Steps to Record Your Podcast Using Your Phone
Podcasting has become one of the most popular mediums to have your voice heard in the past three years, which is why many people have decided to start and launch their own podcasts. Whether your show results from a passion, hobby, or business, podcasting is an easy entry-level type of audio production that almost anyone can produce. According to Edison Research, the number of Americans listening to a podcast each week has grown 120% over the past four years, and 90 million Americans listen to a podcast every month.
Podcasts are a great way to build a genuine connection with your audience. Instead of the fractured connections created through social media, podcasts allow you to engage your audience with your unique voice and content. In addition, podcasts are more convenient than blog posts; many people listen to podcasts while driving, working out, or doing chores around the house.
The market for podcasts is huge right now, so don’t be afraid to jump in!
Do You Have to Spend Much Money to Create a Podcast with Your iPhone?
Many clients believe you must purchase expensive equipment and have a sound booth to podcast professionally. However, that is simply not the case. While you can buy professional equipment such as microphones, software, and other podcast production software and hardware, you can easily record a podcast using your iPhone, an audio app, and a simple microphone.
Which Microphone Should I Use for Podcasting on My Apple iPhone?
You'll want to check manufacturer specs when looking for a mic for your Apple iPhone to see if it's compatible with your phone. Brands popular with podcasters because of their sound quality, durability, and ease of use are Rode, Audio-Technica, and Shure brand microphones.
Steps to Recording Your Podcast on Your Apple iPhone
First, you want to ensure you have an audio application to record when using your iPhone to record your podcasts. Apple iPhones come with Voice Memos, which you can use to record your podcasts. With Voice Memos, you can record your audio, download the audio to your Google Drive, email the audio, or send the audio via text message.
However, before you record your first episode, you'll want to do a sound check with your new mic, play around recording, and learn how it works. When you perform your soundcheck, you'll want to know how far away to position your phone and how loudly to speak to record in good audio quality.
Next, after you have checked out your new equipment and have run a test recording, find a spot on a stable surface to place your iPhone so that you don't hold your phone with your hands, as this causes background noise that will give you poor audio quality and is hard, or sometimes impossible, to cut out when your audio is in post-production. It's best to purchase an inexpensive iPhone stand to hold your phone so you don't bump it with your hands while recording, giving yourself the ability to record hands-free.
Recording a podcast on your iPhone is quite straightforward. Here's how you can do it:
Choose a Recording App: You can use several apps on the Apple App Store that can help you record your podcast. Some popular options include GarageBand, Anchor, and Voice Memos. Choose the Apple app that best suits your needs for recording. Next, download the app to your iPhone.
Prepare Your Environment: It's imperative to find a quiet location with minimal background noise to record your podcast. Consider using a room with good acoustics or blankets or foam to minimize echo or reverberation.
Use a Microphone (Optional): While the iPhone's built-in microphone can work decently, using an external microphone can significantly improve the audio quality of your podcast. You can connect a compatible external microphone to your iPhone using the Lightning port or Bluetooth.
Set Up Your App: Launch the recording app on your iPhone. Explore the settings and ensure the desired microphone is selected as the input source. Adjust the app's recording settings to your preferences, such as file format, quality, and levels.
Test the Audio Levels: Before you start recording your podcast episode, do a quick audio test. Speak into the microphone or external device you're using and monitor the audio levels on the app. Adjust the levels to ensure your voice is clear and not distorted or too low.
Start Recording: Once you're ready, hit the record button in the app and begin your podcast episode. Speak clearly and maintain a consistent distance from the microphone. Pause or stop the recording when needed.
Edit and Enhance Your Recording: After you've finished recording, you may want to edit your podcast to remove any mistakes, add intro/outro music, or enhance the audio quality. You can use editing apps like GarageBand or third-party editing software to trim, rearrange, and enhance your recording.
Export and Distribute Your Podcast: Once you're satisfied with the final edited version of your podcast episode, export it as an audio file in a suitable format (such as MP3 or WAV). You can then upload your episode to podcast hosting platforms like Anchor, Libsyn, or Podbean to distribute to various podcast directories, including Apple Podcasts.
Success! Now you're ready to record the very first episode of your new podcast! First, read my other articles to learn more about the elements of podcasting you need to consider when creating your own show.
Remember, starting a podcast takes time and effort. So stay committed, enjoy the process, and be patient as you grow your audience and refine your podcasting skills.
Need assistance with your podcast show notes? Download my free ebook How to Write Podcast Show Notes Like a Pro today!