One of the biggest questions aspiring podcasters ask is:
“What is the cost of podcasting?”
People want to know how much adding this project will cost them.
And the honest answer is — it depends.
The good news? You can start a podcast for free.
The realistic news? If you plan to podcast long-term or turn it into a business, there will be ongoing costs.
For example, when I first started, I went through all the free alternatives for starting my podcast. Because I wasn’t sure how long I would be doing this for. But after several months of podcasting, I began investing in equipment and software, which I’ll share below.
In this blog, I’m breaking down the real cost of producing a podcast, aka the cost of podcasting, based on my own experience running multiple shows — including what you can do for free and where investing makes sense.
This post contains product affiliate links. I may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links.
Can You Start a Podcast for Free?
Yes — 100%.
You can:
- Record on your laptop or phone
- Edit using free software.
- Host your podcast on a free hosting platform
Many podcasters start this way, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. The key is to start with what you have and upgrade as you grow.
I started with recording on the Anchor app, with my work headphones, and editing right on the Anchor app when it was time to schedule the episode.
Here is where the cost of podcasting comes in.
1. Podcast Equipment
Microphone
Your first real investment should be a microphone — ideally a dynamic mic. While you can record using your laptop mic or phone, audio quality matters if you want listeners to stick around.
It’s been said before: people will watch low-quality video, but they will not listen to low-quality audio.
Cost range:
- $0 (phone or laptop)
- $50–$150 (entry-level dynamic mic)
Camera (Optional for Video Podcasts)
If you’re creating a video podcast, you may need a camera. However:
- Your laptop camera may be enough
- Your phone can work perfectly
- Natural light or a simple ring light helps a lot
I personally invested in a Sony vlogging camera, but later realized my MacBook camera worked just as well for my needs
Cost range:
- $0–$600+
Please know that you do NOT need to start your podcast with video right away. You can most definitely run a successful podcast with audio-only content.
2. Podcast Hosting Costs
A podcast hosting platform stores your audio files and distributes them to platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Free Hosting Options
- Spotify for Creators
- Podbean (free tier)
- Riverside (record + host)
Paid Hosting Options
Paid hosting gives you better analytics, more uploads, and long-term scalability.
I personally use Buzzsprout for one of my podcasts, which is a monthly expense
Cost range:
- $0–$25+/month
I provided my affiliate link for Buzzsprout if you’d like to get a $20 credit, and I receive one too! 🙂
3. Podcast Editing Costs
Free Editing Software
- Audacity
- Descript (free tier)
- Auphonic (2 free hours/month for audio leveling)
Outsourced Editing
If you don’t want to edit yourself, you can hire an editor (like me) or a VA. This is one of the biggest ongoing expenses for many podcasters.
I outsource editing for my interview-based immigration podcast, but edit my solo podcast myself to keep costs down. I’ve also edited for other clients.
Cost range:
- $0 (DIY)
- $50–$150+ per episode (outsourced)
4. Email Marketing for Your Podcast
If you’re serious about growing your podcast, an email list is essential.
Email Platforms
- Mailchimp
- MailerLite
- Substack (free alternative)
I personally use Mailchimp for my podcast coaching email list, which is another monthly cost. But I use Substack to email my list the podcast episodes every Tuesday and BTS content for my paid subscribers.
Cost range:
- $0–$30+/month
5. Design & Marketing Tools (Canva)
You’ll need graphics for:
- Podcast cover art
- Episode promotions
- Social media marketing
Canva has a free version, but Canva Pro is worth the investment if podcasting is part of your business.
Cost range:
- $0
- ~$15/month (Canva Pro)
6. Website & Blogging Costs (Optional but Powerful)
Having a website allows you to:
- Post show notes
- Blog for SEO
- Build authority
- Monetize later
Website costs include:
- Hosting
- Domain
- Maintenance (if outsourced)
This is optional when starting, but powerful long-term
Cost range:
- $0–$50+/month
For this website and the immigration podcast, I use WordPress and outsource hosting. For my second podcast, Podcasting for Latina CEOs, I host my website on Squarespace.
7. Recording Platforms for Interview Podcasts
If your podcast is interview-based, you’ll need a reliable recording platform.
Free Options
- Zoom (40-minute limit)
- Riverside (free tier)
Some people have mentioned Google Meet, but I don’t recommend it.
Paid Options
I use Zoom (paid yearly) because most guests already know how to use it, which removes friction from the interview process
Cost range:
- $0
- $150–$200/year
8. Selling Digital Products From Your Podcast
If you monetize through digital products:
- Your storefront platform is another cost
I use Stan Store, which is a monthly investment. You can sign up through my referral link, and I’ll receive a percentage of your monthly investment. You can earn money this way, too!
So…What is the Cost of Podcasting?
Starting Cost:
$0
Monthly Cost (Business Podcast):
Anywhere from $50 to $300+, depending on:
- Editing
- Hosting
- Email marketing
- Tools you outsource
Both my podcasts cost around $7,000 a year to produce. That’s a little over $500 per month. But to me, it’s completely worth it!!
Final Thoughts: Podcasting Is a Business Investment
If you want your podcast to:
- Grow long-term
- Act as a business funnel
- Generate opportunities or income
Then it needs to be treated like a business.
Start free.
Invest intentionally.
Upgrade as your podcast grows.
And remember — you don’t need everything at once.
If you want help choosing the right tools, I offer:
- A free equipment & tools list
- 1:1 podcast coaching
- My 6-week VOICE Method program to walk you through launching your podcast step by step
You don’t have to do this alone — and you don’t have to overspend to get started.
With Love, Heidy
Sign up for my newsletter to receive free weekly podcast coaching from me!
Other Posts You May Enjoy:
