Blog

How to start a podcast in 2023

Thinking about starting a podcast in 2023? This comprehensive guide gives you the steps to plan, launch, promote, and monetize a successful podcast.

How to create a podcast RSS feed

Every podcast needs a valid RSS feed. This is what you'll submit to Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Here's how to generate your RSS feed for your podcast.

Podbean alternative for podcast hosting

If you're experiencing problems on Podbean (constant downtime, episodes not published on time, poor customer service) try Transistor podcast hosting

Free podcast intro music

Need to find some good royalty-free intro/outro songs for your podcast? Download free MP3 & WAV tracks here. Use an intro theme song to set the tone.

Best podcast analytics tools

Podcast stats can show you how many people listen to each episode, what apps people use (Apple Podcasts, Spotify), and what your most popular episode is. Analyzing this data can help you better understand your podcast's listeners.

Podcast equipment guide

Best podcasting gear for beginners and experts: microphones, pre-amps, mixers, headphones.

How to promote a podcast

Want more listeners for your podcast? Here are some podcast marketing ideas for your show. Use these tactics to promote your podcast and grow your audience.

How to create a private podcast in 2023

Learn about private podcasting: how it works, and how to start your own private podcast. You can use a private podcast for team training, audiobooks, or as a membership perk.

How to upload a podcast to Apple Podcasts in 2023

Every podcast should be submitted to the Apple Podcasts directory. To submit your podcast's RSS feed to Apple, log in to Podcast Connect.

Twitter Spaces vs Clubhouse

Here's a review of Twitter Spaces, and how it compares to Clubhouse. When it comes to social voice chat rooms, which is better?

Podcasts for bootstrappers and indie hackers

If you're bootstrapping, it's nice to hear from other folks who are also launching, building, and growing startups. Here's a list of bootstrapping podcasts.

Transistor.fm Platform Stats

View the most popular podcast listening platforms for October 2022 on Transistor.fm

Happy International Podcast Day!

International Podcast Day™ is September 30th and is an international celebration of the power of podcasts!

Anchor alternative for podcast hosting

If you're getting serious about your podcast, here's what you should consider when choosing between Anchor vs Transistor for hosting.

How to conduct a podcast listener survey

A listener survey can be a great way to figure out how people find your podcast, what you need to improve, and how to get more listeners. Here is a free template you can use with sample survey questions for podcast listeners.

SoundCloud alternative for podcast hosting

Having problems with SoundCloud podcasting? Recently, podcasts hosted on SoundCloud have stopped working on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. If you're looking for more control over your podcast feed, plus better analytics, Transistor is a good alternative to SoundCloud for podcasts.

What's the best podcast search engine?

Learn how to find a podcast episode on Spotify, Apple, or Google. Discover the top podcast search engines for finding interesting episodes around a specific topic

What happened at Podcast Movement 2022

This year's event in Dallas had plenty of surprises. Learn what went down!

How to switch podcast hosting platforms without losing subscribers

If you're moving from one podcast host to another, you won't lose subscribers if you do a 301 redirect from your old RSS feed to your new RSS feed.

How to receive voicemail and video messages from podcast listeners using Transistor & ZipMessage

Learn how your podcast listeners can send you voice & video messages (voicemail) right from your podcast's website using ZipMessage.

Podcast Movement 2022 tips and guide

What's it like to attend Podcast Movement? Here are the best tips on travel, hotels, taxi, and a guide for getting the most out of this conference for podcasters and the podcast industry.

Four years ago, we launched Transistor podcast hosting

It's been four years since Transistor's public launch. Co-founders Jon Buda and Justin Jackson started working together at the beginning of 2018. Their dream was to build an independent podcast hosting company. This is their story.

Best podcasts for software developers

Great tech podcasts for programmers. Whether you're driving, going for a walk, or working, it's nice to hear from other folks who love to code and want to get better at it. Here's a list of podcasts for devs.

The tools we use (and love)

Giving podcasters more (during a recession)

The evidence of a looming recession is all around us: startups are doing layoffs, desperate hosting companies have started spamming podcasters, big megacorps have scaled back hiring, and many businesses are raising their prices.

What is a video podcast?

A video podcast is a series of episodes, usually featuring one or most hosts speaking on microphones. There are three types of video podcasts: those hosted on YouTube, those hosted on Spotify, and those hosted in a traditional podcast RSS feed (playable on Apple Podcasts, PlayerFM). Examples of video podcasts include Joe Rogan and Diggnation.

How to create a podcast website

The best way for someone to find (and share) your podcast is through your podcast website. Having a dedicated site for your show will especially make you more discoverable on Google search. It's also easier to share your podcast website on social media. Once visitors land your site, you can highlight all the different ways they can listen (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc).

Best podcasting resources and guides

If you're researching the podcast industry, here are the best guides, newsletters, social media platforms, apps, and communities.

Over 20,000 podcasts are hosted on Transistor

Our podcast hosting platform just hit a new milestone: we now have over 20,000 podcast feeds on Transistor.

Why your podcast needs a trailer episode

Before you can submit your podcast to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc, you'll need to have at least one episode published in your feed. We recommend that you publish a trailer episode right away so you can submit it to all the apps, and start building anticipation (and subscribers) for your podcast. You should do this well ahead of your podcast's official launch!

Transistor vs Simplecast for podcast hosting

What's a good podcasting alternative to Simplecast? Transistor doesn't charge you for creating additional podcasts!

How to make an audiogram for your podcast (shareable video clip)

Creating animated video clips from your podcast audio is one of the best ways to promote your show on social media: Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram.

Free podcast script template

Keep your podcast episodes interesting and focused by using this free podcast script template

Best strategies for monetizing your podcast in 2022

Want to make money from your podcast? Here are the ways we're seeing podcasters earn money on our platform.

How to start a branded podcast

Starting a podcast for your business is one of the best ways to earn trust with potential customers, develop a reputation in your industry, and foster better connections.

Podcast launch & promotion checklist

All the steps you need for launching a new podcast to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

The best free Android podcast apps in 2022

Looking for the best podcast apps on Android? Want an app that has something similar to Overcast's smart speed? Find the best options here.

How do you manually add a podcast feed to iOS and Android

Occasionally, you'll need to manually add a podcast to your app. Here's how to manually subscribe to a podcast on your iPhone or Android device (Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, etc)

A Gen Z perspective on podcasting

Did you know that nearly 50% of Gen Z podcast listeners use Spotify? The younger you are, the more likely you'll be listening on Spotify: 24% of Millennials listen there, but only 17% of Gen X (who prefer Apple Podcasts).

Justin Jackson's podcasting journey

Learn how starting a podcast in 2012 changed my life, and eventually lead to the founding of Transistor.fm

What is podcast hosting and why do I need it?

Besides a microphone, and audio editing software, what do you need to make a podcast? Well, just like you need "website hosting" for your website, you'll need "podcast hosting" for your podcast.

Welcome to the team Jason!

Meet our new Senior Software Developer: He'll be helping us build new features, maintain our existing infrastructure, and fix bugs. He has the chops to help us build more sophisticated features that we couldn't tackle alone.

How startups can fight climate change

The goal: convince 25 other startups to join us in fighting climate change by joining Stripe Climate and giving 1% of their revenue (or more!) to carbon removal.

How to publish a podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Some people think you upload your podcast directly to Apple Podcasts / Spotify. Learn how a podcast works, and how to distribute it everywhere.

Current problems with Apple Podcasts Connect

Having issues with Apple Podcasts? You're not the only one. Apple just released a major update to Podcasts Connect, as a part of their Spring 2021 announcement. These are the bugs we've observed in Apple's Podcasts Connect

Fixed! Spotify bug: most recent episodes don't show up

Many podcasters are having trouble publishing episodes to Spotify this morning. There's a bug where Spotify isn't showing the most recent episodes from podcast feeds.

Welcome to the team Helen!

Meet our new Head of Customer Success: she'll be advocating for customers, improving our help documentation, answering questions, and advising on improvements to the Transistor podcasting platform.

Apple announces new features for podcasters in 2021

New features and tools for podcasters: paid podcast subscriptions, channels, updated Podcast Connect, and a refresh for the listening app.

How to create a paid private podcast

Podcasters like Sam Harris, Ben Thompson, and John Gruber are earning revenue by selling access to their private podcast. Here's how you can do it.

An alternative to RSS.com for podcast hosting

If you're looking for faster load times, more control over your podcast feed, plus better analytics, you might want to switch from RSS.com to Transistor.fm.

A Libsyn alternative that's modern and easy to use

Many podcasters who started with Libsyn are looking for better analytics, a modern interface, and better pricing.

Buzzsprout alternative for podcast hosting

Buzzsprout gets expensive if you're running multiple podcasts. They also limit the amount of audio you can upload each month. If you're creating multiple shows, Transistor is a good alternative for podcast hosting.

Get our podcasting newsletter

Get our newsletter for podcasters. Get a sneak peek at upcoming features, tips for growing your audience, and features on new podcasts being added to Transistor.

Videos: how to start a podcast

Video tutorials on podcasting

Have questions about podcasting?

Start a live chat, we'll answer!

A podcast about podcasting

A series by Chris Enns answering the what, why, who, when, and where of podcasting.

Black lives matter

Racism affects people in the podcasting community. We need to dismantle systemic racism. "Nobody's free until everybody's free." – Fannie Lou Hamer

What does Joe Rogan's deal with Spotify mean for podcasting?

Is this the death of independent podcasting?

Why don't my podcast's full episode notes appear in Apple Podcasts?

Here's how to see your full show notes in Apple's Podcasts listening app.

How to save money on podcast hosting

With my old hosting provider, it would cost me $1,440 a year to publish eight podcasts. On Transistor, it costs me only $190 / year.

Should you start a podcast to make money?

At Transistor, we're seeing a surge of interest. However, I'm worried that some folks want to start a podcast now because they're hoping to make some quick money.

Podcasts by broadcasters: radio, television, film

For experienced broadcasters, podcasting provides an exciting new opportunity: they can take their experience producing traditional media, and bring it to this new medium.

How to automatically email your list when you publish a new podcast episode

This tutorial shows you how to automatically email your subscribers whenever you publish a new podcast episode.

Google Play and Google Podcasts – what's the difference?

Confusingly, Google has two platforms for listening to podcasts: Google Play (their music app) and Google Podcasts (which is built-in to Android).

How to get more podcast subscribers

Listeners who are subscribed to your podcast in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Overcast, or Google Podcasts will automatically receive new episodes when you publish them.

How to choose your Apple Podcasts category

Choosing the right podcast category matters because it helps listeners find you! Don't choose these common categories; find a specific category that matches your show.

Why Arnold Schwarzenegger should start a podcast

On Reddit, Twitter, and YouTube, Arnold Schwarzenegger has proven that he can connect with internet fans. Here's why he should start a podcast next.

DIY podcast studio

Check out Justin Jackson's DIY podcast space, and the podcasting microphone, pre-amp, software, and other gear he uses to record his shows.

Dana Carvey on Conan O'Brien's podcast: podcasting is a "different kind of sport."

In the most recent episode of Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend, he and Dana Carvey discussed podcasts as a form of entertainment, and how it's different.

Tips for getting more Twitter followers for your podcast

Here are some practical ideas for growing the number of Twitter followers you have. These tactics will also help you get more listeners for your podcast!

2019 podcast predictions

What will happen in the podcasting industry this year? Here are our 2019 podcast predictions: smart speakers won't be a big deal, Apple monetizes podcasts.

Free SSL certificate for your podcast website – why you need HTTPS

Now you can get a free SSL (HTTPS) certificate for your podcast's custom domain. Apple Podcasts now requires that your podcast feed has an SSL certifcate.

How to embed a podcast in WordPress

Instructions on how to insert your podcast episode inside of a WordPress post or page. Also works with Gutenberg!

What makes a good podcast?

Here are three ideas for making your podcast better.

How do I get more reviews on Apple Podcasts?

The number of ratings, downloads, and subscribers you get will determine how you rank in iTunes (Apple Podcasts). Here's how to get more podcast reviews.

What topic should you choose for your podcast?

Creative ways to get new ideas for your next podcast episode.