How to Become a Podcaster

It seems as though everyone has a podcast these days. Celebrities host their own podcasts, offering spots to guest stars; there are privately-run podcasts on topics like true crime, video games and sports. Despite all of these podcasts, there’s plenty of room for more! Like a radio show that’s been prerecorded and edited before it’s released, podcasts appear on a number of different platforms. Some even have nationwide sponsors, allowing the showrunners to earn a living and hire employees.

Excited about becoming a podcaster? Whether you want to start your own podcast or work for an established one, here’s what you need to do to get started.

Determine What You’d Like to Do

There are several different career options when it comes to podcasting. If you choose to work for an established podcast, which is something that people often do before striking out on their own, you could work in:

• Graphic Design – Someone has to design the podcast’s logo, cover art and other things. A graphic designer is a person who has this ability and more.
• Marketing – Marketing employees find sponsors for the podcast, as well as determine the best methods of advertising the podcast, helping spread the word about its existence.
• Audio Production – These are the people who run the control booth or recording program while the podcast hosts and guests are speaking, as well as edit each episode together afterwards. They ensure that the recording goes smoothly and sounds good.

On top of these roles, you can also start and host your own podcast, or even work as a consultant, helping new podcasters get their careers off the ground. If you want to start your own podcast, you’ll need to do a number of different things.

Come Up with a Topic

Every podcast has a specific topic that it covers. Examples include true crime, history and even sports. For example, if you love sports and want to start a podcast on your favorite team, then learning more about sports broadcasting can help. Whatever topic you choose, make sure that it’s one that interests you, because your audience will be able to hear your passion for the topic when you talk about it.

Find a Podcast Hosting Service

After you choose a topic and get the equipment that you’ll need, such as recording and editing software and microphones, you’ll need to find a place to host your podcast. There are a number of free hosting services, all of which make it easy for you to spread the word about your podcast.

It Helps to Get a Degree in Communications

While some podcasters don’t have a college degree at all or have studied different topics, it helps to have a degree in communications if you want to work in the field. A bachelor's degree in communications can provide you with the skills that you’ll need. Taking courses in media ethics, various forms of communication, radio and audio production and even broadcasting can all help you get your foot in the door at an existing broadcasting company, as well as give you the skills that you need to start your own podcast. Ready to take the first step? Request more information, today!