Podcasting can be a very useful digital marketing tool. However, the steps required to make a decent podcast can be daunting for many. Not everyone has professional training or knowledge of advanced software right out of the gate. Thankfully, there are easier options to help you get started. With automation features, plug-in capabilities, and sleek UI, this article showcases some of the most beginner friendly podcast editing software to help give your podcast a leg up. Though relatively easy to use, they are hardly lacking. The six options listed below are also a preferred choice for some professionals in the industry.
The Top 6 Best Easy Podcast Editing Software for Beginners
- Audacity – Best Free Offering
- Adobe Audition – Best for Aspiring Professionals
- Descript – Best Innovation
- Auphonic – Best for Automation
- Reaper – Best for Customization
- Alitu – Best for Simplicity
1. Audacity – Best Free Offering
PRICING: Free to download and use.
Audacity is an easy-to-use, flexible audio editor and recorder for Windows and Mac. The software is complete with various options for plug-ins and keyboard shortcuts to manipulate sound with ease. Whether you need to make edits, remove background noise from old recordings, remix favorite songs, or just record a simple voice memo, Audacity is adored by industry novices and professionals alike.
KEY FEATURES:
- Background noise removal tool.
- Expertly blend tracks and create a sound journey.
- Background recording feature.
REASONS TO BUY:
- Can convert sounds from cassette tapes, CDs, computers, and more into digital recordings.
- Use, modify, or create your own plug-in.
- Short learning curve.
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Users complain that the software looks dated and could use more features.
2.Adobe Audition – Best
PRICING: Starts at $20.99 per month for individuals and goes up to $84.99 per month for teams and businesses. Currently they are running a special for students and teachers for $19.99 per month. A free trial is available.
Adobe Audition empowers its users to become a master of audio. Maintaining a flat learning curve is the ultimate priority to producing the perfect sound quality. With organizational tools such as labeled workspaces, a musical elements tab, and diverse multitrack editing, there is no doubt you will feel confident clicking that “final export” button.
KEY FEATURES:
- Royalty-free sound effects.
- Mixes and polishes audio.
- Contains both waveform and multitrack editors.
- Match loudness feature.
REASONS TO BUY:
- Importing and exporting are simple tasks.
- Compliments Adobe Premiere when used together.
- Remixing capabilities.
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Lacks shortcuts and MIDI support.
- Only available through a subscription.
3. Descript – Best Innovation
PRICING: Varies from free, to $30, to a custom price per month, depending on your needs. Please refer to the website to find the plan that works best for you. Save 20% when you commit annually.
Descript is how you make a podcast. This robust software is a one-stop-shop for creating a successful podcast right out of the gate. It makes editing your podcast as easy as 1-2-3 and some even say it is something they look forward to. No more complex editing, just a platform made for podcasting and collaboration.
KEY FEATURES:
- Voice dubbing and filler word removal.
- Collaboration hub to edit scripts with your guests and co hosts.
- Sequencing tools and mic-bleed detection.
REASONS TO BUY:
- Seamless AI transcription editing.
- Turn long form pieces into short form.
- Saves hours of manually editing with its intuitive nature.
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Fine tuning the transcription feature can sometimes be tricky.
4. Auphonic – Best for Automation
PRICING: Auphonic allows you to buy recurring or one-time “credits” in order to buy time to use the software. You are allowed 2 hours of processed audio usage per month. Should you need more time, prices vary from $11-$150 per month or as a one-time payment. Please refer to the site to find which plan works best for you.
Auphonic is a web-based software specializing in workflow automation. Simply import an audio file and let Auphonic do the rest. Its intelligent design carefully skims through your file and cleans it up for you, saving you the time. As a post-production platform, the software provides tools for leveling, batch processing, machine learning, and more to help you get your content to the public that much faster.
KEY FEATURES:
- Intelligent leveler with no compressor knowledge required.
- Loudness normalization.
- Speech recognition in over 80 languages.
REASONS TO BUY:
- Automatic content deployment to platforms such as Youtube, Dropbox, and Facebook.
- Its simplicity and flexibility allows for an automated workflow.
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Editing features such as audiogramming could use some updating.
5. Reaper – Best for Customization
PRICING: Option to purchase a discounted license for $60 or a commercial license for $225, which is contingent on how you use the software. A 60-day free trial is available.
Reaper allows you to customize and create your perfect digital audio workstation (DAW) with the power of API and plug-in embedding tools. To make the editing process even easier, the software is compatible with MIDI shortcuts and uses a drag and drop interface. With all of these features and more, it makes Reaper an excellent choice for anyone looking to elevate their podcasting game.
KEY FEATURES:
- MIDI hardware and software support.
- Various customization options.
- Click and cut tool for easy editing.
REASONS TO BUY:
- Modern look and user friendly.
- Users appreciate how little space the software takes up.
- Best bang for your buck according to some users.
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Working with short form audio or clips can be a little clunky.
6. Alitu – Best for Simplicity
PRICING: Option to pay $32 per month, or $320 per year. Get two months free when you commit annually. A 7-day free trial is available.
Alitu is the ultimate software designed for beginners, because of its intuitive functionality and automated processing. Prioritizing a few quality features over quantity, it works best for users with limited technical knowledge. Alitu allows you to focus more on the content you are creating, rather than the time consuming editing process.
KEY FEATURES:
- Offers call recording within the app.
- Automatic audio polishing.
- Branding tools that are automatically added to each new episode.
REASONS TO BUY:
- Offers tutorials and support services.
- Free theme music and sound effects to use how you like.
- Integrates with podcast hosting platforms.
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Lacks advanced features such as transition effects.
- Because the editing is automated, some users find the editing process very limiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Podcast Editing Software Important?
Editing in general is the key to making a finished product look more refined and authentic. So choosing a well performing software for your podcast helps you shine more in the eyes of your listeners. Some basic functionality is removing awkward pauses or unwanted sounds in the background. Though these may seem like small offenders, the difference is detrimental.
How Can I Learn More About Building A Successful Podcast?
The internet is your best friend. Online forums and tutorials are rich with valuable information to help you succeed. Studying some of your favorite podcast hosts is also a good idea to help you develop your style and what niche you want to focus on. Further, get clear on what you want to talk about. This can look like brainstorming, to writing a script, to experimenting with your software. Taking action in this way helps you stand out authentically.
What Should I Consider When Choosing An Editing Software?
It is important to first evaluate what your podcast show’s needs are and your level of tech savvy. Since this article is catered to beginners, simply thinking and researching the features you need helps you get clear on what would make editing the podcast easier, and gain more listeners.
References and Links:
- https://www.buzzsprout.com/blog/alitu-walkthrough
- https://elitecontentmarketer.com/alitu-podcast-maker/
- https://www.softwareadvice.com/audio-editing/reaper-profile/
- https://www.getapp.com/website-ecommerce-software/a/reaper/reviews/
- https://homestudioexpert.com/is-reaper-a-good-daw-here-are-the-facts/
- https://www.podcastengineers.com/blogs/podcasters-review-auphonic/
- https://riverside.fm/blog/podcast-editing-software#anchor1
- https://www.g2.com/products/descript/reviews
- https://www.musicradar.com/reviews/adobe-audition-review
- https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-audition/reviews#survey-response-5462894
- https://www.softwareadvice.com/audio-editing/audacity-profile/