Tools Every Podcast Editor Should Use in 2026
The best tools every podcast editor should use include Cutsio, Riverside, and Adobe Audition. Discover how to speed up your podcast post-production workflow.
The essential tools every podcast editor should use in 2026 include Cutsio, Riverside.fm, Adobe Audition, and Auphonic. These tools cover the entire podcasting pipeline—from high-quality remote recording and text-based video editing to professional audio mastering and distribution.
What makes a great podcast editing workflow?
A great podcast editing workflow minimizes repetitive tasks and maximizes creative control. Modern podcast editors are no longer just cutting audio; they are managing multi-camera video, generating social media clips, and cleaning up complex audio tracks.
To do this efficiently, an editor needs a stack of tools that automate the tedious parts (like removing silences and finding specific quotes) while providing professional-grade output.
What are the essential tools every podcast editor should use?
1. Cutsio: Best for text-based video and audio editing
Cutsio is rapidly becoming the standard for video podcast editors who need to work fast.
Why podcast editors need it:
- Instant Rough Cuts: Edit your podcast by simply reading the transcript and deleting the text you don't want. The video and audio ripple-delete automatically.
- Semantic Search: Can't remember when the guest mentioned a specific book? Search the transcript by topic or meaning and jump straight to that moment.
- Professional Integration: Unlike basic AI editors, Cutsio exports clean XML files to Final Cut Pro or DaVinci Resolve, allowing editors to finish their color grading and multicam switching in a proper NLE.
2. Riverside.fm: Best for remote recording
Riverside is the industry standard for recording remote podcasts in studio quality.
Why podcast editors need it:
- It records uncompressed audio (WAV) and up to 4K video locally on each participant's computer, meaning internet drops don't ruin the recording.
- Provides separate audio and video tracks for every guest, giving editors total control during post-production.
3. Adobe Audition (or iZotope RX): Best for audio repair
Even with great microphones, you will encounter bad audio (background noise, echo, plosives).
Why podcast editors need it:
- Industry-leading spectral editing to visualize and remove specific background noises (like a siren or dog bark).
- Advanced tools for matching volume levels across different speakers.
4. Auphonic: Best for automated audio mastering
Auphonic is an AI sound engineer in your browser.
Why podcast editors need it:
- Automatically balances levels between loud hosts and quiet guests.
- Applies adaptive noise reduction and targets the exact LUFS (Loudness Units relative to Full Scale) required by Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
5. Frame.io: Best for client review and approval
If you are editing podcasts for clients, Frame.io is essential.
Why podcast editors need it:
- Allows clients to leave frame-accurate comments directly on the video.
- Integrates seamlessly with Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve.
How do you build a modern podcast editing stack?
To build a modern, efficient podcast editing stack, follow this workflow:
- Record: Use Riverside.fm for high-quality, multi-track remote recording.
- Rough Cut & Clip Selection: Use Cutsio to quickly read through the transcript, remove dead air, select the best moments for social media, and export an XML.
- Fine Edit & Color: Import the XML into Final Cut Pro or DaVinci Resolve to add graphics, color grade, and finalize the edit.
- Audio Master: Run the final audio mix through Auphonic to ensure it meets streaming loudness standards.
- Review: Send the final cut to the client via Frame.io for approval.
By combining AI-powered text-based editing with professional finishing tools, podcast editors can cut their turnaround time in half while delivering superior quality.