START A PODCAST: 6 STEPS TO LAUNCH YOUR OWN AUDIO FORMAT
Got an idea worth sharing? Whether it’s technology, music production, nutrition or sport – podcasts are a brilliant way to share knowledge, tell stories and connect with a like-minded community.
Podcasts are no longer just a trend. They’re a personal channel for authentic content – and getting started is easier than ever. With accessible tech and platforms, anyone with something to say can make their voice heard.
Still, if you want your podcast to succeed, there are a few basics you should know – from choosing the right topic to recording and publishing. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to create your own podcast – step by step, clear and practical.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Step 1: Define your concept & audience
Before you hit record for the first time, ask yourself one key question: Who do you want to reach – and why?
A podcast thrives on a clear concept – and on knowing your audience inside out. When you understand who you’re speaking to and what you want to communicate, you can create a format that’s not just heard but truly understood – and keeps listeners coming back.
Ask yourself these questions before you begin:
- What motivates me to start a podcast?
- Which topics will keep me inspired over time?
- Who am I speaking to – and what does this audience expect?
Your topic should leave room to grow. A podcast focused on a single event might be interesting, but it can quickly run out of steam. Broader themes – like music production, pop culture or nutrition – offer fresh perspectives and keep your podcast relevant in the long term.
💡 Tip: Write a short mission statement – one sentence that sums up what your podcast is about and why it matters. It’ll help you stay focused and keep your content consistent.
Example: “In my podcast, I speak with producers about their creative process and the stories behind their tracks – honest, direct and unfiltered.”
Step 2: Choose your topic & format
Now that you know who your podcast is for and what you want to achieve, it’s time to shape the content. Choose a topic that genuinely excites you over the long term – and a format that suits it.
🎤 Solo talk: You speak alone and share personal insights and reflections
👥 Interview: You host conversations with experts and guests
🎧 Co-host: You are part of a podcast team and discuss topics together
📚 Storytelling: You narrate stories, often supported by music and sound effects
🧪 Hybrid: You mix formats depending on the topic
Your format and topic should work hand in hand. A relaxed, conversational style suits lifestyle themes, while a more journalistic approach is better suited to political or scientific content.
💡 Tip: Listen to a variety of podcasts and take note of what you like – and what you don’t. It’s the quickest way to find your own style.
Step 3: Choose your platform & hosting
To make sure your podcast isn’t just recorded but heard, you’ll need a hosting platform. It distributes your episodes automatically to streaming services like Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Deezer – and provides valuable insights into reach and listener behaviour.
Key criteria when choosing a host:
- Ease of use: Is the interface intuitive?
- Analytics: How many people are listening, where and for how long?
- Distribution: Which platforms are supported automatically?
- Cost: Is there a free starter plan?
- GDPR compliance: Especially important if you’re publishing within the EU.
Popular hosting services:
- Podigee: German-language, GDPR-compliant, feature-rich
- Anchor: Free and part of Spotify
- Buzzsprout: Ideal for beginners
- Libsyn: Well-established, with extensive integrations, suited to professionals
Step 4: Equipment & Recording Setup
You don’t need a high-end studio to start a podcast – but having a solid setup makes all the difference. No matter how engaging your topic is, if the sound quality isn’t right, listeners won’t stick around.
Microphones – more than just the basics
For beginners, a reliable USB microphone is often enough – easy to use and perfectly suitable for your first episodes.
If you’re looking for more control over sound and recording quality, XLR microphones paired with an audio interface are the way to go. Add a pop filter for cleaner vocals and a microphone arm for flexible positioning at your desk.
Two standout recommendations from our portfolio are the dynamic microphones M 88 and M 201.
M 88 & M 201 – strong alternatives for voice and podcasting
These dynamic microphones might not be the first models that come to mind for podcasting – but in terms of sound, they rival the best-known podcast mics.
Originally designed for voice recording, both offer features that make them excellent tools for today’s podcasters. Their performance stands out with natural vocal reproduction, high detail resolution, and robust build quality – ideal for anyone who values precision without following the mainstream.
M 88 – versatile and full of character
The M 88 delivers a wide frequency response with a gentle boost in the highs, resulting in excellent vocal clarity. Its near-perfect directional pickup reliably suppresses background noise – ideal for podcasting in less-than-perfect acoustic environments.
Thanks to its neodymium magnet, it offers high sensitivity and works well even with lower-powered interfaces.
The pronounced proximity effect gives voices a rich, detailed presence – perfect for professional vocal recordings with character.
M 201 – the all-rounder for speech
Originally developed for broadcast use, the M 201 remains a go-to choice for speech and podcast production.
Its largely linear frequency response with subtle high-end lift ensures a natural, balanced sound. Excellent directional pickup reduces ambient noise, and an optional windscreen helps tame plosive sounds like “P” and “T”.
Compact, reliable and versatile – the M 201 offers everything you need for clear, authentic voice recordings.
Headphones – essential for monitoring and post-production
A high-quality pair of headphones is key if you want to record and edit your podcast professionally. They help you detect unwanted noise early, control volume levels, and ensure your podcast sounds great across all playback devices.
Important: Always use closed-back headphones. Open-back models can leak sound, which may be picked up by your microphone. The result? Your recording could contain feedback or audio bleed – and in the worst case, your track might be unusable.
DT 270 PRO – the ideal entry-level choice
Affordable, compact and exceptionally comfortable: at just 194 grams, the DT 270 PRO is impressively lightweight, while its velour ear pads ensure lasting comfort – even during long recording sessions.
Its high-quality, detailed sound profile with crisp highs and clean bass makes it a reliable companion for recording, monitoring and podcasting. Built to last and highly versatile, it’s even suitable for mobile use thanks to the USB-C adapter, which connects directly to your laptop or tablet.
DT 770 PRO X – for professionals
Based on the legendary studio model DT 770 PRO, the DT 770 PRO X offers enhanced build quality, sound fidelity and wearing comfort. Its integrated STELLAR.45 drivers deliver impressive detail resolution and precise dynamics – ideal for demanding production environments.
With a detachable cable, durable spring steel headband and handcrafted quality made in Germany, the DT 770 PRO X is the perfect choice for anyone working on more extensive audio projects.
Additional factors for better recordings:
Even small adjustments can make a big difference to the quality of your podcast recordings:
Improve room acoustics: Carpets, curtains or acoustic panels help reduce echo and minimise background noise.
Use free software: Tools like Audacity or GarageBand offer everything you need for recording and editing – perfect for getting started.
Run a quick test before each recording: A short trial helps you check levels, spot any issues and make sure your setup is ready to go.
Step 5: Editing & Post-production
Post-production gives your podcast its final polish – and ensures a professional sound. Typical editing steps include trimming pauses and slip-ups, balancing volume levels using a compressor and EQ, and adding an intro and outro for brand recognition.
You can also reduce background noise and use effects like reverb to add a sense of space. Music or jingles help create atmosphere – just make sure you have the proper licensing.
💡 Pro tip: Learn how to use EQ effectively – it’s one of the most powerful tools for shaping your sound.
EQ tips for greater clarity
When it comes to equalisation, less is often more. Small, targeted adjustments tend to sound more natural and professional than drastic changes.
A low cut filter removes unwanted rumble and low frequencies – typically useful from around 80–100 Hz for male voices, and 100–120 Hz for female voices.
A subtle boost in the high-frequency range (between 6–10 kHz) can add presence and clarity to your voice. Just 1–3 dB is often enough to make your recording sound more open and brilliant – without becoming harsh or artificial.
💡 Tip: Always work with a light touch and trust your ears. The goal is a clear voice that doesn’t sound overprocessed.
Tools for different needs
Depending on your experience level, you’ll need different tools for audio production.
For beginners, free DAWs like Audacity or GarageBand offer all the essential features for recording, editing and exporting.
If you’re ready to take things further, full production environments like Logic Pro, Cubase, Studio One or Pro Tools provide advanced editing and effects – giving you everything you need to produce your podcast with precision and professionalism.
Step 6: Publishing & Promotion
Your podcast is ready – now it’s time to build reach and make your content visible. A consistent publishing schedule creates reliability and helps your community stay engaged. Use social media to share teasers, quotes or audiograms, and keep your existing audience involved through newsletters.
Collaborations with guests or fellow podcasters can also boost your reach – shared content means shared audiences.
Don’t forget: Search engine optimisation (SEO) matters for podcasts too. Use relevant keywords in your titles, descriptions and show notes to help your format get discovered.
💡Tip: Long-term success comes from consistency. Listen to feedback, stay flexible and keep developing your format.
Conclusion: Start your podcast – you’re ready
Creating your own podcast is easier than ever – but it’s still worth knowing the basics. With a clear concept, a topic that excites you, and the right equipment, you’re laying the foundation for a format that gets heard.
Microphones like the M 88 or M 201 deliver excellent vocal clarity and easily rival well-known dynamic podcast mics. A high-quality headphone like the DT 270 PRO ensures reliable monitoring in everyday use, while the DT 770 PRO X sets the standard for professional studio sound – ideal for those who produce regularly.
So: plug in your microphone, put on your headphones, hit record.
Good luck with launching your very own podcast!
