How to Start a Podcast: Tips for Teens

About 57% of young people want to be social media influencers and content creators. Podcasting has become a fun and easy way for kids and teens to share their voices. If you love gaming, music or social issues, podcasting can help you connect with others. This hands-on format lets you explore your interests and build important life skills.

Podcasts are also a fast-growing industry, offering a wide variety of careers, such as on-air personality, producer, writer, editor, audio engineer. At Boys & Girls Clubs, life and workforce readiness programs allow teens to explore potential careers, build skills and job shadow with leading companies to ignite interests in future careers.

Teens from Boys & Girls Clubs of Newark got to take a behind-the-scenes peek into the podcast industry thanks to national partner The Coca-Cola Company. They joined podcast producer Joel Stewart and podcast moderator Fatou Barry at The Pod, Coca-Cola’s podcast studio in New Jersey, to learn the ropes from the experts.

If you’re interested in getting into podcasting, read on for tips Boys & Girls Club teens learned from podcasting professionals.

10 Tips on Making a Podcast: What to Know About Teens & Podcasting

1. 

   Podcasting can be an awesome way to develop essential skills and technical skills at the same time.
   Teen podcasters soon realize that making a podcast is more than just producing good audio. It helps them build many important skills. By conducting interviews and sharing ideas clearly, teens can build confidence and communication skills. These transferable skills are valuable in many aspects of life, from presentations and job interviews to being a good conversationalist.

   They will also gain important technical skills. This includes using podcast editing software and improving audio quality, and brand and marketing skills like creating content for a target audience.

2. 

   Podcasting can be an entry point for careers and connections.
   Starting a podcast can be a gateway to exploring potential career paths. The skills you develop, such as audio editing, social media marketing, and public speaking, are transferable to various industries. For instance, experience in audio production can lead to opportunities in music production, sound design or video editing.

   Additionally, podcasting can introduce you to potential collaborators and mentors who can help you explore other career options. Your podcast also gives you a tangible addition to your portfolio when interviewing for jobs.

3. 

   With an idea and internet access, anyone can create a podcast.
   The internet has leveled the playing field, allowing people of all ages and backgrounds to reach a global audience. Today, there’s a podcast about almost everything, making it a valuable resource for learning and entertainment. With just a microphone and a laptop, you can start creating and sharing digital content.

4. 

   Before diving in, consider the logistics.
   Before posting your first episode, it’s important to consider the practical aspects. Are you interested in an audio or video podcast, or both? Do you have the necessary equipment, such as a good microphone or audio editing and production software? Do you have a dedicated space to work?

   If not, don’t worry! You can start small with your phone and gradually upgrade as you gain experience and resources. Don’t be afraid to ask a parent or mentor for guidance and support. Many Boys & Girls Clubs offer studio spaces for young people to build on these interests and skills.

5. 

   Develop your brand by first plugging into your passion.
   With podcasting at everyone’s fingertips, it’s important to consider what will make your podcast stand out. As you plan your podcast and develop your brand, start by identifying your passion. What are you truly interested in?

   Whether it’s fashion, music, cars or even true crime, your passion will shine through in your content and attract a dedicated audience. Focus on creating content that you love, and your enthusiasm will be contagious.

6. 

   Good podcasting is about good storytelling and a consistent format.
   Whether you’re diving into a series of topics, focusing on a niche interest or interviewing guests, the fundamental principles of storytelling apply. Every story needs a beginning, middle and end, a protagonist with a goal and obstacles they must overcome.

   To uncover deeper insights as you’re interviewing a guest or constructing an angle for an episode, remember to ask “why.” Don’t settle for surface-level answers. Dig beneath the surface to understand the motivations and emotions behind people’s actions. This can lead to more compelling and engaging content and is why interview formats continue to lead to popular podcasts across the industry.

   In addition to your podcast topic, you’ll want to identify a podcast format, from episode length to podcast artwork. Whatever you decide, build something consistent that listeners want to return to.

7. 

   Quality matters.
   Quality matters in making your podcast — it should be easy to listen to, without background noise. Even with a small audience, it’s important to strive for high production values. Clear audio, engaging content and ethical reporting are essential. Remember, your podcast listeners are trusting you to provide accurate information and thoughtful commentary.

8. 

   Building a loyal audience is crucial.
   An important part of podcasting is understanding how to promote your podcast, find your fans and build your community. Engage with your listeners on social media, respond to comments and messages and encourage them to share your content. By fostering a strong community, you can grow your audience organically and create a dedicated following.

9. 

   Podcasting as a profession requires patience.
   Building a successful podcast takes time and dedication. Being patient and persistent is important, especially while building your brand and learning the work.

   Set a goal for yourself. Work toward it by improving your skills. Build your audience and create high-quality content regularly. Remember, success often comes from small, consistent steps.

10. 

    It’s okay to not become a professional podcaster.
    Podcasting can be a rewarding hobby, even if you don’t pursue it as a full-time career. It’s a great way to practice public speaking, learn new skills and connect with others. Whether you’re building a large audience or simply sharing your thoughts with a few friends, podcasting can be a fulfilling experience. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process.

Boys & Girls Clubs are kids’ first network — the place where they meet mentors, hone their skills, ignite their interests and connect to opportunities. From that first spark of interest in a dream job to securing internships, first jobs and college scholarships, Boys & Girls Clubs set today’s youth up to build the great futures they envision.

With national partners like The Coca-Cola Company, Boys & Girls Clubs of America is jumpstarting a generation of future-ready youth.