How do I record a podcast on my iPhone for free?

To record a podcast on iPhone for free: Use the built-in Voice Memos app (open it, tap the red record button, speak, then tap stop and share). For better quality, use GarageBand (free on iPhone), which supports external microphones and multi-track recording. Alternatively, use ZenMic to generate podcast audio from text — no recording needed at all.

How do I record a podcast remotely with two hosts?

To record a podcast remotely with two hosts: (1) Use Zoom — start a call, enable 'Record to computer', and each host speaks into their own microphone. (2) Use Riverside.fm or Squadcast for studio-quality separate track recording. (3) Use Discord with the Craig bot for free multi-track remote recording. Each participant records locally for the cleanest audio.

What is the best free software to record a podcast on Mac?

The best free podcast recording software for Mac is GarageBand — it supports external microphones, multi-track recording, and basic audio editing. Audacity is another free option with more advanced editing features. For remote recording, Zoom and Discord are both free. If you want to skip recording entirely, ZenMic generates podcast audio from text on any device.

How do I record a podcast on Zoom?

To record a podcast on Zoom: (1) Start or join a Zoom meeting. (2) Click the 'Record' button at the bottom of the screen and select 'Record on this computer'. (3) Conduct your podcast interview or co-host conversation. (4) Click 'Stop Recording' when done — Zoom saves the audio as an MP4 and M4A file. For best quality, use wired headsets and ask guests to record their own audio locally as a backup track.

Can I make a podcast without recording my voice?

Yes. ZenMic lets you create podcast episodes without recording anything. You type or paste your script, notes, or topic — ZenMic's AI converts it to natural-sounding audio using a voice of your choice. This means you can produce a full podcast episode without a microphone, soundproofing, or any recording setup.

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Complete Guide

How to Record a Podcast — Every Setup Covered

Whether you're recording on an iPhone, Mac, through Zoom, GarageBand, or Discord — or want to skip recording entirely — this guide covers every setup from beginner to advanced.

Updated July 2026 12 min read Beginner–Intermediate

How to Record a Podcast on iPhone

You can record a podcast on iPhone using built-in or free apps — no external equipment required to start.

Option 1: Voice Memos (built-in, free)

Open the Voice Memos app on your iPhone
Tap the large red circle button to start recording
Speak clearly, close to your iPhone's microphone (bottom of the phone)
Tap the red square to stop, then tap Done
Share via AirDrop, email, or cloud storage — then import to an editing app

Best for: quick solo episodes, voice notes, rough recordings

Option 2: GarageBand (free, Apple)

Download GarageBand from the App Store (free)
Open GarageBand → tap + to create a new project
Select Audio Recorder
Connect an external microphone via the Lightning/USB-C port for better quality
Tap the red record button, record your episode, then export as AAC or share to Files

Best for: better quality solo recordings, basic multi-track editing on iPhone

💡 Pro tip: Record in a small room with soft furnishings (bed, sofa, curtains) to reduce echo. Hold the phone 6–8 inches from your mouth and speak toward the bottom microphone.

How to Record a Podcast on Mac / GarageBand

Mac is one of the best environments for podcast recording — GarageBand is free, powerful, and already installed on most Macs.

Recording with GarageBand (Mac)

Open GarageBand from Applications (pre-installed on Mac)
Create a new project → select Empty Project
Click + to add a track → choose Audio → select your microphone as input
Set input monitoring ON to hear yourself, then press Record (R)
Record your episode. Use Command+Z to undo takes
Export: File → Share → Export Song to Disk → MP3 or AAC

Alternative: Audacity (free, advanced)

Audacity is a free, open-source audio editor for Mac and Windows. It offers more advanced noise reduction and editing than GarageBand. Download from audacityteam.org, select your microphone as input, and press Record.

How to Record a Podcast on Zoom

Zoom is the easiest way to record a podcast interview or co-hosted conversation remotely.

Start a Zoom meeting with your co-host or guest
Click Record → Record on this computer
Conduct your podcast session — both voices are captured
Click Stop Recording when done → Zoom converts and saves the files
You'll get an MP4 (video) and M4A (audio only) file

Quality tip: Enable Record separate audio files for each participant in Zoom Settings → Recording. This gives each speaker their own audio track for cleaner editing.

How to Record a Podcast on Discord

Discord is popular for recording gaming and niche podcasts — and the Craig bot makes it free.

Invite the Craig bot to your Discord server (craig.chat)
Join a voice channel with your co-hosts or guests
Type /join in a text channel to start Craig recording
Record your episode in the voice channel
Type /stop when finished — Craig sends you a download link for separate audio tracks per speaker

How to Record a Podcast Remotely with Two Hosts

Remote recording with multiple hosts requires the right tool. Here are the main options:

Free options

Zoom — widely used, easy setup, separate tracks in settings
Discord + Craig bot — free, separate tracks per speaker
Google Meet — basic, record via third-party tools

Professional options

Riverside.fm — studio-quality local recording per speaker
Squadcast — lossless audio recording per participant
Zencastr — browser-based, local recordings

Best practice: Each host should record their own audio locally (using Voice Memos or Audacity) as a backup. This "double-ender" technique protects against poor internet connections and gives you clean individual tracks for editing.

How to Record a Video Podcast

Video podcasting (also called "vodcasting") is increasingly popular — YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts all support video episodes.

Use a webcam or camera (phone cameras work well in good lighting)
Use a dedicated microphone — don't rely on webcam mic audio
Record video with OBS Studio (free) or Riverside.fm (paid, separate tracks)
Set up good lighting — ring light or natural window light behind the camera
Edit in DaVinci Resolve (free) or iMovie (Mac) — sync your separate audio track to the video
Export as MP4 and upload to YouTube or your podcast hosting platform

🤖

Skip Recording Entirely — Make a Podcast with AI

Don't have a microphone? Hate the sound of your own voice? Don't have time to record and edit? You don't have to. ZenMic generates fully produced podcast episodes from your written content — no recording required.