As the podcast 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 startup, or a big-name company. The numbers don’t lie – There are currently 5 million podcasts and 70 million episodes between them.
But out of all those, how many are still populating the airwaves? While numbers vary, we do know that there are over 2 million podcasts on Apple Podcasts alone and only a little over 20% are active, which means they’ve released an episode in the last 90 days. Hence, most podcasts have technically podfaded.
While there are many reasons for podfade, lacking time and resources are certainly two of them.
aThat’s why we put together some of the podcast tools we recommend. From pre-production all the way to distribution, we guarantee these tools will save you time, reduce the hassle, and help you create a show that keeps your listeners coming back.
Let’s get into it.
Pre-production podcast tools
The pre-production phase of podcasting is your chance to strategize, research, and refine each episode. This stage involves everything from making sure you (or your production team) have the proper equipment to writing your episode script. It also involves nailing down your podcast’s goals, themes, and key messaging, sourcing new guests, and research.
The planning stage is a crucial element of the podcasting process, so leverage these tools to your full advantage to set yourself up for success:
1. Google Workspace
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.
2. Video conferencing services like Zoom or Google Meet
While you’re in the planning stages for your podcast, we suggest booking a pre-call with your guest to ensure you’re on the same page before recording. In this case, video conferencing tools like Zoom are essential, especially since you’ll want to establish a rapport with your guest beforehand.
3. Asana
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 schedule. If you're looking for a different approach, exploring an Asana alternative could provide additional features to enhance your team's productivity and project management experience.
Features include workflow automation, project management, resource management, and goals and reporting. They also offer personal, starter, and advanced plans to assist you in all stages of your show’s growth.
Podcast production tools
Once you’re happy with the podcast plan you’ve worked 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:
4. Riverside
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 users to record interviews no matter where they are in the world, directly on their own devices, so you never have to worry about internet issues.
Riverside’s local recording lets you capture up to 48kHz audio and 4K video without worrying about glitches. On top of this, you can capture separate tracks, live stream, and trim your recordings as easily as editing a text doc.
CoHost Tip: Interested in seeing more remote podcast recording options for professional podcasters? Take a look at our top recommendations.
5. Zencastr
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.
Offering both free and paid tiers, the application is incredibly easy to use and navigate. For most podcasters, the free plan will have most of the features you need.
6. Audacity
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. The platform offers a wide range of features, including importing/exporting, sound quality adjustments, and plug-ins for noise reduction and filtering.
7. SquadCast
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.
SquadCast records all participants locally and in separate tracks so it makes your life easier during post-production. Plus, guests do not need an account to participate in a recording and you can have up to one host and three guests participate in video recordings.
CoHost Tip: Beyond these tools, the right podcast equipment is necessary to make your show stand out. Check out our list of audio-engineer-trusted equipment for every budget.
Post-production podcast tools
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:
8. Adobe Audition
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.
9. GarageBand
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. A stand-out feature of this application is that it includes a complete library of sound effects to add to your show.
10. Pro Tools
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.
11. Studio One
Studio One is a digital audio workstation (DAW) for podcasters and musicians. With an easy single-window interface and drag-and-drop processing, Studio One simplifies the recording and mastering process. The platform features a single-screen workflow, powerful composition tools for creative podcasting, and intuitive drag-and-drop audio editing.
CoHost Tip: Looking for the best free podcast editing options in 2023? Check out the list of our favorites.
Podcast hosting, monetization, and analytics tools
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:
12. CoHost
Created by the award-winning podcast agency, Quill, CoHost is a podcast analytics and audience insights tool that equips brands and agencies with the data and tools they need to measure podcast reach, growth, and impact.
Trusted by leading brands and agencies, like PwC, iHeart Media, Expedia, and Interac, CoHost empowers users with in-depth insights and tools to understand who their audience is and measure impact with features like B2B Analytics, Tracking Links, Advanced Audience Demographics, and Automatic Transcriptions.
13. Buzzsprout
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.
14. Omny Studio
Omny Studio is a comprehensive podcast management platform that offers a range of tools for content creation, hosting, editing, distribution, promotion, monetization, and analytics. Podcasters and radio networks, such as Monocle, Southern California Public Radio, and Stitcher/Midroll rely on Omny for their podcasting needs.
15. Transistor
Transistor is a powerful yet easy-to-use podcast hosting service for professionals and beginners. It is a comprehensive podcast hosting platform that aims to make podcasting accessible and less confusing, particularly for newcomers to the medium. Features include YouTube auto-posting, podcast analytics, and dynamic ads.
CoHost Tip: We have put together an in-depth, full review of the top corporate podcast hosting platforms in the industry so you can find the one that’s right for your show.
Social media tools for podcasting
Did you know that 24% of new listeners find their podcasts on social media? That represents a large, potential untapped listenership that we recommend all brands leverage.
Here are some of our favorite tools to keep our social media strategy and content calendar consistent:
16. Hootsuite
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.
17. Buffer
Buffer provides social media scheduling, engagement, and analytics tools for individuals and brands. They also have an AI Assistant tool that helps you generate post ideas and repurpose content across social platforms.
18. Sprout Social
Sprout Social helps brands, agencies, and individuals plan, organize, and drive content across social media platforms simultaneously. They have many tools, like an interactive calendar and asset management library, so you can easily keep on top of your social strategy.
Save time and money with industry-leading podcast tools
In podcasting, simplification is key to mastering the art of content creation. From editing software to analytics platforms, the tools outlined serve as invaluable assets in elevating your show, and in turn, creating a stronger connection with your audience.
Remember, the true value of these tools is not just in their functionalities but in how effectively they amplify the unique voice and narrative of your brand. Harnessing their capabilities while staying aligned with your brand's vision and values will ultimately define the success and resonance of your podcasting initiatives.
If you’d like to learn more about CoHost and how it can help your show reach its full potential, get in touch with our team.
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