How to Start a Podcast in 2026

If you want a podcast launch checklist I have one available here. This show is intended for beginners to podcasting. If you already have one, this may be one to skip (or you will hear things you should've thought about but didn't). Here are the steps I covered. Pick Your Topic Decide if you're podcasting solo or with cohost(s). Pick how you will podcast. Pick where will you podcast? Choose how you will measure your success Pick a name. Naming tools from Podpage and Buzzsprout. Buy the Hardware Buy/Find Software Purchase web hosting Domain Name ( Ilke Namecheap) Graphics Intro Music. (optional) Media Hosting (for your mp3 files) Record Your Content Edit Your Content Upload your media Write Your Show Notes Click Publish Make Sure your Feed is Valid Publish to Apple, Spotify, and all other directories. Tell everyone you know to follow the show on the same day Here’s a handy list of every website and URL I mentioned in this episode, so you can find the resources and recommendations I talked about: School of Podcasting: https://schoolofpodcasting.com Podpage: https://podpage.com (And check out https://trypodpage.com for a quick start!) Buzzsprout: https://buzzsprout.com Captivate: https://captivate.fm Blubrry: https://blubrry.com RSS.com: https://rss.com Castfeed Validator: https://castfeedvalidator.com Namecheap (my favorite for domains): https://namecheap.com CoolerWebsites (my GoDaddy reseller): https://coolerwebsites.com PodcastBranding Co (for professionally designed artwork): https://podcastbranding.co Canva (for DIY podcast artwork): https://canva.com Transistor’s artwork preview tool: https://transistor.fm/preview/ TuneReel (for music licensing): https://tunereel.com Suno/Suno AI Music (for AI-generated music): https://supportthisshow.com/suno Hollyland (wireless microphones): https://geni.us/hollyland-larkm2s Rode (microphones and lavalier mics): Podmic USB Rode Wireless Mico Elgato (Facecam, key light, and stream deck): Facecam Keylight GVM (lighting kits): 3 Light Package Neewer (affordable lighting): 2 Light Kit Camo (turns your phone into a webcam): Turn Your Phone into a Web Cam Streamlight (monitor-to-light software): Turn your monitor into a light (Windows only) Hindenburg (audio editing software): https://hindenburg.com Audacity (free audio editor): https://audacityteam.org Adobe Podcast (audio editing): https://podcast.adobe.com Alitu (online audio editing tool): https://alitu.com Descript (audio/video editing): https://descript.com Riverside (remote recording & video editing): https://riverside.fm Squadcast (remote recording): https://squadcast.fm ECAMM Live (Mac live streaming & recording): https://ecamm.com EV Mux (live streaming): https://evmux.com Streamyard (live streaming): https://streamyard.com Camtasia (video editing): https://techsmith.com/video-editor.html Tela (online video hosting & editing): https://tella.com DaVinci Resolve (free video editor): https://blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve/ Audio Outperforms Video 15 to 1 (Rob Walch Talk) <a href="https://youtu.be/jqWNXW0gMs4?si=ITLHr2cAqIsjTBds&t=715" rel="noopener noreferrer"...