Record a video and clear microphone audio together, edit the episode, then upload the finished video to YouTube Studio and add it to a podcast playlist. A phone, a microphone and headphones are enough to get started; for remote guests, use a recording workflow that checks devices before the session and preserves separate tracks if you want more editing flexibility.
Know what YouTube calls a podcast
YouTube defines a podcast show as a playlist, with each episode represented by a video. An MP3 alone is not a YouTube podcast episode: make a video file, upload it, and add that video to the podcast playlist. YouTube may offer podcast discovery or YouTube Music features to eligible shows, but those features are not guaranteed. Playlists can be ineligible, including when they contain content the creator does not own, and copyright issues can affect eligibility. See YouTube Help: Create a podcast in YouTube Studio and its podcast eligibility guidance.
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Choose how you will record
Solo or in-person episode
Record with a phone or camera while capturing microphone audio. This is usually the simplest path when the host and guests share a room: you can control the room, framing and recording devices directly. A phone camera is a reasonable starting point; the key is intelligible sound and a stable, well-framed picture.
Remote interview
Use a remote recording workflow that lets guests join easily and gives you the tracks you need for editing. Riverside describes its own service as recording participants locally and capturing separate audio and video tracks. That can make it easier to adjust a guest’s sound or picture independently during editing, but it is a Riverside-specific capability, not a guarantee about every remote recording service. Compare options by guest joining process, local recording, separate tracks and editing workflow.
#1 Best Overall
- [Authentic Sound Integrity] Experience natural sound reproduction with the podcast microphone with boom arm to preserve the audio sound without distortion. The XLR dynamic microphone boasts a SPL of 130dB, delivering original and consistent recordings. Cardioid pattern reduces ambient noise, ensuring your voice takes center stage, free from distracting background sounds. (For better input volume, record within 2'' to 6'' from the dynamic microphone. )
- [Flexible Connectivity Options] Equipped with both USB and XLR connections, recording studio microphone kit offers versatility to suit your streaming/gaming needs. Seamlessly transition between plug-and-play USB convenience or enhanced XLR connectivity, providing flexibility and studio-grade sound reproduction.
- [Robust Boom Arm Support] Crafted from durable metal, the boom arm microphone stand ensure secure placement of the XLR/USB dynamic microphone. Whether you're podcasting or streaming, the sturdy suspension recording microphone kit lessen collisions and vibrations for uninterrupted and smooth audio quality.
- [Intuitive Controls] Manage your podcast session with intuitive controls. The USB microphone features a tap-to-mute button for instant muting without software adjustments. Fine-tune audio levels with the gain knob, while the headphone monitoring jack and volume knob keep you informed and in control, optimizing recording effectiveness. (All the function keys on the mic are invalid when XLR connection. You can operate on mixer or audio interface to control the XLR mic.)
- [Enhanced Noise Suppression] The included windscreen and shock mount set on the PC microphone for music recording effectively do away with harsh noises caused by explosive sounds and low-frequency vibrations. The heavy-duty boom arm maintains distance from your desktop, preventing noise interference, resulting in smoother, clearer vocals during voice-over and streams. (For optimal input volume, adjust input volume via the mic's gain knob in USB connection, or control on your audio interface when XLR connection.)
Gather a modest recording kit
The basic setup is a microphone, headphones and camera. A smartphone can be the camera. Riverside’s equipment guide names the Samson Q2U USB/XLR microphone as one affordable example; it is an example, not a required or independently tested choice. Closed-back headphones such as the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x are an optional monitoring choice. A microphone stand or arm, pop filter and clamp-mounted LED light can also help, but none is a prerequisite to recording.
Prepare the room and shot
- Choose a quiet space. Reduce interruptions and avoid obvious background noise where possible.
- Light your face. Use available light or place a soft light in front of you so viewers can see you clearly.
- Frame the shot. Position the camera at about eye level where practical, face it, and check that the frame looks intentional.
- Monitor the sound. Wear headphones to catch device problems or distracting noise before they become part of a full episode.
These are practical setup recommendations from Riverside’s guide, not controlled comparisons or specifications for required room treatment or lighting intensity.
Rank #2
- Pro Sound Chipset 192kHz/24Bit: This Condenser Microphone has been designed with professional sound chipset, which allows the USB microphone to hold high resolution sampling rate. Smooth, flat frequency response, Extended frequency response is excellent for studio, speech and voice-over. Performed well in reproducing sound, high quality mic ensures your exquisite sound reproduces on the internet
- Plug and Play: microphone has USB data port, which is easy to connect with your computer, and no need extra driver software or external sound card. Simply plug the USB cable into your laptop to start using mic immediately, offering seamless integration with various operating systems. That makes it easy to sound good on podcasting, live-streaming, video call, recording (Note: Not compatible with XBOX)
- 16mm Condenser Mic: With the 16mm electret condenser transducer, the USB microphone can give you a strong bass response. This professional condenser microphone picks up crystal clear audio. The magnet ring, on the USB microphone cable, has a strong anti-interference function, which gives you a better feel (Best Range: 2"-6")
- ALL-in-one Set: With pop filter and foam windscreen, the condenser mic records your voice, and the sound is crystal clear. The shock mount holds the microphone steady with damping function. Suitable for voiceover, podcast, YouTube, Skype conference (The desk clamp is suitable for desktop with a thickness of less than 2.1 inch.)
- Compatible with MOST OS: For most laptops, PC, PS4, PS5, and mobile phones, easy to connect, plug and play. It can also be used with Discord, Twitch, Zoom, etc, but please note that the AU-A04 microphone isn't used with Maono Link. If you need Maono Link, recommend using the upgraded A04 Gen2 mic
Check devices and make a test recording
- Select your camera and microphone. Confirm the recording setup is using the devices you intend, not a built-in microphone or camera selected by default.
- Record a short test. Speak at your normal volume, listen back on headphones, and check that the picture is framed and visible.
- Correct obvious problems before the full take. Reposition the microphone, adjust the light or framing, and repeat the test if the sound is muffled, distorted or hard to hear.
- For a Riverside remote session: create a studio, check the camera and microphone in the lobby, invite the guest, start recording when everyone is ready, and stop when the conversation is finished. Riverside’s documented workflow captures separate tracks for later editing.
Riverside’s step-by-step workflow is documented in its YouTube podcast guide and recording instructions.
Recommended Free Tools
Edit and publish the episode
- Edit the recording into the episode you intend to publish. For a remote recording with separate tracks, adjust participant audio and video independently where needed.
- Export a video file. YouTube’s podcast format requires a video episode, not an audio-only MP3. The sources cited here do not establish a particular resolution, frame rate, codec, bitrate, audio sample rate or loudness target, so use settings appropriate to your recording and editing software rather than treating an unsupported number as a YouTube requirement.
- Upload the video in YouTube Studio. Complete the episode’s title and other publishing details there.
- Create or designate a podcast playlist in YouTube Studio. Add the uploaded video episode to that playlist and save. Follow the current podcast controls and eligibility guidance in YouTube Help.
Check ownership and copyright before publishing
Use material you own or have permission to use, including music, clips, images and guest contributions. YouTube says copyright issues can affect podcast eligibility, and playlists containing content not owned by the creator may be ineligible for podcast features. Do not assume that a video is eligible for every podcast discovery surface simply because it is placed in a podcast playlist. See YouTube’s podcast creation and eligibility guidance.
Rank #3
- [USB Output] Enables simple setup. USB studio recording microphone kit provides a direct convenient plug-and-play connection to pc and laptop without any additional hardware or drivers for recording vocals, podcasts and Skype. Studio microphone for recording vocals is never been easier to get high-quality sound for your voice and computer-based audio recordings. (Incompatible with Xbox)
- [Excellent Sound Quality] With rugged construction for durable performance, the vocal recording microphone, USB condenser mic for PC,offers a wide frequency response and handles high SPLs with ease. Ideal for project/home-studio applications. The cardioid condenser capsule captures crystal-clear audio from the front and avoid ambient noise when communicating/creating/recording. Comes ready to go with a desktop mic boom arm stand and 8.2ft USB cable, you're guaranteed to get great-sounding results.
- [Durable Arm Set] The podcast microphone bundle with versatile and sturdy broadcast suspension boom scissor arm with 180° up and down rotation, 135° forward and backward extension for optimal adjustment, for capturing your voice in podcast or voiceover. The double pop filter attached on the music recording microphone provides two layers of dissipation, removes the rush of air, minimize the popping sounds or cancel noise that can compromise your recording, great for studio as well as home use.
- [Easy to Attach] The streaming microphone for PC includes adjustable boom studio scissor arm stand that features a heavy-duty combo mount consisting of a sturdy C-clamp and a detachable desktop mount. With 13" fixed horizontal arm and offers a 30" reach, the low-profile, table-hugging design of audio recording microphone allows on-air talent to perform without facial obstruction to record in podcasting or make dubbing sounds for videos, use voice chat in Discord or online conference on Zoom or Skype.
- [The Accessory Package Includes] The studio microphone music recording comes with practical accessories for you to use in most of recording. The scissor arm stand is made out of all steel construction, sturdy and durable, a studio-grade shock mount, a double pop filter, premium 8.2' USB-B to USB-A/C cable, a podcast PC gaming microphone, a user manual and friendly Technical Support.
Troubleshoot common recording problems
- The video has no sound, or uses the wrong mic: check the selected microphone before recording, make a short test, and listen back before the full session.
- The voice sounds distant or unclear: reposition the microphone and reduce nearby noise; confirm the change with another test recording.
- The image is dark or poorly framed: move light in front of the subject and adjust the camera framing before starting the full take.
- A remote guest is missing or has the wrong device selected: have them check camera and microphone in the pre-recording lobby before you begin.
- You expected an MP3 to appear as a podcast episode: export and upload a video, then add that video to the podcast playlist.
- The podcast does not receive an expected YouTube feature: check playlist eligibility and ownership or copyright concerns; feature availability is conditional, not automatic.
Or let it run in the cloud
This recording guide is for making on-demand video episodes. If you also want an uploaded video to keep a YouTube channel live in a 24/7 loop, StreamNeo is a separate cloud service: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on; it streams uploaded video at the quality supplied, up to 4K 60fps, for one flat price per slot, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- [Natural Audio Clarity] Operated with frequency response of 50Hz-16KHz, the podcasting XLR mic delivers balanced audio range, likely to resonate with your audience. Directional cardioid dynamic microphone corded will not exaggerate your voice, while rejects unwanted off-axis noise for vocal originality and intelligibility during your PS5 gaming streaming video recording. (Tips: Keep the top of end-addressing XLR dynamic microphone AM8 facing audio source, and suggested recording range is 2 to 6 in.)
- [XLR Connection Upgrade-Ability] To use XLR connection, connect the podcast microphone to an audio interface (or mixer) using a separate XLR cable (NOT Included) . Well-connected and smooth operation improves audio flexibility to make you explore various types of music recording singing. The streaming mic isolates the pristine and accurate sound from ambient noise with greater no interference and fidelity. (RGB and function key on mic are INACTIVE when using XLR connection.)
- [USB Connection with Handy Mute] Skip the hassle of setting something up and plug the cable to play the dynamic USB microphone directly, which suits for beginner creators or daily podcast. You can quickly control the gamer mic with tap-to-mute that is independent of computer/Macbook programs to keep privacy when live streaming. LED mute reminder helps you get rid of forgetting to cancel the mute. (RGB and function key are only available for USB connection, but NOT for XLR connection)
- [Soothing Controllable RGB] RGB ring on the desktop gaming microphone for PC, with 3 modes and more than 10 light colors collection, matches your PC gears accessories for gaming synergy even in dim room. You can control the RGB key button of the dynamic microphone USB directly for game color scheme gaming or live streaming. Configured memory function, the streaming microphone RGB no need to repeated selections after turnning off and brings itself alive when power on. (Only available for USB connection)
- [More Function Keys] Computer microphone with headphones jack upgrades your rhythm game experience and gets feedback whether the real-time voice your audience hear as expected. Get the desired level via monitoring volume control when gaming recording. Smooth mic gain knob on the PC microphone gaming has some resistance to the point, easily for audio attenuation or boost presence to less post-production audio. (Only available for USB connection)
Rank #4
- USB/XLR Connectivity-AM8T comes with a dynamic microphone and a boom arm stand. Versatile PC gaming microphone kit with USB compatibility plug and play for PC in streaming or recording, without additional drivers. And also, while in XLR compatibility for mixer or sound card connection, the XLR studio vocal microphone is good at vocal, podcast, or musical instruments creation.
- Vibrant RGB Light-The streaming microphone RGB illuminates your gaming setup with customizable RGB lighting for a visually stunning game experience. You can easily control the RGB mode/colors or turn off by simply tapping the RGB button without making any complicated settings on specific software.
- Enhanced Features-Featured -50dB sensitivity and cardioid polar pattern, the USB recording mic kit not easily pick up background noise for delivering clear audio. The PC gaming microphone USB kit includes a boom arm for easy positioning, mute button and gain knob for precise control, headphones jack for real-time monitoring, and headphone volume control while streaming or recording.
- Decent for Gamers and Streamers-The XLR microphone designed specifically to meet the needs of gaming enthusiasts and streamers. Ideal for various applications, including gaming, streaming, podcasting, voiceovers, and more, which also works with popular streaming software like OBS and Streamlabs.
- Recording Microphone Kit-The dynamic microphone is more convenient for working from home or going out for podcasts, and the complete accessories allow for faster recording work due to its simple straightforward assembly. External windscreen of the XLR dynamic microphone filter out plosive voice.
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