How to Record A Podcast Remotely: 4 Methods & Free Checklist

Key Takeaways:

• Remote podcast software (like Riverside) gives you the best quality with the least hassle.
• Video conferencing tools like Zoom are easy and familiar, but limit quality.
• Double-ender setups offer studio-level quality but require more tech know-how.
• Phone call recording is great for low-tech guests, but audio quality takes a hit.

I’ve recorded remote podcasts for years with guests across different time zones, countries, and tech setups. In my 15+ years of podcasting, I’ve learnt a lot.

If you’re wondering how to record a podcast remotely with great quality and minimal fuss, I’ve got you covered. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the 4 best methods,plus tips, tools, and hard-earned lessons that’ll save you time (and headaches).

Here’s a quick overview before we dive in:

1. Using dedicated podcast remote recording software 

The best and most hassle-free option is using dedicated podcast remote recording software. 

It’s my favored option, but it’s also what podcasting pros use. Our survey report showed that 60% of company podcasts are recorded using dedicated podcasting software. 

When picking the right remote recording software, here’s what actually matters to me:

• Local vs. cloud recording: This is the biggest non-negotiable. Local recording means each participant’s audio and video is captured directly on their device, not over the internet. This keeps quality as high as possible, regardless of connection speed.
• Audio formats: MP3 files compress audio, taking up less space but lowering quality. Look for software that gives me uncompressed WAV files, instead. They’re heavier but offer clearer audio that holds up in post-production.
• Video resolution: At minimum, I suggest you aim for 1080p. But if your platform supports 4K recording, even better. It makes a huge difference for visual content.
• Compatibility: Make sure the podcasting software is compatible with the other podcasting equipment you’re using (laptops, mics, cameras, etc.).

What you’ll need

Of course, you’ll need remote podcasting software:

Riverside is a top choice for its ease of use and high-quality recordings. You can:

• Record high-quality, uncompressed 4K video and 48 kHz WAV audio files.
• Capture recordings locally instead of relying on your internet connection.
• Invite up to 9 guests in one remote recording session.
• Download separate audio and video tracks for each person. (Say goodbye to crosstalk!)
• Share an invite link so guests can join in a click. 
• Assign someone to keep your session running smoothly behind the scenes with Producer mode.

And more! There’s even an editing suite to make your recording a ready-to-go episode in minutes.

Besides software, you don’t need a massive budget for equipment. Focus on the essentials.

Microphone: 

There are many options available when choosing a podcasting microphone. For a budget-friendly, plug-and-play option, these USB microphones sound great out of the box:

• Rode Procaster
• Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB
• Shure MV6

The ideal situation would be that both you and your remote guests have quality microphones. Some podcasters will send equipment to their guests up front. But if this isn’t an option, try to work with the best recording device your guest has. You can even get decent sound on a $12 lapel mic with the right recording tool.

Check our full podcast microphone guide to find the perfect fit.

Headphones: 

Podcast headphones help monitor sound and prevent your mic from picking up feedback. You can use anything from regular earbuds to dedicated high-tech headphones. 

I personally like the Shure SE215 PRO because wired headphones don’t create latency. 

Pop filter: 

A pop filter for your mic helps reduce harsh plosives (think "p" and "b" sounds) when you’re speaking. It's a small upgrade, but it makes a big difference for a cleaner vocal track.

Video camera: 

If you’re on a low budget, use your phone’s camera instead of relying on your laptop’s webcam. Suggest your guests do this, too. Many phones film in up to 4K, and with a mount, you can get great results. 

Pair this with Riverside’s mobile app, and you can record a remote podcast using nothing but your phone. 

But, if you’ve got the budget, these are the cameras I suggest trying:

• Sony A7 IV 
• Sony ZV-E10

Quick tip: If you want to drastically improve your video quality, a $20 LED light clipped to your monitor or tripod can make a huge difference in dim rooms. If you’ve got a budget, the SmallRig RM75 RGB Video Light costs less than $100 and can make a big difference. 

Disclaimer: Please see our help site guidelines to check the compatibility of any equipment with Riverside.

If you’re looking for a more detailed guide and a greater number of equipment suggestions, check out this essential podcast equipment checklist for every budget.

How to record with remote podcast software

Step 1: Sign up for a free Riverside account or log in with your details if you already have one.

Step 2: Go to the left menu and tap on the studio selection, then click “+ New studio” to create a new studio.

Name your studio and adjust its settings. You can choose between an audio-only or a video recording studio. Click “Create” when you’re set.

Step 3: In your new studio, click “Create new project”, name the project, and then select “Record”.

Note: You can also select “Plan” to set up a recording and invite guests in advance.

Make sure the right equipment is selected for your video and microphone. Select whether or not you are wearing headphones. 

If you connected your headphones directly to your mic, I suggest you choose your mic as both your audio input and output.

Then, when you’re ready, click “Join Studio”.

Step 4: Now, if you haven’t already, invite your guests to join you. You can either copy the link and share it with them or invite them via email. 

I suggest you also send them our guest checklist for recording to give them some guidance to prep.

Step 5: When your guests have joined, start recording by clicking the red record button at the bottom.

Step 6: You can see the upload status of your recording in the top right corner throughout the session. When you’re done recording, click the red button at the bottom to stop.

Step 7: Once the recording has been uploaded fully, click the ‘leave button’ (red phone receiver icon) to leave the studio and end the session. 

In the dashboard, you can download your separate tracks or head straight to the AI editor to create a ready-to-go podcast the easy way.

Pros and Cons

The main advantages of using dedicated remote podcast recording software include:

• Ease of use: Platforms like Riverside are built for simplicity. They have intuitive interfaces that work across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Guests just click a link, no downloads or onboarding needed.
• Studio-quality audio and video: Local recording means you’ll get incredible quality recordings even when the internet connection isn’t great. 
• Built-in editor: With a platform like Riverside, you can record, edit and repurpose episodes all in one place.
• Tons of extra features: Podcasting platforms are constantly adding new features to stay ahead of the competition. For example, Riverside has tools to create automatic podcast clips, show notes, and transcriptions. You can live stream and even push your podcast straight through Spotify.

Are there any cons to using dedicated remote podcasting software? The only potential downside is if your guests aren’t very tech-savvy and comfortable with any online tool. But most people can manage with a simple link since it requires no learning curve.

2. Recording conversations via video conferencing software

Video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Google Meet are the most popular tools used by people for remote communication. Many podcasters still rely on them to record interviews because they’re familiar and easy to use, but they come with significant trade-offs when it comes to recording quality.

What you’ll need 

Just like with remote software, I suggest you use basic equipment like a microphone, camera, and headphones. 

Then, of course, you’ll need a phone or laptop with your video conferencing software installed.

However, unlike with a remote podcasting platform, the video and audio quality will entirely depend on your internet connection. 

Also, most conferencing tools compress and cap audio and video quality. Even with a 4K webcam and studio mic, you’ll still be bottlenecked by the platform.

This means that when it comes to your ideal equipment, your top priority is a fast, stable connection rather than expensive gear. Here’s how to optimize your setup:

• Don’t use Wi-Fi, instead, use an ethernet cable to connect to your router.
• Close any background apps. They will consume computer resources and might auto-update without even warning you.
• If you’re recording an audio-only podcast, turn off your video so you can save some bandwidth.

How to record a podcast with video conferencing software

Recording a remote podcast with video conferencing software like Google Meet or Zoom is quite straightforward.

Let’s start with how to record with Google Meet. 

Before recording, make sure that you have recording permissions.

Step 1: Open the Google Meet App and start your video call as usual.

Step 2: Click “Add others” to invite your guests, or send them a link. 

Step 3: When everyone has joined, click on the three-dotted button in the bottom toolbar. Then click “Manage recording”.

Step 4: Press ‘Start Recording’ and then click ‘Start.’

Step 5: When you're done, return to the Recording tab and click ‘Stop Recording’.

Your recording will be automatically saved to the Meet Recordings folder in your Google Drive (linked to your Google account).

Now let’s look at how to record meetings with Zoom as a host:

Step 1: Open the Zoom app and go to “Settings” > “Recording” to choose your save folder.

Step 2: Start your Zoom meeting.

Step 3: Click the Record button on the control bar (you must be the host). You can pause or stop the recording by clicking the Pause or Stop icons.

Step 4: Once you end the call, the recording will appear in your selected folder.

Quick tip:If you’re not the host and don’t have permission to record, you can use a screen recording tool (like QuickTime, OBS, or your phone’s built-in recorder) as a workaround. Just double-check local laws regarding recording consent.

Pros and cons 

Video conferencing software as a remote podcasting option has its advantages, especially if you are a beginner. Here are the main ones: 

• Familiarity: Most guests already know how to use Zoom or Google Meet, so there’s no learning curve and onboarding is very easy.
• Affordability: If you have no budget, Zoom allows you to record sessions up to 40 minutes long without paying.
• Guest capacity: Platforms like Zoom let you invite up to 100 participants on the free plan.

However, video conferencing software isn’t designed with high-quality podcast recording in mind. Because of this, they come with some serious disadvantages:

• Connection-dependent: Audio and video quality are heavily dependent on internet stability. No local recording means drops or limited bandwidth will affect your final quality (especially with many guests).
• Limited quality: Even the best mic or camera won’t improve quality if your connection is unstable. Files are compressed, too, and your gear is bottlenecked by the platform.
• Single-track export:  Zoom and Google Meet export one track of the recording with audio and video combined, limiting flexibility during editing.

Video conferencing software is an excellent entry-level solution for people who have just started podcasting. However, if you’re aiming for professional sound and video, their quality limitations are almost impossible to overcome.

3. Using a ”double-ender” setup

Double-ender remote recording is a good option for getting pristine audio and video quality when recording remote podcasts. But, it’s also the most manual and technically involved option.

In a double-ender setup, each person records themselves locally on their own hardware or software. Then, they need to send you the recording files afterward.

Like dedicated remote podcast software, this option lets you completely control your podcast’s quality because you’re not at the mercy of anyone’s internet connection. Also, each track will be recorded separately in the highest quality allowed by gear, and will be fully editable (after you manually synced them, though).

What you’ll need 

Double-ender podcast recording requires a lot of hardware if you want to have optimal results. While technically possible with barebones gear, you'll need more than just your laptop’s built-in mic and webcam.

After all, you’re going through the trouble of getting everyone to record their video and audio locally to get the highest quality possible.

At a minimum, each participant (host, co-host, guest) should have:

• Microphones
• Pop filters
• Cameras
• Headphones
• A local recording method: You can use software like QuickTime or GarageBand, or a hardware recorder like a Zoom H1n or an audio mixer.
• Video conferencing software (e.g. Zoom or Google Meet) to carry on the conversation in real time

As the host, you’ll also need audio and video editing software to sync and polish all the files once they’ve been sent to you.

If your guests aren’t tech-savvy, a portable digital recorder like the Zoom H1n is an easy workaround that I like to use. They can record themselves locally while on a Google Meet or Zoom call with me, then just send me the audio file afterward. The video conferencing software, in this case, is only used as a live conversation tool, not for its audio.

How to record a podcast with double-ender recording

The specific steps of the double-ender recording process depend a lot on the equipment you’re using,  but here’s a general outline of the process:

• Test out your equipment: Run a solo test before recording to confirm your mic, camera, and software or hardware recorder are working properly. Encourage your guest to do the same, especially if they’re using something they’re not familiar with.
• Start the conference call: Launch your video conferencing app so you can talk to your guests or co-host in real time. Make sure everyone wears headphones to avoid feedback.
• Start recording: When everyone is ready, hit the record button and start your podcast. Make sure everyone else starts recording too, this is very important!
• Use a marker at the start of the discussion: Before you start the conversation, do a quick countdown or clap on-camera. Sharp sounds create audio spikes that make it easier to align the audio and video tracks later in post-processing.
• Wrap up and collect files: Once the episode is done, remind your guest to send you their audio and video files right away so you can start syncing and editing.

Double-ender recording is pretty demanding. The more moving pieces you introduce (gear, software, syncing, etc.), the greater your chances of experiencing technical hiccups. 

You can streamline double-ender podcast recording by adding a dedicated remote podcasting software to your tool stack. Check out this guide to see how double-ender recording works with Riverside. 

Pros and cons 

The main reason serious podcasters go with a double-ender setup is that it ensures high-quality audio and video since all recording occurs locally on all ends. It’s the closest thing to sounding like you're in the same room.

However, there are a few disadvantages associated with double-ender recording, including: 

• It’s storage-heavy: High-quality files are big. Make sure you and your guest have enough space on your devices to store them.
• File sharing can be tedious: You can’t email files that are so large. You’ll need to rely on cloud tools like Google Drive or Dropbox to share them, which adds extra steps, longer waiting times, and sometimes frustration.
• It’s complicated: Everyone involved needs to know how to use their gear correctly, or at least follow instructions well. You and your guests must be very tech-savvy and there’s always a chance that the recording could not meet your expectations if someone makes a mistake.
• It requires editing expertise: After you collect the files, you’ll need to sync everything in post using advanced editing tools like Adobe Premiere Pro. Editing a timeline requires effort and comes with a significant learning curve for inexperienced podcasters.

4. Recording remote audio podcasts with a phone 

If your guest isn’t tech-savvy and doesn’t have a microphone or recording gear, recording over a phone call is my best fallback. It’s not ideal in terms of audio quality, and you won’t be able to create a video podcast from the interview, but it’s better to get the conversation than miss it entirely.

What you’ll need 

To keep things simple, your guest only needs a phone for call recording. On your side, you’re going to need some, if not all, of the following:

• A smartphone for calling your guest.
• A strong cell signal ensures the quality of the audio conversation.
• A podcast microphone to record your voice.
• Headphones to hear the conversation better and minimize audio bleed from the phone and your surroundings. 
• A mixer and/or audio interface to capture audio from your phone and microphone.
• Cables for connecting your phone to the mixersome text:
  
  • Newer iPhones will require a USB-C to lightning cable.
  • Most Android phones will require a USB-C to USB-C cable  .
• A digital audio workstation (DAW) like Audition, Audacity, or Logic Pro for audio editing your recorded audio.

How it works

There are two alternatives based on the equipment you have access to and the quality you want to achieve. 

Recording calls directly to your phone

This is the simplest route, but it's also the lowest quality. Apps like Google Voice or TapeACall let you record your phone call directly on your smartphone. Once you’re done, export the file to cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.), then bring it into your editing software. 

Note that following this route, both your voice and the guest’s one will be recorded in a single track, limiting your precision in post-production.

Recording calls using a mixer

Including a mixer in your recording process gives you more versatility and control over the recording’s quality. A podcast mixer lets you use a mic to record your voice and have your phone audio—your guest’s voice—on a separate channel.

This gives you two clean, separate tracks to work with in post, just like a proper podcast setup. Some mixers like the RØDECaster Pro let you save your recording directly on a microSD, while others require you to route audio to your computer.

Pros and cons 

The biggest advantage of recording podcast interviews over the phone is accessibility. Your guest doesn’t need gear, software, or tech skills—just a phone. It doesn’t even have to be a smartphone. All of the required equipment and setup are on your side of the conversation, which gives you complete control over the quality of the recording.

That said, there are two rather big trade-offs to this setup:

• No video: This method is audio-only, so if you're planning to publish to YouTube or create social clips, you're out of luck. 
• Guest’s audio low quality: Phone networks compress audio heavily, even more than Zoom or Google Meet. Even with a good mic and mixer on your end, your guest’s voice will still sound like… well, a phone call.

Tips and best practices for better remote podcast recording

No matter what method you’re using, here are some tips for creating the best possible remote podcast recording. 

Soundproof your location

Ideally, you should record in a dedicated studio to maximize the quality of your audio. However, if that’s not an option, a quiet room with soft surfaces (like carpet and curtains) can still go a long way. You can also install soundproofing like I have:

I also recommend using a reflection filter around your microphone to help reduce echo.

If you want to record your remote podcast outdoors, instead, a super-cardioid or shotgun microphone will pick up less background noise.

Tidy up your background

Also, consider how you’re going to set up your video background. Create an aesthetic within your remote podcast studio that matches your brand and isn’t distracting. For example, use matching colors or a vibrant piece of decor that looks good on camera.

Consider your guest’s setup

Not everyone has a studio setup. If your guests don’t have any equipment, send them easy-to-use gear so that the setup process isn't overwhelming. Then, encourage your guests to set up in a quiet recording space, and if they’re using a phone, tell them to avoid speakerphones. Also, built-in earphones are still better than their laptop’s microphone.

Bonus resource: Be sure to download our community checklist on how to prepare your guest before an interview!

Define your process

Test all gear before you hit record. Use separate tracks for easier editing. Keep notes after each session so you can refine your workflow over time. AI tools and transcription software can streamline post-production too.

Prioritize preparation 

Don’t just wing it. Put in the work ahead of time and make sure you do your research on your guests, their past work, and anything that's going to help your podcast be more interesting.

Leave as little to chance as possible by doing practice runs with your guests before the recording session. Explain how putting in the extra time will make the process smoother and more stress-free.

Optimize your hardware and software

Test and tweak all gear and software before you hit record. If you’re using Zoom or other video conferencing tools, switch to HD video and enable echo cancellation. Filters like “adjust for low light” can reduce video quality, so optimize your lighting first.

Double-ender and video conference recordings eat up space. Make sure you’ve got enough room on your drive before by checking how much local storage you have.

FAQs on How to Record a Podcast Remotely

What is the best remote podcast recording software?

The best remote podcast recording software is Riverside. It records locally on each participant’s device, so you can get high-quality audio and video no matter the internet connection. It’s easy to use—just send a link—and comes with powerful features like text-based editing, separate tracks, AI audio polishing, and Magic Clips to speed up post-production.

How can I remotely record a podcast for free?

You can record a podcast interview completely free with some remote recording software. For example, Riverside has a free plan where you can easily create a podcast with up to 9 guests in different locations.

Can you record a podcast with people in different locations?

Yes! As we’ve outlined above, recording a podcast from different locations is not complicated. You can record a high-quality podcast interview remotely by using:

• double-ender recording
• A mixer
• Video call recording tools like Zoom or Google Meet
• Remote recording software like Riverside