Everything a new show needs, from your RSS feed to your mic levels. Work through the steps in order: accounts and listings first, because some platforms take days to approve, and gear checks last.
Last updated October 2026
The setup checklist
Working with a producer or agency? Do steps 1 to 4 yourself, in your own name, then invite them as a team member. You keep ownership of your show, and nobody shares passwords.
1
Choose a podcast host and create your show with its final title, description, square cover art (3000 × 3000 px), category, language and an owner email you control. That email appears in your RSS feed, and every platform uses it to verify you. Publish a trailer or first episode: most directories need at least one before they'll list you.
Choosing a podcast host2
Set up an Apple Account with two-factor authentication, a Spotify account, an Amazon account and a Google account with a YouTube channel. Create them in your own name and with your own email, never your producer's or agency's.
3
Submit or claim your show on Spotify for Creators, Apple Podcasts Connect, Amazon Music for Podcasters and YouTube. Each one checks ownership by emailing the address in your RSS feed. Spotify for Creators was called Spotify for Podcasters, and Anchor before that, so older tutorials use those names.
4
Invite your producer or agency as a team member instead of sharing passwords. In Apple Podcasts Connect, the Show Manager role (plus Analyst for reporting) is usually right for a producer. In YouTube Studio, Editor (Limited) works for most teams. Spotify for Creators sets access area by area (Analytics, Episodes, Interact, Monetize and Settings), from Reader to Manager.
How to add a team member5
Riverside records each person on their own track by default; set the sample rate to 48 kHz. Recording on Zoom instead? Turn on “Record a separate audio file of each participant” so your editor can balance every voice.
Guides coming soon: Riverside for hosts · Zoom separate audio tracks
Riverside guide for guests6
A USB mic plugs straight into your computer; an XLR mic needs an audio interface like the Focusrite Scarlett Solo. Dynamic mics such as the Shure MV7+, SM7B and Electro-Voice RE320 do not need 48V phantom power. Wear wired headphones, then do a 15-minute test call and record two minutes to check your levels.
Guides coming soon: Mic setup (USB, XLR and Focusrite) · Mic troubleshooting
7
Write down which platforms your show is claimed on, which email is in your RSS feed and who has which role. Never store passwords in it. When something needs fixing, you'll know exactly where to look.
Troubleshooting
Work through these in order. Nine times out of ten, it's a permission or the wrong input selected.
Mac: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone, and turn on Chrome, Zoom or Riverside. Windows 11: Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone, and allow apps and desktop apps. Restart the app afterwards.
Recording in Riverside? In Chrome, click the icon to the left of the address bar and set Microphone to Allow. Work or school computers sometimes block this.
Check the input in your computer's sound settings and in the recording app's own microphone menu. AirPods or a webcam often grab the input without telling you.
Barely moving meters means raise the gain on your interface. A red light or distortion means lower it. Turn off Zoom's automatic microphone volume when you use an audio interface.
A silent condenser mic usually means 48V is off; dynamic mics don't need it. Swap the XLR cable, plug USB straight into your computer instead of a hub, and use the cable that came with the mic.
Set your interface and recording app to 48 kHz. Avoid Bluetooth headset mics, which switch to low-quality call audio. Echo means someone is on speakers: everyone wears headphones.
Questions
What do I need to set up before I start a podcast?
To start a podcast, you need a podcast host with an RSS feed, listings on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and YouTube, a recording tool like Riverside or Zoom, and a microphone with wired headphones. Set up the host and listings first, since some platforms take days to approve a new show, then test your gear.
What is Spotify for Creators?
Spotify for Creators is Spotify's free dashboard for podcasters to publish shows, see analytics and manage their team. It was renamed from Spotify for Podcasters in November 2024, and before that it was called Anchor, so older tutorials may use those names.
How do I give my podcast producer access without sharing my password?
Invite your producer as a team member on each platform instead of sharing a password. In Apple Podcasts Connect, the Show Manager role (plus Analyst for reporting) suits most producers. In YouTube Studio, use Editor (Limited). Spotify for Creators lets you set access area by area, from Reader (view only) to Manager.
Does my podcast microphone need phantom power?
Only condenser microphones, and dynamic mics with a built-in or inline booster, need 48V phantom power. Standard dynamic podcast mics such as the Shure MV7+, Shure SM7B and Electro-Voice RE320 do not. If a condenser mic is silent, phantom power being off is the most common reason.
How do I record separate audio tracks for each person in Zoom?
Zoom can save a separate audio file for each participant when you turn on “Record a separate audio file of each participant” in your recording settings. For cloud recording, which needs a paid Pro plan or higher, it sits under Recording & Transcript with the audio-only file options. Separate tracks let your editor balance every voice.
Why does my microphone sound bad with Bluetooth headphones?
Using the microphone on AirPods or another Bluetooth headset switches it into a low-quality phone-call mode, which makes both your voice and your playback sound worse. For podcasting, use a wired microphone and wired headphones, or at least never use the Bluetooth headset's mic.
Need a hand?
Podcast Impact Studio sets up and launches shows for purpose-driven hosts. Book a free 30-minute intro call. No pressure, no pitch.