iPhone Podcasting: How to Record a Podcast on iPhone
- Sam Hajighasem
- 4 days ago
- 8 min read
iPhone podcasting has never been more accessible. Whether you’re starting your first show or need a reliable mobile recording setup, you can record studio-quality audio on an iPhone with the right app, mic, and a few smart settings. In this how-to guide, you’ll learn exactly how to record a podcast on iPhone (and iPad): the essential gear, the best iPhone podcast app options, step-by-step recording workflows, audio engineering basics to avoid clipping, and export specs like -16 LUFS loudness that help your episodes sound professional on every platform.
Quick Start — Record a Podcast on iPhone in 10 Minutes
If you need a fast, reliable process to record a podcast on iPhone today, follow these steps:
Put your phone in Airplane Mode and turn on Do Not Disturb (Focus) to block calls and notifications.
Plug in your external mic (USB-C on iPhone 15+, Lightning on older models). Use a pop filter and monitoring headphones.
Open a podcast recording app (e.g., Riverside app). Select your external mic as the input.
Set input levels so your voice peaks around -12 dBFS to prevent clipping.
Sit 2–4 inches from the mic, slightly off-axis (about 20–30°) to reduce plosives.
Hit Record. Leave 5 seconds of room tone; speak clearly; clap or mark mistakes so you can find them quickly in editing.
Export a WAV for editing and a final MP3 normalized to -16 LUFS (stereo) or -19 LUFS (mono) for publishing.
What You Need for Podcasting on iPhone (Gear & Apps)
You can start podcasting on an iPhone with a simple kit. Here’s a lean, high-quality setup that scales with your budget.
Best iPhone Podcast Microphones (2025)
Shure MV88 (Lightning): Compact, durable, and tunable via the Shure MOTIV app. Great all-rounder for iOS recording.
Zoom iQ6 X/Y (Lightning): Two capsules in an X/Y array for natural stereo capture; ideal for interviews or ambience.
RØDE VideoMic Me-L (Lightning): Directional mic that rejects background noise; includes a windshield and mounting clip.
Saramonic LavMicro Di (Lightning lavalier): Discreet, clip-on mic for consistent distance and volume.
COMICA WS50 (Wireless lav system): Wireless range and real-time monitoring for run-and-gun mobile podcasting.
USB mics via adapter: Prefer a “lightning to USB adapter podcast” solution for older iPhones, or direct USB-C on iPhone 15+. Popular picks: Samson Q2U (USB/XLR), Shure MV7 (USB), or other dynamic mics that reject room noise. Note: XLR-only mics (e.g., RØDE PodMic) need an audio interface; they don’t plug directly into Lightning/USB-C.
Smart Accessories That Improve Your Sound
Monitoring headphones for podcasting: Closed-back, wired headphones help you hear issues in real time and avoid latency.
Pop filter for iPhone mic: Reduces plosives (p,b,t,k). Even a small foam windscreen helps indoors; use a furry windshield outdoors.
Tripod/stand or phone cage: Stabilizes your iPhone, keeps framing consistent, and prevents handling noise.
Power: Keep your phone plugged in or use a battery pack; long sessions drain fast.
Storage: Free 5–10 GB before recording; high-quality local files are large.
The Best iPhone Podcast App Options
Riverside podcast app (Riverside FM app / Riverside audio recording app): Records locally in up to 48 kHz audio and up to 4K video, even with weak internet. Separate tracks per speaker, progressive upload, text-based editing, and quick exports. Excellent for recording remote guests on an iPhone.
GarageBand iOS: Great for basic multitrack editing, music beds, and intros/outros. Ideal for simple mobile post-production.
Podbean/Spreaker: Easy recording and hosting in one place; better for beginners but often limited to lossy recording and simple editors.
Voice Memos podcast recording: Fine for emergencies, but lacks multitrack and creator-grade controls.
iPhone Podcasting: Step-by-Step to Record Your First Episode
This walkthrough covers planning, device optimization, mic setup, recording, and quality control, everything you need for podcasting with an iPhone.
Step 1 — Plan Your Episode
Define the focus, outcome, and call-to-action for your listener.
Outline 3–5 talking points. Keep a short intro; get to the value quickly.
If you’re testing a concept, draft 10 episode ideas to validate the niche.
Choose a target runtime. Common ranges: 20–40 minutes for interviews; 10–20 for short solo episodes.
Step 2 — Prepare Your iPhone for Recording
Do not disturb iPhone recording: Enable a Focus mode. Settings > Focus > Podcast (custom). Allow only critical apps if needed.
Airplane mode podcast recording: Turn on Airplane Mode, then re-enable Wi‑Fi if you need internet for remote guests.
Silence calls/alerts: Disable vibrations/haptics; turn off Raise to Wake; lower screen brightness to reduce heat.
Storage: Offload old videos/photos; aim for 5–10 GB free.
Power/Thermals: Plug into power. Avoid hot dashboards/direct sun to prevent thermal throttling.
Step 3 — Connect and Test Your Mic (How to record a podcast on iPhone with an external mic)
- iPhone 15 and later: Use USB-C. Many USB mics connect directly. If you need multiple devices (mic + power + headphones), use a powered USB-C hub.
- Lightning iPhones: Use Apple’s Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter (for power pass-through and class-compliant USB mics/interfaces).
- Select the mic in your podcasting app's input settings. Confirm you’re not on the built-in mic.
- Wear wired headphones for zero-latency monitoring. Tap to mute notifications and verify no buzzing/cell interference.
Step 4 — Set Levels and Mic Technique (Prevent Clipping)
Gain targets: Speak at your normal voice and set peaks around -12 dBFS, with average levels around -18 dBFS. This protects headroom for laughs and emphasis.
Prevent clipping when recording a podcast on an iPhone: If you see peaks near -3 dBFS, lower the input gain. Clipping distortion can’t be fixed later.
Distance and angle: Keep your mouth 2–4 inches from the capsule, slightly off-axis (20–30°). Use a pop filter for plosives and wind.
Lavalier placement: Clip mid-chest, avoid clothing rub, and use the supplied windscreen.
Step 5 — Optimize Your Space (Room Tone Matters)
Choose a quiet room with soft surfaces. Rugs, curtains, and cushions reduce reflections and echoes.
Avoid bare kitchens/hallways. Turn off HVAC and loud appliances.
Mount your phone to maintain a consistent distance and volume.
Step 6 — Record Solo or With Remote Guests
Record solo: Use a script or bullet outline in your app. Leave a few seconds of silence at the start for noise profiles.
Record a remote podcast on the iPhone app: Use Riverside to invite up to 9 participants. Each track records locally, minimizing internet artifacts.
Network tips: Prefer Wi‑Fi near the router or a strong 5G signal; close background apps.
Re-record now: If you flub a line, pause, and redo the sentence immediately. It keeps the room tone consistent and speeds up editing.
Step 7 — Save, Back Up, and Sync
Confirm local files finished uploading (progressive uploads help protect against drops).
Back up the master WAV to cloud storage and an external drive.
Editing and Publishing on iPhone (and Desktop)
Editing on iPhone is possible, and for many creators, it’s enough for quick trims and exports. For detailed work, a desktop editor is faster, but here’s a practical mobile-first flow.
Mobile Editing Workflow
Riverside mobile editor: Trim mistakes, remove filler words with text-based editing, add captions, and export.
GarageBand iOS podcast editing: Level dialogue, add intro/outro music, and apply gentle compression/EQ. Keep it light to avoid artifacts.
Voice cleanup: Consider simple on/off tools like CrumplePop Voice Enhance (desktop) or light noise reduction. Avoid over-processing.
Recommended Export Settings (Specs That Matter)
Master file: 24-bit WAV at 48 kHz for archiving and any future edits.
Distribution file: MP3 128–192 kbps CBR, mono for voice-only shows; 192–256 kbps stereo if you have music beds.
Loudness: iPhone podcast loudness -16 LUFS for stereo or -19 LUFS for mono; True Peak at or below -1 dBTP.
Chapters and metadata: Add episode title, show name, artwork, and chapter markers (ID3 tags) if your editor supports them.
Publish to Podcast Directories
Hosting: Use Buzzsprout, Podbean, Transistor, or your preferred host to create your RSS feed.
Distribution: Submit the RSS feed to Apple Podcasts, Spotify for Podcasters, YouTube, and other directories.
Show notes & SEO: Write keyword-rich summaries, add timestamps, resources, and credits. Include “how to record a podcast on an iPhone” and related phrases naturally.
For more help turning those recordings into a channel that actually drives pipeline and subscribers, read B2B Podcasting: Cost-Effective Launch and Expansion in 2024 and Beginner Podcast Tips: How to Launch and Grow Your Audience Fast
Pro Tips for Podcasting from iPhone
Use a dedicated Focus mode to silence notifications; combine with Airplane Mode + Wi‑Fi for remote interviews.
Monitor with wired headphones to avoid Bluetooth latency.
Keep a pre-flight checklist: Mic connected, input selected, headphones on, levels peaking at -12 dBFS, recording location quiet, battery/power secured, storage available.
For iPhone 15+: Search “USB-C iPhone 15 podcast mic” compatibility and use a powered USB-C hub if you need to connect mic + power + headphones.
Always record room tone: 5–10 seconds of silence helps noise reduction and matching edits.
Consider dynamic mics in untreated rooms; they reject ambient noise better than condensers.
When in doubt, keep it mono. For spoken word, mono files are smaller and ensure consistent loudness.
FAQs — iOS Podcasting Questions Answered
What is the best app to record a podcast on an iPhone?
For most creators, the Riverside app is the best balance of quality and simplicity: local recording, separate tracks, progressive upload, and easy editing/exports. If you need a free editor, GarageBand iOS works well. Voice Memos is a last resort.
Can I record a podcast on an iPad without an external mic?
Yes, but an external mic is strongly recommended. The built-in mic can work in a very quiet room, yet a small Lightning or USB-C mic (like Shure MV88 or RØDE VideoMic Me-L) will dramatically improve clarity.
How do I edit and publish a podcast from my iPhone?
Trim and level your recording in Riverside or GarageBand, export a WAV master and MP3 distribution file, then upload to a podcast host (e.g., Podbean, Buzzsprout, Transistor). The host will distribute your show to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more.
How can I improve audio quality when recording a podcast on an iPhone?
Use an external mic, monitor on wired headphones, record in a soft room, keep your mouth 2–4 inches from the mic, aim for -12 dBFS peaks, and enable Focus/Do Not Disturb. Add a pop filter and lower environmental noise (HVAC off, windows closed).
How do I record remote guests on my iPhone?
Use a remote recording tool like the Riverside podcast app. Share an invite link; each participant records locally in high quality. Keep your device powered, use Wi‑Fi near your router, and confirm separate tracks are enabled.
What iPhone settings should I change before recording a podcast?
Enable a Podcast Focus profile (no calls/alerts), turn on Airplane Mode and then enable Wi‑Fi if needed, disable vibrations/haptics, lower screen brightness, close background apps, and confirm available storage. These steps prevent interruptions and reduce heat.
Example Setups for Different Budgets
Minimalist (Free–$70): iPhone + Voice Memos or GarageBand + quiet room. Upgrade path: RØDE VideoMic Me-L or Saramonic lav.
Creator Essentials (~$150–$250): iPhone + Shure MV88 (or Samson Q2U via adapter) + closed-back wired headphones + tripod.
Mobile Interviewer (~$250–$400): iPhone + wireless lav system (COMICA WS50) + phone cage + battery pack + Riverside app for remote guests.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Relying on the built-in mic in a noisy room, get close, go off-axis, and use a pop filter.
Recording too hot; clipping can’t be repaired. Keep peaks around -12 dBFS.
Ignoring storage and battery; large local files need ample space and power.
Forgetting Focus/Airplane Mode; one call can ruin a take.
Exporting only MP3; always save a 24-bit WAV master for future remasters.
Conclusion:
You don’t need a studio to launch a professional, engaging show with smart iPhone podcasting techniques, the right mic, and a creator-grade iPhone podcast app. You can capture clean, consistent audio from anywhere. Follow the step-by-step process above to plan, prepare your iPhone, set safe gain (-12 dBFS peaks), and record local, separate tracks for the best results. Export a WAV master and publish an MP3 normalized to -16 LUFS stereo (or -19 mono) to meet platform standards. If you’re ready to start today, open your app, connect your mic, and put these tips into practice. That’s how to record a podcast on iPhone the right way.
If you’re ready to hit record but want a proven partner to dial in your mobile workflow, our agency helps founders and B2B teams master podcasting on iPhone with smart mic choices, off-axis technique, Riverside app setup, and quiet-room checklists.
