A Guide to Starting a Podcast as a Side Hustle

Podcasts, whether audio or video, have never been more popular. In 2025, nearly three-quarters of Americans aged 12 or older have listened to a podcast, and over half are tuning in every month, according to a study by Edison Research.

“People have more appetite for podcasts. They want shows they can follow,” says Shuang Esther Shan, the senior producer and host of Shopify Masters.

In other words, people want content they can hear and see. It’s an experience beyond just reading. Maybe you feel the same?

If you’re thinking about starting your own podcast, now is a great time. The podcast industry is growing, and today’s tools make launching a show easier and more affordable than ever. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you begin.

Disclosure: our content is reader-supported, which means we may earn commissions from links at no cost to you.

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Basic Podcast Gear and Tools

• Microphone(s)
• Transcription service
• Editing software
• Podcast hosting platform
• A quiet place to record

Starting doesn’t mean you need the best gear. Many people hesitate because they think they need fancy microphones or headphones. In reality, you can begin with what you have and upgrade as you grow more comfortable.

Microphone

Microphones can range from budget-friendly to pricey. If you’re just starting, use your phone’s built-in mic and camera. Record a chat with friends to practice. Later, consider upgrading to a dynamic microphone, which blocks out background noise and is popular among podcasters.

Transcription Service

A transcript helps you edit and makes your podcast more accessible. It also boosts discoverability. Tools like Descript, Otter.ai, and Fireflies.ai can handle transcriptions quickly.

Editing Software

Editing lets you polish your sound and add your style. Audacity is a free, open-source program for Mac, Windows, and Linux. It handles basic editing and exports your episodes in various formats.

Podcast Hosting Platform

Your audio files need a home. Podcast directories like Apple Podcasts or Spotify don’t store your episodes—they just point to them. Hosting platforms like Buzzsprout, Captivate, and PodBean store your files and distribute them via RSS feeds.

Read our comparison of the top three podcast hosting services.

A Place To Record

You can record at home. Some podcasters use closets with hanging clothes to dampen sound. Watch for background noise from appliances or pets. Soft furniture or blankets can help if your space echoes. You don’t need pro-level sound treatment right away.

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12 Steps To Launching a Podcast

1. Choose your topic
2. Set your goals
3. Pick a format
4. Build your brand
5. Plan your first episode
6. Record
7. Make your intro and outro
8. Edit your audio
9. Create a title, description, and artwork
10. Share and promote your podcast
11. Find ways to earn money
12. Keep making episodes

Podcasting can seem big, but breaking it down helps.

1. Choose Your Topic

Think about subjects you like and know. Most people browse podcasts by category, like comedy, news, sports, or business. Pick a theme that excites you and can keep your interest over time. Check if enough people care about your topic by looking at keyword trends or listening to what’s popular.

Plan out at least 20 potential episode ideas before you start. If you run out of ideas, your topic might need adjusting.

2. Set Your Goals

Figure out why you want to start a podcast. Do you want to grow a business, build credibility, or share your passion? Picture your ideal listener. What are their interests and habits? Clear goals will guide your choices and keep you motivated.

Create smaller goals as stepping stones to larger goals. This will give you attainable targets to work towards and help avoid discouragement. But remember, a podcast does not grow overnight.

3. Pick a Format

Decide how you’ll organize your show. Here are some common formats:

• Interviews: Chat with guests about a theme.
• Scripted Nonfiction: Tell a story or follow a topic through a season.
• News & Commentary: Summarize current events in short episodes.
• Educational: Teach something new each episode.
• Scripted Fiction: Create audio dramas or stories.
• Documentary: Educate your listeners about a topic by sharing research and history.

Video podcasts are growing, especially for interviews, since platforms like YouTube help more people find your show.

4. Build Your Brand

Your podcast’s brand shapes how listeners see you.

• Set your values: Decide what matters most for your show.
• Pick a name: Choose something clear and memorable. Make sure it’s unique and easy to say.
• Design your visuals: Use consistent colors, logos, and artwork on all platforms.
• Shape your audio identity: Think about music, sound effects, and your speaking style.

5. Plan Your First Episode

A simple outline (not a word-for-word script) helps your episode flow. Note your key points, where you want to add ads, and what message you want listeners to remember at the end. An outline might look like:

• Teaser
• Intro
• Welcome/overview
• Ad spot
• Main conversation
• Call to action
• Outro

6. Record

Test your setup first by recording a short sample. Record 30 seconds of silence to capture room noise. Don’t worry about having the perfect voice or setup. Just start.

7. Make Your Intro and Outro

A strong intro grabs attention, often with music and a quick overview. Some shows use a striking quote at the start. Outros thank listeners and offer a call to action, like leaving a review or joining a mailing list.

8. Edit Your Audio

Your first edit shapes the story. The second pass cleans up the sound. Add music that fits your vibe, but use royalty-free tracks unless you have permission. Free sources include YouTube Audio Library and Free Music Archive.

9. Create a Title, Description, and Artwork

• Titles: Keep them short and consistent.
• Descriptions: Write clear summaries with keywords. Stick to about 150 words.
• Artwork: Your cover image should be eye-catching and simple. Size should be at least 1,400 by 1,400 pixels. Compress the file for mobile.

Free tools like Canva can help you create artwork, or try AI image generators if you need inspiration.

10. Share and Promote Your Podcast

Your hosting platform will send your episodes to directories like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. To grow your audience, try these tips:

• Share clips on social media: Use short highlights or funny moments to attract new listeners. Tools like Choppity help cut clips fast.
• Build a podcast website: Post episodes, transcripts, and updates. This can help with search traffic and give listeners a place to interact.
• Ask your guests to share: Give them ready-made images or quotes they can post on their own channels.

11. Find Ways to Earn Money

As your audience grows, there are several ways to earn from your podcast:

• Sell merchandise: Offer shirts, mugs, or stickers.
• Sell digital products: Share resources or guides related to your topic.
• Accept donations: Use services like Buy Me a Coffee or Ko-fi.
• Offer memberships: Platforms like Patreon let fans pay for extras.
• Affiliate marketing: Promote products and earn a commission on sales.

Monetizing takes time. The bigger your audience, the more options open up.

12. Keep Making Episodes

Publishing your first episode can feel intimidating. Many podcasters doubt themselves at first. The key is to keep going, learn as you record, and improve over time. Each new episode gets easier and helps you find your voice.

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Why Start a Podcast?

Podcasts are easy to fit into daily life. People listen during commutes, workouts, or chores. People want content that they can engage with beyond just reading.

A podcast can:

• Help you reach people who don’t usually read blogs or watch videos.
• Be started by anyone, with or without experience.
• Give you a space to share your ideas and knowledge.

Start Your Podcast Today

Look at what’s working on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to get inspired. Record a short intro episode, even if you never share it. The first step is simply getting comfortable behind the mic.

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Podcasting FAQ

How much does it cost to start a podcast?

You can start for free using your phone and free software like Audacity and posting on Youtube.

Do podcasts earn money?

Yes, podcasts can earn through ads, merch, digital products, memberships, and more as your audience grows.

What are the steps to start a podcast?

• Choose your topic
• Set goals
• Pick a format
• Create your brand
• Plan your first episode
• Record
• Add intro and outro
• Edit
• Finalize details
• Share and promote
• Monetize
• Keep producing