How to Edit a Podcast

Published February 1, 2024 | By Matt

Let’s get real: podcast editing is not as intimidating as it sounds. If you’ve ever battled with multicamera video, you know that audio-only projects are a breeze by comparison. No syncing three cameras, no worrying about someone blinking in a cutaway shot. With podcasts, you just cut away the bad stuff, smooth it over with a little music or a “bandaid” sound effect, and move on.

In fact, editing can be where you find the voice and rhythm of your show. It’s creative, oddly satisfying, and—unlike video—you can fix just about any mistake in post.

Choosing Your Editing Path: DIY or Outsource?

Before you get lost in software menus, ask yourself:

Do you want total control? (DIY editing)
Or would you rather hand it off to a pro and save time?

Both options are valid—and each has its own tools and workflow:

DIY: Great for learning, creative control, and tighter budgets.
Outsource: Ideal if you’re strapped for time or just hate editing.

Pro tip: Even if you plan to outsource, knowing the basics helps you spot quality work.

Podcast Editing Software: Free, Paid, and Everything in Between

Beginner-Friendly (and Free) Options:

Audacity: Open-source, cross-platform, classic for a reason.
GarageBand: Built-in for Mac, surprisingly powerful for podcasting.

Mid-Level & Pro Tools:

Adobe Audition: Powerful, deep, industry standard.
Hindenburg Journalist/Pro: Designed for storytellers and spoken-word.
Reaper: Affordable, endlessly customizable.
Alitu: Podcasting made dead simple—browser-based, automates editing, and even publishes your show.

Mobile & Text-Based Editors:

Descript: Edit audio like a Word doc. Cut words, and the audio edits itself.
Anchor, Riverside, Podcastle: For on-the-go, browser-based editing.

Video-Based Editors:

Adobe Premiere Pro: Fantastic video / audio editor. Easy to use minus paying monthly for Adobe. Really strong choice but the subscription rubs us the wrong way.
Final Cut Pro X: Our go-to editor. It’s been iterated from being a horrific horror show when it first came out to replace Final Cut Pro 7 — into a really powerful, easy to use editor. It has really come into its own!

Step-by-Step: How to Edit a Podcast (Without Losing Your Mind)

1. Import Your Audio

Drag your recorded files into your editor.
Messed up? Clap or snap in front of the mic—a trick editors use to spot mistakes instantly on the waveform.

2. Cut the Junk

Trim out dead air, mistakes, tangents, barking dogs, or awkward pauses.
Don’t obsess over every “um” or “ah”—leave some personality!

3. Clean Up Your Sound

Use built-in noise reduction or plugins to ditch background hiss, pops, or hum.
Normalize levels so guests and hosts are equally loud.

4. Add Your Show’s Flavor

Drop in your intro/outro music.
Use fades to smooth over edits.
Sprinkle in sound effects or a music bed to cover rough transitions (aka “bandaids”).

5. Export and Publish

Export as MP3 (128-192 kbps is podcast standard).
Tag your file with title, artist, episode number, and cover art.
Upload to your podcast host (Buzzsprout, Libsyn, Podbean, etc.).
Submit to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and everywhere else.

An awesome editing console for Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, etc

Pro Tips: Fast, Natural, Pro-Quality Edits

Edit as You Record: Mark mistakes with a snap or note the timecode.
Batch Process: Do all your cuts, then all your noise cleanup, then all your music—don’t switch back and forth.
Don’t Overedit: Listeners forgive minor stumbles. Keep the conversation flowing!
Listen on Headphones: Spot subtle background noise or harsh edits.

Advanced Editing Tricks (If You Want to Nerd Out)

Ripple Edits & Custom Macros: Speed up repetitive editing tasks in DAWs like Reaper.
Parent/Child Tracks: Apply effects to grouped tracks for a consistent sound.
Text-Based Editing: Use Descript or Alitu for ultra-fast “edit by transcript” workflows.
Multitrack Mastering: Keep host, guest, music, and effects on separate tracks for precise control.

Hiring a Podcast Editor: What to Know

Freelancers: Fiverr, Upwork, or indie specialists (ask for podcast-specific experience!).
Production Companies: Offer everything from editing to full show management.
Questions to Ask:
- What’s your turnaround time?
- Do you handle noise reduction/mixing/mastering?
- Can you provide references or sample episodes?
Tip: Start with a test edit before committing to a long-term deal.

Must-Have Gear for Smoother Editing

Quality Microphone: Makes editing easier (less to “fix in post”).
Decent Headphones: Reveal issues you’ll miss on speakers.
Audio Interface: Clean audio in = less editing later.
Optional: Stream Deck or controller for faster editing.

Podcast Editing FAQs

Do I have to edit my podcast?

No! Some great podcasts are raw and unedited. But most shows benefit from at least a quick cleanup.

How long does editing take?

A 30-minute show can take anywhere from 30 minutes (“quick and dirty”) to several hours (“highly produced”). As you get faster, your workflow improves.

Should I cut every “um” and “ah”?

Nope. Edit for flow, not perfection. Keep your personality!

Can I edit a podcast on my phone?

Yes! Apps like Descript, Alitu, and Riverside make it possible—just know you’ll have more control on desktop.

What’s the easiest way to fix mistakes?

Use music, fades, or voiceovers as “bandaids.” Or, just own it and move on!

Resources, Templates & Further Reading

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