As the podcasting world evolves, podcast tools are evolving right along with it. While podcasting is an art of its own category, it’s also never been easier for anyone to launch a podcast, whether you’re an individual, a brand or a big-name company.
Technology is a beautiful thing, and as more and more new, creative inventions hit the airwaves every day, an increasing number of creators will have a chance to make their mark on the podcasting world. Whether you’ve just launched your podcast or you’re a seasoned pro, there are always new podcast tools to discover and make your life easier as a creator.
What are the must-have podcast tools for anyone who’s serious about making a splash with their podcast? Here are just some of the podcast tools we recommend using, no matter your level of expertise and experience:
The pre-production phase of podcasting is your chance to strategize, research and refine each episode. Here are some podcast tools that will help you stay on track throughout this stage:
Google Workspace tools like Google Docs, Google Sheets and Gmail are true lifesavers when it comes to planning your podcast strategy, especially if you’re going to be collaborating with others. Being able to edit scripts, show notes and plans in real time will save you plenty of back-and-forth with other creators, while allowing you to get to the good stuff (i.e., recording!) even faster.
While you’re in the planning stages for your podcast, you may want to book a pre-call with your guest to ensure you’re on the same page prior to recording. In this case, video conferencing tools like Zoom are obviously essential, especially since you’ll want to establish a rapport with your guest beforehand.
Again, when collaborating with others on a podcast, staying organized is of prime importance. With the ability to assign tasks, delegate, view shared calendars and more, Asana is one tool that will help you and the rest of your team on track and on schedule.
Once you’re happy with the podcast plan you’ve dreamed up, it’s time to hit record! This is one of the most fun and interactive elements of podcasting, so be sure to enjoy it and use these tools to streamline the process:
When it comes time to record your podcast, Riverside will come in clutch, especially if you’re interviewing guests who aren’t located in your area. The online recording software allows you to record interviews no matter where you are in the world, and the sound quality is A+.
Zencastr is another highly trusted podcast recording software that will help streamline the process of creating an episode. The software runs within your browser, so you and your guests won’t have to install anything new or jump through any complicated hoops to record your interview.
Another option for the production stage of your podcast is Audacity, a free, open-source, cross-platform audio software. The software operates within Windows, Mac OS X and more, so you can rest assured you and your guests won’t run into any hiccups during the recording.
As an all-in-one solution for professional podcasters, SquadCast will help save you time, money and hassle on your podcasting journey. Their podcast recording software is reliable, easy-to-use and high quality, and you can give it a go with their free seven-day trial—no strings attached.
Like they say in the podcast biz, the post-production phase is where the magic happens, so you’ll want to ensure you’re using the best of the best podcast tools to edit your show. Here are some of the best podcast editing tools in the game:
As a comprehensive audio editing platform, Adobe Audition is your best friend when it comes to creating, mixing, editing and restoring audio content. Including multitrack, waveform and spectral display, this podcast tool will help you whip your audio into tip-top shape in no time.
Conveniently pre-downloaded onto all Mac computers, GarageBand is another great editing program, especially if you’re looking for something quick and simple to use that won’t cause you any extra hassle.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a podcast tool that’s a little more advanced, Pro Tools is an excellent option. However, some audio experts have suggested that the number of tools and capabilities built into Pro Tools may be overkill for the average podcaster, so consider your needs as a podcaster before diving in.
Now that you’ve planned, recorded, and edited your podcast, it’s finally time to share it with the world. Here are some of the best podcast tools to help you spread the word and create some buzz around your podcast:
CoHost is an all-in-one podcast marketing and analytics tool offering podcast hosting, marketing and measuring. The platform equips brands and professional podcasters with the data and insights necessary to launch, grow, and of course, measure their podcast effectively.
Buzzsprout is another great option for podcasters looking for a way to host, promote and track their podcasts all in one place. This podcast tool is relatively easy to use and the platform provides plenty of educational resources, so it’s a great place to start no matter where you are in your podcasting journey, but it’s especially great for beginner or indie podcasters.
Never underestimate the power of a well-thought-out social media marketing strategy. Hootsuite is an excellent tool to use if you’re hoping to plan, schedule and curate a feed of posts related to your podcast ahead of time, and like Asana, it will help you stay organized and on track as you continue releasing new content.
Mackenzie Patterson is the Senior Producer & Content Strategist at Quill Inc, and a Toronto-based writer, and journalist. She's always exploring the latest movies, TV shows and wellness trends.
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