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Podcast listeners are looking for:
- Authentic connections with the hosts of podcasts they love
- Fresh and relevant content that provides real value
- A community built around shared interests
And one of the best ways to achieve all three is by hosting a live podcast episode.
I know what you’re thinking: Does that mean no editing? What if I mess up? What if my tech stops working?
I won’t lie – live podcasting does bring up some additional considerations that you don’t need to think about when recording standard podcast episodes. But they are a great way to connect with your audience in real time and in a way that feels candid and authentic.
If you’re looking to give live podcasting a try or level up your current workflow for live episodes, you’ve come to the right place.
Continue reading to learn:
- What live podcasts are and why they’re worth the effort
- Examples of different live podcast formats
- The equipment you’ll need for a live podcast
- How to prep before the big day
- How to extend the lifespan of your live episode
What is live podcasting?
Live podcasting refers to recording and streaming your episode in real time, with an audience tuning in as it happens. These can be in-person or virtual events.
Most podcasters save this format for special occasions, like big announcements, high-profile guest interviews, or interactive Q&A sessions after your season airs.
If you want to take things to the next level, live video podcasts let your audience see you and your guests in action. It’s a great way to build a stronger connection with viewers, plus you can stream on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram.
Going live brings an extra layer of excitement and energy to your podcast. It gives your audience a chance to engage with you in real time. And the best part? You don’t have to stop at the live event. Recordings can be repurposed into evergreen content, social media clips, or even a polished podcast episode.
What are the benefits of live podcasting?
If you’ve never put together or produced a live podcast episode, here are a few reasons why they’re so loved by creators and audiences alike:
More audience engagement
By broadcasting in real time, you create a sense of exclusivity. Listeners know they have to tune in at a specific time to participate in the live experience – whether you’re live broadcasting virtually or hosting a ticketed in-person event. This adds an element of excitement and anticipation that pre-recorded episodes simply cannot match.
The immediate interaction encouraged during a live broadcast fosters a more engaged community, where listeners feel directly involved in the content, contributing questions and feedback as the episode unfolds.
A stronger sense of community
One of the most powerful aspects of live podcasting is its ability to bring people together in real time. Podcast consumption is typically an individual or solitary experience, with listeners tuning in whenever it's convenient for them.
In contrast, a live podcast requires listeners to join at a particular time, creating a collective experience. If you’re doing a virtual stream, many live platforms include interactive features like live chats or comment sections, which allow listeners to engage with one another and the host.
This real time communication not only strengthens the sense of community but also creates a platform for listeners to connect over your show.
Real time audience interaction
Unlike pre-recorded content, live podcasting offers an exciting opportunity for real time feedback and audience participation.
Whether it’s through a live Q&A session, polling the audience for their opinions, or reading live comments, real time engagement strengthens relationships with listeners and gives them a sense of being heard and valued.
This immediate feedback also helps guide the direction of the conversation, making the content more dynamic and responsive to the interests of your audience.
The perfect platform for big announcements
Whether you're launching a new product or announcing a partnership, the intimacy of a live broadcast makes the moment feel more personal and impactful.
Listeners who participate in a live reveal feel like they’re part of an exclusive group, which amplifies the excitement and makes your announcement even more memorable. The buzz generated from a live event also creates a ripple effect, encouraging listeners to share the news.
Saves time on post-production
Editing podcast episodes can be time-consuming, often requiring hours of work to perfect. With live podcasting, however, this step is eliminated — or at least minimized — since the episode is aired in real time. There’s no need to go back and re-edit or cut out mistakes because there are no re-recordings or multiple takes. Once the episode is over, it’s (more or less) ready to go.
Repurpose live content for maximum reach
Much like regular podcasting, one of the greatest advantages of live podcasting is the ability to repurpose the content into multiple formats, extending its reach and lifespan. Except, because live podcasting carries an air of exclusivity, it will stand out amidst your usual content.
Once your live episode has aired, you can break it down into bite-sized clips and share them on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn. You can also repurpose the audio into a traditional podcast episode for on-demand listening and the key takeaways can be condensed into blog posts or email newsletters.
Differentiates you from other podcasters
Live podcasting is not as common as pre-recorded content, and many podcasters shy away from it due to the pressure of performing without the safety net of editing.
However, by embracing the live format, you instantly differentiate yourself from the majority of podcasts that are recorded and edited in a more controlled environment.
Types of live podcasting
Depending on your podcast – that’s everything from your format, content, audience, and goals – your live podcast will look a little bit different. Here are some common ways live podcasts are formatted so you can pick the one (or two) that work best for you:
1. Interviews
Of course, the interview format involves hosts conversing with one or more guests. For live events, we suggest including high-profile guests or featuring some returning guests from well-loved episodes to help draw in listeners.
This is a popular choice since live interviews bring an exciting element of real time interaction, where listeners can ask questions or offer comments. For example, The Cancelled Podcast went on tour featuring high-profile surprise guests like Trisha Paytas and Call Her Daddy who brought along influencers Alix Earle and Madeline Argy on The Unwell Tour.
2. Q&A
In the Q&A format, the host answers listener-submitted questions, either on a specific subject or general advice. This format is a great choice to include at the end of your season – especially if you release serialized episodes. That way, listeners can come equipped with relevant questions and gain a deeper understanding of your show’s content.
For example, The Lazarus Heist from the BBC held a live show at the end of the season where the audience’s questions helped guide the direction of the show.
3. Educational
Educational podcasts focus on teaching valuable skills or knowledge. In a live setting, these shows become interactive, with listeners able to ask questions or clarify points as the host presents information. This format is ideal for experts looking to engage and educate in real time, creating a rich, interactive learning experience.
For example. Mariah Coz and Megan Minns, the hosts of The Femtrepreneur Show, show listeners how to create, manage, and market profitable online courses.
4. News
News podcasts deliver the latest updates on current events or industry developments. The live aspect allows hosts to provide immediate insights and updates, keeping listeners informed as events unfold. Live news podcasts are great for professionals or organizations that want to offer live commentary and engage listeners as news breaks.
For example, The Rest is Politics frequently does live shows in the UK sharing current events impacting home and abroad.
What you need to record a live podcast
It’s safe to say that a couple of these items you’ll already have at your disposal, but if you’re venturing into live podcasting for the first time, you’ll want to ensure you have the following:
Podcast microphone
Whether you're broadcasting in-person or virtually, a good mic elevates the entire experience. For in-person events, consider using a handheld mic for mobility, like the Shure SM58S. For virtual podcasts, a reliable USB microphone like the Blue Yeti or Audio-Technica AT2035PK works well for studio setups.
You can see all our suggestions in our podcast equipment guide for 2025.
Camera
If you're broadcasting with video during a live event (we recommend giving it a try), using an external camera for better quality is ideal, though newer smartphones with 4K capabilities can work well too. You can also simply use a webcam if you’re using a live podcasting software like Riverside.fm.
Live podcasting software
For fully virtual events or in-person events with online audiences, we suggest looking into live podcasting software – a specialized software designed to help podcasters broadcast their shows in real time.
There are various options available, so consider the needs of your podcast — whether you want to include video, audience interaction, or integrate with other tools– to find the best choice for you. Here are a few platforms to consider:
- Riverside.fm: A popular choice offering features like streaming to multiple platforms, live call-ins, and a soundboard for adding effects. It also allows up to 9 guests, recording in high-quality audio and video, and gives you the ability to manage everything smoothly behind the scenes with a producer.
- Podbean: Known for its live audio streaming capabilities, Podbean offers a user-friendly interface for podcasters to engage with their audience in real time.
- StreamYard: A solid option for live broadcasting from your browser. Invite guests from anywhere in the world without worrying about internet stability.
Alternatively, you can always just start a live stream on the platform of your choosing – like YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok – but having one of the above tools in your corner will help streamline your event and have it look more polished and professional.
A venue
If you opt for an in-person event, you’ll need a venue. You can rally let your creativity guide with this one, but here are some common choices for podcasters:
- Podcast studios: If you have a smaller audience, podcast studios are a great live recording space. They come equipped with high-quality microphones, cameras, and soundproofing.
- Theaters and event venues: For larger numbers, theatres or event venues provide ample seating, microphones, and AV equipment for a seamless experience.
- Cafes and restaurants: Some creators opt to rent our restaurants or cafés if they don’t have too many attendees. These venues offer a more intimate atmosphere and laid-back experience.
- Co-working spaces: Co-working spaces often have event areas that can be used for live podcasting. These venues offer a professional setting with good acoustics, ideal for smaller, business-focused podcast events.
- Libraries: Libraries are cost-effective venues for small audiences. They’re perfect for podcasts centered around education or intellectual discussions.
Preparing for a live podcast recording
Now that you have your setup secured, let’s dive into the steps you’ll need to take to ensure your live episode recording goes smoothly.
1. Build anticipation
Building anticipation is crucial for a successful live podcast. Start by promoting the event on your social media channels, email lists, and any other platforms where your audience is active.
The key is consistency — share regular reminders, tease the topics, and tell your fans what to expect and where to join. Whether this is a live link to join virtually on the specified date and time or a site to buy tickets, make sure it’s clear how your audience can get in on the action.
2. Research your guests and topics
Live podcasting comes with the challenge of no retakes, so preparation is key. Research your topics extensively and if you’re interviewing guests, you’ll want to ensure you’ve researched them and come prepared with some questions and talking points.
While a casual conversation is important, having a solid grasp of the subject matter ensures that you can confidently host the discussion and keep your audience’s attention.
3. Plan your episode structure
Even though you’re going live, having a clear episode plan will help keep things organized. Outline the main points you want to cover, any transitions between topics, and the order in which you'll address things.
A bullet-point outline can be enough to keep you on track without feeling like you’re reading from a script. Having structure helps maintain professionalism while allowing for some flexibility in the conversation. Here’s a quick example:
Episode Title: The Future of Podcasting – Trends to Watch in 2025
- Pre-Show Prep (5-10 min before going live)
- Check audio, video, and internet connection
- Adjust lighting and background
- Test live chat and audience interaction features
- Introduction (2-3 min)
- Welcome listeners and introduce the episode topic
- Briefly introduce yourself and any co-hosts/guests
- Explain how audience participation will work (e.g., live Q&A, chat messages)
- Main Discussion (15-20 min)
- Trend #1: Growth of Video Podcasting
- Trend #2: AI & Personalization in Podcasting
- Trend #3: Monetization & Brand Partnerships
- Live Audience Engagement (10 min)
- Take questions from live chat or social media comments
- Address audience polls (if applicable)
- Encourage listeners to share their thoughts on trends
- Closing Thoughts & Call to Action (3-5 min)
- Recap key points from the discussion
- Thank the audience for tuning in and participating
- Promote the next episode or upcoming content
- Encourage listeners to follow/subscribe and sign up for the newsletter
- Post-Show Wrap-Up
- Save/download the recording for future use
- Engage with audience comments post-live
4. Timing is critical
Scheduling is key when hosting a live podcast. You want to find a time that suits the majority of your audience, which may mean factoring in different time zones if you have an international following and are hosting a virtual event.
To find out the best time to host, you can pop into your audience insights to see when your listeners are most active or do a quick survey to get their input. The goal is to choose a time that maximizes participation and engagement, so give it some thought before setting the date and time.
5. Do a trial run
Testing before the big day is one of the best ways to avoid hiccups or surprises. Run through the episode format with a friend or family member to make sure everything flows smoothly.
Check your audio and video, make sure your equipment is working properly, and get comfortable with the platform you’ve chosen. This will help you get a sense of timing, ensure your episode doesn’t feel rushed, and allow you to make adjustments before the actual live stream.
If you’re doing an in-person event, make sure to check the space prior to the event to make sure they have all the equipment you’ll need.
6. Final checks
On the day of your live podcast, do a final round of checks. Make sure your internet connection is stable, the microphone and camera are functioning properly, and your episode plan is within easy reach. It’s also helpful to turn off any notifications or distractions from your phone or computer—this way, you can stay focused.
If you’re recording from home, make sure your background is clean, your space is well-lit, and you’ll be able to keep background noise to a minimum during the stream.
For in-person events, arrive a few hours early to set up your stage, do any final equipment tests, and set up any other parts of the event – like a food and drink station or merch table.
Extend the lifespan of your live podcast episode
Once you’ve completed your live podcast, don’t let all your hard work fall into the void. Plus, there will be fans who couldn’t make the event but still want to tune in.
Like we mentioned before, one of the main benefits of live podcasts is their ability to be repurposed. Here are a few common ways to do this:
- Upload the full video to YouTube: You can either upload this as a video or video podcast.
- Cut the full-length video into sharable clips: Post these on TikTok, Reels, and Shorts for maximum reach.
- Upload the episode to your hosting platform: This will let the full episode live across podcast apps, so anyone who didn’t make it can tune into the episode as usual.
- Write a blog post: This can include the main takeaways from the episode and promote any future live episodes you have coming up.
- Newsletter feature: You can be creative with the format, but including top takeaways or videos is a great way to reach loyal fans who couldn’t make it.
- Connect on social media: In addition to your short clips, share some photos from the event and engage with the fans who attended. Make sure to share their posts and credit them.
For a full list of ideas, download our podcast content repurposing checklist.
Is live podcasting right for you?
There you have it – our top tips for creating a live podcast listeners will love.
The candidness of live podcasting can feel intimidating at first, but with the right preparation, live podcasting is one of the most engaging and rewarding ways to connect with your audience and build a community around your content.
The key is to plan ahead — know your content or guest, test your tech, and choose a platform that aligns with your goals. But all of that is just as important as staying flexible. Things won’t always go perfectly, and that’s okay. A live format brings an authenticity that listeners appreciate, so embrace the unexpected and focus on delivering value.
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