The podcast industry is booming and everyone wants to start their podcast now before the competition begins to grow exponentially. But making a podcast is more than just a fresh idea and a nice voice.
There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes. So let’s check out the best podcast editing software and why you need it if you want to make a great podcast that lasts.
Why Pay for Podcast Editing Software?
Tons of podcasters start out with a very low budget, maybe even no budget at all. We totally appreciate the determination of these folks, and there’s definitely no shame in starting out with a free podcast editing software like Audacity or GarageBand. Some podcasts are just weekend passion projects that end up morphing into something more (or don’t).
But lots of us start out with more of an agenda — with grander plans. Few of us want to leave it up to chance. After all, many great ideas throughout history have failed because of poor execution. You don’t want your podcast to be another.
When you first start out, your biggest hurdle will be nailing down your process. You’ll have to learn what works best for you at each and every step. Planning, recording, editing, and marketing each episode — it’s quite the operation.
Many of you may already be feeling like you’re in over your head — perhaps struggling to maintain your podcast and stay consistent.
For those of you that need to hear this, remember… it’s ok!! You’re not alone because it happens to the best of us. But the key is to identify your pain points and address them. Remember, it’s doable!
If you want to start our strong or remedy your challenges, you’ll need to streamline your podcast production process and minimize obstacles. That’s where investing (just a little!) in the best software for podcast editing becomes essential.
In addition to excellent podcast audio editing, you’ll want to be sure that your editing tool has a few extra features that you may not even know you need yet.
But don’t worry! You’ll be amazed at what you can get by making only a very small dent in your wallet.
How to Choose Your Podcast Editing Software
We’re going to make it easy for you — starting with the basics.
Here’s what you’ll definitely want in a podcast editing tool.
- Multi-track audio editing: For obvious reasons! Most podcasts consist of more than one audio track because there is usually more than one person speaking (with a few exceptions).
- Basic EQ and Compression Tools: These will give your podcast a clean sound.
- Audio effects: Like adding music, volume adjust, fading voices, etc. Because they’re fun and they keep your audience entertained.
- Podcast transcription: This is often forgotten but it’s so important. The experts agree — transcribe podcast or bust!
- Convenient integrations: If your editing tool integrates (is compatible) with commonly used apps like Skype or Google Drive, this will make your life so much easier!
- Comprehensive export file formats: So you can easily send audio files
- Collaboration potential: This is another underrated criteria for podcast editing software, but it will save you tons of time.
So we know you’re wondering — who has all of these wonderful things? What’s the best podcast editing software out there?
The Best Podcast Editing Software in 2020
Trust us here, we’ve done our research! We found that the best podcast editing company is Descript, no contest. And it’s extremely affordable!
But it’s not just podcast editing software. It’s audio, video, and transcription all rolled into one!
Having all of this in the same place really makes a difference because a centralized workspace means less time lost juggling multiple tools.
This podcast editing tool will make organization junkies swoon and technophobes rejoice. And it will just be super helpful for everyone else.
Its list of features is intuitive but mind-blowing. Descript also uses some powerful integrations and AI to make your podcasting experience a breeze! You’ll never have to fight with finicky editing tools again.
Descript Features
So let’s see what descript can do!
- Record and edit audio directly into Descript — Just plug your mic into your computer and record. When you record with Descript you can edit it in real-time by deleting or ignoring text in the composition space. Or you can do it later in the sequencing view.
- Edit audio with text (copy, cut, and paste) — This is that “composition space.” It may sound fancy — because it is! But it’s as simple as editing within a Google Doc. Instead of guessing and dragging an arrow around a track bar aimlessly, you can edit by deleting the transcribed words. This is one of the many things that sets Descript apart from other podcast editing services.
- Record or import multi-track audio (separate track for each speaker) — This is critical for most podcasts because there’s often more than one host or frequent guests. Even if you do run a one-person show, chances are you’ll need it at some point. This feature goes above and beyond with convenient integrations with apps like Skype and Zoom that make remote recording super simple.
- Automatic transcription with AI — A huge plus that few podcast editing services include. Transcription is often forgotten but it’s essential for your marketing strategy.
- Export Transcription — This is also essential. Some free transcription services don’t provide this, but it’s necessary for those marketing goals. Think SEO, growth, engagement, and repurposing content.
- Remove filler words — Because the ums really aren’t necessary! Clean audio makes you sound professional.
- Ignore text/audio — This is a fantastic feature if you’re not positive about removing something. You can “ignore” it and leave it for review. Then you can “un-ignore” and add it right back to a track.
- Audiograms and Quotables — You can easily highlight and extract small portions of your podcast episode and make a visualization of the audio/text. Share a funny moment or a takeaway in bite-size format. These are great for sharing on any social media platform. Extract quotes in the same way.
- Comment for collaboration — In addition to editing live — you can also collaborate with others. Multiple users can record, access, and edit. This has a lot of practical perks.
- Overdub — This magical feature uses AI to generate a digital copy of your voice (with your permission and a brief recording of your real voice). This allows you to “re-record” a piece of audio directly into Descript. The AI company they partner with — Lyrebird, boasts that they create “the most realistic artificial voices in the world.
- Add music and basic sound effects — Add additional tracks and use audio effects to make your audio sound sharp or give it added flair. This will help keep your listeners engaged and wanting more.
- Utilize basic EQ and compression tools — Descript provides tons of advanced editing tools that will help you create a quality sound. Controls like volume automation, crossfade, loudness normalization, and a whole lot more.
- Extensive export file formats — Export into a DAW, as a WAV, or an MP3. You can easily send these files to Pro Tools / Logic and Audition if want.
- Low-cost automatic transcription — Quality transcription can be pricey. But with the Descript Creator plan, it comes out to only $0.02 per minute. It’s impressive transcription technology and it’s instant!
These are just some of the many impressive features that Descript has to offer. They offer three tired of affordable plans and a free trial with limited features.
We recommend the Descript Pro plan — which gives you all of the features mentioned above, and more!
Podcast Editing Software Should Be Efficient and Easy to Use
The path of least resistance is a fundamental concept in physics. But it can be applied pretty easily to many other things in our daily lives.
We’re more likely to follow through with something if it’s easy or convenient. And on the contrary, we’re more likely to give up on difficult things. Ok, without getting too meta — grit, perseverance, and determination are essential!
But do you really want to struggle through your podcast editing process? There are so many other things to worry about in life. Stressing about recording and editing your podcast shouldn’t be one of them.
So if you’re podcasting process is centralized in one place (like with Descript) you’re more likely to find the less glamorous parts of podcasting tolerable and even enjoyable. This will make you less likely to burn out and it will allow you to create a quality podcast week after week.
Call to action
With Descript you’ll find that audio editing is simple, intuitive, and even fun! So tell us which feature you’re eager to try out! Our favorites are text editing and audiograms. Or, if you already have a podcast editing tool that you love, tell us about that too!
