How to start a podcast, grow it, and monetize

Podcasting isn’t just a side hustle anymore. 

Over the past two decades, podcasting has exploded from a casual hobby into a serious money-maker. Today, creators can pull in anywhere from $700 a month (with about 10,000 downloads per episode) to millions in revenue – yep, millions.

For many creators, podcasting is their main income stream, and the opportunities keep growing. 

The best part? Starting your own is easier than ever. 

With basic gear, a solid hosting platform, and the right content, you can grow an audience, build a personal brand, and start making serious cash. 

Check out the guide below and learn the step-by-step process of launching your first podcast and turning your passion into profit.

Starting your first podcast: A step-by-step guide

You’ve got the idea. You’ve seen creators turn podcasts into full-blown brands, build loyal followings, and lock in serious income. Now you’re ready to launch your own, but figuring out where to start has you stuck. Totally get it.

Luckily, I’ve broken down the simple steps to get your podcast off the ground and into people’s ears. 

Let’s get into it.

1. Figure out your podcast’s niche 

Your podcast niche defines your content strategy, your target audience, and how you stand out. 

Getting this right early helps listeners quickly understand what your show is about (and why they should keep coming back).

Here’s how:

• Define your show’s purpose
  Why do you want to podcast? Maybe it’s building your brand, sharing your passion, or growing your business with authentic marketing – whichever it is, knowing your purpose will keep you focused and consistent on the end goal. 
• Choose a topic/focus you love 
  Hey, you’re going to be spending a lot of time creating episodes, so pick something that genuinely interests you, and won’t become boring by episode 3. Your enthusiasm will shine through your content, resonating with listeners and helping you stay motivated.
• Get clear on your target audience 
  Be clear on who you’re trying to reach. Instead of trying to appeal to everyone (which is impossible, guys), focus on a particular group with shared interests or challenges. This makes it easier to create content that resonates.
• Narrow your focus 
  The most successful podcasts focus on a specific angle or niche. For example, instead of a general “fitness” podcast, try “fitness tips for college students” or “mental health and wellness for creatives.”
• Test ideas before committing
  Come up with 5 to 10 potential episode topics, and try to create rough episode outlines. Finding it hard to come up with enough ideas? You probably need to adjust your niche to ensure you can keep producing fresh content.
• Pick a memorable name 
  Your podcast name is gonna be the first thing people notice. Make sure it clearly reflects your niche and is easy to remember. Don’t try to sound like other podcasts, be your own thing. Also, check that the name isn’t already in use on major platforms and social media.
  
  A great example? The true-crime podcast Criminal – it’s pretty clear what they cover.

Pro tip: Think about the things you naturally gravitate towards in your spare time. What do you constantly find yourself talking about with friends and family? Which podcasts interest you the most? What media do you enjoy?

2. Choose the right format 

Your podcast niche will often help determine the best format for your show. Different topics work better with certain styles, so picking the right format helps keep your content engaging and fits your audience’s expectations.

Our head of marketing, Brett, runs his own podcast where he interviews young entrepreneur guests:

Here are some podcast formats and when they work best:

• Editorials: Think: The Ben Shapiro Show or The Broski Report. Direct to cam, news-reader style format. Great for opinionated takes or deep dives where you lead the conversation solo.
• Discussions: Think: Lights Camera Barstool. Ideal when you want multiple hosts or guests to bounce ideas around. Works well for culture, sports, or general chat.
• Call-ins: Awesome for audience interaction, letting listeners join the conversation live or send questions. Fits advice or Q&A shows, can also just be a section of each episode.
• Reviews: Perfect if you want to break down new products, movies, books, or games. Good for entertainment or tech niches.
• Interviews: Bring expert voices or inspiring stories into your podcast. Common in business, health, or creative niches.
• Creative storytelling: Ideal for fiction or true stories, where you craft a narrative to captivate listeners. Perfect for lifestyle, history, or personal stories.

Episode length can also vary (a lot): solo editorial podcasts might be short and punchy (around 15 minutes), while discussion or call-in shows can go long – some even run for several hours. 

The Joe Rogan Experience often drops episodes lasting two to four hours, which is perfect for the deep-dives he gets into with guests. 

Choosing the best format for your niche helps your podcast feel natural and keeps listeners coming back for more.

Pro tip: Listen to some sample episodes in your niche to get an idea of what works and what you could do better. 

3. Pre-plan your podcast schedule

Like all content, podcasts tend to lose momentum without structure. 

Having a clear episode plan from the start helps, big time. Mapping out your first 8-10 episodes helps test whether your idea has long-term potential (and if you’ll actually enjoy talking about it).

If you run out of ideas after episode three, you might have a few solid blog posts, not enough for a full podcast series.

On the flip side, if your ideas are too broad or scattered? It could be a sign to narrow your niche.

How often should you release episodes?

Weekly is a great starting point. It’s frequent enough to stay on your audience’s radar without overwhelming you. That said, frequency depends on your niche and format:

• Editorials, call-ins, interviews: Weekly works well to allow enough time to gather fresh material/news/guests.
• Creative, reviews, discussions: Anywhere from 1-3 times per week, depending on episode length.

Whatever schedule you choose, try to stick to it. Consistency builds trust and keeps listeners coming back.

However, if you find you’re struggling to retain viewers or build enough hype per episode in the beginning, pivot your schedule and see if things improve.

The Sesh is a weekly podcast between two best friends with sections involving mental health, celebrity news, and pop culture events. 

Pro tip: Poll your audience via socials and see what they prefer, or ask them to leave a comment under each episode! This is the best way to find out what your listeners want and have the time to engage with. 

4. Build your setup (without breaking the bank)

You don’t need a fancy studio or expensive gear to start podcasting. In fact, you can launch your show with what you already have, and upgrade as you grow.

Option 1: Start with your phone

Your smartphone is more powerful than you think. Apps like Anchor by Spotify and Audacity (desktop) let you record, edit, and publish episodes all in one place. This is the easiest way to test your podcast idea before investing in any gear.

Option 2: Get some beginner equipment

When you're ready for better sound and more flexibility, a simple home studio can give you that professional edge. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Microphone
• Headphones
• Computer
• (Optional) Digital recorder for mobile or offline recording

Choosing the best podcast microphone

Your mic has the biggest impact on your sound quality. Here’s a breakdown of the main types:

Choosing the right podcast camera

Adding video to your podcast helps boost your reach because you can repurpose episodes across platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, and get better engagement. 

Plus, in 2024 alone, Spotify saw an 88% surge in users consuming video podcasts. 

Here are your main camera options:

5. Set up your podcast recording space

Once you’ve got your core gear sorted, the environment you record in matters just as much. 

Here’s how to create a podcast-friendly studio:

• Find a quiet space
  Nothing is more off putting for a podcast than background noise or washed out audio. Choose a room with minimal outside noise and limited echo. Avoid rooms with lots of hard surfaces like tile or glass, which can cause harsh reflections.
• Treat the room acoustically
  Soundproofing can get expensive, but even small steps help/ Use thick curtains, rugs, and soft furnishings to absorb sound. Hang acoustic panels or foam tiles on walls to reduce echo. Place bookshelves or couches strategically to break up sound waves
• Desk and mic placement
  Position your microphone close enough to capture your voice clearly (usually 6-12 inches away) but avoid breathing noises and plosives (please). Use a boom arm or mic stand for flexible positioning.
• Lighting and camera setup
  If you’re recording video, invest in soft, diffused lighting to avoid harsh shadows and keep you looking sharp on camera. Natural light works well, but avoid direct sunlight on your face.
• Minimize distractions
  Keep your recording area clutter-free and limit background noise. Turn off fans, computers, or appliances that hum or buzz.

Pro tip: If you don’t have a spare room to record, you can set up a cool studio space in your bedroom, office, or living room. Just make sure you have time to record with no distractions, especially if living with others. Down the line, you can invest in hiring a recording space. 

6. Pick the right podcast host (so you actually get heard)

Want your podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all the good stuff? You gotta upload your episodes somewhere. That’s where a podcast host comes in. 

Think of it like the middleman between you and your listeners.

Record your episodes, upload them to your host, and they handle sending it out to all the platforms. Easy. 

But heads up: not all hosts are created equal. Some have cool extras, some have higher costs, and some are free to start.

Here are the go-to hosts if you’re just starting out:

Buzzsprout

Buzzsprout is a super user-friendly platform perfect for newbies who want solid tools without the stress. It offers automatic transcripts, easy-to-use editing features, and clear analytics to track your growth. Plus, you get a 90-day free trial to test it out. Yay, free sh*t!

Pros: Super newbie-friendly, automatic transcripts, easy audio editing, detailed stats, 90-day free trial
Cons: Free trial ends, then it’s paid plans only
Best for: Beginners who want solid tools and a stress-free start

Spotify for Podcasters

Spotify's own platform is an easy way to get your show on the biggest streaming service for free. It’s simple and fast, but it’s mostly just for uploading to Spotify itself, so it’s limited in features compared to paid hosts.

Pros: Totally free, quick upload to Spotify, simple to use
Cons: Limited features compared to paid hosts, Spotify-only distribution
Best for: Beginners testing the waters 

Podbean

Podbean is known for its straightforward interface and built-in tools that help you monetize and share your podcast. You can start on a free plan and upgrade as your show grows and you want more features.

Pros: Easy interface, built-in monetization and sharing tools, free start with upgrade options
Cons: Free plan limits storage and analytics
Best for: Creators ready to grow and make money eventually

Libsyn

Libsyn is one of the oldest, most reliable podcast hosts out there. It’s packed with features like monetization, distribution, and analytics. No free trial, but plans start at just $7/month, making it great for serious podcasters.

Pros: Reliable, tons of features (monetization, analytics, distribution), affordable plans
Cons: No free trial, interface looks a bit old-school
Best for: Podcasters serious about scaling up and professional growth

Spreaker by iHeart

Spreaker is an all-in-one platform letting you record, host, distribute, and monetize your podcast all from one place. It’s got a free basic plan to get started and scales up as you grow.

Pros: All-in-one platform (record, host, monetize), free basic plan available
Cons: Some advanced features require paid plans
Best for: Creators who want everything in one place 

Pro tip: Look carefully at each platform’s pricing, features, and reviews. Make the selection based on what works best for you, not what’s most popular or has the nicer branding. 

If your end-goal is to make money then check out this list of the top podcast monetization platforms

7. Prepare your podcast episodes

Having episodes ready to go might sound obvious, but the key is to have them fully recorded, edited, and queued up before launch. 

Life happens (getting sick, tech glitches, power outages) so having a content bank keeps your show on track with your release schedule.

Let’s talk pilots: your first episode sets the vibe and introduces you to your audience, so take the time to get it right. The great thing about recording podcasts? You can do as many takes as you want until it feels perfect.

Aim to make episodes your listeners actually want to download, binge, and share.

• Presentation-style podcasts (think reviews, news) usually benefit from a script to keep things tight and on point.
• Chat-based or call-in podcasts should feel natural and conversational, just don’t let the convo go flat.
• Interview podcasts shine when you do your homework on guests and have a list of questions ready to keep the flow smooth.

When it’s time to record, pick a quiet, distraction-free space. Editing is a must for everyone, whether you’re using professional gear or your iPhone mic. Use editing to balance audio levels, cut out background noise, and polish the final product.

Once your episode sounds crisp, upload it to your hosting platform and submit it to podcast directories. These directories are like huge libraries where listeners discover and stream shows. 

Top directories you’ve probably heard of include Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Podcast Index.

Pro tip: Keep things organised by using a spreadsheet or Notion template to keep a physical, editable schedule for your podcast, as well as house any notes and interview questions.

8. Get your podcast heard with the right marketing

Uploading your podcast to hosting platforms and directories isn’t the final step, btw. Actually growing your podcast audience, especially in the beginning, takes consistent effort. 

Podcasts are booming, and while that means there’s no better time to jump in, there’s also never been more competition. Carving out your own listener base requires strategy.

The average podcast only gets roughly 141 downloads in its first month. To reach the top charts, you’ll need thousands (like, 3,400+) downloads.

So, how do you stand out? Try these marketing methods:

• Use SEO-friendly keywords: Research keywords that match your podcast’s theme and include them in episode titles, descriptions, and transcripts to boost discoverability.
• Create a show website: Build a dedicated site for your podcast with transcripts, embeds, or condensed blog posts to help search engines find you.
• Repurpose your content: Turn your podcast into YouTube videos, X threads, email newsletters, social media infographics, or personal LinkedIn posts. More formats mean more chances to get noticed. Check out how health podcaster Dr. Andrew Huberman repurposes podcast content on Instagram:

• Leverage social media: Share episodes on all your platforms, engage with your audience, and keep it authentic. 
• Use Content Rewards: Pay content clippers on Whop between $0.20 and $3.00 per 1,000 views to redistribute your clips across socials. You only pay for actual views, and these guys are experienced in getting them – fast. 

9. Start monetizing your podcast $$$ 

I know, you’ve been waiting. Truth is though, you need to get your ducks (steps 1-8) in order before you can monetize well. 

Once you’re up and running, growing, and getting noticed? You’re ready to explore monetization opportunities. We have a full guide to monetizing your podcast, but for the TLDR, flick below:

• Advertising: Sell targeted ad spots through podcast ad networks.
• Sponsorships: Get paid by brands to promote their products on your show.
• Merchandise: Offer branded gear like shirts, hats, or stickers to your listeners.
• Paid content: Create premium episodes or newsletters behind a paywall or subscription on platforms like Whop. 
• Related products: Use a digital marketplace like Whop to funnel listeners and sell ebooks, courses, coaching, or services linked to your podcast topic.
• Affiliate marketing: Promote products and earn commission on sales made through your links.

Make more money from your podcast with Whop

Podcasting isn’t just about dropping episodes and hoping for the best. It’s about building a real community and giving your fans next-level content and experiences. 

Top podcasters use Whop to level up their brand and access more monetization opportunities. 

They create paid memberships, drop exclusive content, and sell digital products tied to their vibe. Coaching, courses, ebooks, newsletters – you name it. With Whop, you can turn your podcast into a full-scale business. 

Our platform makes managing subs, running communities, and tracking your growth super simple. Read: no tech drama required.

Start growing your podcast hustle with Whop today.

FAQ

What even is podcasting?

A podcast is basically on-demand audio (often with accompanying video) content you can listen to anytime, anywhere. 

Creators record episodes and publish them on platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube Podcasts, and more. Most podcasts are free, but some podcasts are behind paywalls (or are subscription-only), allowing creators to charge premiums for extra perks.

So, what kind of content works? Honestly, anything and everything. 

Podcasts usually dive deep into a specific topic or niche, like true crime, gaming, law, self-development, or ecommerce, which is huge. 

But they get way more niche than that, too – think esoteric ideology, decentralized health, and off-grid living. 

Why should I start a podcast? 

Look, I probably don’t need to convince you. But besides the obvious earning potential, podcasting has some other serious perks, too:

• Building a brand
  Podcasts aren’t just side gigs — they’re powerful tools to show the world who you are. Along with socials, blogs, and ebooks, a podcast helps you stand out and grow your personal or business brand.
• Promoting your business
  Got a business? A podcast is one of the best ways to spread the word and keep your products or services front and center. The internet is cluttered with ineffective marketing, but podcasting is engaging and helps brands stay top of mind.
• Establishing authority
  Podcasts help you build authority in your niche. Whether you’re dropping the latest tech reviews, marketing hacks, or celeb tea, you become the go-to voice people trust and follow.
• Sharing stuff you love
  Many successful podcasts start from a simple love or hobby – gaming, beauty, true crime, you name it. If you’re excited about something, podcasting could be the perfect way to share it and maybe even turn it into a biz.

How long will it take for me to make money from podcasting?

Real talk: podcasting cash doesn’t usually show up overnight. It takes time to build your crew, drop consistent episodes, and actually get people tuning in. Most podcasters start seeing some $$ after a few months, but it can take a year or more to really cash in.

The key? Stay consistent, keep leveling up your content, and hustle on promos. The grind’s real, but the payoff’s worth it.