How to Start a Podcast Using Only AI: A Step-by-Step Guide
Podcasts are one of the most popular forms of content today, offering an engaging way to share stories, insights, and expertise with a global audience. But did you know that AI technology can help you create a podcast entirely from start to finish—without needing a professional studio, voice actors, or expensive editing software? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to launch your podcast using AI tools, all while keeping costs manageable.
In addition, we’ll include a breakdown of the potential costs involved, so you can plan your budget accordingly as you start your podcasting journey.
Step 1. Define Your Podcast’s Niche and Audience
Before diving into AI tools, it’s essential to understand the direction of your podcast. Defining your niche and understanding your target audience is the foundation of a successful podcast.
AI Tools for Planning:
- Google Trends (Free)
- Answer the Public (Free; Pro version: $99/month)
- BuzzSumo (From $99/month)
Cost Breakdown:
- Google Trends: Free
- Answer the Public: Free (limited access) / $99/month for full access
- BuzzSumo: $99/month
Step 2. Plan Your Episodes and Content Strategy
With your niche and audience defined, it’s time to plan your content strategy. AI can help you brainstorm episode ideas, create outlines, and even develop a content calendar.
AI Tools for Planning:
- ChatGPT (Free; $20/month for GPT-4 access)
- Frase (From $14.99/month)
- Jasper (From $49/month)
Cost Breakdown:
- ChatGPT: Free (basic access) / $20/month (ChatGPT Plus for GPT-4 capabilities)
- Frase: $14.99/month
- Jasper: $49/month
Step 3. Scriptwriting for Your Podcast Episodes
If you prefer a scripted approach or need some structure for your episodes, AI can help generate complete scripts, saving you time and effort.
AI Tools for Scripting:
- ChatGPT (Free; $20/month for GPT-4)
- Copy.ai (From $49/month)
- Writesonic (From $19/month)
Cost Breakdown:
- ChatGPT: Free (basic access) / $20/month (ChatGPT Plus)
- Copy.ai: $49/month
- Writesonic: $19/month (for the Basic plan)
Step 4. Generate the Voice for Your Podcast (AI Voiceover)
One of the most impressive uses of AI in podcasting is the ability to generate lifelike voiceovers. No need for microphones, recording studios, or hiring voice talent—you can create professional-sounding voices in minutes.
AI Tools for Voiceover:
- Murf (From $13.33/month)
- Descript Overdub (From $24/month)
- Play.ht (From $19/month)
Cost Breakdown:
- Murf: $13.33/month
- Descript Overdub: $24/month (for the Creator plan)
- Play.ht: $19/month (for the basic voice generation plan)
Step 5. Recording Your Podcast
Once your script is ready, it’s time to record your podcast. AI tools can streamline this process, allowing you to record directly in the tool or automatically generate the audio from your script.
AI Tools for Recording:
- Descript (From $12/month)
- Cleanvoice AI (From $12/month)
- Audacity with AI plugins (Free)
Cost Breakdown:
- Descript: $12/month (for the Basic plan)
- Cleanvoice AI: $12/month
- Audacity: Free (basic audio editing; additional AI plugins may incur extra fees)
Step 6. Edit and Enhance Your Podcast Audio
Editing is one of the most time-consuming parts of podcast creation, but with AI tools, much of it can be automated. From removing filler words like “um” and “ah,” to cleaning up background noise, AI can make your podcast sound more professional with minimal effort.
AI Tools for Editing:
- Descript (From $12/month)
- Auphonic (Free for up to 2 hours/month; Paid plans from $11/month)
- Cleanvoice AI (From $12/month)
Cost Breakdown:
- Descript: $12/month (for the Basic plan)
- Auphonic: Free (up to 2 hours/month) / $11/month (for 5 hours/month)
- Cleanvoice AI: $12/month
Step 7. Publish and Distribute Your Podcast
Once your podcast is recorded and edited, it’s time to publish. AI can also help streamline the distribution process, automatically uploading your episodes to popular platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.
AI Tools for Publishing:
- Anchor by Spotify (Free)
- Descript (From $12/month)
- Buzzsprout (Free for up to 2 hours/month; Paid plans start at $12/month)
Cost Breakdown:
- Anchor by Spotify: Free
- Descript: $12/month (for podcast publishing)
- Buzzsprout: Free (up to 2 hours/month) / $12/month (for 3 hours/month)
Step 8. Promote Your Podcast Using AI
Promotion is key to growing your podcast’s audience, and AI tools can assist with creating social media posts, episode teasers, and promotional content.
AI Tools for Promotion:
- ChatGPT (Free; $20/month for GPT-4)
- Lately.ai (From $29/month)
- Buzzsprout (Free for 2 hours/month; Paid plans from $12/month)
Cost Breakdown:
- ChatGPT: Free (basic access) / $20/month (ChatGPT Plus)
- Lately.ai: $29/month (for the Starter plan)
- Buzzsprout: Free (up to 2 hours/month) / $12/month (for 3 hours/month)
Total Estimated Monthly Costs for AI-Powered Podcasting
Starting a podcast with AI tools can be very cost-effective, especially if you use a mix of free and low-cost tools. Here’s a breakdown of your potential monthly costs depending on your chosen tools and usage:
Basic Setup (Essential Tools Only):
- ChatGPT Plus: $20/month
- Frase: $14.99/month
- Murf: $13.33/month
- Descript (Basic Plan): $12/month
- Cleanvoice AI: $12/month
- Buzzsprout (Free plan for hosting and publishing): $12/month
Estimated Total for Basic Setup: $83.32/month
Premium Setup (Advanced Tools & Higher Usage):
- ChatGPT Plus: $20/month
- Jasper: $49/month
- Murf: $24/month
- Descript (Creator Plan): $24/month
- Auphonic (5 hours/month): $11/month
- Buzzsprout (Paid plan for hosting and publishing): $12/month
Estimated Total for Premium Setup: $140/month
Additional One-Time Costs:
- Website: If you want to build a website for your podcast, domain registration and hosting typically cost around $50 to $200/year.
- Music & Sound Effects: Purchasing royalty-free music can cost between $10 and $50 (one-time fee).
Example:
