The Ultimate Guide to Create a Podcast App 2025

The growth of podcast popularity over the last few years has been explosive. According to current data, there are 504 million listeners worldwide, and the trend is to see these numbers increase over the coming five years.

Audiences are drawn to spoken-word content in everything from sports and finance to crime and real life. It’s not surprising that the major streaming platforms, such as Apple, YouTube, and Spotify, are extending their features for podcasting to provide users with a fuller experience.

To take advantage of the trend you’re in, there’s no need to create a music or podcast app from scratch. It is possible to add podcast features directly to your music streaming platform like those of these top players in the industry. Find out more about podcast app development and how you can enhance your platform by adding the top features.

Podcast App Market Statistics

  • The worldwide community of podcast listeners is estimated at 464.7 million.
  • According to a research study, Spotify is the top-rated platform for podcast listening, with 25 percent of the younger audience.
  • The study showed that 80% of people believe companies promoting smart speakers look innovative.
  • In a typical week, 80% of podcast listeners spend seven hours on their favorite podcasting application.
  • A little more than 73 percent of mobile phones account for hours of listening to podcasts.

What Are Podcasts?

Podcasts are the new go-to for those who are working out, running, working, or even studying. They’re everywhere. They are audio media in which the host makes a series of episodes that discuss and examine a variety of subjects. Certain podcasts focus on a single subject, but they approach it from various perspectives and with different viewpoints.

Many people believe podcasts are similar to radio programs; however, they are in some instances, but vastly different at other times. Television shows are typically broadcast in real-time on the air. Although podcasts aren’t identical, they are typically recorded and uploaded after recording. Another important distinction is that podcasts tend to be focused on a single topic, like pop culture-related podcasts. These kinds of podcasts focus on issues that have to do with pop culture. But TV shows are more engaging and will cover a new topic daily.

Alongside providing entertainment to listeners, podcasts also provide an opportunity for anyone to develop an event and talk about topics they are interested in with a large number of people. This is the primary reason why people use podcasts: they cover a broad range of subjects, and everyone is able to find excellent podcasts that cover specific and distinctive areas.

What are the Different Types of Podcast Apps?

There are various podcast applications available. We’ve listed the most listened-to categories below. If you’re looking to develop an app for podcasting, it is essential to know the different kinds of podcasts on the market.

Hybrid Podcasts

In a hybrid form, the identical host (or anchor) hosts each episode, but each has a different guest presenter. Podcast apps are used to record panel discussions and interviews. The process begins with a monologue spoken by the host, followed by various other materials, including panel discussions. This could be the best option if you’re seeking a reliable host throughout the entire series and looking for a hybrid podcast for app development.

Storytelling Podcasts

As their name implies, podcasts about storytelling weave stories around real-life and fictional happenings. If done correctly, the format works well with a large audience. Storytelling podcasts function in the same way as audiobooks. Creating compelling podcasts can be a challenge because of the fierce competition. Establishing the podcast application could result in amazing results if you’re trying to attract customers who love narratives.

Interviews and Panel Discussions

The podcast was designed for both interviews and panel discussions. It has fixed anchors and panel discussions that feature guests simultaneously. The podcast’s goal is to provide listeners with various perspectives. A podcast that develops mobile apps could be an ideal platform to discuss political debates. The podcast app development option is suitable for companies that mostly engage in panel discussions and interviews.

Content repurposed

Professionals could already have recordings of content that is valuable, including celebrities’ interviews, seminars, or biology classes. The repurposed content in podcasts could prove beneficial. This involves doing interviews with famous people or organizing workshops and giving lectures. Creating a podcast application based on recycled content could benefit companies and increase listeners’ comprehension of various topics.

Must-Have Features to Consider for Podcast Apps

Now that you are aware of the primary podcast applications available in the marketplace, there’s plenty of room for imagination.

You decide what features the mobile app for podcasts must consider. Maybe basic functionality is sufficient for your app, or you’d like to build an entire social media network, complete with live conversations, such as Clubhouse. We have written a thorough review of this platform.

Whatever application you pick for your podcast, you’ll need the fundamental features we’ll discuss now.

Login and Signup

Interaction with mobile applications typically begins with registration. To make the process as easy as possible, provide the possibility of logging in via the most popular social media platforms.

Podcast Search

Ensure your podcast application offers a user-friendly search option with numerous filters. This feature helps users navigate the platform easily.

Voice Editing Tools

Of course, recording capabilities alone will not suffice. Your app should delight podcasters by giving them the capability to edit their voices. It doesn’t need to be complicated since it’s mostly a podcast application, not a recording studio. The basic tools include copying, pasting, and removing audio tracks.

Behavior Tracking

This feature will be useful to you, who are the person who created the application for podcasts. Because of it, you’ll be able to collect and analyze data from users. What will be the result of this? More personalized and customized suggestions and more relevant ads in-app and an active user.

Loyalty Programs

We’ve already discussed how podcast applications can help you build trust with your customers. One way to accomplish this is to implement a loyalty program feature. It can be implemented as a promotion or even free access to premium content.

Profile Dashboard

The dashboard for user profiles is one of the main features of the podcast app. It’s where your users can access saved shows and listener statistics. Customers can also input their preferences and data here so that your app can provide more personalized suggestions.

Recorder and Editor

It’s a must-have feature for those who are directly involved in creating audio content. If you are targeting this type of group, it’s essential to include the capability to edit and record audio in your podcast application.

Media Player

Any application that lets users listen to audio can function without an audio player. If you turn on this feature, your users can easily navigate audio tracks.

Real-time Analytics

This feature lets you analyze your application’s performance indicators to make more informed decisions about its future enhancement. For instance, you could examine the data regarding the number of app downloads, most popular podcasts, and more.

Top Podcast Applications in the Market

A few popular podcast applications have established an industry benchmark regarding features and interface. They provide a great model to replicate when developing your podcast application.

Let’s examine standout apps to learn how to create a podcast application that benefits users and enhances their experience.

Apple Podcasts

Apple Podcasts is still one of the leading players in the field. It is among the first to offer podcasting services. The app is fully integrated into Apple’s ecosystem and features an extensive library of podcasts and an extremely refined recommendation engine.

It’s been a long time since it has been in the marketplace, so it is clear that it will gain popularity with listeners and podcasters. Features like personalized recommendations and an easy-to-use interface have enabled Apple to set extremely high standards for other companies to emulate.

Stitcher

Stitcher provides listeners with exclusive content, shows curated according to their preferences, and the option to avoid ads with a monthly subscription. The app’s primary focus on creating and distributing only the best content has enabled it to grow its user base.

In addition, Stitcher’s general approach to monetizing subscriptions and partnerships suggests an effective way to earn money from the podcasting market.

Audiomack

Audiomack is a name that is well-known in the music and podcast business.

Audiomack offers an array of entertaining comedy, crime, and news podcasts, which are a great way to enjoy a lively audio-based experience.

It provides personalized playlists derived from listening history. It can also be used offline to make listening easy.

Audiomack is one of the most popular alternatives for people who would like a diversified and enjoyable experience that can be enjoyed on various devices, such as smartphones and desktops.

It’s because of the quality of audio and continuity that audio podcasts provide that the demand to create an application similar to Audiomack is so high.

Spotify

Who isn’t familiar with Spotify? The streaming service Spotify has placed a lot of money into podcasting. It’s a very popular application that gives access to the massive library of podcasts connected to the music streaming service.

The money invested in programs and shows and a variety of podcast creators draws listeners to the app while delivering content according to their preferences. The app can inspire others to develop an app similar to Spotify to appeal to music and podcast listeners.

Pocket Casts

Have you ever heard of Pocket Casts? If not, then you’re not using a fantastic application.

This application has a simple and intuitive interface, new features like playlists, and the ability to synchronize between devices. It is a favorite among podcast enthusiasts and is well-known for being safe and efficient.

This application’s user interface is designed to provide the most enjoyable user experience. The ability to play back videos makes this app extremely popular with the most advanced users.

Deezer

The platform is perfect for those who love podcasts because it provides a variety of shows and topics that include comedy, true crime, and even news.

The most impressive feature of this application is its simple and easy-to-use interface, which makes it easy for users to search and organize their favorite podcasts. They can download podcasts without requiring the internet to connect.

Additionally, the app provides the highest-quality and most enjoyable podcast, making it an excellent choice for people who like listening on mobile devices. Therefore, investors are hoping to develop an app similar to Deezer and replicate its success.

Reasons to Develop a Podcast App

Given the rapid growth rate and huge potential for market growth, launching podcasts can offer major advantages for investors.

Here’s why dipping into the world of podcasts might be a good idea:

1. Monetization Opportunities

Podcasting is now an extremely lucrative business that offers a variety of ways to earn money. According to reports, a podcasting app is extremely profitable.

After the website is created, there are various methods of making money, some of which are sponsorships, advertising, premium subscriptions, and more.

Engaging your users effectively is the best way to make your concept effective.

2. Emerging Technologies

Using the latest and emerging technologies, such as AI and machine learning capabilities, to build the podcast application can provide additional value.

Voice assistants, recommendation engines, and different applications of AI can improve the user experience and increase users’ interest.

For example, an AI could suggest relevant podcasts based on the type of podcast users have been listening to. Alternatively, voice commands can be used to control activities like playing or pausing, among other things.

This implies that developing a podcast app that uses these technologies could put your company above other companies in the marketplace.

3. Data-Driven Insights

Podcasting applications produce a wealth of valuable information about user’s behavior and preferences.

You can discover trends in the public and their preferences, which could prove useful in developing marketing strategies and content for custom music streaming app development using data generation.

Analytics of data can help determine the popularity of certain music genres, listening habits, and optimization of ads in addition to others.

It assists you in effective decision-making and increases the efficiency of your application.

4. Expanding Market Demand

One of the main motives behind podcast apps is the fact that the market is growing rapidly and is still in its early stages. Increasing numbers of customers are keen to listen to podcasts.

Due to the increasing demand for more customized and convenient data consumption and information, the number of podcast users will likely grow even more.

If you build a podcast application, you want to target this growing market and grab an enticement by increasing the number of listeners.

In addition, the recent surge in popularity of smart speakers and similar devices that can be activated by voice not only drives the growth in the demand for podcasts but also has more growth potential.

5. Enhanced User Experience

The launch of a brand new podcast application allows you to place more emphasis on user experience.

User-friendliness features like clean, sleek interfaces, the ability to provide recommendations, and cross-device syncing could help differentiate the application from other applications.

It also demonstrates the possibility of creating a product with less competition by focusing on user satisfaction while conceiving unique and beneficial functions.

Be sure to include offline modes, such as creating personal playlists with interactive components that users can opt in to.

6. Global Reach

The rise of podcasting is worldwide, and there is significant growth outside North America.

In addition, you can reach out to markets around the world. Podcast apps are compatible with multilingual support and regionally specific content.

Promoting the app in different markets and benefiting from the latest growth trends worldwide can expand its potential.

Furthermore, collaborating with local influencers and podcasters will help make your app more popular in particular regions, gaining you customers and amazing revenue.

7. Community Building

A podcast application will result in a highly-engaged community that includes users and content creators.

Building an atmosphere of community and participation within the app through the facilitation of discussions through comments and reviews from users and sharing on social media is possible.

This could create more value for apps with an established user base that can produce content and discuss the most popular podcasts.

Steps to Develop a Podcast App

Making a podcast app involves many steps. Understanding all the steps will help improve the development process, ensuring a smoother process, better resource allocation, and a high-quality final product.

This section will discuss the whole process of music and podcast streaming app development. Let’s start by following the steps:

Step #1: Conduct a Market Research

First, you need to do thorough market research on your competition. Examining the capabilities and features of different podcast apps on the market is essential. It is also recommended that you read the ratings and reviews for these apps for podcasts.

Additionally, you should be aware of the most recent trends in the world of podcasting.

In this way, you’ll get an insight into the preferences and needs of the audience you want to reach. In addition, you will be aware of what needs of the audience are unfulfilled and attempt to address these needs with your podcast application.

Step #2: Define Project Scope

After having examined the market, you will be able to build an overall image of your upcoming podcast application. Now, you must define the specifications of your project, as well as the features that the app will offer, what platforms it will be released on, and much more.

Remember to create a budget plan. Creating a mental picture like this can help you define the project’s ultimate goal.

Step #3: Choose Monetization Model

There are many options for making money from your podcast. First, you must ensure that a wider public views the podcast application you develop. This is the only way you can earn money from your app in various ways.

You can make use of the most popular models below to earn money with your podcast application:

  • Freemium Apps
  • Paid Apps
  • The Subscription Model
  • In-app Advertisement

Step #4: UI/UX Design

When designing the UI/UX, your primary goal should be to create an effortless and enjoyable user experience. Begin by wireframing the app’s layout and structure and the order of the most important elements, and then consider how the application flows.

Choose the best colours, fonts, and other graphic elements, which all impact the establishment of the app’s identity. Ensure the design is uniform throughout the app to ensure a consistent feel.

When creating the app for podcasts, ensure it is easy to use and can interact with actual users easily. Gather feedback from them and pinpoint any issues that affect their experience. Use this information repeatedly to improve the app’s UX/UI design. If you have the UI/UX expertise and abilities, then you can do it yourself, but it is recommended that you work with a mobile app design company that can do this task more efficiently.

Step #5: Create MVP Version

An app for podcasting isn’t easy to design since there are many technical elements to consider. However, it is safe to test your ideas and decide if you want to proceed with the project by creating an MVP application.

MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is an app designed with features essential to early adopters. If usability testing is successful and your MVP app’s results are favorable, it is possible to move on to creating fully-featured apps.

Step #6: Obtain Feedback

After having completed the necessary steps for music streaming app development services and analyzing the feedback from the MVP, you are ready to move on to the next stage.

You have access to the necessary data from user feedback, allowing you to improve and extend your app’s capabilities and user experience to meet your users’ needs.

In this stage, continue to enhance existing functions and fix any performance issues or bugs discovered during testing. Continuously solicit feedback from users to ensure that you are meeting their changing expectations.

Step #7: Launch Your Podcast App

After you’ve completed the development and test phases, it’s time to launch your podcast application. Check that the requirements for app store submissions are followed before submitting your app to your app store. Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Ensure you have a solid marketing strategy to create buzz about your podcast application. An effective launch will help build a loyal audience and make your app a well-known platform for podcasts.

Step #8: Update Your App Regularly

After the launch, it’s not over. It’s a continuous procedure of evaluating and maintaining your podcast application. You should monitor the performance of your app regularly, respond to technical issues, and deliver prompt updates to ensure a smooth user experience.

To stay ahead of the pack, stay informed about industry developments and trends. By constantly monitoring and maintaining your app, you will improve user satisfaction, boost retention, and grow your app’s popularity in the world of podcasts.

Cost to Develop a Podcast Application

Podcast app development costs approximately $10,000-$15,000 to create the basic application.

The cost to develop a simple to moderate-level podcasting app ranges between $16,000 and $30,000.

If you’re looking to develop a moderate-to-advanced app, it will cost you approximately $30k or more.

It is based on various factors, including the complexity of the app, its features and functions, the platform, location of music streaming app development company and experience, etc. These elements have a major influence on the final development cost.

Therefore, you should consider developing a mobile application for your podcast according to your budget and business requirements.

The Key Takeaway

Podcasts are very popular nowadays. Many people prefer them over videos as they keep them entertained when in the car. Additionally, the popularity of listening to various podcasts among listeners will grow every year.

In light of this, various companies are investing in the development of podcast apps to ensure a regular income stream.

The podcast market is flourishing, and you can launch your application confidently. Select the podcast you want to feature on your platform and move ahead. The most popular types are storytelling hybrids, repurposed content podcasts, hybrids, and interview-based podcasts.

Creating an application for this type can provide you with many benefits. It can help you connect with your community easily and reach an even larger audience. There are many features that you can include in your podcast application. Still, the most important are dashboards for user profile recording, podcast recording, voice editing, monitoring user behaviour, and real-time analytics.

Frequently Asked Questions

The process of monetizing apps for podcasts is multifaceted. You can earn revenue from the app via advertising and sponsorship, as well as built-in features like subscriptions, advertising, one-time donation functions, and more.

Typically, it takes approximately five months to create a podcasting application. But this is not realistic. In reality, considering some unnoticed aspects (time for communication and decision-making), the ideal podcast app development process takes about approximately 6-7 months.

Common problems include:
  • Managing complex features.
  • Ensuring cross-device compatibility is maintained.
  • Managing large amounts of content.
  • Integrating into third-party services.

The major cost factors are the development team's designing and prototyping, testing and development, the licensing process, compliance, and marketing launch, as well as ongoing maintenance and maintenance.