How to Include a Remote Guest or Co-Host on Your Podcast
Unfortunately, co-hosts and guests can’t always be present physically to record a podcast. Whether you’re separated by a 20-mile car ride or a 7-hour flight, distance can make recording your show a little tricky. Thankfully, there are ways to include your guests or co-hosts on your podcast without needing to be in the same room.
We explain how to record high-quality content remotely in the following article.
✴ Computer-to-Computer Setups
A computer-to-computer setup just needs each participant to be connected to a web-based audio application. Once your co-hosts or guests connect, you will be able to communicate with each other. This setup allows you to record everyone’s voice at the same time.
✴ Double-ended Setups
A double-ended setup is where each co-host or guest records their audio locally using their computer or portable recorder. Most tend to use an application such as Skype to hear each other while recording. This type of setup ensures the best audio quality possible, as local recordings are not affected by a poor Internet connection. The downside is that the recordings must be perfectly aligned, which could mean many hours spent editing.
✴ Use a Web-Based Platform
Web-based platforms work with most popular browsers like Google Chrome, Safari, and Internet Explorer. You just need a set of headphones and a microphone and you’re good to go – no need to install anything.
Some of the best web-based platforms to record your remote guests and co-hosts are detailed below.
✴ Zencastr
Zencastr assures lossless audio quality on your online recordings. It’s one of the most used platforms in the industry. Zencastr uploads each person’s audio file as the recording is taking place. Once you’re finished, hit the stop button and wait for the full recording to upload. Zencastr will notify you when the upload is complete, so don’t close the application until then. The same applies to your guest and co-hosts as well.
Zencastr only allows you to record audio. As such, you may want to look elsewhere if you want to record video. Zencastr’s free plan allows you to record up to 8 hours of audio per month with a limit of 2 guests per recording. Their paid plan starts at $20/ month, which grants access to unlimited guests and recordings.
✴ Cast
Cast is another great web-based platform for recording remote guests and co-hosts. Like other web-based platforms, Cast promises high-quality lossless audio for the best sound possible. What really sets Cast apart from competitors, however, is its editing and hosting features. This allows you to do everything in one place.
Prices start at just $10/ month for their “Hobby” plan that provides you with 10 hours of recording time, unlimited editing and unlimited hosting. Cast’s $30/ month price plan will provide you with up to 100 hours of recording time.
✴ Squadcast
Squadcast is one of the newest web-based platforms and has received high praise since first being introduced. Why? Well, Squadcast is one of the only platforms that records both high-quality audio and video – an excellent option for those who prefer to see their guests and co-hosts while recording. Squadcast will also display what camera, microphone and headphones each participant is using before you hit record.
During your recordings, you can see key information on-screen about each participant including time zone and Wi-Fi signal strength. Like other platforms, Squadcast uploads your audio as you record. It then stores the lossless audio files in a cloud server ready to download in your chosen editing software. Squadcast also has a “Green Room” feature where you, your guests and co-hosts can check your equipment and chat before recording.
Pricing starts from $9/ month for 2 hours of recording time. $17 /month grants you 5 hours of recording time and $38/ month gives you 12 hours.
Related: Zoom vs. Squadcast
✴ Zoom
Zoom has become one of the most popular online interview platforms for podcasters. It provides high-quality audio and is easy to use. To join the recording, your guests or co-hosts will need to follow a link that takes them to your session in their browser. There’s no need to install anything either. Zoom also lets you record video, which is a big win for podcasters who prefer a visual vibe.
Zoom offers a decent amount of customization options too. This includes letting you choose if you want the recording to start automatically at the start of a call – saving you from the nightmare of forgetting to hit the record button. Additionally, each person’s audio is recorded separately to make editing your final episode a little easier.
If you’re unsure on whether Zoom is the best option for you, they offer a free plan that grants access unlimited 1 to 1 meetings capped at 40 minutes per session. Pricing starts from $11.99/ month thereafter.
✴ Use a Free Alternative Platform
While the above platforms are some of the best in the industry, most come at a cost. If the prices are out of your budget, consider the following free platforms.
✴ Google Hangouts
Google Hangouts is one of the best free options online. It’s reliable and easy for everyone to use no matter their skill level. Google Hangouts also works well with slower computers and you just need a Google account to sign up.
Google Hangouts’ main disadvantages include occasional audio glitches and lapses in audio quality. This shouldn’t be a problem though if you have a double-ended setup, as you won’t be using Google Hangouts to record.
✴ Skype
Although it’s not the most reliable platform in terms of audio quality, Skype gets the job done. It’s very easy to use, and the setup process is simple. As of late 2018, you can record your Skype calls without needing third-party software. Simply click the + symbol in the bottom right of your call window and start recording. Like Google Hangouts, Skype is a reliable way to communicate with remote guests and co-hosts if you’re recording locally via a double-ended setup.
✴ Recap
Thanks to a range of great tools, including remote guests and co-hosts on your podcast is easier than ever to do. First, choose the type of setup that works best for you – whether that’s a computer-to-computer or a double-ended setup. You’ll then need to choose the most suitable platform to record your remote guests and co-hosts based on your needs and budget.
And that’s all there is to it. Provide your listeners with the same experience they would expect from an on-premise studio recording.
If you’re looking for more ways to improve your recording process, check out our comprehensive production checklist.
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