For quite a long time now, we have been enlightened with diverse spheres of life and the world we live in with the element of entertainment via podcasts. These episodic series of spoken words on topics ranging from news to cooking to every perceivable subject have become a tour de force. Who would have thought that casual conversations or Q&As could attract millions of listeners? Yet, with podcasts booming in popularity, that’s exactly what’s happening today. Many top podcasts also do a live stream podcast and it has turned a one-way show into a real-time experience. It makes the listener feel part of the talk. In this post, we explore why live podcasting is on the rise and how it can help even beginners grow an engaged audience.
Live podcasting lets you talk to your audience in real time.
A live podcast platform like OneStream Live helps you stream everywhere at once.
Using basic live podcast equipment can give you clear sound and video without high costs.
A podcast live stream builds trust, interaction, and more reach than prerecorded shows.
Live podcast recording allows you to reuse content and grow faster.
What is Podcasting?
Podcasting, formerly known as ‘audio-blogging’, was introduced in the 1980s. It started gaining popularity in 2004, with the term ‘Podcasting’, with the invention of iPodder, which allowed its users to download radio broadcasts directly on their iPods. This made it easier for them to tune into their favorite radio shows at their convenience, rather than being stuck with the radio every day at the same time. Around the same time, video podcasts (vodcasts) emerged, with the first web series, Dead End Days, in 2003–2004, which is often cited as the earliest example.
Previously, podcasting used to be recorded, and the file would be shared over the internet to be watched or listened to. Lately, many creators have started live podcasting, essentially podcast broadcasting in real time over the internet. These live podcast shows let audiences listen (or even watch) as you broadcast. Live podcasting (also called a podcast live stream) is basically like a live radio show streamed online, where listeners tune in as it happens.
Are Podcasts Live or Prerecorded?
Podcasts can be either live or prerecorded. Many podcasts are recorded first and edited before release. However, modern tools make live podcasting accessible. You have both options available. It depends on what the creator prefers. Going live offers immediacy and interaction. Pre-recording allows editing for a polished result. You can even mix approaches. Some episodes can be live, and others prerecorded.
Ultimately, it’s up to you. Beginners often start with prerecorded episodes to build confidence. Then they experiment with live streaming once they are comfortable.
Benefits of Podcast Live Streaming
We have found some persuasive arguments on why you should stream podcasts in 2025.
Success of Live Streaming
Live streaming is exploding in popularity. In fact, the online live streaming industry grew by 99% between early 2019 and 2020. People prefer watching a video rather than reading a blog. According to statistics, videos on social media get shared 12 times more than text and image posts combined.
Similarly, 74% of customers find video helpful when online shopping. It has evolved as the best marketing approach as 40% of consumers stated that video significantly impacts their online product purchase decisions, and 96% of people identified that they watch a video to know more about the brand and the product.
Moreover, the live streaming market is expected to reach USD 416.8 billion in 2030. According to these statistics, stream podcasting can help you achieve a significant number of viewers, all the while increasing your revenue and boosting your business.
Greater Reach
Podcast live streams allow you directly interact with your audience in real-time and learn more about their wants and demands, which in return helps you make improvements and changes. It provides the audience as well a chance to participate and engage with the brand from the comfort of their homes.
Podcast streaming on multiple social platforms can help you reach a broader audience in a trice. They tend to attract more online engagement than other content types and provoke a sense of urgency, compelling people to watch.
Raising Confidence
Interacting with the face behind the business has always been a delight for everyone. Podcast streaming is a phenomenal marketing strategy to showcase the face behind the company, which reiterates the fact that you are a human just like them. The raw and real interaction between the brand and audience will serve as a medium to build up reliability and trust. Remember that active engagement with the audience shows commitment and dedication, which reinstates confidence in the brand.
Refined Content Strategy
Adding live video to your podcast can instantly multiply your content output. One live session isn’t just a one-time event; it can fuel your content pipeline. You can save your live podcast recording and share it later for those who missed the live broadcast.
For example, you can extract the audio as a regular podcast episode. You can also edit video highlights into short clips. Share these clips on social media to reach even more people. In this way, a single live podcast can be repurposed into many pieces of content, which can fuel your creativity without much extra effort.
Starter Kit for Podcast Live Streaming
Before you go live with your podcast, make sure you have the right setup. You don’t need an expensive studio, but you should have some essential live podcast equipment for a smooth broadcast. Here’s a basic starter kit:
- Computer or Laptop: Use a capable PC or Mac for streaming. Phones can stream, but a desktop/laptop offers more stability and quality.
- Reliable Internet Connection: A reliable internet connection with good speed is of the utmost importance. After all no one would want their live stream to buffer or lag.
- HD Camera or Webcam: If you’re doing video, use a good quality camera. Clear video will keep your audience engaged.
- Tripod or Mount: Keep your camera steady for a professional look. A tripod prevents shaky video and frees up your hands.
- Microphone: audio quality is certainly the most important component of a podcast, and for that you’ll need a good microphone.
- Headphones: Consider using headphones to monitor your audio and avoid echo. They’re optional but useful, especially in multi-host or call-in situations.
- Mixer (Optional): If you plan to use multiple mics or cameras, an audio/video mixer lets you switch sources and adjust levels live. This is more for advanced setups or live podcast shows with several participants or audio inputs.
- Lighting: Be it entry level or professional live stream, you need good lighting. Even a simple ring light or lamp setup can make your live stream look more professional.
- Live Streaming Platform/Software: Use a reliable live podcast platform to broadcast your stream. A dedicated live video podcast software like OneStream Live makes sure that you can have a smooth stream to multiple channels. Using OneStream Live, you can stream to 45+ social media platforms simultaneously.
Ideas for Podcast Content
You can host a podcast live stream about any topic that you and your audience are passionate about. It could be cooking, comedy, or anything in between. The key is to deliver content that interests you while catering to your viewers’ tastes. Need inspiration? Here are some popular themes and genres for live podcasting:
- Lifestyle: Share tips on personal development, travel, or daily life experiences.
- Talk Shows: Host interviews or casual chats with guests on various topics.
- News and Global Events: Discuss current events, politics, or tech news in real time.
- Sports: Provide live commentary, sports updates, or fan discussions.
- Food: Do cooking demonstrations, recipe discussions, or foodie chats.
- Fiction & Storytelling: Broadcast live storytelling sessions, book readings, or even radio-drama style podcasts.
- Paranormal: Explore ghost stories, UFO sightings, and supernatural topics with live audience Q&A.
- History: Dive into historical events or fun history facts and take questions from viewers.
- Comedy: Perform live stand-up style podcast episodes or improv with audience suggestions.
- Health & Fitness: Stream workout sessions, yoga classes, or wellness advice in real time.
- Business & Marketing: Discuss entrepreneurship, interview industry experts, or give live tutorials.
- Science & Culture: Explain science concepts, review movies or music, or debate pop culture trends.
Read More: Top 10 Content Ideas for Live Streaming
How to Live Stream Your Podcast
Live Stream Podcast lets you reach a bigger audience in real time. It is very simple to start. Here is a quick step-by-step guide on how you can live stream podcast using OneStream Live:
1. Set Up Your Equipment: Use a quality microphone for clear audio. If including video, also set up a good webcam with proper lighting so you look clear. Work in a quiet space and make sure you have a stable internet connection to avoid any disruptions.
2. Create Your OneStream Live Account: Sign up on OneStream Live. Connect your social media accounts to OneStream Live so you can multistream and reach viewers on all those channels simultaneously.
3. Prepare Your Live Stream: In OneStream Live, enter your stream title and description and select the platforms you want to go live on. If you have a guest, invite them by sharing the OneStream Live studio link; they can join straight from their browser with no extra software needed.
4. Go Live and Engage: When you’re ready, hit the Go Live button to start broadcasting. OneStream Live will stream your podcast to all selected platforms simultaneously and record it in HD for later use. During the broadcast, interact with viewers through the live chat to keep it engaging.
Start Your Live Stream Podcast Journey
Every podcaster starts small. Begin your live stream podcast without waiting for perfection. Prepare your show and invite guests who already have an audience. Announce your podcast early and share short clips on social media. Use OneStream Live to stream on multiple platforms simultaneously. Take your first step today and grow your audience.
FAQs About Live Stream Podcast
Live streaming enables real-time interaction with your audience, enhances engagement, and fosters a sense of community around your podcast.
It enables instant feedback through live chats, comments, and Q&A sessions, making your audience feel more involved in the conversation.
Yes! You can monetize through live donations, sponsorships, ads, or even offering exclusive content for paying subscribers during live streams.
Basic equipment includes a good microphone, webcam, encoder software, and a stable internet connection. For higher quality, you may add lighting and professional streaming tools.
Popular platforms include YouTube, Facebook Live, Twitch, etc. OneStream Live enables simultaneous multistreaming to multiple destinations.
OneStream Live is a cloud-based live streaming solution to create, schedule, and multistream professional-looking live streams across 45+ social media platforms and the web simultaneously. For content-related queries and feedback, write to us at [email protected]. You’re also welcome to Write for Us!
