It’s easy to assume podcasting is a low-cost content format, and it can be.
But if you’re in this for the long haul, there are a few hidden costs that might catch you off guard.
In this episode, I walk through some of the sneaky expenses new podcasters often overlook, including tech upgrades, marketing tools, podcast hosting, and the biggest cost of all - your time.
What you’ll learn:
The real cost of starting a podcast
Why free tools sometimes cost you more
The one resource new podcasters forget to budget for
How to prep for success without spending a fortune
This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation.
I pay my respects to Elders past and present.
Transcripts
Voice Over:
Got dreams of being a professional podcaster, but have no idea what you're doing. This is impossible. That's about to change. A new kind of school. Welcome to the PodSchool Podcast.
Rachel:
Hello. Welcome to the show.
Today I'm answering a question from Adam, which is: What are the hidden costs of podcasting, and how much should you budget to have a real crack?
That's a tough question to answer precisely. I’d encourage you to head to the description of this episode and download my free podcast guide. It includes microphone and tech recommendations for a range of budgets to help you get started.
But there are definitely some hidden costs people don't think about when they begin. Podcasting, if done properly, comes with layers — both inside and around your show — that can add up.
You can definitely launch a podcast cheaply. But over time, as you want to improve things, the costs can creep up. For example, you might buy a mic and set up at your dining table, then realise it’s not sustainable. So you invest in a boom arm. That’s another $200. Then you start thinking about better lighting, a more permanent setup, or even a podcasting space.
Podcasting needs to fit into your life, and making it fit can require money.
Personally, I record on my dining table with a ring light perched on a stack of books — it’s not glamorous. I pack everything up and down every time, which takes a while. I'd love a dedicated space, but that’s another cost to consider.
One cost I’d recommend prioritising is a paid podcast host. Free options are tempting, but there’s often a trade-off. Some might add links to your show notes without you knowing. Others might make it difficult to retrieve your audio files if you want to switch hosts.
Always read the terms and conditions before committing — even with free platforms. A lack of control could cost you later.
Editing software is another one. Audacity is free and popular, but I find it clunky. I use Adobe Audition, which is about $20 a month. That’s a recurring cost you might not expect if you start with a free option and find it doesn’t work for you.
Then there’s marketing and promotion. Tools like Canva help, but scheduling content across platforms usually means paying for a social media scheduler. Unless you want to post manually on every platform (who does?), this is a worthwhile investment — and another cost.
Music and sound effects are also essential. Intro and outro music adds polish, but you can’t just download anything online. There are free music libraries, but they’re limited. Paid libraries often have better options. And again, check the terms — some free music comes with limitations.
Transcription is another hidden cost. Some podcast hosts offer it, but it’s often behind a higher subscription tier. Even if it’s only a small amount, it adds up.
And finally — the biggest hidden cost of all: time.
Getting an episode out every week takes hours. It’s not just recording — it’s prep, editing, writing show notes, uploading, promoting. And everyone values their time differently.
Time is what trips most people up. It’s why so many shows fade out. That’s why I always recommend people practise before launching. Record a few mock episodes. Time yourself from start to finish — prep, record, edit, publish.
That way, you know what you’re getting into before you tell people the show is coming out next week — and find yourself scrambling.
If you want help setting up your studio and choosing tools for your budget, grab my free podcast guide from the link in the episode description. It includes mic recommendations, editing software, and podcast host suggestions.
You can probably get started for under $200. But there are extra costs — like websites, hosting, schedulers, music — and time. So don’t just budget money. Budget your time, too.
Thanks for the question, Adam.
If you have a question, hit the link in the episode description to send it through. You’ll also find info about my online course, PodSchool, which walks you through everything you need to know to launch with confidence.
