Podcast Design Prototyping

Consistency is everything

Releasing a podcast is more art than science.

Some experts say Tuesday is the best day to release an episode. Others swear by Monday. The reality is that it does not matter. What matters is choosing a release schedule that fits your life and your podcast’s needs.

Deciding when to release is not the same as deciding how often. You need to set a schedule that works for both you and your listeners. Think about how much time you can realistically commit to preparing, recording, and editing. A daily podcast sounds great in theory but can quickly become overwhelming. Even established broadcasters struggle with the pace of daily content. A monthly podcast might seem easier, but it risks fading from your audience’s routine. The sweet spot for most new podcasters is weekly. It is often manageable while keeping listeners engaged and coming back.

Batch recording is often recommended as a way to stay ahead, but that approach favors those with extra time, money, and resources. If you have the ability to record multiple episodes in advance, great. But for most podcasters, especially those starting out, the reality is different. You are likely recording one episode at a time, fitting it into your schedule as best you can. That is why setting a sustainable rhythm matters. Trying to keep up with a production cycle designed for well-funded teams will burn you out quickly.

Some podcasters release episodes whenever they are ready, without a strict schedule. This approach can work if you are podcasting purely for fun or if you have a highly engaged audience willing to wait for irregular drops. But if you want to build an audience from scratch, consistency is everything. Your listeners need to know when to expect your episodes. When they build your podcast into their routine, you stay relevant. A daily show becomes part of someone’s morning commute. A weekly show fits into their Friday afternoon routine. The moment you become a habit, you have won.

Now is the time to make a decision. What schedule will work best for you? Start by thinking about your available time. Are you balancing this podcast with a full-time job? Are you producing it solo, or do you have help? How long will each episode take to record and edit? Sketch out a realistic plan for yourself before committing to a schedule.

The key is to fit podcasting into your life, not the other way around. It is easy to burn out trying to meet an unrealistic schedule. If you push too hard, your podcast will start feeling like a burden instead of a creative outlet. Set a schedule that makes sense for you and your content. If weekly feels right, go for it. If you need more time between episodes, be upfront about it with your audience.

If you find yourself struggling to keep up, adjust. Many podcasters start weekly and realize they need more flexibility. Some switch to seasonal releases, producing a batch of episodes and then taking a break before the next round. But seasonal recording has its own costs. It demands long stretches of intense production, which can be exhausting and expensive. A more sustainable approach is to find a consistent schedule that matches your workflow and does not require major breaks to recover from the effort.

There is no perfect release schedule, only the one you can commit to. If you show up consistently, your audience will too. Whether you choose weekly, biweekly, or seasonal releases, the most important thing is to keep going. Your listeners will come to expect whatever rhythm you set. Decide now what your first schedule will be, knowing you can always refine it later. Set one that works for you, and they will keep coming back.