a free and easy-to-learn option.

Riverside

Pro Remote Recording

Riverside is a browser-based platform designed specifically for podcasters and video creators. It records high-quality audio and video on each participant's computer. This means that if the internet connection drops, the final file remains clear. This is the ideal tool for anyone wondering how to record a remote podcast with professional quality. As your show grows, investing in a professional tool like this is a key step to learning how to make money from a podcast.

Pros: It's the ideal tool for high-quality remote interviews, as it records a separate track for each guest locally. The user-friendly, browser-based interface requires no downloads for your guests.

Cons: It's a paid service, which may not be suitable for podcasters who are just starting out. The design focuses on recording, so you will still need a dedicated editor for complex post-production.

Best for: Podcasters interviewing remote guests who want studio-quality sound.

Zencastr

Easy Online Recording

Similar to Riverside, Zencastr allows you to record high-quality audio with remote guests directly from your browser. Lightweight, easy to set up, and featuring post-production tools to refine your audio files.

Pros: It simplifies the recording process for remote guests and offers a clean, straightforward interface. It also includes some basic audio editing features to help you polish your files.

Cons: Like Riverside, it is a paid service. It is simple and easy to use. However, it may lack some advanced features and visual tools found in other products.

Best for: Podcasters who value simplicity and want to avoid complex setups.

Free vs. Paid Podcast Software

When Free Tools Are Enough

If you're starting in podcasting, free tools like Audacity or GarageBand are more than capable of meeting your needs. You'll be able to record, edit, and publish without spending a dime.

Why Invest in Paid Software

Paid tools like Riverside or Zencastr offer superior audio quality, remote guest recording capabilities, and additional time-saving features. If podcasting is part of your business or brand strategy, the investment quickly pays for itself.

Case Study: The "Marketing Mavericks" Podcast

When launching his podcast, "Marketing Mavericks," host Alex struggled with inconsistent audio quality from his remote guests. He initially used a free VoIP service, which often resulted in choppy audio and frustrating re-takes.

After switching to Riverside, Alex noticed an immediate improvement. The platform's local recording feature ensured that guests with weak internet connections had a great sound on the final track.

This saved him hours in post-production. It also made his show sound more professional. As a result, listener downloads increased by 30% in just three months.

Essential Podcast Recording Tools & Add-Ons

Editing Software and Plugins for a Polished Sound

Great editing software is only part of the puzzle. Here are some additional tools worth considering:

• Cloud Storage & Backup Solutions: Always back up your recordings. Cloud tools like Google Drive or Dropbox ensure your episodes are safe and accessible anywhere.
• Microphones and Accessories: While your show's content is more critical than perfect audio at the start, a dedicated microphone will significantly improve your sound. A USB microphone is a great starting point, and accessories like a pop filter and mic stand can make a big difference in sound quality.
• Tools for Remote Guest Recording: Platforms like Riverside and Zencastr make it easy to host guests. You can also use Zoom or SquadCast, depending on your needs.
• Real-Time Audio Monitoring vs. Playback: Monitoring your audio while recording helps you identify problems early. Playback allows you to verify that everything sounds correct before publishing. You can also monitor your audio levels.
• Podcast Hosting Platforms: Once your podcast is recorded and edited, you'll need a place to store and distribute it. A podcast hosting platform like Buzzsprout, Libsyn, or Anchor stores your audio files and generates an RSS feed. This feed is what you submit to directories like Apple Podcasts and Spotify so your listeners can subscribe.
• Editing Tools and Plugins for Great Sound: You can use tools like noise reduction, EQ, and compression. These tools can make your audio sound better. They can change your sound from "good" to "professional." Many recording platforms include basic versions, for audio and video recording but you can also upgrade to specialised tools .
• Music and Sound Effects: Intro and outro music can define your show's brand. Make sure to use royalty-free music from sites like Epidemic Sound, Artlist, or the Free Music Archive to avoid copyright issues.

How to Choose the Right Software for You

Budget Considerations

Start with what you can afford. Free tools are fine for beginners; upgrade once podcasting becomes a consistent habit.

Features That Actually Matter

Focus on reliability, audio quality, and ease of use over flashy extras like sound effects or a complicated interface.

Matching Tools to Your Workflow

If you're solo recording, Audacity or GarageBand might be enough. If you're interviewing guests, a tool like Riverside makes life much easier.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What about Adobe Audition for podcasting?

Adobe Audition is a professional-grade audio editing program, often used by experienced podcasters. This is a great option for people who need advanced editing and post-production tools. However, it requires a monthly subscription fee.

Can I get a podcast audio editor with text-based editing?

Modern platforms enable you to edit audio by modifying the text. You can easily remove words from a written script. This feature is highly effective for audio recording.

What is the best podcast software for a beginner?

For a true beginner, the best option is often the one you already have. If you're a Mac user, GarageBand is perfect, as it's free and easy to use. If you're on Windows, Audacity is the go-to for its powerful, free features. A nice was way to start a free podcast.

Is it necessary to use a dedicated podcast recording platform?

If you're only recording solo, an audio editor is all you need. If you plan to interview guests, use a platform like Riverside or Zencastr. These tools help you get professional, high-quality audio from all participants, no matter their internet connection.

How do I edit my podcast without a professional editor?

Many podcasters use a combination of simple editing software and AI tools. Tools like Descript let you edit audio by changing text. You can simply remove words from a transcript. This can significantly reduce the time and complexity of the editing process.

Can I record a podcast on my phone?

Yes, absolutely. Many podcasters start by recording on their phones. Most modern smartphones have high-quality built-in microphones.

You can use apps like Voice Memos on iOS or other recording apps on Android to capture audio. Just make sure to record in a quiet room to get the best quality.

Do I need a high-quality microphone to start my podcast?

While a dedicated microphone will significantly improve your sound quality, it is not a requirement to start podcast production. Your show's content is more critical than perfect audio in the beginning. You can start with your phone's mic or a simple headset and upgrade as your audience and budget grow.

What about live podcasting?

Live podcasting is becoming more popular. For this, you will need a platform that supports live streaming, a recording remote and listener interaction. Tools like Zoom or specialised platforms designed for live podcasting enable you to record and stream your show simultaneously.

Common Mistakes Podcasters Make with Software

Even with the right tools, it's easy to make simple errors that can impact your final product. Being aware of these common mistakes will save you time and frustration.

Underestimating System Requirements: Your computer needs to handle the software you're using. Recording multiple high-quality audio tracks, especially with video, can be very resource-intensive. Using a powerful program like Adobe Audition or Descript on an old laptop can lead to lag, crashes, or lost recordings. Always check the minimum system requirements before downloading.

Forgetting to Back Up Your Files: This is the most critical mistake you can make. A single hard drive failure could wipe out hours of recording and editing work. Always save your raw audio files and final episodes to a cloud service (like Google Drive or Dropbox) or an external hard drive immediately after recording.

Not Recording Separate Tracks: When interviewing a guest, a single audio file with both voices mixed together is hard to edit. If one person's audio is too loud or too quiet, you can't fix it without affecting the other person's voice. A dedicated recording platform like Riverside or Zencastr automatically records a separate audio track for each participant, making editing much simpler and more professional.

Ignoring the Importance of "Gain Staging": "Gain" refers to the input volume of your microphone. A common mistake is setting the gain too high (leading to distorted, "clipping" audio) or too low (making the audio too quiet and hissy). Always do a sound check before recording your episode to set your levels correctly. Most software has a visual meter to help you. Aim to keep your voice in the green zone, occasionally peaking into the yellow.

Over-Editing with Plugins: While tools like EQ and compression can make your audio sound great, overusing them can make your show sound unnatural and overly processed. A little compression goes a long way. Use plugins subtly to enhance your natural voice, not to completely change its sound.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right podcast recording software doesn't have to be a daunting task. The perfect tool is the one that fits your current needs, budget, and workflow. As you've seen, whether you're a beginner on a tight budget or a seasoned creator interviewing guests remotely, there's a solution tailored for you.

Remember, the goal is to consistently create quality content. While professional software and high-end gear can certainly help, a great show starts with a compelling idea, a clear voice, and a commitment to your audience. The software is just the vessel for your creativity.

Start with what you have, grow with your show, and don't be afraid to invest in your craft as your podcasting journey evolves. The tools listed in this guide are the first step to turning your passion into a polished, professional broadcast.

Ready to Turn Your Podcast Into a 6-Figure Income Stream

Whether you are an entrepreneur, business owner, author, coach, trainer, mentor, public speaker, side hustler, or just want to share your experiences, skills, and stories, podcasting is a goldmine. 

Progressive helps entrepreneurs and creators build their influence through podcasting. They offer training on choosing equipment and growing an audience.

Join our live Zoom Masterclass. Learn how to launch, automate, and grow a successful podcast at the Podcast Online Accelerator.

This is your chance to get access to unfiltered strategies that have helped small podcasters consistently hit £10,000+/month.

There will be no recordings. No replays.

Secure your FREE place now and discover:

• The proven system to build a loyal, buying audience.
• The strategy behind hitting 6/7 figures in less than a year.
• How to scale using A.I work less than 5 hours a week.
• How to launch with confidence and clarity and scale FAST.

…plus much more!