Why do podcasters use headphones? – Top 4 reasons

Did you know that  74% of podcasters use headphones for their work? In a world of so many choices, headphones being so widely used must mean something. So, we asked podcasters why they went with headphones, and here is what they said.

Four reasons why podcasters wear headphone

Below, we will attempt to look into a few justifications for podcasters to use headphones. You’ll gain some insightful knowledge from it.

1. You can hear what it sounds like in real-time

There is nothing worse than getting to the end of a recording, playing it back, and finding out things are not as good as you thought. Our podcasters all talked about this, pointing out that with headphones on, you can hear what it all will sound like to others.

This includes hearing the microphone pop, so you can readjust your position to avoid it. It also allows you to monitor volume levels better so you can move closer to or further away from the microphone as you go. Headphones also allow you to hear stray background noises instantly. One podcaster noted that they did a 2-hour recording that was unusable because of the background hum of his aircon. He didn’t notice it live because he was so used to the sound. Wearing headphones, it is immediately obvious there is a problem.

2. You can understand how you sound to other people

It is not just the overall sound that is impacted by headphones. The majority of podcasters talked about the ability to hear yourself. This may sound odd, but the reality is that what we hear of ourselves when speaking is not what everyone else hears. The voice we hear resonates around the skull bones and sounds quite different to the voice others hear.

Headphones let you hear yourself as others hear you, and this is really helpful. Voice actors wear headphones for the same reason so that they can modify their tone or pronunciation to maintain clarity. It is also helpful for guests too, especially those who have never recorded anything before. Hearing your own voice in a different way can be a shock, and headphones help them to normalize the experience.

3. It is better in a smaller environment

Finally, there are the practical benefits of headphones. Most podcasts are recorded in smaller areas, probably not designed to be a recording studio. Using speakers, it can be very difficult, and very complex, to wire everything and set it all up in a way that avoids feedback between the microphone and speakers.

Headphones prevent that feedback or echo without requiring a professional recording setup. In short, it is just easier to use headphones to get the best sound possible.

4. That many podcasters can’t be wrong

We started out with a stat that three-quarters of all podcasters use headphones. That alone should tell us that they are probably the way to go, after all, many people can’t all be doing it wrong. But when you listen to why they chose headphones, it makes even more sense.

For me, the key thing is ease of setup. A podcast should be fun, if it isn’t, that comes through to the listener. The easier you make the whole process the better, and especially if you are just starting out, the easiest way to get good sound is to use headphones. That should be enough for anyone to give them a try.

Best Podcasting headphones

If you are making the switch to headphones, check out my roundup of the best podcast headphones available right now to make sure you have the best experience possible.

FAQs

Are podcasts only audio-based?

Not at all. In fact, many podcasts use video recording, then upload either the audio alone or with
video depending on the platform. However, as most podcasts are listened to on mobile devices,
audio is the most common way people tune in.

Do you have to use wired headphones for podcasts?

No, today’s wireless headphones have good range and long battery life, so you could use wireless
headphones if you want. Not only that, but if you prefer earbuds they work great too, and while we
think they complicate your podcast setup, you can use speakers too.