How to start a podcast with just your phone and a quiet room

A podcast is simply a series of audio episodes about a topic you care about. With a smartphone and a quiet place, you can start today.

Pick a topic and a format

Choose something you can talk about for many weeks: music, football, small business, relationships, local stories or learning English. Then pick a format: one host talking, two friends chatting, or interviews.

Plan each episode

Write a short outline: an opening line, three main points and a closing. You do not need a full script, but a plan stops you from rambling.

Record clearly

• Find a quiet room. Soft things such as curtains, a mattress or clothes absorb echo.
• Keep the phone about a hand's width from your mouth, a little to the side.
• Use a voice recorder app and do a 20-second test first.
• Turn off notifications so a message does not ruin the take.

Edit lightly

Free audio editing apps can trim silences, remove long mistakes and balance the volume. Do not worry about perfection. Clear sound matters more than clever effects.

Publish and share

Most podcast hosting services accept an audio file, a title, a short description and a cover picture. Share each episode with a short clip and a clear message about who it is for.

Respect others

Do not use copyrighted music without permission, and get consent before you share anyone's private story.

Written by the EarnNaija team at EarnNaija Digital Technologies.

This article is general information, not financial or legal advice. Earnings are never guaranteed. See our fees page for the exact costs.