How to Launch a Podcast with Zero Budget: Free Tools That Actually Work

Think you need a big budget to launch a successful podcast? Think again. In this episode of Start, Grow & Monetise Your Podcast, James Burtt and Alex Chisnall reveal how you can start your show using nothing more than a smartphone and a few clever (and free) tools. They break down exactly what equipment and platforms you need, how to get broadcast-quality audio with zero spend, and which AI tools are best for editing and promotion. Whether you’re bootstrapping your first show or looking to reduce production costs, this episode gives you a step-by-step guide to launching without breaking the bank—proving that budget is no longer a barrier to building a professional, profitable podcast.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How to record, edit, and publish a podcast using just your phone

• The best free and low-cost tools for podcasting in 2025

• How to use Riverside, Auphonic, Opus Clip, Otter.ai, and Canva for podcast production

• Where to host your podcast for free with RSS distribution

• Why budget isn’t an excuse to delay your podcast launch
  

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Key Takeaways:

1. You can launch a podcast with zero budget using free mobile apps and built-in mics

2. Riverside.fm offers powerful video/audio recording + AI editing in one

3. Auphonic dramatically improves audio quality with AI-driven post-production

4. Opus Clip extracts video highlights with context-aware trimming

5. Spotify for Podcasters offers free RSS syndication across major platforms

6. DIY podcasting doesn’t mean low-quality—if you use the right tools wisely

Recommended Tools & Resources:

• Riverside.fm – 4K video and multi-track audio recording with magic clip editing

• Auphonic – Free AI audio enhancement for clean, pro-quality sound

• Opus Clip – Automatic video clipping with YouTube URL support

• Otter.ai – Free transcription for accessible and searchable episodes

• Canva – Free design tool for cover art and promotional graphics

• Spotify for Podcasters – Free RSS distribution to Apple, Amazon, and more

Join the Conversation:

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow podcaster looking to grow their revenue. For more resources and expert advice, explore our latest content and stay connected with us on social media for valuable podcasting insights.

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @podschool

• TikTok: @podschool.community

• YouTube: @stargrowmonetiseyourpodcast

• LinkedIn: James Burtt & Alex Chisnall

In this show, we discuss:

start a podcast for free, how to launch a podcast, podcasting on a budget, free podcast tools, podcasting tips 2025, how to record podcast with phone, podcast equipment under $100, how to publish a podcast free, riverside podcast tutorial, spotify podcast hosting, canva podcast artwork, opus clip tutorial, otter ai podcast, auphonic audio editor, your podcast course, launch podcast step by step, free podcast software, zero budget podcast setup