[FAQ]

Afternoon all,

I’ve been getting more into podcasts lately and was just wondering about the costs involved, both as someone who listens and maybe even as someone thinking about starting one down the track.

Is it generally free to listen to most podcasts, or are there a lot of subscription fees I should be aware of? And if I wanted to dip my toe into making my own podcast, what sort of expenses would I be looking at, especially just to get started in 2025?

Just trying to get a handle on the financial side of the podcasting world.

Cheers for any info!

[Jeff Bullas]

G’day,

Good question – whether podcasts cost money depends on if you’re listening or creating. Here’s the quick rundown:

For Listeners:

Mostly Free: The vast majority of podcasts out there won’t cost you a cent to listen to. You can tune in via apps like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and heaps of others without paying.

Optional Extras: Some creators offer paid subscriptions for bonus content – think ad-free shows, exclusive episodes, or early access. This is usually through platforms like Patreon, or directly via Apple Podcasts or Spotify’s subscription features. But this is an optional add-on, not the norm for most shows.

For Creators (Starting Your Own Podcast):

Can Start for Nix (or Very Little):

Gear: Your smartphone can work for recording to begin with. A basic USB microphone (around $50-$150 AUD) will give you a decent sound boost.

Software: Free recording and editing software is plentiful – Audacity, GarageBand (for Mac users), and even DaVinci Resolve (which has a powerful free audio editor) are top choices.

Hosting: Some platforms like Spotify for Podcasters (what used to be Anchor) offer free podcast hosting. These free tiers might have limitations on storage or features, but they’re fine for starting out.

Potential Costs as You Get More Serious:

Better Gear: Upgrading your microphone, getting headphones, an audio interface.

Paid Hosting: For more storage, better analytics, and more features, paid hosting usually ranges from about $10-$50+ AUD a month.
Extras: You might spend a bit on cover art design, royalty-free music, or even transcription services if you want to go all out.

So, in a nutshell: listening is usually free as a bird. Creating a podcast can be done on a shoestring budget, pretty much for free if you use gear you already own and free software/hosting. Costs only really creep in if you decide to upgrade your setup or services down the track.

Cheers,

Jeff

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