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Podcasting – a world filled with enticing content, creativity, and charisma. Every year, thousands of new podcasts get released by those who have a voice they want to share. From topics such as economics and stocks to the other end of the spectrum of self-care and meditation, podcasts reach a wide audience who listen with a passion to their favourite series.
With so many creatives out there creating, or planning to create a podcast, the question lies in what the best software you can use to propel it to even greater heights. There are countless podcasting apps and audio tools you can take advantage of - but how do you know which to choose? How do you know even what to look for?
We here at Notetracks know how tough it is to weed through all the options – especially as we’ve recently been looking to start our podcasting series! With our extensive research and experiences using each podcast software, this list will be the perfect resource to refer to as you add some new programs, tools, and apps to your podcasting routine.
Sharing feedback alongside your podcast team – whether that be the talent, editors, scriptwriters, or producers – is integral to ensuring you’re releasing a podcast episode of the highest calibre. While other podcasting apps and software exist, such as the previously mentioned Google Drive, you still need to communicate back and forth outside of your podcasting software, allowing for miscommunication and frustration.
Notetracks Pro solves that problem – allowing users to leave comments, notes, and feedback visually alongside the waveform itself. With additional features such as labelling, inserting stamps, leaving voice notes, and even drawings, Notetracks Pro makes giving, receiving, organizing, and replying to feedback a breeze. Notetracks Pro is a powerful podcast software that not only allows expansive communication between podcasters and their editors but also includes editing tools to condense your workflow into one place.
Notetracks Pro offers a free trial, allowing users to try out the program before subscribing to a monthly fee. Moreover, the podcasting software also allows invited collaborators – from editors to hosts – to use the app without needing to sign up for an account.
Pros: Condense your podcasting workflow through multi-editing, recording, and feedback all in one space; editing and recording features; visual labelling and feedback along your waveform; Audition and Audacity integration; easy-to-use interface; affordable plans; and multiple sharing options.
Cons: Not as expansive as other podcasting software in terms of editing and recording.
Notetracks Pro is available to use on Windows and macOS browsers, including Chrome, Safari, Brave, and Firefox; a mobile responsive app is currently in development.
Find out more about Notetracks here.
For audio editing, you can’t go wrong with Adobe Audition or Audacity. Audition has a comprehensive toolkit that includes multitrack, waveform, and spectral displays, allowing you to create, mix, edit, and restore podcast content with great versatility. For those more experienced with podcast audio editing, Audition has every feature and tool a creative can dream of. While Adobe Audition does come at a price, being a monthly subscription fee, there is a free trial available to let you try before you buy.
Pros: Multiple ways to edit, record, and mix a podcast episode; Premiere Pro integration; a large number of sound effects and plug-ins; excellent noise reduction; a vast amount of tools to form a very comprehensive, professional podcast software.
Cons: Huge learning curve if you’re not an advanced audio creator; subscription price is costly compared to other podcasting software; no mobile version; and the sheer vast amount of features can feel overwhelming and cluttered for those looking for the gist.
Available for download on macOS and Windows. Check Adobe’s site for specific system requirements.
Audacity on the other hand is completely, 100% free – while not as extensive as Adobe Audition, it still possesses everything a podcast editor would need to create great episodes, including recording, exporting, importing, effects, editing, and analysis. With an accessible, easy interface to use and often a choice for beginner and advanced podcast editors alike, Audacity is an excellent software option for anyone needing to edit and/or record their podcast episodes.
Pros: 100% completely free and open source; cross-platform compatibility; easy-to-learn interface; has all the necessities for podcast editing; and has plug-in and effects support.
Cons: Compared to other podcasting recording and editing software, Audacity can feel limited in terms of its features. There is also no mobile app version if you’re someone who wants to create, edit, or export podcast episodes on the go.
Available on Windows, MacOS, Linux, and other operating systems.
Try out Adobe Audition and Audacity now.
We actually have a blog on it! Check out “11 Best Podcast Editing Software to Take Your Episodes to the Next Level” now to find your perfect podcast editing software.
Reaper is an adept podcast editing software in itself, but its affordability, ease of use, and expansive collection of effects stand out. Reaper's impressive array of effect options provides podcasters with creative tools to add that special touch or unique flair to their episodes, elevating the overall listening experience for their audience.
Moreover, Reaper’s affordable price tag creates an ease of access for podcast editors, no matter what their budget may be. Instead of monthly or yearly charges, Reaper is offered for a one-time, single payment of $250 for commercial usage or $60 for the discounted, personal license. With this payment only happening once for lifetime use, the podcast software is a small investment for its power.
Pros: Comprehensive podcasting software for editing; automation available; large library of effects, scripts, templates, and more; strong community of users; affordable and there’s a free 60-day trial.
Cons: There will be a learning curve if you’ve never used a more advanced audio editing program before; and with how many features it has, it might be overwhelming for certain users.
Reaper is supported on all Windows versions since XP, Linux, and from macOS 10.5.
Start adding some flair to your podcast episodes today by visiting Reaper’s site.
Podcastle is often recommended on blogs and publications, and for a reason – it is ridiculously easy to use and learn. It has a very simple user interface that anyone can understand, with straightforward recording and editing capabilities, making it easy for beginners to record their episodes and make basic edits, such as trimming, cutting, and adjusting audio levels.
Further, Podcastle is available on iPhone, making podcast editing and creation on-the-go possible. While Podcastle doesn’t currently allow you to fully edit your podcast from the app, you can easily edit all of your recordings from their website.
Pros: Incredibly easy to learn and use; simplified editing tools and features allow for quick episode revision; transcription ability; AI features; fun tools to spice your podcast episode up a bit; and the basic version is free!
Cons: The plans with more expansive features do come at a monthly or yearly cost; Podcastle also may not be the best for advanced podcast editors looking to get into the nitty-gritty of their episodes since it is so simple.
Available on most browsers for Windows and macOS operating systems.
Get started with Podcastle by checking out their site here.
Auphonic is renowned for its easy audio optimization prowess. With tons of radio stations and podcasters using Auphonic for their mastering, it’s no secret how well-loved this podcast software is. With an enclave of features such as an intelligent leveller, noise & reverb reduction, autoEQ, filtering, multitrack algorithms, silence cutting, and much more, Auphonic’s easy and AI-enabled tools make enhancing your podcast episode simpler than ever.
Auphonic also has video tools, offering customized encoding settings, which then map metadata tags to multiple output files and exports them to platforms such as Soundcloud, YouTube, and Spreaker. For video projects, Auphonic extracts the audio, processes, and combines it with the original video track without any loss of image quality. You can export the processed video to YouTube or create an audio-only version for your podcast platform automatically.
Pros: Automated processes, saves significant time mastering, cloud-based, and compatible with a variety of third-party apps and programs
Cons: Automations and presets may not work for everyone; only 2 free hours of usage per month before you’ll need to pay for a subscription.
Auphonic is available for most browsers on the web and mobile for iPhone and Android.
Check out Auphonic today.
Interested in incorporating AI into your podcast creation routine? As more and more people are learning about how AI can change their workflow process, podcast editors have followed suit and flocked to AudioDirector. AudioDirector’s integrations, such as Voice Profiler & EQ Match, AI De-Reverb, Vocal Balance, and AI Speech Enhancement make audio editing easy and intelligent. Additionally, it streamlines multi-tracking, mixing, editing, and sound restoration effortlessly, being a powerful podcasting software, even without its AI capabilities.
Utilizing AI in your podcasting process can save you significant time, create consistency, help formulate ideas, and enhance your audio with ease. If you’re ready to try working alongside AI in your podcast editing process, AudioDirector should be your first choice.
Pros: Excellent editing tools; available asset library; full integration with Cyberlink’s other programs, like PowerDirector for video; AI tools and automation; free version available; and there’s a web app available on macOS
Cons: There is a learning curve; it’s Windows compatible only unless you use the online audio editor on macOS; no mobile version; pro version costs $130+
AudioDirector is available for download only on Windows operating systems; macOS users can access the web-app version of it online.
Check out AudioDirector today.
When it comes to crystal clear audio and video recording, Riverside.fm stands head and shoulders above the rest. This quality is so top-notch that, unlike other platforms where poor internet connections result in choppy recordings during calls, Riverside ensures your recordings are always smooth and freeze-free. Moreover, Riverside.fm offers continuous file uploading, allowing everything you work on to be stored in the cloud. Even if you’re internet disconnects or your computer malfunctions, Riverside.fm saves everything automatically, keeping your podcast safe.
Pros: Incredible audio and video quality; easy to use; AI transcriptions; editing tools; live stream capability; collaboration with up to 8 guests; collaborators do not need to download anything; and there’s a free version available.
Cons: The free plan is restricted, and there are only a few pricing plans available, making it harder to ensure you’re getting the features you need with the plan you choose.
Web app only compatible with Chrome and Microsoft Edge; Mobile App available on iPhone and Android.
For an additional option, you can’t go wrong with the trusty Zoom. Zoom is a reliable podcasting software with audio and recording capabilities, reliable VoIP, and high-quality video. With so many people familiar with Zoom (thanks pandemic…), it’s a great option for beginners and those on a tighter budget.
Pros: Free HD recording; easy to use; very little learning curve; cloud storage; transcription; and cross-platform capabilities.
Cons: Collaborators will need to sign up/download Zoom; no 4K video option available; somewhat lacklustre editing tools and it isn’t particularly designed with podcasters in mind.
Available on web client for most browsers; desktop client for MacOS, Linux, and Windows; also available as a mobile app on iPhone and Android.
Check out Riverside.fm and Zoom today.
Podcasting creates a lot of content you’re gonna want to have saved, stored, and safe. With .mp3s and .wavs often getting lost in the hustle and bustle of our downloads folder, these online storage options make organization a lot easier. Additionally, as your podcast grows and you produce more episodes, online storage platforms can accommodate your increasing storage needs effortlessly. You won't have to worry about upgrading hardware or running out of disk space on your computer, saving you the need to purchase external drives.
Let’s not forget about collaboration! Online storage programs facilitate collaboration among team members – you can easily share access to specific files or folders, allowing seamless cooperation on content creation without the need for physically transferring files or sending them via email.
Pros: Integration with Google Workspace; generous amount of free storage (15GB); real-time collaboration; third-party app support; and there are versatile sharing options.
Cons: After 15GB is used, you will need to pay for a plan.
Google Drive is available on all major browsers and mobile for iPhone and Android.
Pros: Simple and easy to navigate; allows you to see past file versions and edits; third-party app integration; allows you to choose which files and folders to sync to your local device; offline availability; and security features such as two-factor authentication
Cons: Limited to only 2GB on the free plan; can be more pricey than other storage solutions; less collaborative abilities than Google Drive
Dropbox is available on Windows, macOS, mobile, and on most browsers.
Consider trying Dropbox or Google Drive for your storage needs today.
Project management is crucial when making podcasts because it helps ensure a smooth and successful production process. Podcast production involves multiple tasks, such as planning, recording, editing, and promotion – effective project management keeps all these tasks organized, preventing confusion and ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
Asana and Trello are both comprehensive, customizable project management tools that allow this to happen in spades. Asana is a web-based project management and collaboration platform designed to help teams and individuals organize their work, manage tasks, and streamline communication. It provides a central hub for planning, tracking, and executing projects of various sizes and complexities. Asana offers a range of features that aid in task management, project visualization, team collaboration, and progress tracking.
Pros: Multiple team members can collaborate at once; various organization and view options to suit any podcaster’s needs; collects data on performance; and it has excellent integrations with other productivity apps.
Cons: Not the easiest program to learn or navigate right away; and it cannot be used offline.
Asana is available for download on Windows and macOS, alongside a mobile app for iPhone and Android.
Trello is similar to Asana, but different visually. Trello is a visual project management and collaboration platform that uses a card-based system to help individuals and teams organize their tasks, projects, and workflows. It provides a simple and intuitive way to manage work, track progress, and communicate effectively. Trello's unique approach is based on the concept of boards, lists, and cards.
Trello is available as a web app for Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and Safari, as well as a desktop app for Windows and macOS. A mobile app for Android and iPhone is also available.
Check out Asana and Trello on the web today.
You gotta communicate with your podcast team! From sharing ideas, having meetings, giving feedback, or requesting changes, communication platforms allow you to stay in touch with your editors, hosts, producers, and the like to make sure your podcast is on track. Slack and Loom are a powerful duo that not only allows you to orally communicate, but also demonstrate via video screen recording with smooth plug-in integration.
Slack is the #1 choice for so many businesses, teams, and communities online, and with good reason – the application brings team communication and collaboration into one place so you can get more work done, streamlining your communication processes. With an impressive free plan, Slack is not only powerful but affordable as well.
Pros: Easy to use and learn; customizable to suit a user’s needs; well organized; and its third-party app integration is excellent and vast.
Cons: The free plan is a bit limited, only allowing 10,000 searchable messages, 10 app integrations, and only 1-to-1 video calls; if you’re a bigger podcasting team, their pricing plans are costly. However, for most, the free plan is more than sufficient.
Slack is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, along with a mobile app available on iPhone and Android.
Loom is the perfect complement to Slack, as the software easily connects for seamless integration. Loom allows you to screen record and record audio at the same time and quickly exports it into a transcribed video to share with your podcasting team. With the ability to speed up and slow down the video, Loom also allows podcasters to review at their own pace.
Pros: Allows you to easily demonstrate processes, workflows, and ideas through screen, audio, and video recording; simple to learn and use; can edit minor details in the app; free version available; and various methods to communicate and collaborate within the app.
Cons: Very limited storage for the free plan, being only 25 videos; and there are no advanced editing tools you may find in a different recording software.
Loom is available as an easy-to-install Chrome extension and as a desktop app for Windows and macOS.
Try out Slack and Loom to change your communication workflow today.
You’re gonna need podcast software that allows for publishing – how else can you get your podcast episodes out there? Podbean is an excellent option for podcast publishing, having a litany of hosting, monetization, and analytical features that give your podcast a cozy home. Podbean allows you to grow your audience effortlessly by increasing visibility across your social accounts and distributing your podcast to top listening platforms such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts with a simple click.
As mentioned, Podbean provides monetization options to make your podcast earn money. You can join their Ads Marketplace, use dynamic ad insertion technology, create a patron program for recurring revenue, and receive rewards from fans during live shows to maximize your income potential.
Pros: Small learning curve; no limits on downloads, episodes, or recording time on any plan above free; remote recording; robust monetization options; easy distribution and publishing; social media integrated; and various pricing plans to fit any budget.
Cons: Free plan only supports .mp3 formatted podcasts; editing and recording tools aren’t as robust as dedicated audio apps; video podcasting is not available on lower-tiered plans nor for live streaming; and the platform does take 5% of the revenue you make.
PodBean is available on all major browsers and mobile for iPhone and Android.
Grow, host, and earn from your podcast series today using Podbean.
Marketing and promoting your podcast is super important! With marketing allowing your podcast episodes to reach an engaged audience, it is a must to build a community, connect with your fans, gain public awareness, and eventually monetize your podcast series if you haven’t already.
Headliner is an excellent podcast software option to market your series. Having helped over 1.2 million creators promote their podcasts, Headliner has a proven track record of promotional success for podcasters everywhere. Its features, which include easy social media sharing, paid promotional tools, and custom solutions give podcast teams a comprehensive marketing strategy to grow with. Allowing creators to easily clip from their podcasts into bite-sized, sharable pieces of social content, add text animations, and export in various sizes and qualities, Headliner is a great podcasting software for those looking to get their social feeds filled with their show.
Pros: Simple, fun-to-use interface; easy to learn; integration for social media exporting; editing and effect tools to add some flair to your podcast clip; affordable pricing plans
Cons: The free plan only allows for five unlimited videos with no watermark; tools are exclusively focused on promotion, so recording and editing your podcast episode will need to happen in a different podcasting software.
Headliner is available on Google Chrome, Safari, and Firefox, with limited availability on Microsoft Edge and Brave.
Headliner is available in free and paid versions. Find out more here.
Mobile podcast editing, recording, and sharing have become many podcasters' preferred way to get their episodes ready to go. Previously known as Anchor, Spotify for Podcasters has all the tools you need to host, create, edit, and distribute your podcast like a pro. Creating your podcast is simple with Spotify for Podcasters, as you can do the entire process in one sitting: record and edit your audio, organize segments, insert transitions and background music, and you're ready to post! If you produce episodes elsewhere, Spotify for Podcasters allows you to effortlessly upload your file and publish.
Spotify for Podcasters also hosts a myriad of monetization options, from inserting ads, finding sponsorships, and even creating a Patreon-like program where your listeners can donate directly to you. As Spotify is the #1 podcast listening app in the world, you want to jump on these earning options with their huge audience.
Pros: Mobile, allowing to record, edit, and promote on the go; audio and video podcasting compatible; 100% free to use; analytics; various ways to make money off your podcast
Cons: Web app isn’t as comprehensive as mobile; as an editor, it’s not as comprehensive as the other podcast software on this list
Spotify for Podcasters is only available on iPhone and Android.
Download Spotify for Podcasters for free now.
The world of podcasting is a thriving landscape, filled with diverse content, creativity, and passionate voices eager to share their stories. Today, the need for top-notch podcasting software is paramount to elevate your show to greater heights. With numerous options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right tools for your podcasting journey; however, now that you’re armed with the knowledge of what to look for and the best options available, you can confidently build a powerful toolkit to support your podcasting endeavours.
To summarize, in choosing a podcasting software, you need to weigh your options, as the choice is only up to you. What works for another podcasting team may not work for yours, so it’s integral to try out different programs to see what fits.
To narrow it down, some questions to ask as you’re trying a new program include:
What is your choice of podcast software? Which apps and tools do you incorporate in your podcasting process? Let us know!
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