Choose Your Podcasting Platform
Compare three podcast platforms, record a short sample episode using a microphone or phone, and decide which platform best fits your podcast goals.
About this activity
Compare three podcast platforms, record a short sample episode using a microphone or phone, and decide which platform best fits your podcast goals.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Write one short sentence that says your podcast topic and what you want people to learn or feel.
- 2
Step 2
Write down the names of three podcast platforms you will compare in your notebook.
- 3
Step 3
List five things to compare for each platform: cost; ease of use; audience reach; hosting features; extra tools.
- 4
Step 4
Look up each platform online and write notes about those five things for every platform.
- 5
Step 5
Give each platform a score from 1 to 5 for each of the five things and write the numbers in your notebook.
- 6
Step 6
Add up the scores and circle the platform with the highest total to try first.
- 7
Step 7
Write a 1 to 2 minute script or bullet points for a sample episode in your notebook.
- 8
Step 8
Find a quiet spot where you will not be interrupted and sit ready to record.
- 9
Step 9
Open your recording app or turn on your microphone and get it set to record.
- 10
Step 10
Record your 1 to 2 minute sample episode following your script.
- 11
Step 11
Play back your recording and write one short note about one thing to improve.
- 12
Step 12
Upload your sample episode to the platform you circled using that platform's upload steps with an adult's help if needed.
- 13
Step 13
Write one sentence saying which platform fits your goals best and why using your comparison notes and upload experience.
- 14
Step 14
Share your finished creation on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I run the 'Choose Your Podcasting Platform' activity with my child?
Start by picking three podcast platforms to compare (for example Anchor/Spotify, Buzzsprout, and Libsyn). Make a simple comparison chart: cost, distribution, storage limits, analytics, ease of use, and monetization. Write a 1–3 minute script, test a microphone or phone, and record a short sample episode. Do minimal editing with a free app, export MP3, and try uploading to one platform. Finally score each platform against your podcast goals (audience, budget, privacy) and choose the best fit.
What materials do I need to compare three podcast platforms and record a sample episode?
Youll need a microphone or a smartphone with a decent built-in mic, headphones, and a computer or tablet for editing and uploading. Free recording/editing apps: Anchor, GarageBand, Audacity, or mobile voice recorders. Sign up credentials for three platforms (use parental help for accounts), a simple script or notes, and a notebook or checklist to compare features. Optional: pop filter, mic stand, and internet connection for uploads. Keep devices charged and have earbuds for monitoring.
What ages is the 'Choose Your Podcasting Platform' activity suitable for?
This activity suits kids roughly 8 years and up who can follow steps and type with supervision; ages 63 can join by helping plan and speaking on the sample episode with an adult. Teens can manage the whole processrecording, editing, and uploading. Always provide adult supervision for creating accounts, reading terms of service, and handling privacy settings. Adjust tasks: younger children can be hosts while adults handle technical uploads.
What are the benefits of doing the 'Choose Your Podcasting Platform' activity?
Comparing podcast platforms and recording a sample builds communication, planning, and digital literacy skills. Children learn how hosting, distribution, and privacy affect reach and safety, and they practice scripting, speaking, and basic audio editing. The activity boosts confidence, teamwork, and critical thinking when weighing costs versus features. It also teaches responsible online habitschoosing privacy settings, understanding terms, and deciding where and how to share contentuseful ski
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have a separate microphone or a recording app listed in the instructions?
If you don't have a separate microphone or recording app, use your smartphone's built-in voice recorder or a wired headset mic and record in the quiet spot from step 9, then transfer the file and follow the platform's upload steps in step 14 with adult help if needed.
My sample episode sounds quiet or noisy—what step-by-step fix should I try?
If the recording is quiet or noisy (steps 9–12), move closer to the mic or phone, close doors/windows to reduce noise, increase input volume in your recording app, re-record, and play it back (step 12) to check before uploading (step 14).
How can I adapt the activity for younger or older children?
For younger kids, simplify steps 2–7 by comparing two platforms and only three features with a parent helping research and upload (step 14), while older kids can complete full 1–5 scoring (step 7), write a polished 1–2 minute script (step 8), and experiment with hosting features in step 4.
How can we extend or personalize the podcast project after following the instructions?
To extend the project, add custom intro/outro music and cover art to your script and recording (steps 8–12), produce a short series of episodes to compare audience reach, and then share each finished creation on DIY.org (step 16) to gather feedback.