Starting a podcast in any niche can be a daunting task. There are many things to consider: how much time and money do you have? Who will your audience be? Is this the right time to start a podcast?
With the true crime genre, all those questions become even more complex. Why is it so difficult? Well, because there’s much competition in this space—and it’s not just other shows or podcasts. The internet is full of true crime blogs, articles, and websites. People can go there for information about their favorite cases.
So, knowing how to start a podcast in the true crime genre can seem like sailing in dangerous waters. But it doesn’t have to be! This guide will give tips for getting started with your first episode and beyond.
How to Create a Podcast on True Crime: What Makes It Work?
Knowing how to start a podcast on true crime is the first step. But what makes it work? What is it about true crime that captivates people’s attention?
There are two main reasons people love true crime podcasts:
- They want to learn more about crimes and how the police solved them
- They like learning about scary, mysterious, or just creepy things.
Always remember these reasons. With them, you’ll be on your way to starting a podcast that hits home with listeners.
How to Start a Podcast on True Crime: What Are the Types of True-Crime Stories?
Next, let’s explore the different types of true-crime stories. Anyone who wants to know how to create a podcast on the genre must grasp the different kinds of true crime stories.
The main types of true crime podcasts are:
Crime and Criminal Biographies
These true-crime podcasts focus on the lives of criminals and their crimes. You can tell them from the perspective of a family member, friend, or law enforcement officer. This podcast has a strong emotional appeal. It delves into the inner workings of someone’s mind before committing a crime.
Espionage
Podcasts focusing on espionage are usually told from a government official’s perspective. The narrative follows the person’s journey from their home country to another place. Here, they commit espionage and get caught. This type of true crime podcast has an international appeal. It shows how different countries operate behind closed doors.
Hoaxes and Deceptions
Are you planning on starting a podcast on hoaxes and deceptions? If so, look at some of the best true-crime podcasts that focus on this topic. Hoaxes and deceptions are stories of people who lie for personal gain or to get attention. This genre has an emotional appeal because it shows how far people will go to make themselves look good.
Murder and Mayhem
Podcasters with interest in how to create a podcast on true crime will love this. It’s a podcast focusing on the most gruesome and twisted stories worldwide. It includes interviews with true-crime experts and people involved in the crimes themselves. This podcast is perfect for those who want to learn more about murder cases and how the police solve them.
Organized Crime
This is an exciting genre for true crime creators. Those who want to know how to start a podcast on organized crime must know some things. Organized crime is an illegal activity that is highly organized. It often has links to government officials.
It’s a large-scale criminal operation that engages in illegal activities. This includes drug trafficking, prostitution, and money laundering. The people involved in these crimes are often influential. This makes this true crime subgenre fascinating to learn about.
Serial Killers
Serial killers are a type of psychopathic killer who murders three or more people. This is a popular topic for many true crime creators. It’s frightening to know that people enjoy killing innocent victims. They usually target strangers, but sometimes they kill their family members and friends.
White-collar Crime
Starting a podcast on white-collar crime can be very interesting. That’s because this type of crime often goes unnoticed. It involves people who commit fraud, embezzlement, and other crimes. They typically use their position in a company or government organization. This genre is popular among true crime creators interested in business and economics.
Starting a Podcast on True Crime: How to Get It Right
Next on how to create a podcast on true crimes: how do you get it right? This genre is quite popular, and many podcasts on true crime are available. But how do you make sure your podcast stands out from the crowd? Here are some tips:
Identify Your Favorite Topic
You can only create a podcast on true crime by identifying your favorite topic. This can be anything from serial killers to unsolved crimes. Choosing something that interests you or has some personal significance is best. Find a theme within this category that would make for an exciting podcast episode.
Choose A Podcast Format And Length
Once you’ve decided on a topic, it’s time to choose a format. Will your podcast be a series or an episodic show? Episodic podcasts usually have one main topic per episode. Series podcasts cover many topics over time with recurring characters. This could be like an investigative journalism podcast.
Identify Your Tone
What is your tone? Anyone who wants to learn how to start a podcast on true crime must have a tone. Your podcast’s tone is the emotional feeling you want listeners to experience. It’s also how you want them to feel about you, your co-hosts, and the guests on your show.
Choose Whether You And Your Co-Hosts Will Host In Person Or Virtually.
A true-crime podcast should always have more than one host. The more hosts you have, the better your show will be. It’s always crucial to have someone there who can keep things moving. So if you want to avoid co-hosting in person, consider doing it virtually. You could also record your episodes together and edit out any dead air or glitches later on.
Plan Out Your First Several Episodes
The first few episodes of a true crime podcast are the most important. This is where you lay the groundwork for your show and establish yourself as an authority in your field. Ensure that these first few episodes are well-researched, well-produced, and engaging.
Write An Intro Script That Encapsulates What You And Your Show Are About
The best podcasters work with a script. This way, they can be sure that their show is well-structured and flows smoothly. Write an opening script for each episode and read it out loud before you record. This helps you remember to cover all the crucial points in your podcast. It also ensures that your show doesn’t feel like a monologue.
Don’t Skimp On Equipment
Podcast equipment can make or break your podcast. Invest in a quality microphone, stand, and headphones. They allow you to sound professional and ensure your voice is clear and easy to listen to. Consider buying a pop filter. This is vital if you plan on recording in an environment with lots of background noise.
Research, Research, and Research
You can only call yourself a “true crime” podcaster if you do backbreaking research. Learn as much about the crimes you’re covering as possible. This helps you better engage with your audience. It gives them a unique perspective on the crime itself. Also, consider reading up on the subject to ensure that anything you say is accurate.
Choose Music That Fits The Mood Of Your Podcast.
Music is one of the most critical elements of a podcast. It can set the mood and provide emotional cues for listeners. Choose music that fits the theme of your true crime show. Consider using songs with dark lyrics or ominous beats to create ambiance.
Get Guests For Interviews If You Want
Now, you might have done all the research in the world about your crime stories. But it always helps to have someone who knows the subject inside and out. For example, if you’re doing a show about serial killers, it’s helpful to interview an expert on the topic. You can also get people involved with the crime to recount their experiences.
Final Thought
Now that you know how to create a podcast on true crime, you can start your show. You don’t need much equipment or a large budget to get started. Use these tips to create an engaging podcast that will keep people listening until the end.
