Remote recording allows you to bring guests to your podcast from around the world – even from the International Space Station if you wanted! In this article, we’ve gathered the best tools, applications and gear for recording your podcast remotely.

The best program depends on e.g. the following factors:

Of the apps in this article, we have tried and used Zencastr, Cleanfeed and Squadcast ourselves. We’ve also recorded Whatsapp over Zoom H6.

Programs and Applications for Remote Podcast Interviews

Many of these apps offer a free trial, so you can try to see if the app would suit your needs. Here are the popular programs with their pros and cons.

Zencastr

Popular. An extended trial period during COVID, in which the number of guests is not limited. Only mp3 recording in the free version. You can also capture video.

This is the option we’d recommend. We’ve used Zencastr in remote recordings to capture the guest track both in the cloud and locally during the interview.

Zoom

Well-known but somewhat questionable application in terms of privacy. Easy to use, but the sound quality is not the best. In the settings, you can turn off automatic audio processing and record speakers on their own tracks. Props for the video connection which makes it easier to connect with your guests.

Cleanfeed

Praised for its sound quality. Simple interface also for the guest. No video connection. We’ve tried this but in our setup we had some problems with audio quality.

Squadcast

Really easy-to-use! Specifically designed for remote interviews. Sound can be captured as wav – and also video is available if desired. We would probably use this, but the monthly fee with the video is in the $ 100 range and a bit too expensive for us.

For business and money-making podcasts, it’s still a great choice. The process is really easy, specially from a guest’s perspective. In addition, editing is made easier by the fact that all tracks and videos can be downloaded to your own computer separately after the interview.

Skype or Whatsapp or Facetime and Zoom H6

Audio over the Internet is usually compressed and processed quite roughly which narrows the editing possibilities. That’s why Skype, Zoom, or Google Meet, despite their ease of use, aren’t necessarily the best choices.

We have recorded many episodes on Zoom H6 and a Whatsapp call. It requires a bit of hardware and the sound quality isn’t the best, but it has worked for us. However, we would not necessarily recommend this system if the Zoom H6 recorder or similar is not already something you have.

This way you get all the participants on their own tracks. In principle, you could also use, for example, Facetime’s video connection during the interview. However, it may be laggy and distorted, especially if the connection is weak.

Bonus: Have the Guest Record Their Own Track

Sound quality problems can be solved when the guest records their own track on their own computer. However, this requires hardware and technical know-how, so it won’t work for all situations. When we’ve visited other podcasts, we’ve recorded our own mic track on Audition and later shared it through Google Drive, for example.

If your guest is up for recording their own track, make sure to capture a backup track for yourself in case the file is lost, corrupted, or guests forget to press record.

Summary: The Best Apps for Remote Interviews

Give these apps a shot and see if they solve the remote recording challenges and opportunities for your podcast. I have tried all these three and they get the work done.

Have fun with your remote recordings!