The 8 Most Common Podcasting Myths Busted!
Podcasting has exploded in popularity over the last few years. Despite the increasingly mainstream knowledge of podcast, there are still a TON of common podcasting myths out there.
We tried to get Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage to help us out, but in the end we decided to do it ourselves. So here’s a special podcasting MythBusters article.
Myth 1: Podcasts are hard to make
This is simply not true! Anyone with a computer and an internet connection can make a podcast. All you need is some basic equipment (a microphone and a recording software) and you’re ready to go.
This myth has spread due to the growth of large scale podcasts with huge editing team and top equipment. But that doesn’t mean you need the same. A lot of that cost is about eeking out quality, promotion and monetisation.
Yes, it takes a little bit of time and effort to get started, but once you’ve got the hang of it, it’s really not that difficult. Plus, there are plenty of resources out there to help you along the way.
And with more and more smart podcast editing tools like pompom, even the average user can create a studio-quality podcast in no time.
Myth 2: Podcasting is expensive
While podcasting can be expensive, and it’s probably worth investing a bit of money, you could start for free.
You could record using your computer or phone for free. Then edit with a free audio editor for podcasts and there are even some free podcast hosting options like Anchor or Buzzsprout’s free plan.
Myth 3: Podcasting is a niche interest
Hate to break it to you podcast hipsters, but podcasting has gone mainstream.
In fact, it has become one of the most popular forms of audio entertainment, with millions of people tuning in to their favorite podcasts every day.
Whether you’re into true crime, comedy, or anything in between, there’s a podcast out there for you. And with so many people listening, there’s a good chance that your favorite show is already being podcasted.
Myth 4: I don’t have an interesting story to tell
It can feel like you need a great story to podcast, but it’s not true.
Matthew Dicks, the 9 time MOTH GrandSlam champion knows a thing or two about telling stories. He insists that the best stories often come from every day moments.
Good storytellers are able to take any story and make it interesting. It’s all about how you tell the story, not what the story is about. So don’t worry if you don’t think you have an interesting story to tell. Just focus on being a good storyteller, and you’ll be sure to captivate your audience.
Myth 5: You have to be famous to start a podcast
With more celebrities starting podcasts, it’s no surprise this myth has spread.
While it’s certainly helpful to have a large platform to launch your podcast from, it’s not a requirement. You can absolutely start a successful podcast without being famous.
The key to starting a successful podcast is to find your niche. Identify the audience you want to reach and produce content that appeals to them. If you can build a loyal following of listeners, you’ll be well on your way to a successful podcast, regardless of your fame (or lack thereof).
Myth 6: It’s hard to get new podcast listeners
Okay, another half truth based on old data.
It used to be very difficult to get podcast listeners. Podcasting was a very niche interest and most people didn’t even have a podcast app. Plus, unlike other forms of content there was no algorithm helping others to discover great content. Now that’s changed.
Every phone comes with either Apple or Google’s podcast app. And Spotify’s support for podcasts has brought podcasts to a whole new audience.
Along with YouTube, Spotify are providing content recommendations for listeners so if you create good content and add in a bit of marketing, you can easily get your show off the ground.
Myth 7: You need to be a great speaker to start podcasting
Find your favourite podcaster and go back to their first episode (ever).
Chance are it’s bad (unless they were in radio before).
Everyone starts off bad but the only way to get better is with practice.
Many successful podcasters put out episodes to few people while they developed their voice and confidence.
By starting a podcast today, you’ll improve your speaking ability which can help you in other areas too.
Myth 8: I don’t have the time to do a podcast
Podcasting doesn’t have to eat hours of your life away.
You might be surprised how little time it can take.
You can record your podcast in short segments, whenever you have a free moment, and then edit it all together later. You can also keep your podcast short and sweet, so that it’s easy to fit into your schedule.
Plus there are tools like Pompom that can help you edit your podcast in a quarter of the time it usually takes.
So don’t let the excuse of “I don’t have time” stop you from starting a podcast. It’s actually a lot easier than you might think, and it can be a lot of fun. Who knows, you might even find that you enjoy it so much that you start making time for it in your schedule!
Any other myths?
There are hundreds of myths about podcasting out there but hopefully busting these myths will help you on your podcasting journey. If you know any other myths, leave a comment and we’ll debunk them too.
