How to Start a Podcast with No Audience (2025 Guide + 5 Action Steps)

Think you need a big audience to launch a podcast? 

You don’t.

When I started teaching online, I didn’t have thousands of followers. I wasn’t even sure I wanted to be seen as the expert. But people kept asking for help. So I stopped waiting to feel “ready” and just started sharing what I knew.

That decision led to thousands of students, coaching clients, and opportunities I never would’ve seen coming.

And I say that because if you’re sitting there thinking, “Who’s going to listen to me?” or “I don’t have a big audience yet,” you’re not alone. Most successful podcasters started the same way: zero listeners, zero reach, but something valuable to share.

You don’t need to be famous. You just need a clear idea, a simple setup, and a plan to stay consistent.

That’s what this guide on how to start a podcast with no audience is for.

You’ll learn how to start your own podcast from scratch. No fancy tech, expensive gear, or audience required. I’ll also share smart, realistic ways to grow your podcasting listenership over time so you’re not just creating podcast content into the void.

Let’s get your podcast episodes out into the world so the right people can finally hear what you have to say.

How to Start a Podcast With No Audience

Starting a podcast when you’ve got zero followers, no email list, and no social media traction might sound like yelling at a brick wall. But it’s not. In fact, many of the biggest shows today started the exact same way.

You don’t need a crowd to create something worth listening to. What you do need is clarity, consistency, and a plan that prioritizes long-term growth over overnight hype.

Here’s how to build an audience from scratch.

How to Start a Podcast for Beginners

Starting a podcast is an exciting journey, and the best part? You don’t need a massive target audience to begin. The first step is to simplify the process and take it one step at a time. 

Here’s how you can get started on your new podcast:

• Choose your topic. Pick something that excites you and connects with your expertise. Make sure it’s something you can talk about with passion and keep relevant to your podcast listeners.
• Decide on your format. Will you do solo episodes, interviews, or a mix of both? Find a style that feels natural and will keep you motivated to record week after week.
• Invest in basic equipment. You don’t need top-tier gear to make your podcast. A quality microphone, headphones, and some good recording software for podcast interviews will give you everything you need to start producing clear sound.
• Select a hosting platform. There are a lot of platforms out there, both free and affordable, that will store, distribute, and promote your podcast. Pick one that fits your needs and budget especially when you’re starting with no audience.
• Plan your release schedule. Consistency is crucial. Decide on how often you want to release episodes (daily, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly) and stick to it.

Starting with these simple steps will set you on the right path. With focus and consistency, you’ll be able to grow your podcast show and attract an audience over time.

How to start a podcast script

Creating a podcast script is easier than it seems. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Write an intro: Introduce yourself and your podcast, and set expectations for the episode.
2. Plan the main section: Break down your topic into key points or segments to keep the flow organized.
3. End with an outro: Recap the main ideas and include a call-to-action for your listeners.
4. Use the Free Talks podcast script generator: Quickly outline your episodes with this easy-to-use tool, guiding you through the process step by step.

Can anyone start a podcast?

The simple answer? Yes! Anyone can start a podcast, regardless of their experience, audience size, or expertise in the world of podcasting. 

The key to starting a successful podcast even if you don’t have an audience yet is choosing a niche you’re passionate about, creating content that resonates with listeners, and remaining consistent.

Podcasts are a great way for coaches, authors, speakers, and entrepreneurs to share their insights and build a personal connection with their listener base. 

All you really need is a genuine interest in your topic and a willingness to learn and grow along the way, and that is more than enough when you want to start a podcast.

How to build a podcast audience

Building an audience for your podcast takes time, but it’s absolutely possible, even with a new show and no existing following. Here’s how you can grow your audience:

• Leverage your network: Reach out to friends, family, and colleagues to help spread the word about your podcast. The personal connections you already have are your first supporters.
• Guest appearances: Being a guest on other podcasts or inviting podcast guests onto your own show is a great way to expand your reach and get in front of new audiences.
• Social media: Share your episodes on social media platforms. Create engaging posts or snippets from your episodes to draw attention and direct traffic to your podcast.
• Consistency: Release episodes on a regular schedule so your listeners know when to expect new content. Consistency helps build a loyal audience over time.
• Engage with your audience: Encourage feedback, ask for reviews, and respond to your listeners on social media. Building a two-way conversation helps strengthen your relationship with your audience.

Remember, your audience will grow over time as long as you stay consistent and engage with your listeners. Focus on providing value, and the audience will follow.

How Can I Start a Podcast for Free?

You don’t need fancy gear or a big budget to launch a podcast. You just need a clear idea, a few free tools, and a quiet spot to record. Here’s how to get started from scratch, no money required.

Where to start a podcast for free

These platforms help you publish without paying a cent:

• Spreaker: Offers a free basic plan. Record, host, and distribute your episodes across major podcast directories like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartRadio, all from one dashboard. Great for beginners.
• Buzzsprout: Free plan gives you 2 hours of upload time per month, with episodes hosted for 90 days. Easy to use and offers solid podcast analytics.
• Podbean: Free tier includes 5 hours of storage and basic stats. Clean interface and distributes to all the major players.
• RedCircle: Unlimited hosting for free, with monetization options like listener donations and cross-promotions baked in.
• RSS.com: Free plan available for students and educators, but anyone can start with their affordable basic plan. Simple setup with automatic distribution.

Ensure your host makes your show available everywhere, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts, automatically to save you time and build your audience numbers.

How much do you need to start a podcast?

You can start a podcast with $0 or spend a few hundred, depending on your podcast equipment and setup. Here’s a step-by-step guide to starting your podcast:

• Free option: If you already have a smartphone or laptop, you can record a podcast using free apps (like Voice Record Pro or Audacity), edit your audio, and host your show using platforms like Acast’s free tier. Total cost: $0.
• Budget setup ($50-$100): Upgrade your audio with a USB microphone like the Fifine K669B or Audio-Technica ATR2100x. These mics plug directly into your laptop, work great for solo episodes or interviews, and instantly improve your sound.
• Mid-range setup ($150-$300): Add extras like noise-isolating headphones, a pop filter, and a basic boom arm. You’ll get a more professional workflow to produce a podcast with the right equipment.

Optional add-ons:

• Cover art: Free with Adobe Express, or hire a designer for $20-$100.
• Music: Use royalty-free tracks or grab a custom intro for $30-$60.
• Editing help: Fiverr or Upwork editors can cost $30-$100 per episode.

In short: You can start a podcast completely free, or invest a little to boost your quality. It’s totally up to you.

What things do you need to start a podcast?

You don’t need a full studio setup – just the basics to get your first episode out:

• Recording device: Use your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Most have built-in mics and recording apps so you can start without extra gear.
• Microphone: A phone or laptop mic will do for now. For better sound, upgrade later to a USB mic like the Samson Q2U or Shure MV7+.
• Recording app or software: On your phone, try Voice Memos or the Zoom mobile app. On desktop, use the free plan from tools like Zencastr or Auphonic.
• Headphones: Any basic pair works. They help you catch background noise and reduce echo during interviews.
• Hosting platform: Use a free podcast host like Spotify for Creators, Riverside, or RedCircle to upload and distribute your episodes.
• Cover art: You’ll need one square image (3000 x 3000 px) to get listed in directories. Snappa makes it easy to create one for free.

You don’t need editing tools, theme music, or a fancy intro right away. Start scrappy and refine as you go.

Starting a Podcast Guide

Starting any type of podcast isn’t just for celebrities or tech pros. This guide walks you through everything you need to launch your podcast show even if you have no audience, no budget, and no idea where to begin.

Can you start a podcast without a following?

Yes. Most people start with zero listeners.

The trick is picking a niche you actually care about. Then, focus on creating solid content and promoting each episode consistently. Start by sharing with friends, posting in niche Facebook groups or LinkedIn, or joining podcast guesting communities like facebook groups. 

Borrow other people’s audiences by getting featured as a guest on other podcasts, and invite their listeners to join your audience. (Use Talks.co for this.)

Tools like Headliner help you turn clips into social-ready posts to slowly grow your reach. 

Audience growth comes from consistency, not perfection.

Can you start a podcast for free?

​​Yes. Use tools like StreamYard to record interviews remotely without needing a paid Zoom account. It gives you high-quality local audio and cloud backups for free. Pair that with any of the free editing or hosting tools mentioned earlier, and you’re good to go.

How to start a podcast for free

You don’t need a studio, big budget, or fancy team to get started. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to help you launch a solid podcast using only free tools.

1. Pick your topic: Focus on something niche and specific. The more focused, the better. Think: “Mindset tips for busy mums” instead of just “self-help.” It helps you attract the right listeners and stand out.
2. Plan your episodes: Write down ten episode ideas before recording anything. Use a free tool like ClickUp or Notion to map out titles, talking points, and guest ideas. Keep it simple and consistent. Short solo episodes, interviews, or Q&As all work.
3. Record your audio: Start with your phone or a basic USB mic. Use the Podcastle free plan for clean audio recording. Cleanfeed also works great for remote interviews.
4. Edit your podcast: Clean up background noise, cut out filler words, and tighten up your content. Use Alitu or Ocenaudio (free and reliable) for quick edits with less of a learning curve.
5. Create your cover art: Your podcast needs a square image (3000×3000 pixels). Use Canva’s free templates to make it look professional without hiring a designer. Choose bold fonts and make sure it’s easy to read at thumbnail size.
6. Pick a free podcast host: Upload your episodes to a platform like Pinecast, RedCircle, or RSS.com’s free plan. These hosts distribute your podcast to Spotify, Apple, Google, and more automatically.
7. Write a killer description: Keep it short, clear, and keyword-friendly. Tell listeners what they’ll get, who it’s for, and what makes it different. This helps with searchability and getting found.
8. Submit your podcast to directories: Your host will handle most of this, but double-check your show is live on the big platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, etc. It usually takes a few days.
9. Promote every episode: Turn short audio clips into video using Recast Studio, then post on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and email. Consistent sharing is what grows your audience, not just launching.
10. Stay consistent: Set a schedule you can stick to. Weekly, fortnightly, whatever works. Batch your recordings if you can. The more consistent you are, the faster you’ll build trust and listeners.

6 Common Mistakes to Avoid If You’re Trying to Build a Podcast Audience

It’s easy to stall your podcast growth by making these avoidable mistakes early on:

1. Skipping podcast guesting: Not appearing on podcasts your audience already listens to? You’re missing easy exposure, built-in trust, and a shortcut to credibility.
2. Focusing too much on gear: A great mic won’t save an unprepared episode. Prioritize content and consistency over fancy tools.
3. Posting inconsistently: Dropping episodes randomly makes it hard for listeners to build a habit. Pick a schedule and stick with it.
4. Skipping promotion: If you’re not sharing your podcast, no one will magically find it. Promote every episode like you’re launching it for the first time.
5. Making it all about you: Even if it’s your show, it should be made for your audience. Speak to their needs, not just your own story.
6. Overthinking episode one: Just hit publish. You’ll improve with every episode, but you can’t fix what you never release.

Do You Need an Audience to Start a Podcast?

No. Most podcasters begin with little to no followers. The key is creating content worth sharing and using each episode to reach new listeners. Focus on being valuable, clear, and consistent, and your audience will find you over time.

Instead you should borrow other people’s audiences by appearing as a featured guest on their show.

5 Tips on Starting a Podcast With No Audience

Starting from scratch? Here’s how to build momentum without a built-in following:

1. Pick a specific niche: Broad shows get ignored. Target something narrow so the right listeners feel like it’s made just for them.
2. Leverage communities: Share episodes in Facebook groups, subreddits, or forums where your ideal audience already hangs out.
3. Use guest swaps: Interview guests who’ll share the episode with their audience and offer to appear on their shows, too.
4. Repurpose your content: Turn key quotes or audio clips into short videos for social. Tools like Flowjin or Rumble Studio make it easy.
5. Focus on your first 10 listeners: Don’t chase viral. Engage deeply with a few early fans. They’ll become your biggest advocates.

Let’s Put Some Fame to Your Name

Still asking how to start a podcast with no audience? Simple: don’t go it alone.

The smartest creators borrow audiences first, then build their own. That’s exactly what Talks was made for.

Create your free Creator profile on Talks, and I’ll help you:

• Get booked on shows that already have listeners.
• Find guests who bring their audience to your podcast.
• Build your visibility, authority, and trust – fast.

No audience? No problem.

Want 3-5 podcast guests or appearances booked for you?

I’ll help you fill your show or land interviews using the same system trusted by top coaches and creators.

Create My Free Talks Creator Profile