How True Crime Podcasts Are Made
True crime podcasts have exploded in popularity, but what goes into creating one? From initial research to final edit, here's how the best true crime podcasts are made.
Explore our Best True Crime Podcasts collection →
The Research Phase
- Is there enough material for extended coverage?
- Are there new angles or information?
- Can they access necessary sources?
- Is the case appropriate for audio format?
- What are the ethical implications?
- Court documents and trial transcripts
- Police reports (when available)
- News archives and contemporaneous coverage
- Academic sources on relevant topics
- Previous coverage analysis
- Victims' families (with careful consent)
- Law enforcement officials
- Attorneys involved in cases
- Expert witnesses
- Community members
The Production Process
- Scripted: Written and edited for clarity (Casefile, Crime Junkie)
- Conversational: More improvised, personality-driven (My Favorite Murder)
- Quality microphones and audio equipment
- Treated recording spaces
- Remote interview recording software
- Multiple backup systems
- Audio editing for clarity and pacing
- Sound design and music
- Fact-checking scripts against sources
- Legal review for sensitive claims
Ethical Considerations
- Seek consent when possible
- Prioritize victim dignity
- Allow families to review sensitive content
- Provide support resources
- Clear distinction between facts and speculation
- Awareness of potential impact on investigations
- Avoidance of jury pool contamination
- Regular updates as cases develop
- Not contacting suspects or families to harass
- Discouraging listener harassment
- Being careful about identifying witnesses
- Considering secondary trauma
Monetization
- Advertising (mid-roll, pre-roll, post-roll)
- Patreon or subscription models
- Live shows
- Merchandise
- Licensing and adaptation deals
- Should families receive proceeds?
- Does profit motive affect coverage?
- When does coverage become exploitation?
Starting Your Own Podcast
- Quality audio equipment
- Reliable editing software
- Research methodology
- Legal understanding
- Ethical framework
- Consistent release schedule
- Poor audio quality
- Insufficient research
- Disrespecting victims
- Covering cases without new angles
- Ignoring ethical considerations
The Future of True Crime Podcasts
- More investigative journalism
- Greater ethical scrutiny
- Victim-centered approaches
- Integration with visual media
- International case coverage