Podcast Post-Production Tips: Fix the 16-Hour Editing Nightmare
Edit smarter, not harder. Here’s how to reduce your podcast editing hours and reclaim your creative energy—with practical post-production tips.
The Frustration Is Real
According to @patioll, few things are as frustrating for a creator as recording a 90-minute podcast—only to face over 16 hours of post-production. If you’ve been there, you know the feeling.
It’s not just about loving what you create. In reality, the behind-the-scenes grind can wear you out.
The Harsh Truth About Post-Production
Post-production includes editing, cutting noise, uploading, adding music, and much more. In short, it’s about polishing your podcast until it shines.
However, this part of the process is what often drains your energy. It turns something you love into something that feels overwhelming.
As creators, long editing hours can quickly lead to burnout. That 90-minute conversation? It shouldn’t steal your whole weekend.
While we all want the best guest experience and flawless audio, thinking about everything that goes into it might make you second-guess the journey.
Real Talk: How It Affects Your Creativity
There’s excitement in recording—but also exhaustion afterward. It’s like throwing a great party, only to clean it all up alone. It has to be done, yes, but that doesn’t make it fun.
You aim for the best camera angle. You put heart into every sentence. Then, you’re left with a timeline full of edits that feel never-ending.
Eventually, you’re in bed with a bowl of chips, watching your footage again, hoping some magical shortcut will save you. That’s when the doubts creep in.
There’s a Better Way: Smarter Tools
What if you could cut down those hours—without lowering your quality?
This is where tools like Pllugg come in. Think of it as your editing assistant. It offers:
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Accurate transcriptions
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Auto-generated social media posts
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Timestamps that help you organize faster
Instead of draining your time, these tools let you focus on what matters: your audience and creativity.
Make Post-Production Fun (Yes, Really)
Believe it or not, editing doesn’t have to be painful.
To start, prioritize your edits. Focus on the sections that truly need your attention. For others, keep it light and simple.
As the saying goes, work smarter, not harder. Don’t feel guilty for using tech to reduce your workload—use what’s available to help you breathe easier.
Ask yourself:
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What absolutely needs to be done?
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What can I save for later?
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Can I make this process more enjoyable?
For example, track your editing goals in a journal or use a timer for focused bursts. These little changes can turn dread into motivation.
Finally, be realistic. Set goals you can achieve in short periods. Avoid doing everything at once. Step by step, you’ll get there.