Site icon Rishu Bhardwaj

How to Make a Spotify-Ready Podcast (2023)

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With over 400 million people listening to podcasts, it’s a great time to get your voice out into the world and share that special something that’s been cooped up. It’s free to publish and Spotify has merged with the distribution platform formerly known as Anchor, for an all-in-one creator powerhouse fit with all your publishing needs called Spotify Podcasters. If you’re looking to dip your toes into the creator world there’s no easier way to start than podcasting.

From weird history to serial killers, podcasting has transformed the media landscape and is hotter than ever. Over the past few years, data has shown that people across the age spectrum have begun listening to podcasts more and more. Regardless of your idea, Spotify has made it easy to make your voice heard by everyone. Again, that’s 400 million users. Who knows, you could be the next Joe Rogan or Glennon Doyle.

It all starts below.

Instructions

Step 1 – Come Up With A Concept

Thomas Edison said, “Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.” He was also known for taking credit for other people’s work so it’s safe to say that if you find a concept you really love, just copy that. With podcasting being such a new landscape, you can virtually talk about anything you want.

There is, as with any new media, an agreed-upon format that eventually becomes standard. But because Podcast listeners vary so much in terms of their listening habits, experimenting is welcomed. You may just land on a format that works so well for you that others start following along.

Solo or with guests, as long as you’re excited about it and want to share it with the world it will be received. Don’t worry about finding the right length right now, dip your toes in and get to feel the water first.

Be sure to check if your idea is already out there before starting. However, do not let this deter you. Listen, learn, and add your own twist to it. Podcasts are about your voice, nobody else has that.

Here are a few questions and ideas to get you started if you’re feeling a bit apprehensive:

  1. What’s your favorite thing to talk about with your friends? What can you endlessly gab about?
  2. Is there a part of the world that interests you? Dive into current discussions and add your two cents:
    1. Politics
    2. Art
    3. TV
    4. History
  3. Is there something you’re an expert on or have access to experts regarding the subject? (This is a big one if you’re looking to grow an audience.)
  4. Gather a list of about 5-10 podcasts that you like to listen to. They don’t have to be current but they should be on the same platform you’re going to distribute on, if it’s multiple that’s fine too just make sure it aligns. Youtube podcasts are nowhere near the same as solely Spotify or Apple Music podcasts in both production and concept. Figure out the scope of what you enjoy and see what will work with your concept best.
  5. If you have your own idea, it’s always a good initiative to start writing out a script. You won’t know how it sounds until you start speaking but giving yourself a safety net (script) will be helpful to get you thinking about the length of time it takes FOR YOU to read one page.

Step 2 – Set Up

This step is crucial in terms of what you should expect to get in return. Publishing a low-quality podcast with an incredible hook might squeeze out a decent audience.

Imagine you’re a listener. At what part of my day will I be listening and for what reason? If I’m tuning in to hear about sports news or breaking news, I’d rather get up-to-date info than a super high-quality production. Telling a story, on the other hand, might require higher-quality audio recording devices.

Here is a list of some of the most affordable and high-quality microphones:

The last mic is expensive because it has both an XLR and USB port. Most mics come with just an XLR option. Meaning you’ll have to spend a little more on an XLR cable or XLR to USB cable. This also brings into question how you plug it into your computer.

XLR-only mics require, you guessed it, another XLR port. You can certainly buy an XLR to USB cable, but you’ll risk losing some quality.

Should you want to keep the quality and not splurge on a mic like the Shure MV7, you’ll have to get an AudioBox that connects the XLR mic to your computer. I know it sounds like a lot of components but it’s all to ensure you’re getting the right quality.

Set-up 4 success

Now let’s capture those dulcet tones and piquant pitch. You’ll need audio recording software. Here is a list of some of the best and most reliable.

NameFeaturesOperating SystemFees
AudacityOpen Source and Free Audio RecordingMac, Windows, LinuxFree
WavePadAudio Recording with Special Effects and FilertsWindowsFree, $250 for commercial license
Apple GaragebandMusical Workstation for MacMac and iOSFree
OceanaudioAudio Editing and Recording (Personal Favorite)*Mac, Windows, LinuxFree
Adobe AuditionMultitrack UI, Automatic noise reduction, Smart FunctionsMac, Windows$20.99 / month
FL StudioGrouped Recording Takes, Multi-sampled instruments, Track consolidationMac, WindowsFruity – $99 (83 instruments & effects)Producer – $199 (89 instruments & effects)Signature – $299 (96 instruments & effects)All Plugins Edition – $499 (107 instruments & effects)
Avid Pro ToolsPodcasting presets, multichannel recording, many samplesMac, WindowsPro Tools – $29.99/monthPro Tools Ultimate – $79.99/month

The last thing you need is a dedicated recording room. Soundproofing can be done DIY, but a good mic and a quiet room can be all you need to get started.

That’s it! You’re on your way to recording your first episode.

Free Setup: iPhone or Android Mic + Any Free Software = FREE

Beginner Setup: Rode PodMic Cardioid Dynamic Broadcast Mic – $99 + AudioBox $100 + Oceanaudio = $200 no monthly payments

Aficionado Setup: Shure SM58 Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Mic + XLR Cable – $109 + FL Studio (Producer) – $199 = $308 no monthly payments

Pro Setup: Shure MV7 USB Podcast Microphone – $249 + Avid Pro Tools (Ultimate) = $279 for the first month, $79.99 every month after.

Step 3 – Record

This step is going to take a lot of trial and error. Record a couple of takes, get into the groove of things, and find out what parts make you laugh and what parts make you wonder what’s coming next. Creating something front-facing means looking at it over and over until you know just when it’s right; kinda like baking but with art. Let’s get into some technical things you should be aware of.

Depending on your preferred software, take a look at some YouTube tutorials. (All are linked to the according software in the list above.)

Here’s a list of things that people often overlook when beginning to record:

That’s it, you’re ready to press record!

Step 4 – Edit Audio

First things first, level out any noise that’s going on. If using Pro Tools or Adobe, there should be software that helps you do that automatically or manually. If using something like Oceanaudio, you’ll want to tinker with the Effects < Amplitude < Gain & Normalize tools. This will help increase the dialogue while pushing away any unwanted noise.

You’ll see a wave of audio like below. The left (y-axis) indicates decibels and the bottom (x-axis) is time. The one on top is the recorded, unedited (quiet) audio, and the bottom is clipped (loud) audio.

Ideally, you want your audio wave to be somewhere between these two. It should be loud enough that I don’t have to blow out the speakers in my car or headphones to hear what you’re saying but quiet enough that I’m not hearing that clipping that we see in the bottom image

Here’s another diagram of how the two look different.

Still, if none of that makes any sense then you can always rely on YouTube.

You can always edit and change a published podcast on Spotify at any time so don’t spend too much time editing and have fun with it.

For some royalty-free music and jingles you can take a look at some of these:

All that’s left to do now is EXPORT.

Step 5 – Fill Out Episode Details and Upload

Now comes the fun bit, creating your audio world. Spotify Podcasters is pretty all-in-one so besides what it looks like, from title card images to the color scheme and copy language, you’re almost done.

After signing up you should see this on the top right.

Press ‘Quick upload’ and you’ll land on the final page of the day. All that’s left to do is fill in your title, description, and any other details you wish to include.

That is all! If your only goal was to hear your voice on Spotify, you’ve done it. But that’s no fun, we want friends and listeners and a community. But for now, you’ve got a full-on podcast out; you Dan Carlin you.

Step 6 – Grow Your Audience

So you’re worried it won’t reach anyone. There are a million different ways one can go about marketing but the best is word of mouth. Tell your friends, family, and colleagues, and maybe even get them on your podcast. You’ll have people saying yes that you didn’t even think cared about podcasts and it might even be the first time they’ve ever recorded their voice. What a stellar moment for you to share with someone.

But beyond that mushy stuff, you have to get ears! Hopefully, your idea is brilliant enough to attract attention. But, in the case that it doesn’t, let’s go over some tips and useful tools when marketing a podcast.

Quick Tips on engagement

By implementing these tips, you can grow your podcast audience and build a loyal following. Remember to be consistent and engaging, and provide value to your listeners.

You’re on your way to becoming the next Spotify #1 podcast. Enjoy!

Related Articles

Here are a few articles on podcasting that have helped me and can do the same for you.

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