Smartphone, tablet, or computer? It’s up to you. This book gives you the information you need to make podcasts using these devices. Learn how to create good podcasts by effectively using your recording equipment and laptop or computer, rather than through any specific podcasting app. The apps in this eBook are the most popular among podcasters and are available on both major Android and Apple platforms at affordable prices.
Table of Contents
Best Apps For Making Podcasts
- Riverside.fm
We know we’re biased, but Riverside.fm is hands-down the best recording software for podcasts. It’s a powerful content creation platform that comes with all the benefits listed above, along with a few others:
Riverside’s iPhone App
If you’re looking for a way to record podcasts from an iPhone, look no further. Riverside’s new iOS app is the first of its kind to combine local audio/video recording and uploading.
Simply send guests an invite link to download the app, and within seconds, you’ll have an HD video and high-quality audio feed being sent straight from participants’ mobile phones.
Transcription
If you’re in podcasting, you probably know the value of including a transcript of your show. Your content should be as accessible as possible, which is why a word-for-word account of the audio is crucial for podcasters who want to appeal to wide audiences.
Not only do transcripts let people with hearing loss enjoy your content, but detailed show notes and transcripts help Google crawl and rank your show positively in its search results.
So yeah, transcripts are important—but who has time to type out every single word their guests say?
Thankfully, Riverside automatically converts podcasts and videos into text, letting you not only publish written accounts of your shows, but also search your recordings for memorable quotes to use in other content channels.
Magic Editor
If you don’t love the idea of spending hours in post-production, the Magic Editor is for you. It automates the editing process by merging those separate, locally-recorded tracks together into full HD split-screen video. The Magic Editor also:
Lets you add a logo, custom background, or an expert-designed background
Removes unwanted background noise
Normalizes all guests’ gain
Includes customizable layout and video cropping
AI Speaker View
Riverside also uses artificial intelligence to determine which participant is speaking, then automatically switch the video to the speaker right before they start talking. That way, the video transitions seamlessly and saves you even more time in post-production.
The AI tool also cuts out any easily-detectable noise interruptions from non-speakers, like a sneeze or cough, that would usually cause the video to switch views in other conferencing software.
Live Streaming Capabilities
Riverside does more than let you create a podcast. If you’re trying to build an audience, you need to be present on more channels than podcast directories. Live streaming to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Twitch simultaneously is a cinch with Riverside.
If Riverside isn’t your bag, there are plenty of other options out there as well. Here are our favorites:
- Podbean
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If you host your show on Podbean already, you can try your hand at recording your audio directly on that platform. It comes with several sound effect options and royalty-free music, as well as a live feature, which lets you live stream from a desktop Chrome browser using a link shared on social media.
Podbean has a free membership, with paid subscription tiers starting at $9/month.
- Audacity
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Audacity is one of the most popular free recording and editing tools available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It’s an open-source application that lets you splice and mix sound, change speed and pitch, and introduce special effects.
Audacity is easy to learn and has a supportive community forum in case you run into any problems.
- Anchor
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Anchor is Spotify’s free, all-inclusive iOS app that lets you record and distribute your podcast directly from your iPhone. It also comes with unlimited free hosting and monetization support through Anchor Sponsorships.
You can publish podcast episodes straight from Anchor to all major podcast platforms, and monitor your podcast’s engagement using build-in data and insights. However, Anchor doesn’t come with video recording, and its audio recording is compressed and depends on internet connection—so the audio quality is not the highest.
- Spreaker Studio
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Spreaker is another all-in-one recording, editing, and publishing app for podcasts. It also allows livestreams straight from the Spreaker Studio app, and it also comes with data analytics to monitor your podcast stats.
The downsides of Spreaker are that the audio is compressed, there are minimal editing capabilities, and recording remote interviews with guests isn’t possible.
A basic subscription plan for Spreaker starts at $6/month.
- GarageBand
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GarageBand is a free app that comes pre-installed on all Mac devices, so it’s a great starter option for podcasters who use Apple products. GarageBand is easy to use and comes with real-time editing effects that save time in post-production.
- Adobe Audition
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This podcast editing software is pricey, but it does come with many useful features. Record audio directly into the platform. Then, you can add music, fades, and segues. Choose from pre-saved templates, use advanced audio track compression and restoration, and utilize noise reduction features.
A subscription of Adobe Audition starts at $20.99 per month, but it comes with Adobe’s Creative Suite, so if you’re already a member, you may already have access.
Podcast Making Apps FAQ
What Is the Best Podcast Making App?
Riverside.fm is the best, in our humble opinion! It’s squarely at the intersection of affordability, quality, ease of use, and a rich array of features.
How Much Does it Cost to Start a Podcast?
You can start a podcast on almost any budget, from under $100 to several thousand dollars. Whatever your starting point, you can create a quality product as long as you have determination—and as long as you choose the products that will give you the best bang for your buck.
How do I create a podcast for free?
Although you might not get the best quality, it’s definitely possible to create a podcast for free if you follow these steps:
Plan your podcast strategy, topic, branding and the guests for your first few episodes.
Create your podcast setup with the equipment you have. (You can even use your phone for recording)
Prepare for your first episode and invite guests.
Start recording with a free podcast making app such as Audacity or Anchor.
Edit your recording with free podcast editing software.
Share your final podcast through free podcast hosting and distribution software.
How Much Money Can You Make from a Podcast?
Monetizing your podcast can be done in several ways. Usually, the most lucrative strategy is to get podcast sponsorships. These advertising deals are usually priced based on the number of downloads your episodes get on average.
So if you build your audience enough, your earning potential could be anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars per month.
Best free podcast recording app
- Restream
With our most recent updates, Restream has become a full-fledged audio recording software. You’ll have all the tools you need to record, customize, and promote your show. With our record only feature, you can record audio or video through the Restream dashboard without going live. Split-track recording keeps audio with multiple guests clean.
Compatibility: Web-based
🤩 Features:
Record without going live
Save recordings in the cloud with up to 10 GB of storage
Hi-res 48kHz audio
Split-track recording
Echo cancellation
Noise suppression
Stereo sound
➕ Pros:
Great podcast features available on the free plan
All features available in web-based version
Podcast features complement Restream’s live streaming and multistreaming capabilities
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Easy live streaming for everyone
Run professional live streams from your browser.
Get Started
- Adobe Audition
Adobe Audition is one of the most popular professional-grade podcast recording and editing software out there. It’s packed with features to make your podcast easy to edit and sound great. That kind of quality doesn’t come without a high price tag, however, and Adobe Audition’s $20.99/month can be more than you want to pay if you’re just starting out.
🤩 Features:
Essential Sound panel for professional-quality audio
Comes with built-in presets to help new podcasters get started
Single and multitrack recording
Noise reduction capabilities and advanced compression
Batch processing lets you apply effects to one file and save those settings so you can apply them to another batch of files
Compatibility: macOS, Windows
➕ Pros:
Adobe is an established brand, so you can find many tutorials online
Features geared toward podcasting
Professional audio features
➖ Cons:
Expensive
Steep learning curve
- GarageBand
GarageBand is Apple’s free DAW for iOS and macOS devices. It’s aimed more at musicians than podcasters, but you can grab an external mic and convert your iPhone or iPad into podcasting software that records and edits. It also syncs across your Apple devices, so you can work on your podcast recording whenever you want and wherever you are.
🤩 Features:
Works with the Logic Remote app to create a second screen
iCloud backup
Effects like visual equalization and compression to increase the quality of your recording
Compatibility: macOS, iOS
➕ Pros:
Portable podcast recording and editing tool
Free
Clean user interface
➖ Cons:
Mac only
No split-track recording for multiple podcast participants
Lacks advanced features
- Logic Pro
Logic Pro is a powerful music production and audio editing software. It’s geared more toward music engineers than podcasters, so the sheer number of features may be overwhelming. If you are looking for a high-quality tool that works seamlessly, and you happen to be a music producer as well as a podcaster, then Logic Pro is a good choice for you. It’s a step up from GarageBand, and GarageBand files will load in Logic Pro.
Compatibility: macOS
🤩 Features:
Logic Remote app for iOS
Supports 24-bit/192kHZ audio recording
Robust music editing tools if your podcast has music
Library of ready-to-use plug-ins and sounds
➕ Pros:
Professional quality audio recording and editing
App turns iOS devices into a second screen
Works with GarageBand files
One-time fee of $200, no monthly subscription required
➖ Cons:
Pricey
Mac only
Most features are geared toward music production, not podcasting
- Auphonic
Auphonic is podcast editing software for people who don’t like to edit. You can upload your recordings (Auphonic doesn’t record), and the software will analyze and enhance them with level audio and noise reduction. It also provides a transcription of your recording. Auphonic has a free version that lets you upload up to two hours of audio per month. For nine hours of audio, you have to pay $11 per month.
🤩 Features:
Transcribes in over 80 languages
Exports to YouTube, Dropbox, Google Drive and SoundCloud
Automatic audio ducking and noise gate and cross-talk removal
Adds metadata and chapter marks to podcasts and audio files
Desktop and mobile apps
Compatibility: Web-based, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
➕ Pros:
Speech recognition audio transcription
Affordable
Exports to common cloud storage systems
➖ Cons:
No recording
Not all features available in the desktop version
Still need a DAW for some edits
- Audacity
Audacity is the free, accessible, open-source audio recording and editing software that many podcasters start with. It’s got all the basic features you’ll need to edit your tracks and clean up your recording. When you’re done editing, you can export into multiple file formats as well.
🤩 Features:
Saveable EQ and fading
Runs on any operating system
Choose between 16-bit, 24-bit, or 32-bit recordings
Library of audio effects
Compatibility: macOS, Windows, Linux
➕ Pros:
Good recording and editing features for free
Supports most commonly used file formats
Widely used, so there are many online tutorials
Open source
➖ Cons:
UI is outdated
No multitrack recording
- QuickTime
If you have a Mac and are planning to produce podcasts with it, you can use Apple’s default video and audio editing application, QuickTime. It’s free, and you can record and edit audio files, then export them when you’re done. QuickTime is easy to use and, as the name implies, is perfect for quick edits.
🤩 Features:
Trim audio files
Combine multiple audio files with the drag-and-drop feature
Use your Mac as a podcast recording device
Compatibility: macOS
➕ Pros:
Free on any Mac
Simple to use
➖ Cons:
Limited features
Mac only
Geared more toward video editing than audio editing
- Hindenburg Journalist
Hindenburg Journalist is for radio broadcasters and podcasters who have multiple clips and interviews to piece together. This software delivers high production value — with a $95 price tag to match. With a multitrack audio editor and several features to control the sound quality, Hindenburg Journalist is software designed for podcasters.
🤩 Features:
Automatically sets levels based on loudness
Upload finished podcast directly to SoundCloud or Libsyn
Save audio clips for later with the clipboard
Hindenburg Field Recorder app for mobile recording (iOS only)
Compatibility: macOS, Windows
➕ Pros:
Support for many types of audio files
Designed for podcasters and journalists
High production value
➖ Cons:
$95 is the lowest price point
You can only get full features in the Pro version
Built-in Skype recording feature increases the price to $375
- Reaper
Reaper is the DAW with the most features for the lowest price. The digital audio production application allows you to record, edit, process, and mix audio and MIDI tracks. This software is known as the “lightweight” option because you can install and run it from a USB, meaning you don’t have to install the application on your computer’s hard drive.
🤩 Features:
64-bit internal audio processing
Supports third-party plug-ins and extensions (for added sound effects)
Customizable skin and layout
Audio and MIDI routing with multichannel support
Compatibility: macOS, Windows, Linux
➕ Pros:
60-day free trial and discounted license fee only $60
Fast startup
Customizable UI/UX
➖ Cons:
Somewhat clunky plug-in integration
No mobile app
Fewer online tutorials/help resources than other popular DAWs
- Alitu
Alitu was designed specifically for beginning podcasters. Its primary functions are recording and editing podcasts, and users don’t need much technical knowledge to get started. With an editing process that’s almost fully automated, the $28 per month may seem worth it to beginners. Although Alitu makes editing podcasts a breeze, the audio quality isn’t up to the same standards as other software on the list.
🤩 Features:
Automatic audio cleanup
Drag-and-drop editing tools
Upload audio files of any type
Publish straight to podcast hosting provider
Compatibility: Web-based
➕ Pros:
Web-based application for use anywhere
Very easy learning curve
➖ Cons:
Web-based means it’s less effective for longer recordings
Audio quality is lower than other beginning-level DAWs
No mobile app
Conclusion
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