How to Start a Podcast (and Make it Successful) in 2026

Podcasts have become incredibly popular over the years. Millions of people listen to them while driving, working, or relaxing.

We even ran a podcast for WPBeginner for a while, so I know how powerful this format can be. But when I first started looking into podcasting, the technical side felt a bit overwhelming.

There were hosting platforms to choose from, recording software to learn, and audio quality mattered more than I expected. If you’re feeling stuck or unsure, that’s completely normal.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything step by step. You’ll learn how to start a podcast, grow your audience, and make money from it.

By the end, you’ll have a clear path to building a successful podcast in 2026.

Here is a quick overview of all the topics I’ll be covering in this guide:

• What Is a Podcast?
• How Do Podcasts Work?
• How to Pick Your Podcast Topic and Niche
• Things You Need to Set Up Your Podcast
• Step 1. Set Up Your WordPress Hosting and Domain Name
• Step 2. Setting Up a Media Hosting Service
• Step 3. Choosing Proper Podcasting Equipment
• Step 4. Planning Your First Few Podcast Episodes
• Step 5. Recording Your First Podcast
• Step 6. Publishing Your Podcast With WordPress
• Step 7. Uploading Media Files to Blubrry
• Step 8. Adding Your First Podcast in WordPress
• Step 9. Previewing Your Podcast Feed in iTunes or Apple Podcasts
• Step 10. Submitting Your Podcast to Apple Podcasts
• Next Steps: Resources to Grow Your Podcast in 2026
  • WordPress Tools to Help Your Podcast Grow
• Frequently Asked Questions About Podcasting

Ready? Let’s get started.

What Is a Podcast?

A podcast is a series of audio episodes that people can listen to anytime, anywhere. Listeners can subscribe so that new episodes appear automatically on their phones or computers.

Most podcasts are audio-only, but some creators also make video podcasts. Video takes more time, equipment, and editing, so if you’re just starting out, audio is the easiest way to go.

Podcasts are a simple way to connect with an audience and talk about topics you care about. Whether it’s teaching, storytelling, or sharing your thoughts, podcasts let people tune in on their own schedule.

How Do Podcasts Work?

Podcasts work through a few basic steps. First, you record your episode. Then, you upload the audio file to a podcast hosting service or your website.

This creates an RSS feed, which is what makes your podcast show up in apps like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Music.

The RSS feed is like a bridge between your podcast and your listeners. Every time you publish a new episode, the feed updates, and subscribers automatically receive it in their app.

Many podcasters use WordPress for their podcast website because it’s easy to set up and works well with podcasting plugins.

Once your feed is ready, you just submit it to the major podcast apps. From there, people can find your podcast, subscribe, and listen to new episodes as soon as they’re released.

How to Pick Your Podcast Topic and Niche

Podcasting statistics show that millions of new episodes are published every month. That’s a lot of content!

To get noticed, you need a clear focus and a unique angle. Picking the right topic makes it easier to stand out and attract listeners who keep coming back.

Here’s how I suggest you approach it:

• Follow Your Passion: I recommend choosing topics you’re genuinely excited about. When you care about what you’re talking about, it comes through in your voice. Listeners notice authenticity, and that’s what keeps them engaged.
• Pick a Lane: Focus on a specific subject area. Narrowing your niche helps you build authority faster and attracts a loyal audience. In 2026, niches such as AI tools for creators, eco-friendly living, side hustles, finance for Gen Z, and mental health are highly popular.
• Think Like Your Audience: I suggest creating a simple listener profile. Who are they? What problems do they face? What are they curious about? Understanding your target audience helps you craft episodes that truly resonate with them.
• Check Out The Competition: Look at other podcasts in your niche. See what they do well, and think about what unique perspective you can bring.
• Choose a Format That Fits: The format can make a huge difference. Solo episodes, interviews, panel discussions, or story-driven podcasts all work, depending on your style. I recommend starting with a format that feels natural for you.

Once you’ve defined your niche and picked your topics, you’re ready to move on to the tools and setup you’ll need to actually record and publish your podcast.

Things You Need to Set Up Your Podcast

Starting a podcast doesn’t have to be complicated. I like to break it down into three main areas: your website, your recording equipment, and your publishing tools.

Here’s everything you need to get started:

With these essentials, you’re ready to record and share your first episode. Now, I’ll walk you through setting up WordPress and connecting your podcast so you can go live quickly.

Step 1. Set Up Your WordPress Hosting and Domain Name

The first step for starting a podcast is building your website. I recommend using WordPress.org (self-hosted WordPress).

It’s free, beginner-friendly, and gives you full control of your podcast content. Unlike WordPress.com, it lets you install plugins, customize your site, and even monetize it without limits.

Getting Started: Domain Name and Web Hosting

To build your WordPress site, you need two things:

1. Domain Name – This is your website address. For example, google.com or wpbeginner.com.
2. Web Hosting – Think of this as your website’s home. It stores all your files, images, and episodes.

Typically, hosting costs start at about $7.99 per month, and a domain name costs around $14.99 per year. That might feel expensive if you’re on a budget.

I recommend Bluehost because they are officially recommended by WordPress and are easy to use. They even offer our readers a free domain name and up to 70% off hosting.

This means you can start your podcast website starting at just $2.99 per month. To claim this offer, just click the button below:

After signing up, you can follow our step-by-step WordPress installation guide to get your site ready.

Choose a Podcast WordPress Theme

Once WordPress is installed, your site will use a basic default theme. A theme controls how your website looks to visitors.

Not all themes are designed for podcasts, so I suggest picking one that is optimized for this purpose. Our team has put together a hand-picked list of WordPress themes for podcasters.

All of these themes are beginner-friendly and work well for showing your episodes, embedding audio players, and building your audience.

Need help setting up your theme? See our tutorial on how to install a WordPress theme.

Step 2. Setting Up a Media Hosting Service

Before you start recording, there’s one more important thing to set up: a place to store your podcast episodes.

Podcast audio files are large, and hosting them directly on your website can slow it down or even break it. Regular web hosting isn’t built for this kind of traffic or file size.

That’s why I always recommend using a podcast-specific media hosting service. These platforms are designed to store, deliver, and manage your episodes efficiently, so your listeners have a smooth experience.

One of the best options is Blubrry.

Why I Recommend Blubrry

• Works Perfectly With WordPress: Blubrry includes the PowerPress plugin, making it easy to manage your podcast on your site.
• Helpful Community: Join forums and learn from experienced podcasters if you ever get stuck.
• Podcasting Tools Included: ID3 tagging, Apple Podcasts optimization, and automatic artwork management.
• Fast and Reliable: A top-tier content delivery network (CDN) ensures your episodes load quickly anywhere in the world.

Using a separate media host keeps your website fast and gives your listeners the best experience. Once your hosting is ready, you’re ready to record your first episode.

Step 3. Choosing Proper Podcasting Equipment

As your podcast grows, having the right tools can make a big difference in audio quality. But you don’t need expensive gear to start. The most important tool for beginners is a good microphone.

I always tell beginners to start with a real microphone instead of the built-in computer mic. Even an affordable USB mic can make your audio sound much clearer and more professional, which keeps listeners engaged and coming back for more.

There are two main types of microphones:

• XLR microphones – These are like professional cameras. They deliver excellent sound but need extra gear, like an audio interface or mixer, to connect to your computer. They’re best if you’re ready to invest a bit more time and money.
• USB microphones – These are like point-and-shoot cameras. You can plug them directly into your computer and start recording. They’re easy to use and perfect for beginners.

Personally, I recommend going with hybrid USB/XLR microphones. These let you start simple with USB but give you the option to upgrade to professional XLR audio later.

Here are some of the microphones that are ideal for podcasters:

For our setup at WPBeginner, we used the Rode Podcaster kit with a mic arm and shock mount. It’s simple, reliable, and sounds professional.

Once you have your gear ready, it’s time for the next step: planning and recording your first podcast episode.

Step 4. Planning Your First Few Podcast Episodes

Before you hit the record button, it’s important to plan your episodes. Spending a little time upfront will make your podcast sound more professional and keep your listeners coming back.

Here are the main things you’ll want to focus on when planning your first few episodes:

1. Episode Content

Decide on the topics for your first few episodes. I recommend starting with a clear outline for each episode.

Think of it like a roadmap—you can plan the main points, then fill in the details during recording. This keeps your content organized and easier to follow.

2. Episode Length

Podcast episodes can be anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour. The right length depends on your content and audience. There’s no strict rule, but episodes between 20 and 40 minutes usually perform well.

I suggest focusing on quality over time. If your content is good, don’t cut it short just to fit a target length. And don’t stretch it unnecessarily either—keep it engaging from start to finish.

3. Supporting Media

Think about adding intro music, background music, or sound effects to make your podcast more engaging. These small touches can give your episodes a professional feel and help set the mood.

Some good sources for license-free music include:

• Free Music Archive
• YouTube Audio Library
• Free Stock Music

Always check the licensing terms before using a track in your podcast.

4. Storyboarding and Scripting

Even if you have a great outline, I recommend writing a full script or at least a detailed storyboard. This helps you stay focused and sound professional.

You don’t have to read the script word-for-word during recording—you can still speak naturally—but having it keeps you on track and improves the overall quality of your episodes.

Step 5. Recording Your First Podcast

Now that you’ve planned your episodes and set up your equipment, it’s time to record your first podcast.

To get started, you’ll need audio recording software. This software helps you capture your voice, add music or sound effects, and edit your audio files.

For this, I recommend Audacity. It’s free, works on Windows, Mac, and Linux, and is powerful enough to produce professional-quality podcasts.

Getting Started With Audacity

After installing Audacity, open the program and create a new project from the File menu. To record your voice, simply click the Record button.

Don’t worry about awkward pauses, background noise, or little mistakes—they’re normal. You can always edit your recording later.

You can also import music or sound effects from File » Import to add intro music, background tracks, or other audio to your episode.

Audacity has many features, and it can take a little time to learn them all.

I suggest checking out the Audacity Wiki and tutorials—they are very helpful for beginners and show you how to get the most out of the software.

Exporting Your Podcast

Once your episode is ready, it’s time to export it and upload it to your podcast host. In Audacity, start by going to File » Export Audio.

This will open a prompt where Audacity asks how you’d like to export your audio. Simply, click the ‘Export to Computer’ button.

Next, you’ll be asked to choose a file name and select a file format. I recommend exporting your podcast in MP3 format because it keeps the file size small while maintaining good audio quality.

Using a consistent naming system is also helpful since podcasts are episodic—for example, WPB001.mp3 or WPBep001.mp3.

Finally, just click the ‘Export’ button, and Audacity will save your file to your computer. You can now upload this file to your media hosting service so your listeners can access your first episode.

Step 6. Publishing Your Podcast With WordPress

Once you’ve recorded and polished a few episodes, it’s time to publish your podcast using WordPress. This is where your listeners can find and subscribe to your show.

First, log in to the admin area of your WordPress site. Then, you need to install and activate the Blubrry PowerPress Podcasting plugin.

If you’re new to plugins, our step-by-step guide on how to install a WordPress plugin will help you get started.

Upon activation, you’ll see a new PowerPress menu item in your WordPress menu. Clicking on it will take you to the plugin’s settings page, where you can configure your podcast feed.

If you’re using Blubrry to host your podcast files, click the ‘Let’s Connect’ button.

This will open a popup asking you to log in to your Blubrry account and give permission for PowerPress to access your account.

Connecting your account lets the plugin automatically manage your podcast statistics and media hosting.

Next, go through the settings page to set up your feed.

Start by giving your podcast a title under the ‘Feeds’ tab. This is the title that will appear in podcast apps like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Music.

After that, switch to the ‘Podcast Artwork’ tab to upload your cover image.

This square thumbnail represents your podcast visually in apps, so make sure it reflects your branding and looks professional.

Most of the other plugin settings are straightforward, and the default options work well for beginners. Don’t forget to click ‘Save Changes’ to store your settings.

Step 7. Uploading Media Files to Blubrry

Before you can publish a podcast episode with WordPress, you first need to upload your podcast file to your media hosting service, like Blubrry.

This ensures your audio files are delivered reliably to listeners.

Start by logging in to your Blubrry hosting account. In the dashboard, click on the ‘Set Website’ option.

On the next screen, choose ‘I already have a website’ and enter the URL of your WordPress website.

Then, click ‘Save’ to store your changes.

Next, go to the Episodes » Publish New page.

Here, you’ll provide a title and description for your podcast episode. Make sure the title is clear and reflects the episode’s content, and the description gives listeners a good idea of what to expect.

After that, click on the ‘Upload Episode File’ button and select the audio file you recorded earlier.

You can also schedule a release date and time for your episode. This is useful if you want to plan episodes in advance. If you don’t set a date, the episode will be published immediately.

Optionally, you can add a transcript of your episode. Transcripts are great for accessibility and SEO. You can easily generate these using AI tools and paste them here to help more listeners find your podcast.

Once everything is ready, click the Publish button.

Your episode is now live and ready for your audience to enjoy.

Step 8. Adding Your First Podcast in WordPress

At this point, everything is set up, and you’re ready to add your first podcast episode in WordPress.

Start by going to Posts » Add New in your WordPress dashboard. I highly recommend creating a separate category for your podcast episodes. This keeps your podcast content separate from your blog posts and makes it easier to manage your podcast feed later on.

Next, scroll down below the post editor to find the ‘Podcast Episode’ box.

Here, paste the Media URL for the file you uploaded to Blubrry. Or if you’ve connected your Blubrry account, click the folder icon to select the file directly from your media hosting service.

Then, click ‘Verify’ to make sure the URL is correct.

Now, go back up to the post editor. Give your post a title and write a description for your episode. This helps listeners understand what your episode is about and makes your podcast more discoverable.

After that, add the PowerPress Player block to the content area where you want your podcast player to appear. This will display a professional-looking podcast player directly on your post, so visitors can listen to your podcast right on your site.

Once everything looks good, click ‘Publish.’ You can preview your post to see your podcast episode live with the player, ready for your audience to enjoy.

Congratulations! Your WordPress podcasting site is now live, and you’ve successfully published your first episode.

Step 9. Previewing Your Podcast Feed in iTunes or Apple Podcasts

Now that your podcast website is set up in WordPress, the next step is to submit your podcast to iTunes (Apple Podcasts) so more listeners can discover and subscribe to it.

Before submitting, it’s a good idea to preview how your podcast will appear on iTunes or Apple Podcasts.

To do this, open the Apple Podcasts app (on Mac) or iTunes (on Windows). Then, go to File » Subscribe to a Podcast (or Follow a Show by URL) and enter your podcast feed URL. Your feed URL will look something like this:

http://www.example.com/feed/podcast

Make sure to replace example.com with your own domain name.

Once you enter the URL, iTunes (Apple Podcasts) will fetch your podcast feed and display it. You’ll be able to see your podcast artwork, description, subtitle, and more, just like your listeners will.

If everything looks correct, it means your feed is working properly, and you’re ready to submit your podcast to iTunes for distribution.

Step 10. Submitting Your Podcast to Apple Podcasts

Once everything looks good, it’s time to submit your podcast to Apple Podcasts so people can actually find and subscribe to it.

To get started, open a web browser and go to Apple Podcasts for Creators. You’ll need to sign in using your Apple ID. This is the same ID you use for iCloud, Apple Music, or the App Store.

After logging in, you’ll land on the Apple Podcasts Connect dashboard.

From here, click the ‘Add Show’ button.

Apple will now ask how you want to add your podcast.

Since you’re using a podcast hosting service like Blubrry, choose the ‘Add a show with an RSS feed’ option.

At this point, Apple will ask for your podcast RSS feed URL.

You can find this inside your WordPress dashboard. Simply go to the PowerPress » Settings » Feeds page.

Here, you’ll see your Podcast Feed URL. It usually looks something like:

https://yourwebsite.com/feed/podcast

I recommend copying this URL directly from PowerPress to avoid any typos or errors.

Once copied, paste the RSS feed URL into Apple Podcasts Connect and click the ‘Add’ button.

Apple will now fetch your podcast details and show you a preview. Take a moment to review everything and make sure it looks right.

After that, Apple will guide you through a few final settings.

You’ll confirm content rights, letting Apple know you have permission to use any music or audio in your podcast. Next, you’ll add contact information, so Apple can reach you if there’s ever an issue with your show.

You can also decide whether your podcast feed should be publicly available, which helps other podcast apps discover your show.

Finally, choose whether you want your podcast to be published right away or scheduled for a later date.

When everything looks good, click ‘Save’, then ‘Publish.’

Apple will validate your RSS feed. If there’s an issue, they’ll show you a warning message so you can fix it before your podcast goes live.

Once approved, your podcast will start appearing in Apple Podcasts.

Next Steps: Resources to Grow Your Podcast in 2026

Congrats on launching your podcast. At this point, you have everything you need to get started. From here on, growth is about learning, consistency, and using the right tools at the right time.

Below are a few optional resources to help you grow your podcast when you’re ready.

Learn From Successful Podcasters

If you want structured guidance from someone who has already done this successfully, I recommend checking out Podcasters’ Paradise by John Lee Dumas.

John is a well-known podcaster and has helped thousands of beginners launch and grow their shows. The course covers topics such as finding your voice, building an audience, and turning a podcast into a sustainable project.

That said, this is completely optional. You don’t need a course to start a podcast, but it can be helpful if you prefer step-by-step coaching.

WordPress Tools to Help Your Podcast Grow

As your podcast gains listeners, a few WordPress plugins can make growth much easier.

These are tools I often recommend because they solve common problems podcasters run into.

• All in One SEO helps optimize your podcast website for search engines, so more people can find your episodes through Google.
• MonsterInsights shows you how visitors find your site and which podcast episodes they listen to the most. This helps you understand what’s working and what to improve.
• RafflePress lets you run simple giveaways. You can use it to grow your email list, get more subscribers, or promote a new podcast launch.

You don’t need to install everything on day one. Start simple and add tools as your podcast grows.

How Podcasts Make Money (When You’re Ready)

You don’t need to monetize your podcast right away. Many successful podcasts focus on building an audience first and add monetization later.

When you’re ready, here are a few common ways podcasters make money:

• You can reach out to brands and offer sponsorships once you have a steady audience.
• You can use affiliate marketing to recommend tools or services you already use and trust.
• You can sell your own products or services by adding an online store to your website.
• You can ask listeners to support your podcast with small donations using a simple payment form.
• You can also make premium or older episodes available only to members using a WordPress membership plugin.

If you already run a WordPress site, many of these options are easy to set up.

Frequently Asked Questions About Podcasting

Starting a podcast can feel overwhelming at first, and it’s normal to have questions—even after reading this guide.

In this FAQ section, I’ve answered some of the most common questions beginners ask about podcasting:

How does a beginner start a podcast?

Start by choosing a topic, picking a microphone, setting up a WordPress website, and using a podcast hosting service like Blubrry. Plan your episodes, record, edit, and publish them.

How much does it cost to start a podcast?

You can start a basic podcast for as little as $50–$100, including a domain, hosting, and a beginner-friendly USB microphone. Costs go up if you invest in professional equipment or marketing.

Do podcasters get paid?

Yes, podcasters can earn money through sponsorships, affiliate marketing, selling products, listener donations, or premium subscriptions. Income depends on audience size and engagement.

How many followers does a podcast need to make money?

There’s no fixed number, but podcasts with 1,000–5,000 engaged listeners per episode can often start earning through sponsorships and affiliate marketing.

Do you need a license to start a podcast?

No license is required to start a podcast. However, you must have the rights to any music, sound effects, or third-party content you use.

What kind of podcasts make the most money?

Podcasts in niches like business, personal finance, health, technology, and self-improvement often monetize well because they attract sponsors willing to pay for targeted audiences.

What are you not allowed to say on a podcast?

You cannot make false claims, promote illegal activities, or use copyrighted material without permission. Avoid defamatory statements and respect privacy laws.

Do I need an LLC for my podcast?

No, you don’t need an LLC to start a podcast. Some podcasters form an LLC later for legal protection or business purposes.

Can I name my podcast whatever I want?

Yes, but make sure the name isn’t trademarked or already used by another podcast. A unique and memorable name is best for branding.

How much do podcasts with 10,000 listeners make?

Earnings vary, but podcasts with 10,000 engaged listeners can make anywhere from $500 to $2,500 per episode through sponsorships and ads, depending on niche and engagement.

Exploring Other Profitable Online Businesses

While podcasting can provide multiple ways to generate revenue, if you are interested in more online business ideas, then you may find these resources helpful:

• How to Embed Spotify in WordPress
• How to Start a WordPress Blog (Beginner’s Guide)
• Beginner’s Guide to Starting a Food Blog (and Make Extra Income on the Side)
• How to Start a Fashion Blog (and Make Money) – Step by Step
• How to Easily Create a Job Board in WordPress

I hope this article helped you start a podcast with WordPress. You may also want to see our list of must-have WordPress podcasting plugins and our expert picks of the best WordPress themes for podcasters.

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