If you are brand new: a podcast is just audio files plus a special list (an RSS feed) that tells Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other apps “here is the show, here is each episode.” You do not need a radio studio—you need a quiet room, a way to record, and a host that turns your uploads into that feed.
What you need before episode 1 (minimum)
- Show name and one-sentence pitch—who is it for?
- Cover art—square image (your host will tell you exact size; many guides use 3000×3000 px).
- One recorded episode—even a short trailer counts to open your feed.
- A podcast host—a service that stores files and gives you the RSS link to submit everywhere.
What podcast hosting actually does
A podcast host stores your audio, generates a standards-compliant RSS feed (a machine-readable list), and gives you a feed URL to paste into Apple Podcasts Connect, Spotify for Podcasters, and other directories. Listeners tap “subscribe” in an app; the app checks your feed and downloads new episodes when you publish.
Audio quality and file formats (keep it simple)
Most beginners export MP3. For speech-only shows, 128–192 kbps is common; mono is fine and saves space. What matters most at the start: consistent volume episode to episode and a room without loud echo. You can upgrade mics later.
Show and episode metadata
Your host lets you set a show title, description, cover art, category, and for each episode a title, description, and publish date. This text is what people read in apps—clear beats clever when someone is scrolling at 7 a.m.
Choosing where to host
Look for a stable RSS URL (so you do not break subscribers if you rename the show), enough storage for how often you publish, optional team logins if a friend edits for you, and stats that are easy to read. Cubecast is built around open RSS, fast delivery, and limits you can understand before you outgrow them.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- Recording episode 10 before you have a host and feed—you want one place directories trust from day one.
- Changing your feed URL without a plan—subscribers disappear.
- Waiting for “perfect” gear—listeners forgive a lot if the idea is good and the audio is intelligible.
Next: learn what an RSS feed is, then how to submit to Apple and Spotify.