How Much Does It Cost to Start a Podcast? A Podcasting Expenses Guide

Podcasting is an exciting medium that allows you to share your passion, grow your business, or establish thought leadership. Whether you're getting into podcasting as a hobby, a side hustle, or a full-time career, understanding the costs involved is essential.

In this Cleanvoice guide, we break down the expenses associated with podcasting and offer practical tips to help you maximize your return on investment (ROI) without overspending.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Podcast?

Starting a podcast costs $150 and $7,000+.

That lower end of the range assumes that you go in with the goal of spending as little money as possible while still buying the bare essentials. That upper end of the range would include more expensive equipment, studio rentals or builds, and advertising.

Can You Start a Podcast for Free?

Yes!

There are ways to tick every box on the podcast starter checklist without spending a dime. Most smartphones have decent (but not great) microphones, there are free editing tools like Audacity, and hosting on platforms like Anchor or SoundCloud is free.

However, keep in mind that using free options can limit your control, customization, and overall audio quality.

Initial Investment for Starting a Podcast

1. Microphone

A good microphone is key for clear, high-quality audio. The right choice depends on your budget.

-Entry-Level Podcasters: Affordable options like the Audio-Technica ATR2100x and Samson Q2U cost $60 to $100. They offer solid sound quality without a massive price tag. -Mid-Tier Podcasters: Mid-range mics like the Rode NT-USB, priced around $150, provide slightly richer sound quality and feature both USB and XLR inputs for flexible setup options. -Professional Podcasters: High-end mics like the Shure SM7B and Blue Yeti start at $400. They deliver exceptional audio quality, capturing rich tones with minimal background noise—ideal for interview-based or narrative podcasts where sound quality is paramount.

2. Recording and Editing Software

Free software like Audacity or GarageBand is great for beginners. These tools handle basic tasks like recording, mixing, trimming, and sound leveling. They're easy to use, making them ideal for small podcasts or simple editing needs.

As your podcast grows, you may want more advanced podcast editing software to save time and improve audio quality.

For example:

For example, tools like Cleanvoice use artificial intelligence to automate editing tasks such as background noise removal. This helps creators save on costs and production time by reducing the need for extensive manual editing.

For more options, see our list of best podcast recording tools.

3. Hosting Platform

Hosting platforms are essential for distributing your podcast to major listening platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts. Your choice of hosting platform will depend on your podcast's specific needs and growth goals.

  • Free Options: Anchor by Spotify offers basic hosting and analytics for free, helping you launch without any costs.
  • Paid Options: For more control and advanced features, paid platforms like Buzzsprout or Podbean cost around $12 to $15 per month. These services come with extras like unlimited storage, detailed audience insights, and the ability to schedule episodes.

Paid platforms offer more flexibility, especially as your podcast grows and you explore monetization.

4. Additional Gear

In addition to a microphone, several other pieces of equipment can enhance your podcast’s production quality:

  • Pop filters: These cost $10 to $30 and help reduce harsh “p” and “b” sounds for cleaner audio. As an alternative, you can skip this purchase and use Cleanvoice to eliminate these audio imperfections (along with stutters, dead air, mouth sounds, and more) in post.
  • Headphones: Essential for monitoring sound during recording. Entry-level options like the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x cost around $50, while higher-end models like the Sony MDR-7506 start at $100. Check out our full list of best podcasting headphones for options at different price points.
  • Production Accessories: Accessories like mic stands, boom arms, and soundproofing materials range from $20 to $100 and can make a big difference in a home studio.

Ongoing Costs Associated with Podcasting

1. Marketing

Growing your audience requires a mix of organic and paid marketing. Organic methods like social media, directories, and podcast communities are cost-effective but may not give you enough reach.

To grow faster, you might want to budget $50 to $200 per month for:

  • Social Media Ads: Promote your podcast on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
  • Email Marketing Platforms: Use services like Mailchimp or MailerLite to manage your email campaigns.
  • Paid Promotions: Invest in ads on platforms like Spotify or YouTube to reach a broader audience.

Additionally, creating a dedicated website for your podcast can enhance your marketing efforts. To pull this off, expect to spend:

  • Content Management System (CMS): Platforms like Squarespace or WordPress cost $10 to $50 per month, depending on the features you need.
  • Domain Name: Expect to pay $10 to $20 per year for a domain name.
  • Development: You can build the website yourself for free or hire a professional. A web designer typically costs between $500 and $2,000.

2. Podcast Artwork and Branding

Your podcast’s cover art is the first thing potential listeners will notice, so investing in quality artwork is important.

Hiring a professional designer through platforms like Fiverr or 99designs can cost anywhere from $50 to $500, depending on experience. If you’re on a budget, tools like Canva or Adobe Express let you create eye-catching artwork yourself for little to no cost.

3. Guest Booking and Scheduling Software

Efficiently managing guest appearances is crucial for podcasts with frequent interviews.

Tools like Calendly or Acuity Scheduling streamline this process, allowing guests to schedule time slots seamlessly. They offer features like automated reminders and integration with podcast calendars which help manage your time better and ensure smooth episode planning.

These booking and scheduling platforms typically offer free basic plans, but premium versions with more features cost around $10 to $20 per month.

Podcast Starting Costs for Different Levels of Podcasting (Summary)

1. Beginners Podcasters

  • Microphone: $60 - $100 (e.g., Audio-Technica ATR2100x, Samson Q2U)
  • Headphones: $50 (e.g., Audio-Technica ATH-M20x)
  • Miscellaneous Equipment: $250 (pop filter, mic stand, cables)
  • Recording/Editing Software: $0 (Cleanvoice, Audacity, GarageBand)
  • Hosting Platform: $0 (e.g., Anchor)
  • Podcast Artwork and Branding: $0 - $50 (DIY options like Canva)
  • Guest Booking and Scheduling Software: $0 (basic plans of tools like Calendly)
  • Marketing: $0 (organic methods like social media)
Total Estimated Cost:

$150 to $500

2. Mid-Level Podcasters

  • Microphone: $150 (e.g., Rode NT-USB)
  • Headphones: $50 - $100 (e.g., Audio-Technica ATH-M20x or Sony MDR-7506)
  • Miscellaneous Equipment**: $500 (pop filter, mic stand, cables)
  • Recording/Editing Software: $20 - $30 (e.g., CleanVoice AI)
  • Hosting Platform: $12 - $15 per month (e.g., Buzzsprout, Podbean)
  • Podcast Artwork and Branding: $50 - $150 (professional design)
  • Guest Booking and Scheduling Software: $0 (basic plans)
  • Marketing: $50 - $200 per month (social media ads, email marketing)
  • Website: $10 - $50 per month (CMS like Squarespace or WordPress) plus $10 - $20 per year for a domain name.
Total Estimated Cost:

$500 to $1,500

3. Professional Podcasters

  • Microphone: $400+ (e.g., Shure SM7B, Blue Yeti)
  • Headphones: $100+ (e.g., Sony MDR-7506)
  • Miscellaneous Equipment: $1000 (pop filter, mic stand, cables)
  • Recording/Editing Software: $20 - $30 (e.g., CleanVoice AI)
  • Hosting Platform: $12 - $15 per month (e.g., Buzzsprout, Podbean)
  • Podcast Artwork and Branding: $150 - $500 (professional design)
  • Guest Booking and Scheduling Software: $10 - $20 per month (premium versions)
  • Marketing: $500+ per month (social media ads, email marketing, paid promotions)
  • Website: $10 - $50 per month (CMS like Squarespace or WordPress) plus $10 - $20 per year for a domain name.
Total Estimated Cost:

$2,500 to $5,000

Best Practices For Budgeting When Starting a Podcast

Start Small

Initially, focus on creating quality content rather than investing heavily in expensive gear.

Basic equipment and free editing software are often sufficient for starting out. Avoid over-investing in high-end gear without a clear content strategy or audience. Master storytelling and episode flow with entry-level tools and upgrade your setup gradually as your podcast grows.

Do-It-Yourself

Professional production services can improve podcast quality but can be expensive. If you're on a budget, opt for DIY tools like Audacity or GarageBand, which provide significant creative control and cost savings.

Want faster and more advanced DIY editing at a minimal cost? A tool like Cleanvoice which offers both pay-as-you-go and subscription pricing plans is your best bet. It leverages artificial intelligence to speed up normally manual, time-consuming tasks like noise removal and show note creation.

Leverage Free Promotion

Instead of jumping straight into paid ads, start with free promotion channels such as social media, podcast communities, and cross-promotion with other podcasters. Join podcast guest networks to appear on other shows and expand your reach without ad costs. Utilize Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn for networking and create compelling content that encourages organic sharing.

Record and Edit Episodes in Batches

Batch-producing episodes save both time and money, allowing you to allocate resources to other tasks like marketing and guest outreach. Instead of setting up your recording equipment for each episode individually, record and edit multiple episodes in one session. This method is particularly useful if you're renting studio space or coordinating with co-hosts and guests with tight schedules.

Explore Monetization Early

Monetizing your podcast from the start can help cover initial expenses and support future growth. Even with a small but engaged audience, you can generate revenue through:

  • Sponsorships: Partner with brands aligned with your podcast’s content. Even small podcasts can find sponsors if they have a niche audience.
  • Listener Donations: Platforms like Patreon allow your audience to support your podcast financially in exchange for bonus content, early access, or exclusive perks.
  • Selling Merchandise: Consider selling branded items like t-shirts, mugs, or stickers that promote your podcast and create an additional revenue stream.

Want to learn more about monetizing? Check out our guide to monetizing a podcast.

Edit Your Podcast With CleanVoice and Stay Within Budget

Starting a podcast can range from a small to a significant financial investment. Cleanvoice helps you stay within budget by offering AI-powered editing tools that simplify the production process.

Cleanvoice removes background noise, filler words, and awkward pauses, and also takes care of audio mastering, mouth sounds, and breath noises. This ensures your podcast sounds polished and professional without a lot of manual work.

Sign up for a Cleanvoice free trial today and experience high-quality, affordable podcast editing.