Podcast Editing: How & Where to Edit Your Podcast

Podcast Editing Summary: How does it work?

There are many different approaches, and many different tools out there when it comes to podcast editing.
Some podcasters do a thorough comb-through of their content, cutting out every little mistake and stumble.
Others do absolutely no editing and release their content as raw as when it was recorded.
For those who’d like to do some editing on their show, there are plenty options available. These range from software programmes and apps, to freelancers and production companies who’ll take care of it for you.
Here, we’ll help you navigate the choppy waters of podcast editing, and find the best approach and tools for you. So let’s get started!

Podcast editing. For complete beginners, it can be an intimidating barrier to launching a show. Many aspiring podcasters procrastinate worrying about how they’ll actually edit their podcast episodes, prior to publishing them.

But it’s actually never been easier to either edit audio yourself or to find someone (or something) else to do it for you.

What’s more, there’s nothing to say that you absolutely need to edit your podcast, or exactly how you should do it. It all depends on your own approach, content, and audience.

Let Alitu Take Care of Your Podcast Editing

Alitu is a tool that takes your recording, polishes it up, adds your music, and publishes the episode, all automatically.

Learn more about Alitu

Here, I’d like to run through the various podcast editing options available to you.

These will depend on your budget, time constraints, and whether or not you prefer to learn new skills, or, outsource the stuff you’ve no interest in doing yourself.

Just before we jump into part one, a quick heads up. We use the odd affiliate link in this article, which we’d earn a small commission from if you were to buy through it. This is never at any extra cost to you though – and we only use affiliate links for stuff we recommend and use ourselves!

1. What Are the Podcast Editing “Rules”?

Firstly though, I mentioned that there’s no single way you “should” be editing your podcast. Certainly, there are good and bad practices, but it’s entirely up to you if you even edit your show at all.

Obviously, if you want to create a highly produced podcast or audio drama then, one way or another, that’s going to require a fair bit of editing.

But if you’re just recording yourself talking into a mic, and don’t even feel the need for any intro music, then you can pretty much get away with no editing at all.

So how do you decide on your own approach? Here are a couple of resources to help guide you.

Beginner

For solo, co-hosted, or interview podcasts, you can get away with very little editing.

Advanced

Documentary and drama-style shows take a lot more podcast editing work. They work brilliantly when done well, but for the vast majority of podcasters, they are overkill.

Creating a ‘Highly Produced’ Podcast – full Season of the Podcraft Podcast
How Do You Edit and Produce an Audio Drama Podcast?

2. Should I Use a DAW for My Podcast Editing?

The most common podcast editing tool is what’s known as a DAW – which stands for Digital Audio Workstation. It’s just a posh way of saying “audio editing programme”.

DAWs also let you record into them, so it’s basically like having a full recording studio on your computer – providing you have a microphone to plug into it.

The most popular beginner DAW is one called Audacity. It’s popular because it’s absolutely free. And it’s still more than good enough to build your podcast episode with.

But if you’re looking for a more pro-level DAW with an almost infinite number of functions and capabilities, then Adobe Audition, Hindenburg, or Reaper might be more up your street.

Below, you’ll find our full comparison between Audacity and Audition which will hopefully help you decide which one (if any) you’d prefer to use.

And if you’re looking to learn either of them quickly and competently, then we have video courses on both inside The Podcast Host Academy.

Beginner

Just looking to choose the best fit for you and your show?

Advanced

Want to learn a bit more about DAW-based audio terms, tools, and techniques?

3. What About Podcast Editing Apps & Tools?

Podcast editing is actually the most common thing we’re asked about here at The Podcast Host.

That led to us developing a tool called Alitu, which practically builds your episode for you. It can take care of the processing, editing, and publishing of your podcast, without the need for a DAW. You can also record your show inside Alitu, and hosting is now in Beta, too.

In short, Alitu is a really simple-to-use tool aimed at “non-techy” people, complete beginners, and podcasters who simply don’t have the time to spend editing their podcasts in the more traditional way.

There are some other great apps out there too. The bottom line is that these days, you don’t need a DAW to edit your podcast. In fact, you can podcast without ever having opened one in your life.

Beginner

Looking for some simple podcast editing tools?

Advanced

Or maybe you do prefer more of a DIY approach. In which case…

Podcast Production Plugins: 4 Ways to Take Your Audio to the Next Level

4. Should I Hire a Producer to Do My Podcast Editing?

Still got absolutely no interest in having anything to do with your podcast editing? That’s perfectly normal. It just means that you’ll probably need to hire someone to do it for you.

There is an ever-growing number of producers out there who make themselves available for podcast editing work. These range from freelancers with day jobs, to fully-fledged companies employing teams of podcast producers on their staff.

The route you go down will, as ever, depend on your budget. You’ll find loads of excellent freelancers out there doing great work at a low cost. But, like any other service, there will undoubtedly be a few unreliable folks in the marketplace too.

If you are looking for a producer, then here are some options for you.

Hiring a Producer: Options

Music Radio Creative will give you an instant quote based on your average episode length and the number of episodes you’d like to commit to.
There are plenty of podcast editors available for hire on Fiverr. Check out adamglinder and radioorg if you’re interested in going down this route.
You might also want to see our full guides on what to look for in a podcast production company and how to hire a podcast producer.

Podcast Editing Summary: Your Content. Your Audience

No two podcasts are alike (that’s actually a lie, there are at least 500 “entrepreneur” shows with the words “On Fire” in their title, but we’ll brush past that!), so this all comes down to your own unique approach, and aims.

Podcast Editing for the Hobbyist or “Toe-Dipper”

If you’re a hobbyist who’s just looking to chat about a topic close to your heart, then taking some time to learn the basics of Audacity is probably the best option for you. Remember, if you’d like to take a course on Audacity (or Audition) then you can do that inside The Podcast Host Academy.

Let Alitu Take Care of Your Podcast Editing

Alitu is a tool that takes your recording, polishes it up, adds your music, and publishes the episode, all automatically.

Learn more about Alitu

Podcast Editing for the Small Business or Side-Hustle

If you’re someone currently working a day job, but launching your show as part of a side business that you’re serious about growing, then you might be prepared to spend a little money to save on time. In that case, using the “podcast making” app Alitu is probably your best option.

Podcast Editing for the Company or Brand Podcast

Or, if you’re an established business looking to get a highly polished and professional-sounding show right out the gate, then hiring a producer is going to be your best option. Just remember that great-sounding audio is more to do with the source material than the editing though, so hire someone who can advise you on your recording setup and work with you on that front too. Check out our Podcast Producer Directory for a list of options and prices!