The best podcast software compared

What is Podcast Software?

There is still a rumor that all you need for a podcast is a mobile phone with a recording function. Unfortunately, it's not that simple. Of course, you could just upload a podcast from voice memos and sell it as a podcast - but the audio quality is likely to deter most listeners. That's why the right podcast tools are essential for production, in addition to the equipment.

However, there is not only podcast software for (remote) recordings, but also for post-production (editing of the audio recordings), for hosting (uploading the episodes so that they can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc.) and for marketing on social media. In all areas, there is both free podcast software for beginners as well as paid programs for real pros.

Functions of Podcast Software

The functions of each podcast software depend on the purpose for which it should be used. The range extends from recording to post-production to marketing.

DAW (Digital Audio Workstation):

• Recording of individual tracks of each person speaking in the podcast
• Editing of individual tracks and episodes
• Sound editing with the help of plugins

Plugin:

• Sound editing of individual tracks to perfect the sound (primarily through compression, equalizers, gates, etc.)
• Repair of recordings that are not ideal (e.g., caused by reverb, background noise, hissing, plosives, etc.)

Hosting Platform:

• Uploading of the podcast channel and its episodes as well as their editing (audio files, titles, texts, cover)
• Distribution to the podcast platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc.)
• Insight into the statistics of a podcast (numbers on streams & downloads, subscribers, retention rate, demographics)

Remote Recording Software:

• High-quality recording of people who are not in the same location
• Video connection so you can see each other during the conversation (recording of the video often possible)
• Ability to start recording centrally to synchronize the tracks right away (without all participants having to clap to synchronize the two recordings in post-production)

Audio Transcription Software:

• Creation of transcripts of individual podcast episodes

Tools for Marketing and Community Building:

• Individualized landing pages with links to the different platforms where the podcast can be found (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc.)
• Creation of audiograms (videos with visualized sound wave or subtitles, so that audio can be visually shared on social media)
• Sending of voice messages to podcast hosts

Why should companies use podcast tools?

As already mentioned, the quality of a mobile phone recording without post-production is no longer sufficient to win podcast fans. There is simply too much competition nowadays. Especially with branded podcasts, which are usually commissioned or produced by companies, it is a challenge to find listeners.

Therefore, brands and companies should inform themselves in advance about which podcast tools they need to produce a high-quality podcast. Or they can turn to a podcast production company like Podstars by OMR.

How do you choose the right podcast software?

When choosing podcast software, the first question is what intention you have for starting a format. Do you just want to try it out? Do you want to make your own (personal) brand more well-known? Does a company want to position itself in a certain field?

For beginners who are not yet sure whether they want to produce the podcast in the long term, free podcast software is a good option. This is available for recording, post-production and marketing. If you want to go into the podcast business professionally, you should consider whether it is worthwhile to invest in paid podcast tools, which can offer, for example, more functions and options.

So, it's important to clarify in advance what requirements the podcast software must fulfill for your own purposes and what you actually need. For an interview podcast, for example, you probably need fewer post-production tools than for a storytelling format, in which sound design elements are used.

What does podcast software cost?

Since podcast software can and must meet such different requirements, it is hard to say universally what costs to expect. It ranges from free freeware to plugins for over 1000 euros.

The hosting costs also depend on how many different formats are to be hosted. There are free offers that usually only cover individual formats. If you want to build up a portfolio with many podcasts, you won't get around a subscription. These often become more expensive, the more podcasts are hosted and functions are to be made available.

So, you can start with a low budget - or put a lot of money into it.