Thinking of starting a podcast? Join the club. Podcasting is the latest buzz in the social media world and many content creators are rushing to start one. If we’re being honest, there can never be too many podcasts so if you want to start one go for it.
Starting a podcast is not difficult at all. Mobile phones and social media have made it easy to create content. However, to have a podcast that people will enjoy listening to, it’s necessary to invest in the right tools. There are a few things that can make your podcast stand out. Here are some must-have podcasting tools to boost your content.
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Microphone
A microphone is the most important piece of equipment for podcasting. You’re creating audio content so the audio automatically has to be top quality. Granted, your phone can record audio but the quality with phones varies so you need to test it out to see if you can use your phone’s recorder. If this is all you can afford then go with that. The point is to start and as you get better and get some money then you can upgrade your equipment.
Most podcasts use a plug-and-play/USB microphone since it’s not only affordable but also simple to use. Some popular microphone brands for podcasting include Shure, Yeti, and Rode.
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Boom Arm
A boom arm helps you have consistent sound quality as opposed to holding the microphone with your hand which can be shaky or placing it on a surface where it can pick up tapping noises. Placing your microphone on the boom arm ensures that you get the best sound quality that you can. Additionally, boom arms come in a variety of options that will suit any podcast studio style. You can opt to have it over your head or mounted on a desk or table.
You can find great boom arms on Amazon at affordable prices ranging from $10 to $40.
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Headphones
Headphones help you monitor the sound quality from the microphone. You can tell whether your voice is too low or whether the microphone is picking up any background noises and adjust accordingly. Without headphones, you wouldn’t be able to pick up on these things.
Most headphones, including your everyday earbuds, will do the job. However, to ensure that you’re getting nothing but the best quality, you need a decent pair of headphones. They also come in handy when you’re doing interviews and need to hear much clearer.
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Laptop/Computer
Your computer is a key podcasting tool that gives you the convenience to record, edit and upload your content from one place. You can use any laptop as long as it has ample storage space and a high-speed processor to handle multiple tasks.
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Editing Software
Podcasting software is just as important as the hardware. After recording your podcast, you’ll need to edit it to make it sound professional. Whether you want to add intro music, cut unnecessary parts, or minimize background noise, good editing software will help you add these final touches.
You can buy podcasting software. However, if you’re on a shoestring budget, there are a number of free editing software that comes with great features.
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Hosting Service
Finding a hosting service provider is like finding a home for your podcast. Therefore, it’s crucial to find a reliable site to help you have a seamless experience. A good hosting site can help you manage your files and grow your audience faster. Some sites also allow you to add ads so you can monetize your podcast. These are some of the things you should keep in mind while choosing a podcasting service provider.
Sites like Castbox, SoundCloud, and Anchor allow you to host your podcast for free while offering amazing marketing, analytics, and sharing tools.
7. Camera
Video podcasting is growing in popularity since many people nowadays are more drawn to visual entertainment. Therefore, making a visual podcast is a great way to get more engagement and reach new audiences. You can simply use your phone to record yourself and then upload both the audio and video to the respective platforms. However, if you have the capability to invest in a camera, then it will take your visual quality to the next level.
8. Lighting
Lighting is also important if you’re going to create a video podcast. You can use natural lighting or the lighting in your recording room but if this isn’t enough, it’s advisable to add more. A ring light is a content creator’s best friend since it’s budget-friendly, it provides ample lighting and it comes with a place where you can mount your camera or phone. if you want to go the extra mile, you can get studio lights that enable you to make studio-grade home recordings.
Note: If you’re unable to get any of these tools but you’re still interested in making a podcast, you can rent a creator studio and record there. This is cheaper than investing in the tools plus it will give you some time to get the hang of podcasting before investing in expensive equipment.
Check out Considerations Before Starting a Podcast
Pros And Cons Of A Career In Podcasting
7 Tips For Beginners Who Would Like To Try Their Hand At Live Streaming
Kenyan Podcasting Studio SemaBOX Launches WAZO, A Way For Podcasters To Monetize Content
