Podcasts have become immensely popular in recent years, whether it be for entertainment in the form of comedy, keeping abreast of all the latest news in specific niches, and even educational content. Whatever your area of interest, there is probably a podcast out there for you. And if there isn’t, creating podcasts is so easy when compared to more conventional mediums that there is really nothing stopping you from making one of your own.

That being said, getting started in podcasting can be a little intimidating. Knowing what software to use, what hardware you need. It’s understandably offputting. If this sounds like you, and you’re using a Mac, you’ve come to the right place. Read on, and we’ll cover all the basics of how to record a podcast on a Mac.

how to record a podcast on mac

To create a podcast you don’t need very powerful equipment; you can create it on any device — including your smartphone — but let’s be honest:

Our loved Mac is the best home and personal device for creative work, right?

So, here you have my easy-to-follow guide about how to record a podcast on Mac.

Basic Steps and Tools to Create a Podcast on Your Mac

Step One. Think “The Perfect Podcast”

There are different types of podcasts, but all of them usually have: intro, presentation, general content, call to action, promotions, goodbye, and closing.

Also, it’s very important that you plan your content, define your style, and decide the length.

And if you want your audience to easily identify your podcast, don’t forget to include: a title, a description, a cover image in tune.

Step Two. Recording and editing

In this step, you’ll have to record your podcast without worrying too much about imperfections. You can work on it during the editing process later.

For the recording process you’ll need three basic tools:

1. Podcasting Hardware: microphone and headphones — or headset

We would fill an entire post with advice on what the best hardware for podcasting is, including all of the various scenarios that might call for different equipment.

The beauty of podcasting, however, is that you can get started with nothing more than a USB microphone.

In the early stages of your podcasting career, we would suggest you don’t worry too much about the hardware. If you want to give yourself a headset, gat a Snowball Ice – an excellently quality USB microphone for a very affordable price – but focus on your content most of all.

Also, make sure the microphone offers a clean and clear audio recording. Your audience could stop listening to your podcast if the sound is too loud or noisy.

Regarding headphones, the most important feature you must consider here is the quality of isolation from the outside noise.

Once you are comfortable with yourself as a podcaster, then look at upgrading your gear. You can find many good options for affordable prices on Amazon.

2. The podcast recording and editing software for Mac

This is a very important tool because it can help you a lot in producing a high-quality podcast — if that’s your purpose.

The one I’m using right now is Aiseesoft Screen Recorder.

What’s special about it?

Basically, this is an all-in-one multipurpose program that offers a series of incredible features not only to record audio and video but also to edit it all to achieve professional results. Aiseesoft Screen Recorder has the bonus of being able to capture microphone input as well. So, if your podcast consists entirely of spoken word and screen capture video, you could use this application and not require anything else.

If you are creating video podcasts, you may need to capture your screen as part of the show. This is especially the case if you are doing tutorial­ style podcasts, but can also be useful in other situations. This versatile screen recorder gives you plenty of options for how you want to capture your video.

With this program you can:

    • Record audio and music
    • Capture online videos
    • Record for game sharing
    • Record lecture
    • Schedule recording tasks
    • Record specific program window
    • Record around the mouse
    • Screencast webcam videos
    • Take snapshots
    • Make video tutorials and more…

And all of this for the affordable price of only $31.

That’s why I consider this program one of the best options for a podcast recording software on Mac.

3. Playing Sound Effects and Jingles

Having sound effects such as Jingles on hand to play during recording can speed up the whole process of creating a podcast, not to mention, make the finished product sound more cohesive. There are plenty of options when it comes to soundboard software on the Mac itself, but we wanted to suggest something a little different.

Rather than installing soundboard software on the computer you are podcasting with, get an app like Soundboard Studio for your iPhone or iPad. This will allow you to have all your sound effects at your fingertips when you record, without the need for noisy mouse clicks and switching between programs.

Tips: Find Your Rhythm

When diving into the world of podcasting, it is crucial to find a groove that you are comfortable in. For example, if you have to spend hours and hours editing your podcasts—and you don’t like editing—consider making changes that reduce the amount of editing you need to do. Also, try to avoid adding additional pieces of hardware or software to your production unless there is a good reason to. The more moving pieces there are, the more opportunity there is for something to go wrong. So keep your setup as simple as you can while still getting what you need out of it.

Step Three. Hosting and Distribution

Once you’ve finished the production and post-production process, think about where you’re going to place your files.

You can put them on your own server to have total control over it, but you’ll be limited by the features of your hosting service.

On the other hand, there are many specialized platforms that can host your podcast files with different prices and features. Some of the most popular are: Libsyn, Ivoox, Spreaker, and Soundcloud, just to name a few.

And don’t forget about distributing your feeds. These are basically XML files containing the information that podcatchers (podcast players) need to play your audio files. Within the RSS you have:

  • Titles
  • Descriptions
  • Author name
  • URL of your podcast image
  • Category
  • Info for each individual chapter, etc

You can get your feed files from the place where you’ve hosted your podcast, like your hosting or specialized platform — the ones I mentioned above.

But don’t forget one of the most important: iTunes.

With iTunes, your feeds will automatically synchronize with many podcast players, which can offer additional value for your audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start a podcast for free on Mac?

Yes. Podcasts are totally free to create and free to listen to. The only costs associated with a podcast are those required for the equipment — in case you don’t have it yet — and for distribution (but there are many free platforms for this).

Can I make money with a podcast?

Yes. Did you know that “The Joe Rogan Experience” makes about $800k each episode? You can monetize your podcast as any other content marketing strategy with: affiliate marketing, advertising, coaching, physical products, etc.

What’s the recommended length for a podcast?

It can be the length you want, it’ll depend on the type of content and audience you’re targeting for. The main limitation for this could be any that your hosting company gives you.

Do I need to have my own website to promote and distribute my podcast?

Not necessarily. There are many platforms for these purposes, both paid and free. However, having your own website can give you some benefits if you want to monetize your podcast.