You’ve got the ideas. The content is just waiting to come alive. You’re excited, you’ve even turned your bedroom into a cozy space to record your podcast… but your budget? Nonexistent.

So, how do you turn an amazing idea into viral content when you don't have the funds to get started? Tools, software, sound effects...hosting, sharing... it's overwhelming, right?

Good news: believe it or not, you can start a podcast for free-or at least very inexpensively.

When I say you can create a podcast for free, I assume you already have a computer, a laptop or a smartphone, and the bare essentials of equipment, such as headphones or earbuds, which is all you need to start.

In this article, we’ll go through all the steps to help you launch your podcast, with tips on how to do it for free. As you’ll see, it’s absolutely doable.

This guide focuses on starting a podcast without spending money, but I’ve also created other specific guides that can be super helpful. You’ll find links to them in the sections below. And if you need some inspiration, come and check out the best podcasts of the month on PodcastAI Chart.

Enjoy the read and get ready to start your podcast journey!

By the way, I don’t participate in any affiliate programs: the links to the seller's or manufacturer’s site are purely to provide more information, with no financial benefit for us. What truly matters to me is your trust.

Also, since the specifications of each platform or software may change over time, make sure to individually verify those mentioned in this article that may interest you.

Starting a Podcast for Free - The Basics

You’ve got the topic and the ideas, but let’s quickly go over the key points to consider when planning your podcast:

1. Choose your topic

• What do you want to talk about?

• What interests your audience?

• Is there already a podcast covering this topic?

2. Define your Target Audience

• Who are the people you want to reach?

• What problems, questions, or specific interests do they have?

• How can you provide value to them through your podcast?

3. Pick your show format

• Monologue.

• Interviews.

• Conversations with two or more voices.

• Mixed format.

4. Decide the episode length

• Short episodes (5-15 minutes).

• Medium episodes (20-40 minutes).

• Long episodes (over 60 minutes).

5. Establish your style and tone

• Professional.

• Friendly.

• Comedic or relaxed.

6. Organize your ideas into an editorial plan

• Create a list of topics you want to cover in the first episodes.

• Plan a schedule with release dates.

Outline each episode, including the introduction, main content, and conclusion.

What Tools Do You Need to Record a Podcast for Free?

As mentioned earlier, to keep your podcast completely free, you’ll need at least the bare minimum:

1. Computer or Laptop with a Built-In Microphone

• A basic laptop or desktop is enough to record and edit using free tools like Audacity or GarageBand.

• Most laptops, desktops, and smartphones come with built-in microphones that work well in a quiet, echo-free space.

2. Headphones or Earbuds

• Basic wired or Bluetooth earbuds are good enough to monitor your audio.

• Tip: Use headphones during recording to avoid audio feedback.

3. Smartphone

• Your smartphone can serve as an all-in-one tool when recording, editing, and even uploading episodes. Most phones have surprisingly good microphones. If you need a camera for video podcasts, your smartphone will be perfect and take excellent video.

• Tip: Use free apps like Spreaker Create to record and edit directly on your phone

4. A Quiet Space

• The quietest room in your house can become your recording studio.

• Closets full of clothes or spaces with heavy curtains help absorb sound.

Tip: Sit close to the microphone and use soft surfaces like blankets or cushions to reduce echo.

What If You Don’t Have the Essentials?

Don’t worry! Basic equipment is available at very affordable prices.

You'll find budget-friendly podcasting gear when you shop on websites with great ratings, and you'll be able to return it if it's not satisfactory.

Affordable Items to Improve Your Setup

This is all you need for a start if you're on a tight budget:

1. Lavalier or Clip-On Microphone

• Cost: $10–$20.

• Plenty of budget microphones provide better audio quality than built-in microphones.

2. Pop Filter or Microphone Screen

• Cost: $5–$10.

• Reduces harsh "P" and "B" sounds.

• DIY Trick: Take a pair of pantyhose and stretch them over a wire hanger for a free alternative. (I have not tried this myself, but it's worth a shot.)

3. Microphone Stand

• Cost: $10–$15.

• A basic stand or tripod keeps the microphone stable and ensures consistent audio quality.

• DIY Tip: Stack books or boxes to position your microphone.

4. Lighting for Video Podcasts

• Cost: Free to $10.

• Use natural light near a window or get a small, affordable LED light to improve video quality.

5. External Storage (Optional)

• Cost: $10–$15.

• You may find yourself needing a USB drive or external hard drive to store recordings because your computer or phone just doesn't have the space.

6. Acoustic Panels or Blankets

• Cost: Free to $20.

• Use blankets, rugs, or towels to reduce echo.

• Tip: Cover hard surfaces like walls and windows with soft materials.

7. Windscreen

• Cost: $5–$10.

• A foam cover for your microphone reduces wind and breathing noise.

• DIY Tip: Put a sock over your microphone, is one quick fix. I have never tried it, but it is said to work in an emergency.

8. Adapters or Splitters

• Cost: $5–$10.

• Useful in connecting two headphones or microphones with one device, especially recording with guests.

What Free Tools Can I Use to Record and Edit Podcasts?

Not everyone knows it, but there are loads of free software for recording and editing podcasts that work really well.

A few of them are totally free. Some use a freemium model with the basic features available free and advanced options with a subscription.

Since you’re just starting, let’s focus on fully utilizing any free tools available. Here are the most popular ones:

1. Basic Audio Recording and Editing Software

These tools are perfect for recording and editing audio with basic features.

Audacity

• Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux

• Key Features:

• Completely free and open-source

• Multitrack editing, audio cutting, and mixing

• Tools to reduce background noise and adjust volume levels

• Supports formats like MP3, WAV, and FLAC

• Best For: Beginners and advanced users looking for a comprehensive free tool.

Ocenaudio

• Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux

• Key Features:

• Simple and intuitive interface

• Basic audio editing with effects like equalization and compression

• VST plugin support for extra functionality

• Best For: Users who want a lightweight and easy-to-use software.

GarageBand

• Compatibility: Mac and iOS only

• Key Features:

• Multitrack recording and editing

• Built-in library of loops and virtual instruments

• Options to add sound effects and background music

• Best For: Apple users looking for an intuitive platform to start podcasting.

2. Online and Mobile Editing Tools

Great for quick recordings and light edits.

BandLab

• Compatibility: Web, iOS, Android

• Key Features:

• Cloud-based platform for recording and editing

• Loop library and virtual instruments for creating music

• Intuitive interface accessible from any device

• Best For: Those who want to record directly from their phone or online.

3. Multimedia Editing and Production Tools for Social Media

Perfect for creating teasers, clips, and promotional content for your podcast.

VEED.IO

• Compatibility: Web

• Key Features:

• Audio and video editing optimized for social platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube

• Tools for creating intros, outros, and teaser clips

• Free version includes a watermark on videos

• Best For: Creating promotional content for your podcast.

Canva

• Compatibility: Web, iOS, Android

• Key Features:

• Design tools for podcast covers and video clips

• Options to add graphics and animations to your teasers

• Best For: Customizing visual content for your podcast.

4. Audio/Video Conversion Tools

Great for converting files into different formats, helping you extract audio from videos or optimize file types.

CloudConvert

• Compatibility: Web

• Key Features:

• Converts video files (MP4) into audio formats (MP3, WAV)

• Allows up to 25 free conversions per day

• Supports a wide range of audio and video formats

• Best For: Transforming video recordings into audio files ready for editing.

5. Comprehensive Software - The Most Popular Option

There’s also a well-known, fairly comprehensive software that offers a free plan, even if it comes with some limitations.

It’s the hugely popular Riverside.fm. Here’s what you need to know:

Compatibility: Web (accessible from any device with a browser).

Key Features:

• Record audio and video in high quality, up to 4K, directly in your browser.

• Built-in editing tools, such as adding intros/outros and splitting tracks.

• Save recordings locally and upload them automatically to the cloud to prevent data loss.

• Automatic transcription generation (available only with paid plans).

Free Plan Limitations:

• Recording time: Up to 2 hours per month.

• Recording quality: Lower compared to paid plans (compressed audio and video).

• Editing: Limited access to advanced features, such as detailed track editing or exporting without a watermark.

Best For:

• Quick, high-quality recordings for small podcast or video projects.

• Users who want to try a professional platform before committing to a paid plan.

• Beginners who do not produce too much content and want an easy-to-use tool with AI features. It will work for a while, until your projects earn popularity and you will need an upgrade or a new software.

How Can I Create Free Jingles and Sound Effects for Podcasts?

Looking for a jingle or other sounds effects? Here’s a curated list of completely free resources for royalty-free music and sound effects for podcasts. No subscriptions or payments are required.

1. Pixabay

• URL: pixabay.com/music

• Features:

• Completely free royalty-free music.

• Attribution not required (optional).

• Library organized by genre and mood.

• Best For: Creating intros, outros, and background music for podcasts.

2. Free Music Archive (FMA)

• URL: freemusicarchive.org

• Features:

• Free music curated by independent artists.

• Filters for genre, duration, and licenses.

• Some tracks require attribution (check the license details).

• Best For: Podcasts looking for unique and original music.

3. YouTube Audio Library

• URL: YouTube Audio Library

• Features:

• Free music and sound effects for anyone with a YouTube account.

• Wide range of tracks filtered by genre, mood, and duration.

• Some tracks require attribution (specified in the description).

• Best For: Podcasts that are also shared on YouTube or need sound effects.

4. Mixkit

• URL: mixkit.co

• Features:

• Free music with no registration or attribution required.

• Limited but high-quality selection.

• Tracks organized by genre and mood.

• Best For: Simple projects needing ready-to-use tracks.

5. Incompetech

• URL: incompetech.com

• Features:

• Free music by Kevin MacLeod, with attribution required.

• Tracks organized by genre and atmosphere.

• Ideal for podcasts and creative projects with clear licensing.

• Best For: Podcasts that want high-quality tracks with a transparent license.

6. Jamendo Music (Free Licensing)

• URL: jamendo.com

• Features:

• Free music for personal and non-commercial use.

• Attribution required for some tracks.

• Wide selection of indie and emerging artists.

• Best For: Personal or non-commercial podcasts.

7. Bensound (Free Tier)

• URL: bensound.com

• Features:

• Free music with mandatory attribution.

• Tracks categorized by themes like "cinematic," "corporate," etc.

• Best For: Professional podcasts adhering to attribution rules.

In case you didn’t know, without attribution means you can use a music track or content without having to credit the author or source in your projects.

In practice, this means you don’t need to include a note like “Music by [Author]” or “Track provided by [Website]” in your podcast, video, or materials.

What Are the Free Platforms to Share My Podcast?

Here’s the exciting part: you can start sharing your podcast for free on the major distribution platforms:

1. Spotify for Podcasters

Spotify for Podcasters is one of the most comprehensive platforms to start a podcast for free.

Key Features

• Free hosting with no episode limits.

• Automatic distribution to Spotify and other platforms like Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts via RSS feed.

• Built-in tools for recording and editing episodes directly in the app or browser.

• Detailed analytics on audience, listens, and popular episodes.

How to Get Started

• Sign up on Spotify for Podcasters: Go to Spotify for Podcasters and create a free account.

• Set up your podcast: Upload a cover image (3000x3000 px), enter a catchy title, and add a description.

• Upload your episode: Record directly on the platform or upload pre-recorded files (supported formats: MP3, WAV).

• Distribute your podcast: Spotify generates an RSS feed you can use to publish on other platforms.

2. YouTube

YouTube is perfect for video podcasts or reaching a visual audience. You can also share audio-only episodes through YouTube Music.

Key Features

• Free publishing of video podcasts.

• Option to monetize content through AdSense.

• Distribution on YouTube Music via RSS feed.

How to Get Started

• Create a YouTube channel: Go to YouTube Studio and set up your channel.

• Upload video or audio episodes: Use a static image for audio files if you don’t have video content.

• Add details: Write optimized titles, descriptions, and relevant tags.

• Share on YouTube Music: Paste your podcast’s RSS feed in YouTube Studio under the "Podcasts" section.

3. Apple Podcasts

Apple Podcasts is one of the most popular platforms for podcasts. While it doesn’t offer free hosting, you can easily distribute your podcast hosted elsewhere.

Key Features

• Access to a large audience on Apple devices.

• Free publishing via RSS feed.

• Dedicated dashboard to monitor performance and listens.

How to Get Started

• Create an RSS feed: Use Spotify for Podcasters or another hosting service to generate your RSS feed.

• Sign up on Apple Podcasts Connect: Go to Apple Podcasts Connect and log in with your Apple ID.

• Submit the RSS feed: Paste your podcast’s RSS feed and verify the content.

• Publish: Once approved, your podcast will be available on Apple Podcasts.

4. Stitcher

Stitcher is another very popular platform for podcasts.

Key Features

• Free publishing via RSS feed.

• Dedicated audience for podcasts and audio programs.

• Monetization options through Stitcher Premium (paid).

How to Get Started

• Create an account on Stitcher Content Provider: Go to Stitcher and sign up as a content creator.

• Upload the RSS feed: Provide your RSS feed and complete the necessary details.

• Publish: Stitcher will add your podcast to their catalog.

Which One Should You Choose?

• Spotify for Podcasters: Ideal for those seeking a complete solution to host and distribute audio podcasts for free.

• YouTube: Perfect for video podcasts or reaching a visual audience.

• Apple Podcasts: Essential for reaching listeners on Apple devices.

Stitcher: Excellent for a dedicated audience focused on audio content.

How do I promote my podcast for free?

Finally, all that’s left is to promote your podcast. The good news? It doesn’t cost a penny. It’s all about doing a few simple things:

1. Use Social Media

   Create accounts on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or TikTok. Share small videos featuring the 'viral' moments from your episodes and use hashtags related to your specific niche (#Podcast, #TrueCrime, #SportPodcast) that will increase their visibility.

2. Collaborate with Other Podcasters

   Invite other podcasters onto your show, share their podcast on your channels, and ask the same in return from them.

3. Optimize Your Podcast Description for SEO

   A clear and optimized description makes your podcast easier to find on search engines and podcast platforms.

4. Join Online CommunitiesOnline communities can help you build a following and connect with passionate listeners.

5. Leverage Your Existing AudienceAsk for reviews, create calls to action, and promote a free newsletter. Use tools like Mailchimp (which offers a free plan) to send updates about new episodes and keep your audience engaged.

6. Add Your Podcast to Your Email SignatureInclude a link to your podcast in your personal or professional email signature. This small detail can increase visibility among colleagues, clients, and friends.

7. Publish Your Podcast on Every Possible PlatformThe more platforms you’re on, the more possibilities you might have to reach new listeners.

8. Attend Events and Webinars

9. Create Additional Content

   Offering extra value helps retain your audience and, in the future, can become a way to monetize your podcast.

10. Use Podcast DirectoriesAdd your podcast to free directories to boost visibility. For example: Podchaser, Podcast Addict, Listen Notes, or Overcast.

11. Engage with Your Audience Directly

    If you have active followers on social media, message them personally to invite them to listen to your podcast. Always show appreciation for your listeners; this strengthens loyalty and encourages sharing.

Conclusion

As you can see, sharing your ideas and turning them into a podcast is possible even without a budget.

Starting a podcast for free isn’t just achievable—it doesn’t mean compromising on quality content.

Now that you know how to do it, start turning your zero-cost project into a successful podcast. Good luck.

Still unsure how to choose the best equipment for your podcast studio? If so, read our guides:

How to choose the best podcast headphones (2024)

How to Choose the Best Microphone for your Podcast

How-To Guide: How to Choose the Best Audio Interface for your Podcast

How to Choose a Podcast Mixer: Complete Guide

Looking for new podcasts to watch but don't know how to choose? We got you covered!

Top Educational Podcasts 2025: Learn Something New Every Day

Best News Podcasts 2025: Your Essential Guide to Keep Informed

Top 15 Music Podcasts in 2025: All The Shows You Cannot Miss!

17 Best Art Podcasts You’ll Love in 2025: Design, Culture, & More

Top Erotica Podcasts of 2025: Best Reviews!

Top Crime Podcasts of 2025: Thrills, Chills, and True Fear

40 Apple Podcasts That Talk About Books: Your Next Literary Listen

Best Tech Podcasts to Start the Year (2025)

And much more on PodcastAI Charts for Apple Users & PodcastAi Charts for Spotify Users.

Author's note

Ever dreamed of launching a podcast but felt limited by time or budget? With PodcastAI, that’s no longer a problem.

Our AI-driven podcasting software transforms your existing content—blog posts, newsletters, and even your favorite articles—into podcast episodes, all in your own voice.

PodcastAI takes care of everything: it writes scripts, generates show notes, creates cover art, and provides detailed chapters and transcripts.

It doesn’t stop there—PodcastAI also publishes your show on platforms like Apple and Spotify and generates promo clips for your social media, along with a dedicated website.

Whether you’re a creator, business owner, or marketer, PodcastAI helps you deliver your message, grow your reach, and save time.