Where to start: answers to every beginner podcast question

Yes, if you have something you want to say repeatedly to a specific group of people, and you are willing to keep going for at least six months. A podcast is a long game. It rewards consistency far more than talent.

It is worth it for different reasons depending on who you are. For a business, it builds trust with customers and members. For a creator, it builds a body of work. For a teacher or student, it builds a skill. Decide which of those you want, because it changes everything below.

It is probably not worth it if you want fast results, or if you would only record when you feel inspired. Those shows rarely make it to episode ten.

Pick the intersection of three things: what you know, what you could talk about for 50 episodes, and what a specific group of people wants to hear. If one of those is missing, the show will stall.

Write down ten episode titles before you commit. If they come easily, you have a show. If you struggle at five, you have an episode, and the idea needs widening.

For inspiration, see podcast topic ideas and podcast name ideas.

• Solo is the easiest to schedule and the hardest to sustain energy for. See solo podcast ideas.
• Co-hosted shows feel natural and fun, but depend on two calendars. See how to start a podcast with a friend.
• Interview shows bring fresh material and built-in promotion, but take the most preparation. See how to start an interview podcast.

Many good shows mix formats: a solo episode one week, a guest the next. Pick a default and allow yourself exceptions.

For a new show, 12 to 20 minutes is a good target. It is long enough to say something and short enough to finish, both for you and the listener. Interviews often need longer, 25 to 45 minutes.

Release weekly if you can sustain it, every two weeks if you cannot. Consistency beats frequency. The full reasoning is in how long should a podcast episode be.

To start: a USB microphone, wired headphones and the quietest room you have. You can record a first episode on a phone if that is all you own.

Upgrade after you have published consistently, not before. Gear does not fix a show that never ships. The full breakdown is in what equipment do you need to start a podcast, and if you are working from home, see how to start a podcast at home.

You can start for close to nothing if you already have a phone or computer. A sensible beginner setup is roughly $100 to $250 in equipment, plus a hosting or production tool that may be free to start.

The full breakdown, with example budgets, is in how much does it cost to start a podcast.

Start with the people who already know you: your customers, your members, your email list, your colleagues. Then make each episode easy to share with clips, a short written summary and a clear title.

See how to promote a podcast, and if you are starting from nothing, how to start a podcast with no audience.

1. Write ten episode titles.
2. Pick a format and a length.
3. Record a test episode you never plan to publish.
4. Listen back, fix the one thing that bothered you most, and record episode one.
5. Publish it within two weeks of deciding to start.

The full walkthrough from idea to published episode is in how to start a podcast.