Podcast Like a Pro: Must-Have Apps
Podcast Like a Pro: Must-Have Apps
For every challenge faced by the human race, it seems there’s an app developer out there crafting a solution. The world of podcasting is no exception, as an array of podcast-making apps have emerged in recent years. However, it’s important to clarify what we mean by “app” in this context. This article won’t delve into Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) like Audacity or Audition. Instead, our focus is on dedicated apps designed to simplify the podcasting trifecta: recording, editing, and publishing.
List of the Best Podcast Making Apps
If you’re on the hunt for the best podcast-making app, you may wonder what options are currently available. Which one suits you best? Read on to explore the top podcast-making apps:
1. Alitu: The Podcast Maker Tool
- Type: Browser
- Price: $38 monthly subscription with annual savings and a 7-day free trial available
- Pros: All-in-one solution for recording, editing, and publishing. Offers auto-transcription, text-based editing, and more.
- Cons: Browser-only, lacks a mobile app.
Alitu was developed as a web app to cater to those who found audio editing daunting or time-consuming. It streamlines the podcasting process, making it possible to create a podcast without any prior knowledge of audio production. You can record calls or solo audio tracks, and Alitu will handle the rest, from conversion to audio enhancement. Its editing tools are user-friendly, including text-based editing and episode transcript generation. Once the editing is complete, the episode builder helps you assemble clips, add theme music, and publish your podcast across major platforms.
2. Podbean Podcast App
- Type: Desktop or Mobile
- Price: Free (with limitations), paid tiers start from $14 per month (or $9 per month when billed annually)
- Pros: Great for live broadcasting and multi-track recording.
- Cons: Limited editing tools, requires users to sign up and log into the app.
The Podbean Podcast App, brought to you by the veterans of media hosting, offers recording features that allow you to record content, mix in sound effects, and utilize an extensive music library. While it may lack advanced editing capabilities, it’s known for its robust recording features, including multi-track recording for up to eight participants. You can also pause and restart recordings, take listener calls, and publish your episodes directly to the Podbean platform.
3. Podcast Studio, by Spreaker
- Type: Desktop or Mobile
- Price: Starts free (with limitations), paid tiers from $20 per month
- Pros: Excellent for live shows with music and interactive elements.
- Cons: Limited editing and production tools.
Spreaker, a prominent media hosting and monetization platform for podcasters, offers the Podcast Studio app. Whether used as a desktop or mobile app, it enables live interaction with listeners through chat and on-the-fly media-rich episode creation. You can record segments, mix in music and effects, and easily edit recordings. The tool’s real strength lies in live production, allowing you to create dynamic episodes on the go. With features like mic controls and “auto-ducking” for volume adjustments, Spreaker caters to live show enthusiasts.
4. Spotify for Podcasters (Anchor)
- Type: Browser or Mobile
- Price: Free
- Pros: Free platform, supports video podcasts and Spotify music integration.
- Cons: Limited editing and production tools, reliability issues in the past.
Spotify for Podcasters, formerly known as Anchor, is renowned for its free podcast-making platform. While it offers ease of podcast creation and direct publishing on Spotify, its editing and production tools are relatively basic. It’s suitable for those testing the waters with podcasting. You can also create video podcasts exclusively for Spotify. However, remember that free services often come with trade-offs, and Spotify for Podcasters is no exception.
5. Descript
- Type: Desktop App
- Price: Limited free tier, subscriptions start from $12 per month (Pro tier at $24)
- Pros: Impressive features for filler word removal and overdubbing.
- Cons: Lacks call recording and hosting capabilities, requires installation.
Descript stands out as a podcast-making app with groundbreaking features. Beyond audio content, it includes screen recording, video editing, and transcription tools. Notably, it was one of the first apps to offer text-based transcription editing, a feature now found in Alitu. Descript also boasts filler word detection and the remarkable Overdub voice generation tool, although these features are limited in the free tier.
6. Libsyn Studio
- Type: Browser
- Price: $20 per month for the full range of features
- Pros: Robust remote recording and text-based editing options.
- Cons: Fragmented with various tools and payment tiers.
Libsyn Studio is offered with any Libsyn account, starting from $5 per month. It allows solo recording, audio leveling, and direct publishing to your Libsyn hosting account. Opting for the $20 per month tier unlocks Libsyn Connect for high-quality remote recording and the ‘Easy Editing’ tool for segment editing.
What Can Podcast Maker Apps (Typically) Do?
While each podcast maker app has its unique features, there are common functionalities they share. Here’s what to expect from these tools:
- Record & Store Audio: These apps allow you to record and store audio conveniently. They offer cloud storage, ensuring easy access to your audio files and episodes from anywhere.
- Add Other Audio Files, Music, etc. & Edit Them All Together: Most podcast episodes comprise multiple audio files, background music, and sound effects. Podcast maker apps provide basic editing tools to help you stitch these elements together.
- Publish Your Finished Episode: Once your episode is ready, you can publish it to various podcast directories. These apps often offer built-in hosting or integration with external hosting services.
What Podcast Maker Apps Can’t Do for You
While podcast maker apps are powerful tools, they have their limitations:
- Define Your “Why” & Your USP: To create a successful podcast, you need a clear understanding of your target audience and your unique value proposition (USP). These aspects require careful consideration and planning.
- Substitute Good Microphone or Environment Quality: Achieving high-quality audio depends on the equipment and recording environment. Even the best podcast maker app cannot fully compensate for poor source material.
- Grow Your Subscriptions or Audience: While podcast maker apps assist with publishing, marketing and growing your podcast audience are separate challenges that demand your attention.
Summary: The Best Podcast Making App?
The answer to the question of the best podcast-making app is, “It depends.” Each of these apps offers unique features tailored to different user preferences. Choose the one that best aligns with your podcasting needs and workflow, or consider whether a podcast maker app is the right fit for your podcasting journey. If you’re exploring a wider range of podcast software options, our Complete Podcast Software Guide can provide more insights.
With these podcast-making apps at your disposal, you’ll have the tools you need to take your podcasting endeavors to the next level, whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just starting your audio journey. Happy podcasting!
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