What Spotify for Podcasters Studio is and who should use it
Spotify for Podcasters Studio is a free web-based recording and editing tool built into Spotify for Podcasters (formerly Anchor). It lets you record podcast episodes directly in your browser, edit them, add intro and outro music, and publish to Spotify and other platforms — all without leaving the platform or paying for separate software.
You use it if you want a single place to record, edit, and distribute your podcast without learning audio editing software or paying monthly subscription fees. The tool is designed for solo podcasters, co-hosted shows, and people recording remote interviews. You do not need a microphone beyond what your computer already has, though a better microphone will improve sound quality.
The Studio is part of Spotify for Podcasters, which is free to use. You need a Spotify account to access it, but you do not need a paid Spotify subscription — a free account works.
Key Takeaways
- Spotify for Podcasters Studio records audio directly in your web browser and stores it on Spotify's servers, so you do not need to read or manage audio files yourself.
- You can record solo, add a co-host through a video call link, or record a remote guest by sharing a link they use to join from their own device.
- The built-in editor lets you trim silence, cut sections, adjust volume, and add intro and outro music without opening a separate program.
- Once you publish an episode through Spotify for Podcasters, it goes to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and other platforms automatically.
- All episodes remain in your Spotify for Podcasters account, and you can edit or delete them after publishing.
How to record a solo episode in the Studio
Log into Spotify for Podcasters on the web, go to the Studio tab, and click "Create episode." Choose "Record" and then "Solo." The browser will ask permission to use your microphone — allow it. You will see a red record button and a timer showing how long you have been recording.
Press the record button and speak. You can pause and resume without stopping the recording. When you are done, click stop. The audio uploads to Spotify's servers and appears in your episode editor. You do not read or save a file — Spotify stores it for you.
From there, you can trim the beginning and end, cut out sections in the middle, adjust volume levels, and add intro or outro music. Once you are satisfied, click "Publish" and choose which platforms you want it to go to. Spotify for Podcasters sends it to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and others automatically.
Recording with a co-host or remote guest
If you are recording with someone else, Spotify for Podcasters Studio offers two paths. For a co-host in the same room, you can both speak into one microphone, or you can use a video call link that lets your co-host join from their own device and speak into their own microphone.
To record with a remote guest, click "Create episode," choose "Record," and then "Interview." The Studio generates a unique link. Send that link to your guest. When they click it, they join a video call with you. Both of your audio streams record separately on Spotify's servers. This means you can edit each person's volume independently after recording, which is useful if one person is quieter than the other.
The guest does not need a Spotify account or any special software — they just need a web browser and a microphone. They can join from a phone, tablet, or computer. The video call is only for audio; neither of you needs a camera.
Editing tools available in the Studio
After you record, the editor shows your audio as a waveform — a visual representation of the sound. You can click and drag to select sections and delete them, trim silence from the start and end, and adjust the volume of the entire episode or individual sections.
You can add intro and outro music from Spotify's library of royalty-free music, or upload your own audio file if you have one. The intro and outro appear as separate tracks in the editor and can be moved, shortened, or removed at any time.
If you recorded an interview with a guest, you will see two separate audio tracks — one for you and one for your guest. You can adjust the volume of each track independently, which is helpful if one person is much louder or quieter than the other. You cannot add effects like reverb or compression, but the basic editing tools cover most common needs.
Publishing and where your episode goes
When you click "Publish," Spotify for Podcasters asks which platforms you want the episode on. By default, it sends to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Amazon Music. You can turn off any of these if you prefer. The episode appears on those platforms within a few hours to a day, depending on the platform.
Your podcast feed is hosted by Spotify for Podcasters, not by you. This means you do not need to manage RSS feeds, pay for hosting, or worry about technical setup. If you ever leave Spotify for Podcasters, you can export your feed and move it elsewhere, but while you use the platform, Spotify handles distribution.
You can edit or delete an episode after publishing. If you edit it, the changes appear on all platforms within a few hours. If you delete it, it disappears from all platforms, though it may take a day or two to fully remove.
What you cannot do in Spotify for Podcasters Studio
The Studio is designed for recording and basic editing, not for advanced audio production. You cannot add sound effects, explore filters or effects like EQ or compression, record video, or create chapters within episodes. You also cannot schedule episodes to publish at a specific time — you publish when ready or save as a draft.
If you need these features, you can record in the Studio, read the audio file, edit it in a separate program like Audacity (free) or Adobe Audition (paid), and then upload the finished file to Spotify for Podcasters as a pre-recorded episode. This gives you the distribution power of Spotify for Podcasters with the advanced editing of other software.
The Studio also does not include analytics or listener data. Spotify for Podcasters shows you basic stats like how many times your episode was played, but not detailed information about who listened or where they are located. For deeper analytics, you would need to use a third-party tool or upgrade to a paid podcast hosting service.
Troubleshooting common recording problems
If the browser cannot access your microphone, check that you allowed microphone permission when the browser asked. Go to your browser settings, find the Spotify for Podcasters site, and make sure microphone is set to "Allow." Refresh the page and try again.
If your audio sounds quiet or distorted, move your microphone closer to your mouth (about 6 inches away) and speak at a normal volume. If you are recording a guest remotely and their audio is much quieter than yours, you can adjust their volume in the editor after recording. If the audio cuts out during recording, check your internet connection — a weak connection can cause drops.
If you accidentally delete a recording before publishing, it is gone. Spotify for Podcasters does not keep a trash or undo history. Always publish to a draft first if you are unsure, or read a backup copy of the audio file before deleting anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay for Spotify for Podcasters Studio?
No. Spotify for Podcasters and its Studio tool are completely free. You do not need a paid Spotify subscription. You only need a free Spotify account to log in.
Can I record on my phone or tablet?
The Studio works best on a computer with a web browser. You can access Spotify for Podcasters on a phone or tablet, but the recording interface is designed for desktop. If you record on a mobile device, use the mobile app to record, or use a computer for the best experience.
What happens to my episodes if I stop using Spotify for Podcasters?
Your episodes stay published on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other platforms. You can export your podcast feed and move it to another hosting service. If you do not export it, your feed will eventually become inactive, but the episodes you published will remain on the platforms where they were distributed.
Can I record multiple people at once in the Studio?
You can record yourself and one guest through the interview feature. For more than two people, you would need to record separately or use a different tool. Some podcasters record a group call in a video conferencing app like Zoom, then upload the audio file to Spotify for Podcasters as a pre-recorded episode.
How long can an episode be?
Spotify for Podcasters does not set a hard limit on episode length. Very long episodes (over 3 hours) may take longer to upload and process, but they will publish. Most podcasters keep episodes between 20 minutes and 2 hours for listener retention.