Podcast editing is an essential part of your podcast production. It's a sad fact that if your podcast's sound quality is consistently poor, your audience won't stick around long, no matter how unique the content is.
But how much does a podcast editor cost?
That depends; podcast editing rates vary wildly. If you self-produce you can do it for free, but a hiring a freelancer or podcast production company can cost anywhere between $50 and $500 per episode.
So, will you figure out the editing software and go it alone? Or outsource the whole editing process to an expert?
Read on to decide which will work best for you and your podcast.
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Why care about podcast editing?
It's virtually impossible to record clean, error-free audio tracks. No matter how careful you are, there'll inevitably be background noises, the odd cough, throat clearing or a dog barking next door. And don't forget all the filler words like um and ah (not that they're all bad!) or that awkward pause while your guest worked out how to answer your question.
Podcast editing can clean all that up so you end up with quality episodes. That's important because listeners notice mistakes. And while your loyal, longtime listeners might forgive the odd rough episode (if you explain why it happened), a new audience won't be impressed.
Quality sound makes your podcast sound sleek and professional, easier on the ear, and more attractive to listeners.
What does a podcast editor do?
Podcast editing services include audio processing and audio editing.
Audio processing
Audio processing works with recording levels (volume), EQ (frequency/tone), noise reduction, etc. It involves mixing (combining and balancing soundtracks) and mastering (making all those final adjustments) to produce a smooth, professional, high-quality podcast.
Audio editing
Audio editing works with the structure of your episode to improve the flow by removing mistakes, adding sound effects or music, re-ordering sound clips and so on.
The cost of editing a podcast yourself
What are the most popular audio editing options for podcast production if you're going the do-it-yourself route?
How much do they cost? What software will you need? Is there a free version (and does it work?)
Here are some popular options.
Audacity
Audacity is free, open-source software, so using it to edit your podcast costs time but will save money. As a multi-track recorder and audio editor, Audacity is compatible with several operating systems, including Windows, macOS and GNU/Linux.
It can take time to learn how to use editing software like Audacity. Fortunately, there's plenty of help online. You'll find tutorials in the official Audacity Manual and YouTube how-to videos like this one from Pat Flynn.
Riverside
Riverside is an online recording and editing studio using text-based editing for both audio and video. It's available on your browser or as a mobile app.
Pricing plans for individual podcasters include Standard ($19/month or $180/year) and Pro ($29/month or $288/year.) It also offers a free two-hour taster so you can test the quality and see how the recording studio works.
Podcastle
Podcastle is another online recording and editing studio. It aims to simplify audio editing with an AI-powered editor, making it easy to move clips and remove background noise.
You can record and edit your first 3 hours using their 3-hour free plan. Paid plans include Storyteller ($14.99/month or $143.90/year) and Pro ($29.99/month or $287.90/year)
Descript
Descript is a third online recording and editing studio. It's another studio that uses an easy text-editing process (here's a demo video.) Among Descript's many features are "Filler Word Removal" (taking out ums and ahs) and "Overdub," where you type in what you wish you'd said, and Descript's AI voice clone changes the recording to match.
Discover Descript's current pricing plans here.
It's possible that with all these do-it-yourself studios, the output quality could be lower than a podcast edited by a professional. However, they're all excellent options on a tight budget.
The cost of hiring a freelance podcast editor
If you're not interested in do-it-yourself editing, hiring a freelance podcast editor might be a way to control the cost of your production services.
Upwork, Fiver, Free Up and Contra are four reputable job platforms where you can outsource podcast editing to freelancers.
Freelance editing rates vary widely, depending on the freelancer's experience and the service they offer. For example, some editors may balance the levels and remove background words but don't remove filler words or add intros. Another editor may charge more but include those services in the price tag.
Upwork and Fiver showcase their freelancers via projects or portfolios where the freelancer explains what they offer and how much they charge for working on a single podcast episode.
On Upwork, you can also search the freelance job board for podcast editors. Hiring via a project means paying an agreed price for one podcast episode. However, a freelance editor on the job board will charge an hourly rate, and you can hire them to edit multiple podcast episodes.
I found hourly charges ranging from $10 (for a simple edit) to $130+(including strategy and consultation calls.)
If you're shopping around for professional audio editing, you can hire different editors for single episodes via their projects. Then, reach out to the one who produced the best result to negotiate a longer-term contract.
The cost of a hiring a podcast editing company
Many podcast production agencies offer professional editing services. If you're creating high-quality content and have a budget to suit, then hiring a company for podcast editing and production might be the way to go.
You'll find a huge range of quality podcast editing services on offer. They include a launch package, monthly packages (often four episodes per month)with show notes, premium packages (sometimes called "white glove service" and more.
Here are just a few of the podcast editing companies available online. Some companies have standard podcast editing rates, while others consult on your needs and build a package for you before they quote the cost.
PodQuake
PodQuake offers a one-episode trial for free. After that, their basic podcast editing package starts at $300 per month for up to 4 episodes. Their services include audio editing, noise reduction, volume leveling, audio repair, mixing and mastering, reducing long pauses, removing filler words and more.
Resonate Recordings
At Resonate Recordings, editing services start at $69 per episode (Standard) and go all the way up to Custom ($750+ per episode). Their booking/quote calculator lets you mix and match services. For example, you could buy premium audio editing + basic video editing.
We Edit Podcasts
We Edit Podcasts offer monthly video and audio editing packages, transcription services, launch packages, marketing add-ons, voiceovers, and more.
Their website offers examples of their editing at various price points, so you can hear what "basic editing" sounds like as opposed to their "premium package" or the "custom editing process." These examples may help you decide which package works best for you.
Podcast Haven
Podcast Haven is a full-service podcast production company. It offers a comprehensive editing service, including background noise reduction, mixing, breath reduction and de-reverb to eliminate the "warble" that sometimes happens when you're not recording in a studio.
Rather than displaying costs on the website, Podcast Haven encourages you to contact their team and discuss your podcasting needs before they quote a price.
Cashflow Podcasting
Cashflow Podcasting focuses on podcast production and growth for businesses. They provide streamlined production services and a step-by-step plan for building a podcast that builds brand awareness and positions you as an expert in your industry.
Cashflow Podcasting could be a good option if you're recording a podcast connected with a company, but at $1199/month, their Podcast Partner Service isn't cheap.
Podcast Monster
Podcast Monster is a full-service digital audio production company aimed at storytelling for businesses and individuals. It offers complete podcast production services for those who just want to record their podcast and leave the technical side to someone else.
However, if you just want a basic editing service, Podcast Monster provides that too. This is another company that doesn't advertise their pricing, but they do offer a free 30-minute, no-pressure consultation call to help you decide on your options.
How to decide which route to take
There are many things to consider when deciding on the best podcast editing services.
How much time do you have?
Doing your own podcast editing might be a step too far if you're already stretched for time. But if you have some spare hours in the week and love solving technical puzzles and working with editing software, then do-it-yourself might work for you.
Is it a hobby or part of a longer term business plan?
If this is a passion project or a fun side gig with friends, you'll want to spend as little money as possible. In that case, it makes sense to master Audible or try one of the recording studios like Podcastle.
However, if you aim to raise awareness, become a thought leader, or drive leads to your business, you want to make the best possible podcast. That could mean paying a freelance podcast editor or hiring a professional editing and production company.
Explore your options by investigating the agencies on our list, or check out 11 Top Podcast Agencies: How to Choose for more information.
Is it a branded podcast?
Generally speaking, podcasts associated with brands need the best podcast editing and production possible. Consider working with a podcast producer and hiring a professional editor.
How much are you willing to spend?
Ultimately, it comes down to how much money you can budget for podcast editors and how much time you can spare to edit podcasts yourself.
Final thoughts
As we've seen, podcast editing rates vary widely, and there's an option for every budget. Each podcaster has to weigh up all the factors, so whatever route you choose will be unique to you and your circumstances.
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