Podcast Editing 101: What Happens After You Hit Record?
You've finished recording your podcast episode—great! Now what? Before you hit publish, there’s a crucial step that makes all the difference in how your show sounds and connects with listeners: editing. Whether you’re doing it yourself or outsourcing, understanding what editing really involves will help you produce better content.
In this blog, we’re going to break down the editing process into two clear parts: technical editing (to improve sound quality) and editorial editing (to shape the story and flow of your episode). We’ll also cover tips for beginner podcasters and address common questions about editing software and workflow.
Part One: Technical Editing – Getting the Sound Right
This is all about improving how your podcast sounds to the listener. Even if you’ve recorded in a quiet space with a good mic, there are usually a few things that need cleaning up. Here’s what that typically includes:
1. Removing Interruptions
If your dog barked, someone knocked on the door, or a child burst into the room—those are usually cuts. While some podcasters keep a relaxed, behind-the-scenes feel, most listeners appreciate a smoother experience.
2. Using Separate Audio Tracks
If you’ve recorded with a co-host or a guest, make sure each person is recorded on a separate track. This gives you the ability to balance volume levels, reduce background noise, and remove mistakes without affecting the other speaker.
3. Applying EQ and Compression
Every voice is different, and every room has its own sound. EQ (equalization) allows you to clean up background buzz or enhance clarity. Compression helps keep volume levels consistent, so the listener isn’t turning their device up and down throughout your episode.
A good benchmark for podcast loudness is -16 LUFS (a standardized volume measure). This helps ensure your podcast plays at a similar volume to others, which is especially important if listeners are queuing up multiple shows.
Part Two: Editorial Editing – Shaping the Content
Beyond sound quality, editing is where you refine your message. This includes deciding what to keep, what to cut, and how to maintain a natural but engaging pace.
1. Cutting the Fluff
Every episode has moments that are less relevant or drag on too long. Maybe a tangent that didn’t go anywhere, or a repeat of a point already made. Trimming these helps keep your audience engaged.
2. Handling "Ums" and "Ahs"
There’s no need to cut every filler word. In fact, removing them all can make speech sound robotic. Instead, focus on cutting them only when they’re excessive or distracting. It’s about balance—not perfection.
3. Enhancing Flow and Structure
You might shift segments around, cut out long pauses, or tighten up answers in interviews. For example, if a guest shares three solid points in a long story, you can edit to highlight the strongest ones. This is especially useful when repurposing content for social media clips or blog quotes.
Bonus Tip: Editing for Social Media Clips
When editing the full episode, take note of standout moments that could work as social media clips. These could be tips, soundbites, quotes, or moments of humour or insight. Timestamp them as you go—it saves time later.
If you're creating short-form video or audio for Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn, you might choose a tighter edit. You’ll often want to cut filler words, pauses, and backstory to get straight to the punch.
What Software Should You Use?
There’s a wide range of editing software out there, from beginner-friendly to pro-level:
Descript: Great for beginners, as it allows you to edit by reading the transcript.
GarageBand: Free for Mac users, with all the basic tools you need.
Adobe Audition / Logic Pro: Professional tools with deeper audio control.
CapCut / Riverside / iMovie: Useful if you're focusing more on video podcasts.
Many tools now have features to automatically remove filler words, balance volume levels, or remove background noise. Just be careful not to overdo it—some AI-driven edits can sound unnatural.
Should You Do It Yourself?
If you’re just starting out, editing your own episodes can teach you a lot. You’ll develop an ear for what works, get to know your voice and your format better, and become a more confident creator.
But editing takes time. If you’re producing weekly episodes and running a business, outsourcing the editing might be a better use of your energy. Services like ours can handle everything from basic clean-up to social-ready clips and full publishing support.
Final Thoughts
Editing is where good podcasts become great podcasts. It’s your opportunity to elevate your message, sharpen your sound, and create an experience your audience actually enjoys. Whether you’re just learning or refining your workflow, the key is to keep your listener in mind with every choice you make.
Ready to take your podcast to the next level? Let’s make it sound like it.
Need help editing your podcast?
Creative Content Studio offer one-off edits, monthly packages, and bespoke production support. Drop us a message to find out more.