The momentum of podcasting is not slowing down. Between comedy, true crime, politics, and wellness, podcasts are one of the most consumed types of digital media around. Increasing search terms for phrases such as, “how to start a podcast,” “what is a podcast,” and “how do I make money podcasting” have increased. Podcasts such as the Joe Rogan Podcast, Call Her Daddy, The Daily and Serial have set new standards for content, audience engagement, and monetization.

If you thinking to yourself “How do I start a podcast?”, you are in the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to launch a podcast, using the most searched questions and the trending tools.

What Is A Podcast?

A podcast is a digital audio file that is made available on the internet, typically in a series, for listening or downloading. It is like on-demand radio. The most popular platforms are Apple Podcasts, Spotify Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Amazon Podcasts.

Many ask, “What is a podcast definition?” In very basic terms: it is a series of spoken-word content centered around a specific theme/topic, and episodes can be a solo host, an interview, an audio drama, or even a panel discussion.

Why You Should Start a Podcast?

• Low Barrier to Entry: All you need is a microphone and a platform to publish.
• Connect with Audience: People feel like they know their hosts more than a social media influencer.
• Monetize: Sponsorships, affiliate marketing, subscriptions and listener donations!
• Evergreen Content: Unlike tweets or Reels, people can easily find your podcasts later!

Popular Podcast Niches in 2025

Trendy genres and topics include:

1. True Crime (Crime Junkie, Serial)
2. Business and marketing (Acquired; The Tim Ferriss Show)
3. Health & fitness (Huberman Lab Podcast)
4. Politics & commentary (Joe Rogan Podcast; Megyn Kelly Podcast)
5. Pop culture & comedy (Call Her Daddy; Bad Friends Podcast)
6. Self-help & motivation (Mel Robbins Podcast; The Daily)

How Do You Start a Podcast?

Step 1: Plan Your Podcast

Before you get into equipment or platform options, ask yourself:

• Who is your audience?
• What topic can you talk about each week for the next few years?
• What format will it be? (An individual podcast, interviews, storytelling?)
• What will the podcast name and branding be?

Tip: If you can, I recommend including searchable keywords in your podcast title and description; “True Crime with Sam,” or “The Remote Work Podcast.”

Step 2: Acquire Your Podcast Technology

While some might question, “Can I start podcasting for free?” – and you can – it is recommended to buy some quality technology. Here is all that you need to get started:

• Microphone: USB mic like the Blue Yeti or XLR mic like the Shure SM7B
• Headphones: To monitor the sound of the recording.
• Audio Interface: Optional, useful for XLR microphones.
• Pop filter: Reduces harsh (plosives) “p” and “s” sounds.

A recording software: Free versions such as Audacity or Garage Band to paid versions such as Adobe Podcast.

Step 3: Record Your First Episode

Some common terms that people search include “how do I record a podcast” and “what technology will I need to play audio clips for my guests.” You really need to consider some things:

• Find a quiet place.
• Always test the mic levels before starting.
• Have an introduction or a segment, main podcast content and a close.
• If you want to incorporate sound clips or effects, Adobe Podcast is a great option. The software tools like Descript also keep things super easy to incorporate that type of sound.

Step 4: Edit Like A Pro

After recording your first episode it is time to edit:

• Cut out unnecessary silences and filler words. For example, replace the ‘ums’ and ‘uhs’.
• Add music for editing, transitions etc.
• ‘Normalize’ audio so it is at a consistent sound level.
• Export as an MP3 or WAV file.

Some quality editing tools to look at and consider:

• Descript
• Adobe Podcast
• Audacity
• GarageBand

Step 5: Choose a Podcast Hosting Provider

To publish, you will need a podcast hosting provider. Host providers, or media hosts, store your episodes and distribute them to discoverable platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, etc.

Some popular host options in 2025:

• Spotify for Podcasters (as it is free and user friendly)
• Anchor.fm (the old version is now Spotify)
• Buzzsprout
• Podbean
• Transistor.fm

Step 6: Upload Your Podcast to Spotify & Apple Podcasts

The most typed questions on Google are “how to upload a podcast to Spotify” and “how to start a podcast on Apple Podcasts”.

To upload to Spotify:

1. Use Spotify for Podcasters.
2. Upload your episodes.
3. Add show art, title, description, and tags.
4. Submit your RSS feed (if you are using Anchor or Spotify’s tools, they will do this automatically for you).

To upload to Apple Podcasts:

1. Create an Apple ID.
2. Sign in to Apple Podcasts Connect.
3. Submit your podcast RSS Feed.
4. Wait for it to be approved (normally 3-5 days).

Step 7: Promote Your Podcast

Social media, email newsletters, and community platforms (Reddit and Facebook groups are good) can all help grow your podcast audience.

Here’s some ideas:

• Tease future episodes on Instagram Reels and TikTok.
• Use trending hashtags like #PodcastLife, #TrueCrimePod, and #MondayMotivation.
• Invite guests with audiences to cross-promote you.

You will also want to optimize your SEO for your podcast, as well:

• Use SEO-able episode titles.
• Provide transcripts and show notes.
• Provide episode tags and keywords like “best podcasts 2025”, “Joe Rogan Experience”, etc.

Step 8: Monetizing Your Podcast

One of the most asked questions is “How do podcasts make money?” Here are some tried and tested methods to monetize your podcast:

• Sponsorships: Get paid for a shout-out or ad.
• Affiliate Marketing: Promote a product and receive a commission.
• Donations: Use platforms like Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee.
• Paid Episodes/Subscriptions. Apple Podcasts and Spotify now allow for premium content.
• Merchandise: Sell branded materials.

Step 9: Don’t Forget to Learn from the Best Podcasts

Looking for ideas? Here are the most searched podcasts this week:

• Joe Rogan Podcast – The King of long-form conversations.
• Call Her Daddy – Raw, engaging, and trendsetting.
• Smartless Podcast – Comedy solar system with Jason Bateman and friends.
• The Daily Podcast – NYT take on the biggest news stories.
• Lex Fridman Podcast – Deep discussion with scientist, author, and philosophers.
• Huberman Lab Podcast – educating on health and science.
• Crime Junkie Podcast – If you’re a true crime fan.
• Red Scare Podcast – If you like cultural critique with edge.
• Whatever Podcast – Gen Z and millennial pop culture.
• Flagrant Podcast – LOUD, funny, and controversial.

Step 10: Understand Podcast Analytics

All platforms offer listening stats, but Spotify for Podcaster and Apple Podcast Connect have the deepest analytics:

• Number of listenings
• Demographics
• Retention Rate (how long your audience listens to your podcast)
• Most downloaded episode

Use those stats to change your content.

How to Cite Sources in a Podcast?

Are you wondering how to cite sources in a podcast? Auditory formats such as a podcast don’t typically have a formal bibliography like an academic piece of writing. However, that doesn’t give you license to not give attribution. One easy, effective method is to simply state the source verbally in the episode, something like, “According to a report in 2023 from the Pew Research Center…” Or if you are sharing or quoting data, you should be transparent about the source.

In addition to verbally citing, it is a good idea to compile all sources in the show notes. Listing all the sources in show notes not only establishes credibility but allows your listener to explore any topic deeper. There are online tools like Podpage or Descript that can organize some of these links on your behalf. If you’re developing an academic or journalistic style of podcasting, you may consider placing an APA- or MLA-style citation in the description as a way to remain formal and credible in your work.

Where to Listen to Joe Rogan’s Podcast?

If you are searching “where to listen to Joe Rogan’s podcast” the short answer is Spotify is now the one and only home for The Joe Rogan Experience. Full-length episodes are no longer available on YouTube, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts. Spotify secured the exclusive stream rights in 2020, in what the press claimed was a $100 million deal.

How Do Podcasts Make Money?

Podcasts are monetized through a number of common approaches:

• Sponsorship & advertising: Podcasters are paid by brands to talk about their products in episodes. The more listeners you have, the more you can expect to earn.
• Listener contributions: Podcasters can use websites like Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee. Listeners can donate money on a monthly basis to support the show in completeness (or not). Sometimes podcasters will offer bonus or commercial-free content for a donation.
• Selling merchandise: This can run the gamut from branded products (shirts/mugs) to membership portfolios or reading notes. Selling merchandise helps creators build a sense of community and offer merchandise in an organic manner.
• Paid subscriptions: Through Spotify and Apple Podcasts, podcasters can offer exclusive content to subscribers who pay fees monthly or annually. With loyal listeners, even a small group can create a steady stream of income based on a subscription structure.

Even beginner podcasters can start monetizing their podcast once they have built consistency and trust with their listeners.

FAQs: Based on Trending Questions

Q: How can I listen to a podcast?

A: Use apps like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Amazon Music. You can stream or download episodes.

Q: Are podcasts free?

A: For the most part, yes! Most podcasts are free to listen to.

Q: Can I change the speed of the playback?

A: Sure! Apps like Apple Podcasts allow you to control playback speed in 1.5x, 2x, and more. You should experiment to see what works for you.

Q: How do I cite a podcast in APA or MLA style?

A: Basic guidelines include using the episode title, the name of the show, the date, and the host. There are also plenty of automatic citation generators out there, or simply refer to the Purdue OWL for guidance.

Q: How many podcasts will there be in 2025?

A: There will be more than 5 million podcasts and 100+ million episodes available to listeners across the world!

Q: What is the best podcast app?

A: It depends on the device. Spotify and Apple Podcasts are at the top of the pile. Other apps like Overcast or Pocket Casts to mention just two, have some of the best features.

Conclusion: Should you start a podcast in 2025?

Absolutely! Whether you will launch a niche show or be the next Joe Rogan, the platform is wide open. It has never been easier to get your voice out in world through tools like Spotify for Podcasters, Adobe Podcast, and even Ai podcast generator websites.

And who knows? If you have the right mix of a personality, consistency, and promotion your show could end up being one of the “best podcasts” list in 2025.

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