Quick Access:

• Beginners: Comprehensive, Detailed setup and publishing, Step-by-step, Starting, growing, and promoting your podcast (free)
• Short courses: From planning to production, Basics (with free trial)
• Specific situations: Boost your business, Educators, Crafters and makers, Audio and video (with free trial).

Are you interested in setting up a podcast, but don’t know where to start? Or want to grow your audience or make money from your existing podcast? There’s a course for you! If your time is limited, a short course may fit the bill. I’ve done the research, collated ratings and reviews from Class Central and course providers to handpick the best podcasting courses for this Best Courses Guide (BCG) to podcasting.

Click on the shortcuts for more details:

• Top Picks
• What is Podcasting?
• Courses Overview
• Why You Should Trust Us
• How We Made Our Picks and Tested Them

Here are my top picks. Click to skip to the course details:

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What is Podcasting?

According to Wikipedia, the term “Podcasting” was coined by a British journalist, Ben Hammersley in 2004. It refers to a program or series of audio episodes that are available to download or stream over the internet. Most podcasters have a particular theme or style for their channel. Some podcasts also have a website or video episodes. Useful skills for podcasting include public speaking and writing. Podcast episodes can range from brief snippets to hour-long (or more) educational or fictional journeys.

Specific resources such as software and microphones can quickly become outdated, but these courses also teach timeless techniques that will continue to be useful well into the future.

If you want support on your podcasting adventure, you can join the Reddit community.

Courses Overview

• 5.4K learners follow the Class Central Podcasting subject
• More than 173K learners have enrolled in the courses in this BCG
• 7 courses are paid, 3 are free or have a free trial
• 8 courses offer a certificate
• All courses are suitable for beginner podcasters and those looking to increase their audiences.

Best Comprehensive Podcast Course for Beginners (Udemy)

Professional Podcast Production, Editing & Blueprint is a comprehensive guide designed for individuals eager to create and publish their own podcast. You are taken through every step of the podcast production process, from setting up a recording studio with affordable equipment to mastering audio, creating a WordPress website, and finally, publishing your podcast; no experience required.

The instructor, Ian, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, having produced The Tim Ferriss Show and The School of Greatness with Lewis Howes. His engaging teaching style and comprehensive content make this course stand out. By the end of this course, you will not only have learned the technical skills needed for podcast production but also have published your podcast, ready to share with the world.

What you’ll learn:

• Setting up a professional quality podcasting studio on a budget
• Recording solo and interview-style podcasts using Audacity, Skype, and Piezo
• Mastering audio engineering with Audacity and Levelator for professional sounding recordings
• Mixing recordings, sound effects, and music with GarageBand to unleash your creativity
• Tagging your podcast .mp3 files for a polished end product using ID3 Editor
• Building and owning your podcast distribution system with WordPress and the Blubrry podcasting plugin
• Publishing your podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, and TuneIn.

“Great class! Very informative and step-by-step approach! If you want to learn everything about podcasting, definitely, this is “the” course to take!” – Michael Z., Udemy learner.

Best Course for Detailed Audio Setup, Quality, and Publishing (Kadenze)

Transform your podcast idea into reality with Dr. Jason Allen, an award-winning instructor and university music production professor. Podcasting covers a wide range of essential topics whether or not you have started podcasting. You’ll learn about various recording scenarios and how to achieve the best audio quality regardless of the setup. Dr. Allen, known for his straightforward and engaging teaching style, will focus on practical skills and real-world applications to equip you with all the tools needed to produce and publish high-quality podcasts.

What learners will learn:

• Techniques for recording high-quality audio in various scenarios, including remote collaborations
• Choosing the right microphones and optimizing microphone placement
• Creating an ideal recording environment and reducing background noise
• Strategies for publishing and distributing podcasts on major platforms
• Tips for gaining maximum exposure and securing sponsorships for your podcast.

“I cannot express how great the instructor was and the overall content of the material. I would definitely recommend this to my co-workers as well as friends.”- Anonymous, Class Central learner.

Best Step-by-Step Podcasting Course (Udemy)

Your all-in-one solution to the world of podcasting, The Podcast Masterclass: The Complete Guide to Podcasting will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to launch a successful podcast. Instructors Phil Ebiner and Ravinder Deol, renowned for their high-rated courses on Udemy, leverage their extensive experience to guide you through each step of the podcasting process. Eliminate the confusion of piecing together information from various sources with this streamlined, effective approach. Are you on a tight budget or unsure about technical aspects? With feedback from the instructors and a student podcast directory, this course ensures you have everything you need to succeed in the podcasting world.

What you’ll learn:

• Start, grow, and monetize a podcast to enhance your brand
• Essential equipment and techniques for recording high-quality audio
• Editing podcasts using both free and professional applications
• Strategies for launching and promoting your podcast on major platforms: iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play
• Effective methods to grow your podcast audience and monetize through various channels with digital marketing techniques.

“This is a well-done course, that offers just the right amount of information to launch a new podcast without being overwhelming.” – Tobin B., Udemy learner.

Best Free Course to Establish and Promote Your Podcast (John Lee Dumas)

Podcast Course is a free course led by John Lee Dumas of Entrepreneurs on Fire, an award-winning podcast that boasts over 2000 episodes and a million listens a month. John Lee Dumas shares his insights and mistakes to help you avoid common pitfalls and succeed. It’s perfect for beginners with no prior experience. By the end of this course, you’ll have a clear understanding of the podcasting process and be ready to start your podcasting journey.

This course will teach you:

• A comprehensive understanding of podcasting basics, including its definition and importance
• Insights into identifying a podcast topic, creating a podcast avatar, and choosing a compelling name
• Knowledge on creating appealing podcast artwork and the top reasons podcasts fail
• Essential equipment
• Strategies for launching a successful podcast, including a perfect launch plan and common mistakes to avoid
• Tips on growing and monetizing a podcast audience effectively.

“The podcast was very informative and entertaining. I want more it left me at the edge of my seat. I’m excited to start my own.” – Kasey Kirksey, Class Central learner.

Best Short Podcasting Course for Beginners (Udemy)

Short on time, but want a great overview of setting up a podcast? How To Start A Podcast is a concise guide that provides a step-by-step approach. You’ll learn the ins and outs of podcasting, from the initial planning stages to recording your first episode and getting your show live on iTunes, Stitcher, and iHeartRadio. The course covers the benefits of podcasting, creating a show plan, basic equipment required, and episode planning. Whether you’re looking to build your personal brand, promote a business, or simply share your ideas, this course enables you to start your podcasting journey confidently.

What you’ll gain from this course:

• Knowledge on how to record and launch your first podcast episode
• Skills to create engaging profile artwork and ensure your podcast is accessible on major platforms
• Strategies for automatically posting episodes to social media platforms
• Insights into growing an audience, securing interview guests, and monetizing your podcast.

“Adam is a wonderful Coach. I would highly recommend for beginners to subscribe to his course! He covers all the basics and fundamentals to kick start your podcast journey…” – Suresh A., Udemy learner.

Best Course for Leveraging Podcasts to Boost Your Business (Udemy)

Get Publicity for Your Business as a Podcast Guest Expert is a comprehensive guide designed for coaches, authors, public speakers, thought leaders, consultants, and any business leader aiming to harness the power of podcasts for brand growth. Aaron Keith Hawkins, an experienced podcast host and professional guest expert, shares his insights on how to effectively market your brand through podcast interviews. Helpful for individuals at any level of media appearance experience, this course equips you with the knowledge to find relevant podcasts, secure guest spots, prepare compelling stories, and monetize your appearances. It provides a step-by-step process to become a sought-after podcast guest expert, leveraging this free publicity avenue to create more impact and income for your business.

In this course, you’ll learn:

• Strategies to identify and get booked on podcasts that align with your expertise
• Techniques for crafting compelling stories that resonate with hosts and audiences
• Insights on standing out as a guest and securing regular bookings
• Guidance on the necessary technology and preparation for a professional appearance
• Methods to monetize and maximize growth from each podcast interview and after interviews.

“Podcasts and guests are all new to me in terms of how to create them. However Aaron has explained it so well that the information is a detailed, easy to follow guide to becoming a guest podcaster. Terrific class.” – Lorelei K., Udemy learner.

Best Podcast Course for Educators (Udemy)

Are you an educator looking to integrate podcasting into your teaching methods? Podcast in The Classroom – Kindergarten to High School will walk you through the essentials of using podcasts to enhance communication with students, substitute teachers, and parents. This course requires no prior podcasting experience and is suitable for teachers at any level. It focuses on practical aspects and potential challenges, ensuring educators are well-prepared to incorporate this digital medium into their curriculum effectively.

You’ll learn:

• Strategies for using podcasts to improve communication with students, parents, and staff
• Techniques for creating an engaging oral history for classroom use
• Solutions to overcome common challenges including copyright, privacy, and administrative resistance
• Practical tips for integrating podcasting into various educational settings and subjects.

“Informative course! Many ideas on how to use podcasting in schools!” – Perry T., Udemy learner.

Best Course for Crafters and Makers Launching a Podcast (CreativeLive)

If you’re a crafter or maker with a passion for podcasts and a desire to launch your own, Podcasting for Crafters and Makers is for you. It’s designed to take you from podcast enthusiast to podcast producer in just one week. Find content that resonates with your audience and choose the best format, such as interviews, hosting solo shows, or facilitating roundtable discussions. Crafters and makers looking to expand their reach and connect with their community will find this course offers a comprehensive guide to making a podcast that aligns with your goals and showcases your unique perspective.

What you’ll gain from this course:

• Understanding the importance of podcasting for business and how it builds trust
• Strategies for generating a wealth of episode ideas and choosing the right podcast format
• Practical steps for launching a podcast within a week, including studio setup and content development
• Best practices for naming your podcast, crafting engaging introductions, and confidently concluding each episode
• Insights on how to get your podcast on iTunes and convert listeners into customers
• Tips on managing your time effectively to produce consistent content.

“I design embroidery patterns and I love podcasts but I wasn’t sure what I would talk about in my own podcast without being able to show pictures. After watching this course I already have 20+ ideas for podcast topics, plus I now know how to get a podcast up and running, step-by-step, AND how it fits with my business goals…” – Tess, CreativeLive learner.

Best Course for Audio and Video Podcasts (LinkedIn Learning)

In Producing Professional Audio and Video Podcasts, you’ll learn the basics of podcasting, including key terms and the role of RSS feeds, and more advanced topics. The course also covers preproduction strategies, determining a production approach that suits your podcast, and techniques for recording and editing both audio and video podcasts. The syllabus is designed to equip you with the skills to produce high-quality podcasts on any budget, making it ideal for aspiring podcasters looking to make their mark in the industry.

What you’ll learn:

• The fundamentals of podcasting, including its benefits and key terms
• Strategies for planning your podcast, including budget maximization and competition analysis
• How to choose between audio, video, and screencasting for your podcast
• Setting up a recording studio with the right equipment for high-quality production
• Techniques for recording interviews, screencasts, and panel discussions using various software
• Editing podcasts using Adobe Audition and Premiere Pro to achieve professional results
• Best practices for compressing, hosting, and delivering your podcast to your audience.

“Very professional and knowledgeable instructor.” – F.V., LinkedIn Learning learner.

Best Short Podcasting Course with Free Trial (Pluralsight)

Getting Started in Podcasting is a concise introduction to the world of podcasting, designed for anyone looking to start their own show. You’ll dive into the essentials of setting up, producing, and marketing your podcast. If you’re a complete novice or have a bit of audio experience, this course is for you. It’s structured to provide a step-by-step guide, ensuring you grasp the fundamentals of podcast creation and promotion. By the end of the course, you’ll have a solid foundation in the tools and techniques needed to launch your podcast successfully.

What learners will gain:

• Understanding the basics of podcasting, including setup and production
• Insights into effective marketing strategies for your podcast
• Knowledge of the tools and techniques essential for creating a successful podcast.

Why You Should Trust Us

Class Central, a Tripadvisor for online education, has helped 60 million learners find their next course. We’ve been combing through online education for more than a decade to aggregate a catalog of 200,000 online courses and 200,000+ reviews written by our users. And we’re online learners ourselves: combined, the Class Central team has completed over 400 online courses, including online degrees. I’ve personally completed over 200 online courses in a variety of topics including podcasting.

How We Made Our Picks and Tested Them

Trying to find “the best” can be daunting, even for those of us who live and breathe online courses. Here’s how I approached this task.

First, I combed through Class Central’s Catalog to find a variety of free and paid open courses, some with certificates.

When choosing courses, I considered the following factors:

• Renowned institutions and instructors: I looked for recognized institutions and instructors with extensive experience in podcasting, with engaging presentation styles
• Popularity: I checked numbers of enrollments and views to find popular courses
• Course content: I examined courses that covered a range of topics and approaches. I watched some course videos to sample courses I hadn’t already taken
• Learner reviews: I read learner reviews (when available) to get a sense of the quality of each course, leveraging the Class Central database with its thousands of course ratings and reviews written by our users as well as available course provider reviews.

Then, I defined the scope for these recommendations. A podcasting course can cover various aspects, so I chose top courses from a range of sub-fields.

Ultimately, I used a combination of data and my own judgment to make these picks. I’m confident these recommendations will be a reliable way to learn about podcasting.