The best time to start a podcast was 10 years ago. The next best time is today.
Over the past few years, podcasting has exploded in popularity.
Last December, I launched my podcast. I’ve learned a lot about myself, and it’s been challenging. It’s also a great way to meet so many people and develop mutually beneficial relationships.
I wanted to start it in 2019. I procrastinated.
Podcasting has a high barrier to entry. It’s not like starting a blog. But the sooner you start, the better.
I am a numbers guy. Let’s start with some stats:
- There are 420+ million podcast listeners globally.
- There are 2.4+ million podcasts with over 66 million episodes between them.
- The U.S. leads in podcast listenership. The number is close to 100 million. One-third of the American Population listens to podcasts regularly. 78% of the US population is aware of podcasts. Out of which, 28% listen to podcasts weekly.
- By 2024, podcasting is expected to be a $4 billion industry.
Benefits of starting a podcast
The benefit of starting a podcast might differ depending on your end goal.
Say you are an expert on a topic. And want to build credibility. A podcast will allow you to share ideas, tell stories, and interview like-minded people.
This way, your audience learns from you, and you build relationships and credibility over time.
All of the above is true for me. I am a much better communicator because I speak to guests with different personalities.
So it’s subjective. You won’t know the real benefit until you try.
What you need to get started
A decent mic is an absolute must. I use Shure MV7. I love it. Here’s why it’s the best mic for podcasting.
My podcast also has a video component to it. I use Riverside.fm to record podcasts and then Premiere Pro to edit them.
I am too nerdy. But you don’t have to do everything I do to record and edit a podcast.
You can use any software you like. I just shared what I use.
Once you record and edit, you will need a platform to host the podcast. There are many free options, but I prefer to pay, so I picked Transistor.fm.
Don’t overthink it. Reach out to me if you need help and get recording.
