This is a very important question as starting a podcast happens to have some hidden costs. We will delve deeper into this subject in later posts. However, LIVE360 created a simple cost breakdown and price comparison between low and high end podcast production.
Equipment:
The Necessities:
Computer: Low: $200 vs. High: $2,000
Recording and Editing Software: Low: Free vs. High: $200
Microphone: Low: $50 vs. High: $400
Headphones: Low: $40 vs. High: $400
The Extras:
Pop Filter/Wind Screen: Low: $15 vs. High: $55
Audio Interface: Low: $80 vs. High: $300
Mixer: Low: $100 vs. High: $200
Headphone Amplifier: Low: $25 vs. High: $300
Microphone Boom Arm/Mic Stand: Low: $15 vs. High: $90
Shock Mount: Low: $40 vs. High: $60
Cables: Low: $50 vs. High: $100
Acoustic Treatment: Low: $20 vs. High: $50
Computer Monitor: Low: $70 vs. High: $330
Total Cost for Necessities Only:
Low: $290 vs. High: $3,000
Total Cost for Necessities With Extras:
Low: $705 vs. High: $4,485
Note that these total costs include a computer. If you already have a computer that you can use, then your start-up costs will largely go down. Also, these total costs are assuming that you would buy every piece of equipment listed, which is unlikely necessary for you based on the equipment you already have as well as your personal needs.
Hosting:
Podcast Hosting Service Monthly Plan: Low: $5/month vs. High: $100/month
Total Recurring Cost:
Low: $5/month vs. High: $100/month
Additional Costs:
Cover Art: Low: Free vs. High: $300
Intro: Low: Free vs. High: $200
Music: Low: Free vs. High: $200
Total Additional Costs:
Low: $0 vs. High: $700
Grand Totals:
One-Time Start-Up Cost:
Necessities Only & Additional Costs: Low: $290 vs. High: $3,700
Necessities with Extras & Additional Costs: Low: $705 vs. High: $5,185
Again, please note that these total costs include a computer. If you already have a computer that you can use, then your start-up costs will largely go down. Also, these total costs are assuming that you would buy every piece of equipment listed, which is unlikely necessary for you based on the equipment you already have as well as your personal needs.
Total Recurring Costs:
Low: $5/month vs. High: $100/month
As you can see, there is really no clear answer as to what it will cost to start your podcast. Generally speaking though, you can expect to pay $200-$500 for a good quality podcast. On the extreme ends, you can start a decent podcast for around $100 and for the best of the best, most professional podcast possible, you can expect to dish out around $5,000.
Keep in mind that you can truly create a podcast with almost any budget. A lot of the time, you already have the equipment you need to start recording, such as a computer, headphones with a microphone, and recording software available on your computer. Of course, equipment you have laying around or a low budget might mean that you have to skip out on some quality. However, you can always work towards a higher quality podcast by slowly adding equipment to your podcast setup to improve the quality. So, don't let the costs of podcasting impact your decision for starting a podcast because podcasting is a process of constant improvement, so you have to start somewhere!
At the Maverick Podcasting Network we try our best to making the process easy and fun! We guide you through the challenges, that are inevitable when starting a podcast and make it our mission to help you saving you time, money, and effort!
I hope this information is helpful! If you'd like to learn more about this topic or if you'd like to request an article on a specific podcast related topic, CLICK HERE!
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All the best and happy podcasting!
Maverick Peters
-Producer at the Maverick Podcasting Network