Podcast Intro Editing Tips in Audacity (Plus a Step-by-Step Video Tutorial)
- Brittany Miller
- Jul 23
- 4 min read
Your podcast intro is the first impression you make on your listeners—and it matters more than you think. A clear, polished intro sets the tone, builds credibility, and hooks your audience within seconds. Whether you’re welcoming first-time listeners or returning fans, an intro that sounds professional can instantly elevate your show.
The good news? You don’t need pricey software or complicated tools to create one. Many podcasters want to take editing into their own hands, and Audacity makes that possible—without breaking the bank.
If you’re new here, let me introduce you to Grayson—the tech expert behind our podcast services and the editor of Go Get Great. While I focus on strategy and marketing, Grayson is the one who makes the audio magic happen for our clients. He specializes in the tech setup and ongoing management that keeps podcasts running smoothly.
In the video below, Grayson walks you through exactly how to edit a podcast intro using Audacity. It’s simple, beginner-friendly, and packed with tips to help you sound like a pro.
Table of Contents
Why Use Audacity to Edit Your Podcast Intro?
If you’re wondering, “Is Audacity good for podcast editing?” — the answer is a resounding yes. It’s one of the most popular tools for podcasters who want to produce professional-sounding audio without the hassle or high costs.
Here’s why Audacity is a smart choice for editing your podcast intro:
It’s free and powerful
Audacity is open-source software, which means you get a full suite of audio editing tools without spending a dime. Despite being free, it offers many of the same features you’d find in expensive programs.
Easy to learn for beginners
You don’t need to be a tech wizard to get started. The interface is simple and intuitive, making it easy to record, cut, and edit—even if you’ve never worked with audio before.
Works on both Mac and PC
No matter what computer you have, Audacity works for you. It’s compatible with both Windows and macOS, so you don’t have to worry about switching devices.
No expensive gear or software needed
All you need is your computer, a decent microphone, and Audacity. You can skip the pricey subscriptions and complex equipment and still produce high-quality audio.
Handles mixing voice + music cleanly
Your podcast intro usually includes both your voice and background music. Audacity makes it easy to layer, balance, and adjust these elements so everything sounds smooth and cohesive.
If you’re ready to dive in, keep reading—Grayson’s tutorial will show you exactly how to make the most of Audacity’s features.
Quick Tips for Editing a Podcast Intro in Audacity
Editing your podcast intro doesn’t have to be complicated—or time-consuming. With a few simple techniques, you can create an intro that sounds polished and professional every time. Here are some of the best podcast editing tips in Audacity to help you get started:
Drag and drop voice + music files into Audacity
Importing your audio is as simple as dragging your voice recording and your intro music directly into the project window. Audacity will automatically place each on its own track for easy editing.
Split stereo to mono for consistent sound
If your audio files are in stereo, converting them to mono helps ensure a balanced, even sound—especially for listeners using headphones or single speakers. Just click the track dropdown and choose Split Stereo to Mono.
Align voice and music for natural intro timing
Simply click and drag to move your voice and music clips along the timeline so they flow together naturally. A smooth entrance makes a strong first impression.
Lower music volume while talking (using Amplify effect)
When your voice comes in, you’ll want the music to “duck” slightly so it doesn’t overpower you. Select the music segment under your voice and use the Amplify effect to lower its volume just enough to sit nicely in the background.
Use adjustable fade in/fade out to smooth transitions
Apply a fade-in at the beginning of your music and a fade-out at the end to make your intro feel clean and polished. Audacity’s Fade In and Fade Out effects are quick and easy to apply to any segment.
Bonus: Leave a little music after intro for polish
Letting the music trail for a second or two after your voice finishes adds a professional touch and eases listeners into the episode.
Pro Tip: Save your finished intro as a separate file so you can easily drop it into every episode—no need to edit it from scratch each time.
Watch the Full Step-by-Step Video Tutorial
If you’re the kind of person who learns best by watching someone do it, we’ve got you covered.
In this easy-to-follow video, Grayson walks you through the entire process of editing a podcast intro in Audacity—from importing files to balancing music and voice—all in real time. You’ll see exactly where to click, what settings to use, and how to get that polished sound you’re after.
Whether you’re editing your very first intro or just want to refine your workflow, this video will give you the confidence to get it done quickly and easily.
Need Help Creating Your Podcast Intro?
If the DIY route starts to feel a little overwhelming, we’ve got your back. Our Half VIP Day service includes custom intro and outro creation—so you can hand off the tech and get a polished, professional sound without the hassle.
Or, if you’re ready for full support from start to finish, take a peek at our Done-For-You Podcast Setup service. We’ll help you launch confidently with everything from intro creation to full episode editing, so you can focus on sharing your voice, not stressing over the tech.
Comments