When we talk about podcast editing, most of us are thinking about one thing: how do I make this sound good?

And that’s absolutely the right instinct. But the definition of “good” can change depending on how your audience is actually consuming your podcast. The reality is, your listeners aren’t always sitting in a quiet room with studio headphones on.

The most popular ways people consume podcasts right now

Let’s start with where and how people are listening:

• Smartphones: According to multiple industry reports, over 70% of podcast listening happens on mobile devices. Whether it’s Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, or any number of apps, people are mostly listening on phones.
• On the move: Commuting, walking the dog, working out, running errands - podcasts are a companion to everyday life. Which means background noise, imperfect environments, and limited attention spans.
• Bluetooth speakers, smart speakers, and car stereos: More and more people are throwing on a podcast while making dinner, driving, or doing chores. These setups don’t always handle subtle audio details very well.
• A smaller group of headphone purists: Yes, there’s still an audience who listens with quality headphones or earbuds in controlled settings, but they’re (mostly) in the minority.

What this means for your editing approach

With that in mind, here's some ways to edit your audio based on how people are actually listening:

• Prioritize vocal clarity above all else: If your voice isn’t cutting through, nothing else matters. Use EQ to carve out space for your vocals - a gentle low cut to remove rumble, some upper-mid presence to add clarity, and smooth any harsh sibilance with light de-essing.
• Keep dynamic range tight, but not flat: Listeners in noisy environments struggle with wide dynamics. Use light compression to even things out, but avoid over-compressing and making your audio sound unnatural or fatiguing.
• Watch your noise floor: Background noise that seems minor in your recording/editing space can get very noticeable on car speakers or smart speakers. Use noise reduction carefully - enough to clean things up, but not so much that it introduces artefacts.
• Be mindful of stereo width: Fancy stereo tricks may not translate well to Bluetooth speakers or mono listening environments. Keep essential elements (especially dialogue) centred.
• Don’t obsess over perfection: A well-edited podcast doesn’t need to mean a sterile one. Minor breaths, natural pauses, and authentic delivery can actually make for a more enjoyable listening experience.

It’s not about chasing audiophile perfection. It’s about clarity, consistency, and making sure your content shines no matter how or where it’s being heard.

When you edit for where your listeners actually are - and not where you wish they were - you create a better experience for them. Which is never a bad thing.

Until the next time, happy podcasting.