If you love spine-chilling stories, ghostly encounters, or true crime tales, motivating yourself to start a horror podcast is the perfect way to channel your passion into a creative endeavor and potentially turn it into a profitable venture.
Are you obsessed with haunted tales, eerie encounters, and things that go bump in the night? Starting a horror podcast might be your perfect way to share your passion with the world and maybe even earn from it.
Whether you’re narrating original stories, digging into paranormal history, or unraveling chilling true crime cases, this guide will walk you through everything you need to start and how to give your horror podcast a deliciously spooky vibe that listeners crave.
🛠️ What You Need to Start a Horror Podcast
Before you hit “record,” let’s set up the essentials.
1. Microphone (Your #1 Investment)
Your voice is the heart of your podcast. A great microphone makes the difference between amateur and professional quality. Horror relies heavily on atmosphere—your mic needs to capture whisper-quiet tension just as well as sudden screams.
Top Picks:
- 🎙️ Blue Yeti USB Mic – Plug-and-play with rich sound quality. Ideal for beginners.
- 🎙️ Shure MV7 – A dynamic mic with both USB & XLR outputs, great for growing into a pro setup.
- 🎙️ Rode NT-USB Mini – Compact, budget-friendly, and produces clean audio.
2. Headphones (Monitor Like a Pro)
You’ll want headphones that reveal every hiss, hum, and eerie breath. Noise isolation is key when editing horror content.
Top Picks:
- 🎧 Audio-Technica ATH-M50X – Studio-standard clarity.
- 🎧 Sony MDR-7506 – Affordable and beloved by podcasters and producers alike.
3. Podcast Hosting Platform
Your podcast files need a home—and your host distributes episodes to platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.
Best Options:
- 🌐 Buzzsprout – Intuitive interface, analytics, and a free starter plan.
- 🌐 Podbean – Great for monetization, offering built-in crowdfunding and ads.
- 🌐 Captivate.fm – Powerful analytics and built-in growth tools.
4. Recording & Editing Software
From subtle ambiance to shocking jump scares, editing is where the magic happens.
Popular Tools:
- 🎛️ Audacity – Free and highly customizable.
- 🎛️ Descript – Game-changer for podcasters: edit audio like a text document.
- 🎛️ Adobe Audition – Pro-level software for detailed sound design.
Add eerie intros, adjust levels, and cut out distracting noise. Horror needs clean, controlled pacing.
5. Remote Recording Tools (for Interviews & Co-Hosts)
Bringing in guests or co-hosts? You’ll need reliable recording software.
Top Picks:
- 🎙️ Riverside.fm – Studio-quality remote recording.
- 🎙️ Zencastr – Records separate tracks for clean editing.
🧟♀️ How to Make It Spooky: Crafting Horror Atmosphere
The content is key—but the atmosphere sets you apart.
1. Spooky Sound Design
Adding background ambiance or transitional stingers can elevate your production from good to bone-chilling.
Recommended Resources:
- 🔊 Epidemic Sound – Royalty-free horror music and sound effects.
- 🔊 Envato Elements – Huge library of eerie soundscapes, creepy drones, and transitions.
- 🔊 Boom Library – High-end horror SFX bundles.
Use subtly layered audio: low rumbling bass under a ghost story, or the faint sound of wind and footsteps during narration.
2. Voice Acting Techniques
Your delivery matters. A flat tone won’t cut it in horror.
Tips:
- Use long pauses to build suspense.
- Whisper sparingly for dramatic impact.
- Use vocal effects or modulations for monster/ghost characters.
- Practice breath control to avoid unintentional hissing or popping.
🎭 Tools to Enhance Voice:
- 🧛♂️ Voicemod – Fun and spooky voice filters.
- 🧛♂️ iZotope Vocal Enhancer – Professional voice processing.
3. Create a Cinematic Intro/Outro
Give your horror podcast an identity with custom audio branding.
What you’ll need:
- Creepy intro music (30 seconds max)
- A ghostly voiceover (“Welcome to Dead Air, where stories never die…”)
- A cold open teaser clip from the episode to hook listeners
👉 You can commission voice actors or royalty-free intro packs from:
🕸 Build Your Podcast into a Brand
Once you’ve got a few episodes under your belt, it’s time to think bigger.
1. Launch a Horror Website
Create a home base for show notes, bonus content, blog posts, or affiliate links.
🕸 Recommended Platforms:
- Wix – Drag-and-drop, horror-themed templates available.
- Squarespace – Sleek, minimalist designs that feel professional.
- WordPress + Bluehost – Ideal for full content control and SEO.
2. Grow Your Audience via Email
Build an email list to share behind-the-scenes stories, polls, and bonus content.
🩸 Tools for email marketing:
- ConvertKit – Creator-focused and easy to use.
- MailerLite – Affordable with automation features.
💀 Bonus idea: Offer a downloadable “Top 10 Scariest Episodes” or a printable horror story PDF as a lead magnet.
3. Monetize Through Merch
Once you build an audience, you can start selling spooky merch.
🧥 Use print-on-demand services like:
Ideas: T-shirts with podcast quotes, horror-themed mugs, or digital art bundles.
🎃 Final Thoughts: Bring the Fear, Bring the Fun
If you start right now, launching a horror podcast will be a creative journey. It’s a blend of storytelling, technical skills, and a love for the weird and macabre.
With the right tools and a commitment to crafting a chilling atmosphere, you can attract a devoted fanbase—and even turn your creepy hobby into a serious side hustle.
🔗 Explore Our Spooky Podcast Starter Kit
Get all the recommended gear, software, and sound packs to launch your horror podcast today.
👉 Click here to shop the essentials