How to Record a Podcast Remotely

In fact, most of the time, your guest, co-host, or interviewee will live thousands of miles away! So, it’s imperative that you acquire the skills to excellently navigate remote recording apps, confidently direct your guest through the setup process, and, with the help of a strong internet connection, record high-quality audio.

Whether you’re interested in producing an audio or video podcast, you’ll need to know how to obtain a separate audio file for each person on the recording, ensure each attendee is using the remote podcast recording software correctly, and that everyone has a USB mic or similar equipment properly selected to produce the best sound quality.

That’s a LOT, right? Well, in this article, you’ll learn how to record a podcast remotely and check all of those boxes before you hit record without even being in the same room!

How To Record A Podcast Remotely: Best Practices

Once you figure out why you should record a podcast and decide to take the leap, you join many other passionate professionals and entrepreneurs who have also struggled through the challenges of how to record a podcast remotely. So DO NOT feel alone if you are struggling to pick between USB mics, select the best remote podcast recording software, or if you feel overwhelmed in trying to figure out how to record solid audio and video at the same time. Everyone goes through it! 

Here are some tips for conducting remote recordings and instructions on how to prep your guests prior to the scheduled recording time.

Require Everyone To Use Headphones And A Microphone

When conducting remote podcast interviews, you and your guest(s) must wear headphones while recording. Without the use of headphones or earbuds, you and your guests are likely hearing each other’s responses out loud via your computer’s speakers, which gets picked up by the recording software and is called track bleed (not cool and a nightmare for post-production audio editors).

When both parties speak into the open air, depending on the built-in laptop mic to pick up their voice, it comes across scratchy and with poor quality as if you were recording phone calls. Ugh!

Instead, when everyone listens to the other party via headphones or earbuds and speaks directly into a USB mic, chances of track bleed, reverb (echo), and cross-talk are nearly eliminated! On top of that, the simple act of using a mic/buds combination significantly reduces the amount of background and room noise that gets picked up by the remote podcast recording software.

Any pair of headphones with a microphone (the original Apple earbuds are great), when used properly, helps to isolate voices, eliminate overlapping sounds, and minimize background noises. In this way, your interview will sound clear and consistent all the way through. This will give you great audio quality throughout the entire podcast.

Choose Your Environment Carefully

You, as the host of your own show, are fully responsible for ensuring your recording environment is free of all background noise possible. I had one of my newbie podcasters tell me recently – “Oh, there won’t be any other noise on my recordings!” and I had to bite my tongue.

Room noise is ALWAYS a thing – the air conditioner/heater, fans, dogs barking outside, cars driving by, clicking and tapping of the keyboard as your honey works in the other room, kids at the playground down the street… I could go on, but I’m hoping you’ve got the point.

You’ve heard about podcasters recording episodes in their closets for a reason – large rooms with hard surfaces and (God forbid) vaulted ceilings bounce sound like crazy and if you aren’t keenly aware of your recording environment, your show may wind up sounding like your show was recorded in the bathroom. Even just the hard desk surface on which your mic sits can produce reverb – seriously!

So, think carefully about when and where you’ll record. Plan your recording time for days when the lawn crew is NOT in the neighborhood, at an hour when you’re home alone, in a space with as many soft or fabric surfaces as possible, and during a segment when the a/c is not running.

As an example, I’ve learned that the tornado sirens in my area undergo a scheduled (very loud) test every Wednesday at 12 noon. So, obviously, NO recordings in this house are ever scheduled to overlap 12pm!

All the same concerns about the environment, background noise, and exterior sounds need to be addressed with your guests prior to the time you plan to jump online together to record. It’s a great idea to provide your guest a checklist ahead of time so they can show up already having addressed your concerns about the recording environment and the two of you can hit record with confidence.

Every Movement Creates a Small Sound

Encourage your guest to sit still for the duration of the recording time. Even if you aren’t recording video, and your show is primarily an audio podcast, you and your guest need to remain in one spot and fight the urge to fidget as you record podcasts remotely.

Any movement, whether it be a hair flip, clothing adjustment, jangle of an earring, or seating move, will most definitely create noise. Microphones are made to pick up the most intricate details of your voice, so it only makes perfect sense that they will also pick up the sound of every movement in the room.

While your audio editor or podcast manager (need one? I’m here for ya!) has excellent tools to reduce room noise and can often edit out most instances of excessive noise during the post-production process, sometimes it’s impossible to repair the audio completely. Do yourself a favor, as you record a podcast, remain as still as possible and advise your co-host and/or guests to as well. 

Use An Excellent Internet Connection

When you record a podcast remotely, you’re completely dependent upon the audio and video conferencing software plus the strong internet connection on which it relies. Each person in the recording session must have a consistent, strong connection in order for the audio and video to come out clearly.

Whenever possible, plug in your computer directly to the internet connection (the old-school way) and request your guest or co-host do the same. If you can only connect using WiFi, move to a location where the internet connection appears to be the strongest.

To record video podcasts or audio podcasts, test for a strong internet connection in advance and check your video conferencing software for any potential drop in video or sound quality.

Use A Computer To Connect (Not Phone Call Recordings)

Sometimes it suits the show’s style to record phone calls or messages and play those segments on air. If that’s a stylistic design decision, that’s one thing, but if not, you and your guests need to connect using a real computer.

It’s hard enough to get over the internet recordings to a sound quality that’s acceptable for listeners without dealing with the extra pingy and twangy artifacts that come with the audio from a recorded phone call.

In addition, using a computer to connect and record a podcast remotely allows you the opportunity to record a separate audio file for each attendee, making it much easier (for your or your podcast editor) to produce (almost) studio-quality audio with a few tweaks from your favorite editing software.

Which Software Provides The Best Audio Quality For Remote Recordings? 

I know you’ve got a budget to stick to and a nearly-overwhelming list of options to choose from. Let me simplify the remote recording software options out there for you. But first…

If We’re Focused on Audio, Should the Video be Turned Off?

Many people feel the need to see the other person when recording podcasts remotely. This request is common as many people believe that having the video on makes it easier to see the other person’s facial expressions and when they start or stop talking. However, if you prep your guests ahead of time to rely on the audio alone, you and your guest will be able to pick up on those cues instinctually. 

As the podcast host, you have the power and control to decide whether a video call is warranted. You also get to insist on the remote recording software with which you’re most familiar and direct your guest on how to use it.

Some remote podcast hosts have decided to duplicate their content into a video podcast for YouTube and harness the power of yet another search engine. This new trend may sound beneficial to your business, so having those video tracks could help you in the long run. 

And now for the remote recording software options:

Zoom

While it’s not everyone’s favorite (most audio & video editors give it a thumbs down), Zoom is the most commonly used remote recording platform as of late. The Zoom platform gained massive popularity in 2020 because it’s easy to use, you can get audio and video recordings, and some simple adjustments can have you recording locally on separate tracks in a jiffy!

My main tip to make your Zoom remote interview go smoothly: 

Change your settings to record each attendee on separate audio tracks. When each person’s audio is recorded locally, that person’s room noise, movements, and voice are all on their own track while all yours is on your own track.

Click this link: How to record multiple audio files and scroll all the way to the bottom. Follow the instructions under the last heading, “How to record multiple audio files.”

When you have each person’s audio and video recorded locally, your audio editor can reduce each individual’s custom room tone, shift the tracks to prevent the guest and host from talking over each other, and edit your show into the highest quality production possible. 

Riverside FM

Riverside FM is a newer remote recording platform that’s quickly become a favorite in the podcast industry. Audio and video editors agree that Riverside provides much higher quality recordings and is a top solution for hosts wanting to record video podcasts remotely.

Inside the browser, Riverside records your video call locally, providing up to 4K video resolution with freeze-free, chop-free video recordings, even when the internet connection is poor. On top of that, audio files come as separate, uncompresed .wav files per participant, which is the #1 thing your audio editor needs to create a high-quality podcast!

Riverside offers audio and video recording, with a full 60-minute recording as a free trial and you can record 5 hours per month for only $15 -Perfect if you want to record audio for podcasts and plan to use the video recording for YouTube or social media audiograms.

Zencastr 

Using Zencastr, you can record with up to 4 guests (5 participants total) in “studio-quality” according to their website. So, if you have a multi-host or roundtable-style show in mind, Zencastr might be for you!

They offer unlimited mp3 audio recordings for free, but you have to upgrade to their $20/month package to get unlimited 1080p video + audio (.wav format) recordings. As mentioned earlier, the .wav files are most highly preferred by podcast editors and managers as they include the highest quality, uncompressed features of each participant’s voice.

Zencastr also runs right through your browser, so if you struggle with tech and would rather avoid installing software,  this may be the solution you are looking for.

Squadcast

Another excellent option for in-browser video recording software is Squadcast. They offer a 7-day free trial with an option to upgrade to either an audio-only package ($20/mo for 5hrs) or an audio+video package ($40/mo for 5hrs).

Recording audio with Squadcast guarantees you locally recorded .wav files with each attendee on a separate track – an editor’s dream! Meanwhile, recording audio plus video provides you .wav audio files and 1080p HD video files.

Your recording session is auto-saved periodically so that, even in the event of an internet crash or call drop, a cloud backup is available. The video recording membership option allows you to share and record your screen, in addition to face-to-camera video.

How To Pick The Best Remote Recording Software

The biggest piece of advice I can give you is to pick a remote recording platform that works best for your podcast style and format and stick with it. Coordinate with your podcast manager or editor to identify which providers will work best for you and cross the others off your list. At first, you may have to experiment – use the free trials offered for that!

Seek out and test the recording software that provides options to record video locally if you’re interested in using video, or that provides both audio files (one for you and your guest) if all you need is to record audio. Your target audience will appreciate your effort here, even if they never say so.

What To Avoid When You Record A Podcast Remotely? 

Skype

All audio recording platforms are not created equal. Although it is great for seeing and saying hi to grandma or grandpa in Florida, Skype was not designed to record calls at podcast-level quality is not the right choice for remote recording.

It’s great for connecting with others halfway around the world and you may record phone calls for your own use, but keep in mind the audio quality will be on the lower-quality side. Skype hasn’t kept up with consumer use trends and hasn’t updated its platform to allow you to record calls as separate audio tracks, which, as a reminder, your editor will likely require.

Windows And Potentially Noisy Events

Did you ever notice how the garbage truck always rolls by at 10 am on Thursday or that your neighbor’s lawn service tends to show up weekly around 1pm on Tuesdays? Well, when you or your guest records near a window, all of that noise will be included in your podcast audio.

 As discussed above, choose your recording environment carefully and consider all potential sources of distracting noise. In advance of the remote interview, advise your guest to avoid recording next to a window and at times when street noise generally occurs.

There will, of course, be the occasional hiccup or unexpected sound in your guest’s or your own audio. However, it’s worth doing everything you can to set up your show for success and that means reviewing best practices with your guests and/or co-hosts too!

Loud Jewelry, Watches, and Clothing

Sorry superstar, but bangle bracelets and jangly earrings are not allowed!

I know they’re pretty, and if wearing jewelry for your podcast appearance is important to you, I advise you to minimize the number of accessories or just find some that don’t make a ton of jingly noises when you move around.

The same rules apply to your interviewees. Remind them to not wear loud jewelry or watches that may cause loud noises during the recording. Most people move their hands or arms a little while talking – that’s just a natural way humans express themselves. However, everyone attending the call needs to be made aware of the potential audio damage that could be caused if their watch or bracelet bangs against the table.

If you never noticed that some of your clothes are noisier than others, you will when you start listening back to your recordings! While I love those 80’s Adidas windpants and will happily lounge in them all weekend, do not wear them to record your podcast episode.

Before hitting record, you and your interviewees should do a quick check to see if any movement of the head, hair, or hands causes the clothing or the chair to make any noise. Take a few minutes to fix the issue or change clothes and then continue the call. 

Not Pausing/Stopping

You’ve probably heard someone say, “don’t worry, keep going, the podcast editor can just edit that out.” The thing is, often there is just not enough audio editing skill in the world to help edit out some sounds or background noise. 

Although many believe a podcast editor can work magic, post-production audio editing is a tough job and it can take hours or days to edit an audio file with too much background noise. The best approach is to do everything in your power to get the best quality interview on the front-end.

Don’t be afraid to pause an interview if there is a sudden technical error or if the audio dropped or became muffled.  Backtrack a few minutes and restate your question so the interviewee can restart their answer.

From there, the editor can make the decision to piece together sections of the answer or to use the more clear portion of the Q&A session.

Low Standards and Minimal Guest Expectations 

You never want to just jump right into an interview with a guest without sending an expectations sheet or a podcast best practices sheet ahead of time. This sheet or checklist should provide your expectations and clearly outline what they can expect for the interview.

It’s YOUR show, remember?

Don’t be afraid to share your procedures and requirements that make recording go smoothly. Even if you feel a little bossy, your guest will ultimately benefit from the excellent audio that’s created and shared as a result of their interview. With that in mind, they should be happy to record with someone who’s willing to care so deeply about obtaining (close to) studio-quality recordings.

Review the tips above and make sure each guest understands your specific expectations prior to the remote interviews. Give them information on how to record audio locally on their computer.

You never know what might could happen, and even as the host, you may end up having technology trouble. But if your guest followed your instructions and recorded the audio locally, they can save the day! Having multiple versions of a remote recording or a backup recording is nothing but helpful and can make the entire process of remote podcasting a lot easier. 

Give them as much information as you think they will need -It is always better to be safe than to be sorry! 

How Do I Help Guests Figure Out Remote Recording Platforms? 

While it’s safe to say that you have a vested interest in learning and knowing all the nuances of your remote recording software, your guest may have NO IDEA what they’re getting into, especially if this is their first time on a podcast!

So, how can you efficiently share what you know with your guest without repeating yourself or forgetting a step every single time you’re about to record?

Create An Instructional Video

You just have to expect podcast guests and interviewees to be unfamiliar with the podcast recording process. It can be very time-consuming to send emails back and forth providing instructions and answering questions about how to set up the recording software. 

It is always easiest to have these questions answered in some type of video. This way you can give verbal directions and share your screen (showing them where to click and what to look for) at the same time. Loom is a great option for this because you can record your screen and an instructional voice-over at the same time. 

The main questions you want to address in your video are:

• How do I record remotely?
• How do I create separate tracks for audio? 
• How can I check my sound quality?

During the interview scheduling process, send them your remote recordings how-to video, along with your expectations, and your remote podcast will run smoothly! 

You Run The Show

You and your podcast manager or editor are in charge of producing the highest quality show possible from the audio and video files obtained during the remote recording process. So, remember you’re in charge. It’s okay to be sweet and assertive as you inform your guest(s) how you want things to run. 

Follow the best practices outlined here for recording a remote podcast and you’ll be recording high-quality audio (maybe video too!) in no time. Each software platform suggested herein has done an excellent job of creating instructional videos for new users. So watch a few of those and reach out to me with any questions!  

Remember, you can make it easier for all involved by selecting a single software platform and getting to know it very well, providing video instructions to your guests, sharing your remote podcast recording expectations ahead of time, and ensuring you do everything in your power to record high-quality audio upfront.

You’re the host which means you’re the boss!

In the end, your guests will thank you for your clear instructions, applaud your firm process, and share their excellent-sounding podcast with the world – all thanks to the time and energy you put into the proper recording of your podcast.

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