Podcasting is trending, and every other content creator seems to be asking,
"Should I start a podcast?"
Sitting in front of a microphone, sharing your thoughts, uploading them to YouTube or Spotify, and suddenly becoming famous sounds awesome, doesn't it?
Not really.
Especially when it comes to podcasting in India, the journey is anything but glamorous. The thought of starting a podcast is thrilling, but let's be honest. Most people overlook very significant challenges before diving in.
So, if you're wondering, "Should I start a podcast?" here are five legitimate reasons why you probably shouldn't (yet).
This is the biggest myth:
“I love talking, so I’ll make a great podcaster.”
Podcasting involves
Researching
Structuring your content
Writing scripts or talking points
Setting up equipment
Editing audio
Promoting each episode
For instance, Aman from Delhi launched an entrepreneurship podcast. He detested editing and promotion, but he loved talking to visitors. He quit after four episodes. Why? Since talking accounted for only 20% of the work.
Reality: You will burn out fast if you aren't prepared for the work behind the mic.
2. You Expect Quick Fame or Money
Unrealistic expectations are one of the main causes of podcasting failures. They anticipate sponsorships or going viral in a matter of weeks.
But podcasting in India is still growing. Even the best podcasts take months to gain a following. Only once you have established credibility, reliability, and specialized value does monetization become a priority.
Consider Rhea, who launched a book-related podcast. Despite her insightful observations, she gave up after six episodes because she only had fifty listeners. She anticipated 5,000.
Reality: Podcasting will let you down if your goal is merely financial gain or numbers.
Before you hit record, ask yourself, “Why am I doing this?”
If your answer is vague, like "I just want to try" or "Everyone's doing it," you’ll struggle with direction and content.
Successful podcasters usually fall into one of these:
Educators (teaching something)
Entertainers (storytelling or comedy)
Influencers/Experts (building personal brand or community)
For example, a podcast about Indian food myths is relevant and helpful if you work as a fitness coach. However, if your podcast is "about life and stuff," listeners might not see the point.
The truth is that podcasting requires clarity. Without it, your material becomes inconspicuous in a crowded area.
Podcasting isn’t just recording. It’s:
Editing audio (removing awkward pauses, fixing volume)
Writing catchy episode titles and descriptions
Designing covers and audiograms
Uploading to Spotify, Apple, YouTube, etc.
Promoting on social media
If these sound boring or overwhelming, you’ll either need to learn them or hire help (which costs money).
For instance, Kartik produced excellent episodes but failed to market them. No reels, hashtags, or Instagram teases. He assumed that people would simply "discover" his podcast. They didn't.
Reality: Marketing and technology are important if you want your podcast to expand, particularly in the Indian market, where discoverability is still poor.
5. You Can’t Be Consistent
Here’s the brutal truth:
If you can’t stick to a schedule, don’t start.
Audiences anticipate dependability. You must arrive on time whether it's weekly, bimonthly, or monthly. Otherwise, your podcast feed loses credibility.
Sana launched a self-help podcast, for instance. She had weekly episodes for the first three. She then took a two-month hiatus. Her crowd had moved on by the time she returned.
Truth: Consistency is more important than creativity in the long run.
If you’re Googling "Should I start a podcast?", it means you’re curious — and that’s great. But don’t jump in blindly.
Here are 3 questions to ask yourself first:
Do I have a clear reason or message?
Can I stay consistent for at least 3–6 months?
Am I willing to learn some tech or hire help?
If the answer is yes to all three—go ahead!
If not, it’s okay. You can revisit podcasting later—with a clearer plan and stronger commitment.