For podcasting blogs, podcasts tools, podcast inspiration, and more!
As we continue advancing in the digital age, more and more businesses are launching podcasts as a powerful way to reach new customers and engage with existing customers. In 2021, podcasts are easy and cheap to make. So why not diversify your marketing channels with an ongoing opportunity to connect with your audience, personalize your brand, and grow your business.
Here’s a curated collection of our top podcast blogs, tools for audio file hosting, tools for guest scheduling, and tools for podcast editing.
Top Podcast Blogs To Follow:
1. PodNews
PodNews is one of the newer podcast blogs on our list. It was only started in late 2017, but it has grown to become a powerful source of information for people who want to level up their podcasting game. They have quick, daily updates about the global podcasting industry that will help you keep your finger on the pulse of the scene.
It’s a quick read each day and it will go a long way to keep you informed about what other podcasters are doing.
2. Podcast Insights
Podcast Insights is an in-depth podcast blog. It literally covers every facet of starting and running a podcast. Their content is published on massive publishing platforms like The New York Times, The Verge, and Forbes.
I like their blog because it dives deep into each area of podcasting that’s often ignored by other podcasting blogs like podcast monetization. Whereas many blogs are happy to discuss launching and growing a show, few are willing to talk practically about podcast ads and making real money from your show.
3. Fizzle.co
Fizzle is not only a blog about podcasting, they also have an entire website and podcast about business and entrepreneurship. Just like the podcast, their blog is quite fun to read while also ensuring that you gain as much knowledge as possible. Their mission is to help you make a living for yourself by doing something that you care about. They offer training, tools, coaching and a similarly minded community.
Audio File Hosting:
No matter how many audio files you have to share, you’ll need somewhere that people can download them. And hosting them on your own server isn’t always practical, nor is it economical for the average user. Here are some great hosting options that occur outside of your own website who can help automatically syndicate your podcast to the leading podcast networks:
1. Anchor.fm
Anchor is an easy way to produce those early podcasts. For most users, the biggest advantage is simplicity. Just download the program, and press the button. Anchor.fm is a free, beginner-friendly platform for podcast creation, containing tools that allow users to record and edit audio, arrange it into podcast episodes, publish podcasts to listening platforms, and monetize content by collecting listener contributions or adding advertisements into episodes. There are also options to monetize your podcast, such as adding advertising and asking listeners for donations.
2. Podbean
Podbean offers a free podcast hosting service. You can use Podbean Podcast App to live stream, record and publish a podcast for free. Podbean also provides paid plans which provide advanced features and more storage space. Like Libsyn, they also offer a custom application and support for podcasts of any size. Their paid subscriptions start at $9 per month.
3. Buzzsprout
Buzzsprout is the best in my opinion. I saved it for last purposely. Buzzsprout is the easiest way to start a podcast. This simple to use product provides a podcasting platform, promotion tools, and stats to track your podcast. Buzzsprout has tools like a free podcast website for beginners, as well as custom embed players and unique social media players for more experienced podcasters.
Buzzsprout vs Podbean
With Podbean, you also get a website included with hosting.
Their pricing plans when billed annually are:
Free for 5 hours of storage, 100GB bandwidth, basic stats & themes.
$9/month for unlimited audio storage & unlimited bandwidth
$29/month for unlimited audio and video
$99/month for the business level
Guest Scheduling:
1. Calendly
Calendly is your hub for scheduling meetings professionally and efficiently, eliminating the hassle of back-and-forth emails so you can get back to work. Calendly is very easy to use. For simple scheduling with no need to integrate calendars across platforms, the free version may be adequate. However, for more features, there are several premium plans available. Paid-for features include the ability to connect the calendar to your blog, and you can use Calendly to collect payments. This is great if you’re using your podcast to promote a knowledge-based service.
Like I mentioned, Calendly is so easy to use for scheduling. It’s the meta.
Virtual Interview Tools
1. Zencaster
Zencastr records a lossless 16-bit 48k WAV audio track per guest, regardless of internet connection (local recording), with no time limits. Zencastr’s product works in a web browser, so a guest can simply click on a link. The interviewer can see the status of the recording, to ensure that the interview is being taped properly. Featuring a foolproof design and a relentless focus on making podcasting as high-quality and easy as possible, Zencastr includes a ton of features that makes production easier. It’s possible to record in lossless formats, for example, or to have a separate track per participant to make editing sound far more professional. The service also has an automatic post-production feature that helps equalize and mix audio so it sounds as good as possible. The software starts with an 8-hour-per-month hobbyist tier for free, or a $20-per-month professional tier.
2. Squadcast
SquadCast is the all-in-one solution for professional podcasters. Save time, money, and energy by using software that provides your own virtual podcasting studio.
A few highlights:
There is a “green room” where you can chat and make sure everyone is ready for the call.
Audio is saved on all sides of the conversion (in separate tracks) and automatically uploaded, so the chance of losing anything is very small.
The host can download both WAV (44.1 kHz, 16-bit) and MP3 formats
There is video so you can see who you are talking to (video recording coming soon too!)
Up 4 people in one recording session at the same time. 1 host and 3 guests.
Pricing starts at $10/month for 2 hours of audio recording per month. 5 hours of audio is $20/month, and 12 hours is $45. You can also save a bit by paying yearly.
3. Streamyard
StreamYard is a live streaming studio in your browser. Interview guests, brand your broadcast, and much more. Stream directly to Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and other platforms.
Want to interview more than one person at a time? How about going on Facebook or YouTube Live? If that’s more your speed, then give Streamyard a try. It works from your browser, so all you and your guests need are a computer with webcam and mic. Link your destination video streaming service, have everyone log into the link provided, and launch. Basic service is free, but for a monthly fee you can add your own branding and a few other privileges.
Podcast Editing:
1. Audacity
Audacity is a free and open-source digital audio editor and recording application software, available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and other Unix-like operating systems. Audacity is a free cross-platform audio editor. It's commonly used for podcasting and has powerful features. One of the downsides is that it can be confusing to use when first getting started, but once you get the hang of it, it's great.
Audacity Tutorial for Podcasters: How to Setup, Record, and Edit a Podcast
2. Alitu
Alitu is a web-based app which aims to make it as easy as humanly possible for you to create a podcast. You start by uploading your audio recordings, or recording yourself or a call right into the app.
You can record your audio in Alitu – either solo episodes or remote conversations – so you won't need to pay extra for a call recorder subscription.
It'll then take your raw audio and do all the volume levelling and cleaning up for you. It'll let you add in your music, segments, transitions, etc. In fact, it'll even go as far as to publish your episode for you once it's ready!
3. LogicPro (For Mac Users Only)
Logic Pro turns your Mac into a professional recording studio able to handle even the most demanding projects.
The interface matches GarageBand and it’s very easy to upgrade. Even your GarageBand files will open seamlessly in Logic.
You also will have to enable Advanced Tools (it’s just a simple checkbox in the settings) to get the full suite of features. This lets you upgrade without getting overwhelmed.
The cost for Logic Pro is a one-time purchase of $200.
Audition is a comprehensive toolset that includes multitrack, waveform, and spectral display for creating, mixing, editing, and restoring audio content. Accelerate your video production workflows & audio finishing. Try Adobe Audition CC today! Get Adobe Audition CC as part of the Creative Cloud All Apps plan. So if you already pay for the Adobe CC Suite of tools, this is a perfect option for you. Adobe Audition started out as Cool Edit Pro but was acquired by Adobe back in 2003. It is part of the Creative Cloud suite. You can also get it for $20/month separately. It is designed for podcast production and editing and has advanced tools just for that. There are a number of noise-reduction capabilities, advanced compression and EQ, and a ton more.
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