How to Start a Podcast: Beginners Ultimate Guide [2026]

Over 90% of podcasts don’t make it past episode 3 — but yours won’t be one of them. In this step-by-step guide, I’ll show you everything you need to start a podcast in 2026, from choosing a niche to editing and distributing your show with ease.

Key takeaways:
• How to start a podcast even if you’ve never recorded before
• What equipment and tools you actually need (and what you don’t)
• How to publish and distribute your podcast the right way in 2026

🌟Try Riverside Today: https://riverside.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=youtube_description

📺 Videos Mentioned

https://youtu.be/Lv9TMD_K9js?si=9JT-0gD8O8GOqQ_X

https://youtu.be/14CYZu-CUpg?si=OX7ZuAWncLaaaiEo

https://youtu.be/vhupiBubCRY?si=LyQJrLfgtPeXg0sd

🛒 Gear Mentioned

Samson Q2U
https://a.co/d/7gR6pLD

Shure MV7+
https://a.co/d/bDIUIrk

Joby Mobile Tripod
https://a.co/d/7qHIUAr

SmallRig LED Light
https://a.co/d/eKCRojV

amaran Verge Bi-Color LED Light Panel
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1894482-REG/amaran_mp0100007y_verge_bi_color_led_light.html

amaran Verge Max Bi-Color Round LED Light Panel
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1894484-REG/amaran_mp0100008b_verge_max_bi_color_round.html

Mobile Tripod
https://a.co/d/6eyswUp

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🎙️ FREE 1+ HOUR PODCAST COURSE

Learn everything you need to start a podcast, from choosing your topic, branding, artwork, gear, recording, editing, publishing, monetizing, and growing your first 10K downloads in this ONE video:

https://youtu.be/LbtwpRzqRKo?si=eGKAokGn6g9hnk6m

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JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

Join over 26K creators who are learning together, supporting each other, lending advice, finding guests, and connecting with other creators
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1A7u9kShVj/

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ON SOCIAL

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverside.fm
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Threads:https://www.threads.com/@riverside.fm
Our Blog: https://www.riverside.com/blog

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DOWNLOAD OUR APPS

📲 iPhone and iPad: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1554443872
🤖 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=riverside.fm

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FREE TOOLS

🎙️ Transcribe Audio File
https://riverside.com/tools/audio-transcriber

🔠 Animated Captions
https://riverside.com/captions

🎥 Create Vertical Reels
https://riverside.com/magic-clips

📝 Transcribe Video File
https://riverside.com/tools/video-to-text

⎙ Free Teleprompter
https://riverside.com/teleprompter

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RESOURCES

🎙️ Step Up Your Setup FREE Course
https://riverside.com/courses/step-up-your-setup

💻 FREE Notion Video Creation Template!
https://beardfm.notion.site/Video-creation-template-1f238b70a53849fd914613fb5d6cce5e

✅ Checklist for Your Interview Guests
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=1d0k_fOOWMaiU2e65JejwBiRR7OeW8_at

🎥 Best Podcast Equipment for All Budgets
https://riverside.com/blog/podcast-equipment

💸 Monetize Your Podcast No Matter the Size
https://youtu.be/14CYZu-CUpg?si=Yyht5mxVB9LxHpAz

💻 Learn to Use Riverside in 8 Min
https://youtu.be/r1k_REnFYTU?si=htVK9ZdA8-WL1OpV

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CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction
00:49 Choosing Your Niche
01:21 Choosing a Microphone
02:34 In-Person or Remote?
03:29 Headphones
04:10 Plan Your Episodes
04:59 Choose Your Recording Space
05:50 App to Record
07:19 Editing Your Podcast
08:40 Add an Intro
09:21 Using Background Music
10:38 Export Your Podcast
11:09 Distributing Your Podcast
11:59 Making Great Podcast Artwork

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ABOUT US

Riverside.com is the leading remote recording platform that makes professional podcast and video creation achievable by anyone, anywhere. The platform has easy-to-use tools to help you record, edit, and promote your show.

Podcasters and companies, including Guy Raz, Gary Vaynerchuk, Marvel, Spotify, and The New York Times, already use Riverside to record studio-quality interviews from anywhere, with no loss in recording quality.

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Podcast Covert Hypnosis Masterclass

🎧 Want your podcast audience to not only listen—but take action? The Podcast Covert Hypnosis Masterclass reveals how to tap into powerful tools like hypnosis and NLP to grow your audience, boost downloads, and increase sales through more persuasive podcasting.

Most podcasters focus on their content, but few are ever taught how to influence behavior through communication. This course teaches you exactly how to bridge that gap. You'll learn how to engage listeners on a deeper level, guide their thoughts naturally, and inspire them to act—whether it’s buying a product, joining a program, or simply staying tuned in week after week.

If you're ready to move from “just talking” to creating real impact with your podcast, this is the class for you.

👉 Click here to join the online course now and start mastering the art of persuasive podcasting today!

Top 2 Podcasting Equipment for Superior Audio Quality

Zoom PodTrak P8 Podcast Recorder

Zoom takes podcast recording to the next level with the PodTrak P8. This premium device comes with notable features including six inputs for microphones, six outputs for headphones, phone input, sound pads, and onboard editing. Record straight to an SD card and connect via a USB audio interface. Its battery-powered operation promotes mobility, making it a comprehensive podcasting solution.

Grab your Zoom PodTrak P8 on Amazon now!

TONOR TC-777 Podcast Microphone

Rank up your quality with the TONOR TC-777 Podcast Microphone. Designed for podcasting, streaming, and vocal recording, this USB computer microphone with a cardioid condenser ensures crisp audio detailing. It’s compatible with PC, laptops, and PS4/5 and comes with a tripod stand and pop filter, proving it’s a great all-in-one audio solution for aspiring podcasters and streamers.

Grab your TONOR TC-777 Podcast Microphone on Amazon