How To Develop An App Like Podbean: A Complete Guide

The podcast industry is on the rise. Over 584 million people globally listen to podcasts regularly, and that number is growing every day.

Due to this, many businesses want to develop an app like Podbean, which is one of the most popular podcast apps out there.

Podbean is loved because it makes it easy for anyone to listen, create, and share podcasts and music in one place. If you are looking to develop an app like Podbean, now is the perfect time to jump in.

But developing a podcast is not just about copying features. It is about understanding what your users want and delivering a smooth and fun experience.

In this blog, we will discuss the steps to create an app like Podbean and start connecting with podcast fans everywhere.

What is a Podbean App?

Podbean is a podcast app that allows users to listen to, download, and create podcasts. Founded by David Xu in 2006, Podbean works on both Android and iOS devices.

Users can search millions of podcast shows like news, education, business, comedy, etc.

Additionally, users can subscribe to their favourite podcasts and even download episodes to listen offline. It has useful features like speed control, sleep timer, and volume boost.

If a user wants to start their own podcast, Podbean allows users to record, edit, and publish. It is best for both listeners and creators who want an easy way to enjoy podcasts.

Market Overview of Podcast Applications

The global podcast market size is projected to hit $144.5 billion by 2035, according to Future Market Insights. This shows that the demand for podcast applications will be on the rise in the coming years.

• If we talk about the overall music, radio, and podcast market, the revenue was expected to reach $108 billion by 2023 end. As of 2022, there were more than 424 million podcast listeners worldwide. That’s more than 20% of all internet users.
• On average, people spend more than 7.7 hours a week listening to their favorite podcasts.
• About 7% of people say they listen to a podcast every day. Out of the people who do not listen to podcasts, 33% say they do not know how to get started.
• Around 60% of podcast listeners enjoy tuning in while commuting. About 75% of Americans say they use podcasts as a way to learn something new.

How Does a Podbean App Work?

If you are planning to create a podcast app like Podbean, it is crucial to know its working mechanism.

This section shows the basic way Podbean operates and shows how users and creators use the podcast app. So, let’s have a look:

• Users first download the app from the App Store if they are iPhone users and the Play Store if they are Android users. Once installed, they open the app and create an account on it.
• Now users tap on the search bar to find their favorite podcast by name, topic, or category. They can also explore famous shows and suggestions based on their interests.
• Users tap on an episode to listen right away. If they want to save it for later or avoid using their internet data, they can download the episode to their device and listen offline.
• Now, when a user finds a favourite podcast, they can tap on the follow and subscribe button. This way, they will get the notification when the new podcast comes out.
• Lastly, if they want to start their own podcast show, they can record, edit, and publish podcasts directly in the application. Podbean helps users share and see how many people are listening.

How to Develop an App Like Podbean?

Do you want to develop an app like Podbean? That’s a smart move because the podcast market is booming right now.

However, it can feel challenging to know where to start. But fret not! We will walk you through the Podbean app development process.

► Do Your Market Research

First of all, you should spend some time checking out other podcast apps like Pandora, Spotify, Podbean, and so on. What do you like about them? What is missing in them? Read reviews and ask people who listen to podcasts what they want. What are their pain points?

Doing thorough market research can help you figure out what features to include and how to make your app better and different. This way, you will have a clear idea of what you really want to make.

► Plan Your App’s Features

Once you have thoroughly conducted mobile app market research, make a proper list of must-have features. We can also call it the core features. For example, your app should allow users to stream podcasts, search for shoes, and maybe save favorites.

But always remember, if you are a newbie, do not try to add all the features at once. You should keep it simple at the beginning. Just focus on the features that matter; that’s why they are known as must-have features. You can add them later after your app launches.

► Hire App Development Team

Creating an app like Podbean is not something you can usually do alone. Look for developers with experience in mobile apps, even better if they have worked on podcasts or audio apps.

You can hire a music streaming app development company that understands your goals and develops a robust app like Podbean. Just make sure they understand your vision and communicate well with you. Also, it would be best if it fits in your budget.

► Make a UI/UX App Design

How your music or podcast app looks and feels is super important. A simple but visually appealing music streaming app design makes it really easy for users to use the app. When users open it, they should quickly find the trending podcasts or have simple search options.

The Podbean-like app should be seamless and simple because nobody wants to struggle with confusing menus or buttons. Your focus should be on clear design and good navigation. It can help users use the app.

► Develop an MVP Version

Now, instead of developing a full-featured podcast app, you should start with an MVP app development. Create a simple version of your dream app that includes only the core or must-have features.

This can help you launch your app faster and get genuine feedback from real audiences. The idea behind developing an MVP version is that you can test your idea on a minimum budget.

So, when you develop an app like Podbean, you will get to know what’s working and what needs to be fixed without spending much. Also, users appreciate updates and modifications when you integrate new and advanced features based on their recommendations.

► Test and Launch the App

Lastly, test your MVP app carefully on different devices to ensure it works properly and does not crash. If you find any bugs or errors, solve them by performing multiple mobile app testing methods.

Once the bugs and glitches are fixed, follow the app store’s guidelines and launch it on the respective app stores. But do not forget to timely update your podcast application.

Listen to your users’ feedback and modify apps like Podbean. Always fix issues quickly, add new features based on what users want, and keep on improving the app’s performance optimization. This can help your app work smoothly and keep users longer.

Must-Have Features in an App Like Podbean

Now that we have discussed the steps to develop an app like Podbean, let’s look at the basic features you need.

If you are building an app like Podbean, there are some must-have features you should include.

These features will help your application work well and provide users with what they expect. So, let’s have a look at these features.

Advanced Features to Include in an App Like Podbean

If you rely on the features Podbean offers, it will be difficult to make your brand unique. To stand out, you need to integrate some advanced and customized features that Podbean does not have.

♦ AI-Powered Deep Topic Explorer

Instead of just searching podcast titles, this feature helps users to explore deeply by concept. For instance, users can type a space exploration and the app finds episode segments where astronauts, rocket science, or Mars missions are discussed.

♦ Personalized Podcast Recommendations

You might have seen this feature in TuneIn Radio. So, instead of just showing popular shows, your podcast app can understand what each person likes and then suggest a podcast just for them. This way, users find new favorites faster.

♦ Emotion-Based Episode Playlists

Users can create playlists based on the feelings they want, like relaxing or inspiring. Your app analyzes the audio tone and content mood to match episodes perfectly.

♦ Voice-Activated Search and Commands

You can integrate this feature in your Podbean-like app by using AI to provide users a quick and simple summaries of each episode. This helps users in deciding what they want to listen to without spending a long time on a full episode.

♦ Interactive Transcripts

You can add an interactive transcript feature in your app to show written scripts of each episode that users can read while listening. They can tap on any sentence to jump to that part of the audio. This helps users understand better and makes podcasts more accessible.

How to Monetize Your App Like Podbean?

If you’re wondering how podcasts or music apps make money, well, there are multiple revenue models they follow.

By using some smart app monetization strategies, you can start earning extra income. Here are a few popular ways to monetize your app; you can pick the ones that work best for you.

➤ In-App Advertisement

One of the best ways to monetize your podcast application is by running ads. You know those short messages that play before or during a podcast episode? Well, that’s what we are talking about. Companies pay to have their ads played to your listeners.

You might have seen these ads running in a SoundCloud app. But if your podcast has a growing audience, that can turn into real income. The best part? You do not always have to go out and find advertisers on your own. There are ad networks that can do the work for you.

➤ Sponsorship Model

This one is a little different from the ads. Sponsorships usually feel more personal. A brand might pay you to talk about their product during your show, kind of saying, “Hey, this episode is brought to you by…” It works best when the brand fits your topic.

For example, if your podcast is about travel, a luggage company might be a perfect sponsor. These deals can sometimes turn into long-term partnerships. This means a steadier income for you.

➤ Subscription Model

If your listeners really enjoy your podcast content, chances are some of them would pay for more. You can keep your regular episodes free, but provide a paid version that gives people extras. For instance, bonus episodes, early access, or ad-free listening.

Even just a small monthly fee from your biggest fans can add up. Most podcast platforms make it easy to set this up, so you do not need to be super techy.

➤ Donations or Merchandise

Don’t be shy about asking your listeners for support! If they love what you do, they will probably be happy to help. You can set up donations through many popular websites.

Additionally, if you built a loyal customer base or fan following, why not sell some merchants? T-shirts, mugs, or digital downloads related to your show can be fun for listeners and go for your wallet too.

How Much Does It Cost To Develop An App Like Podbean?

The cost to develop an app like Podbean depends on your project requirements. Basically, what features you want, how complex the app is, and how much customization you need.

On average, the cost to develop an app like Podbean can range from $20,000 to $150,000 or more. The table below shows the cost as per the app complexity.

Let’s say you want to develop a simple podcast app version, and the core features you add, like user sign-in, podcast streaming, etc. Now the cost may stay on the lower end. But if you want to develop an app like Podbean with advanced features like live streaming, AI recommendations, and so on, the cost will go up.

So, the final cost really depends on your app’s size and who you choose to build it. If you want to know the exact cost of app development, like Podbean, then consult with a mobile app development company.

How Nimble AppGenie Can Help You Develop An App Like Podbean?

Do you have an idea for a podcast app like Deezer, but are not sure where to begin? That’s exactly what Nimble AppGenie is here for. Since 2017, we have helped many trusted businesses to create mobile apps and websites with packed features.

The podcast app market is booming right now. This can be a great opportunity for startups and established businesses. From startups to mid-sized businesses, all are investing in podcast app development due to strong sources of revenue.

If you are looking to develop an app like Podbean and create your own brand in the audio content world, now is the perfect time to start. Our expertise in developing an app like Podbean can help you bring your idea to life seamlessly.

At Nimble AppGenie, we ensure your podcast app is user-friendly and visually appealing, so it grows as your audience grows.

Conclusion

Making an app like Podbean is not easy, but if you are passionate and take it one step at a time, you can always do it.

The trick is to really get what podcasters and listeners want. So, it is vital to keep your focus on making a fun experience, and don’t forget to listen to your users.

From the prototype to launching an app, you will learn a lot along the way. So, if you are planning to develop an app like Podbean, take a deep breath, keep an open mind, and enjoy creating something that helps people share their stories with the world.

FAQs

Niketan Sharma

Niketan Sharma, CTO, Nimble AppGenie, is a tech enthusiast with more than a decade of experience in delivering high-value solutions that allow a brand to penetrate the market easily. With a strong hold on mobile app development, he is actively working to help businesses identify the potential of digital transformation by sharing insightful statistics, guides & blogs.