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How much does it cost to make a podcast?


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


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