SquadCast
Studio-quality remote podcast recording, wherever guests are
What it is
SquadCast is a browser-based remote recording platform that captures separate, high-quality audio and video tracks from each participant locally, then uploads them progressively to the cloud. Podcasters and video creators use it to record remote interviews without the audio degradation of Zoom or phone calls. The progressive upload feature protects recordings from connection drops, which is a genuine differentiator, though storage limits on lower tiers can be a friction point for high-volume producers.
Key features
- ●Local audio and video recording up to 4k per participant
- ●Progressive cloud backup during sessions
- ●Up to 10 participants in a recording session
- ●Separate WAV or MP4 track downloads per speaker
- ●Green room (Backstage) for guests before recording starts
- ●Live call view so all participants can see and hear each other during recording
- ●Descript native integration for direct editing handoff
- ●Session scheduling with shareable guest invite links
Pros and cons
Pros
- +Local track recording preserves audio quality independent of internet speed
- +Progressive upload to cloud reduces risk of losing a full recording on connection failure
- +Separate audio and video tracks per participant give editors maximum flexibility
- +Browser-based with no app install required for guests
- +Descript integration streamlines the editing workflow for existing Descript users
- +Backstage waiting room keeps guests from entering before the host is ready
Cons
- –Storage hours are capped on lower plans and can run out quickly for frequent recorders
- –Free tier is limited enough that serious podcasters will hit its ceiling fast
- –No built-in podcast hosting, so distribution requires a separate tool
- –Video quality maxes out at 1080p, not 4K on lower tiers, which matters for some video-first shows
- –The interface can feel slower than desktop apps on older hardware
Who it's for
- ●Recording remote podcast interviews with guests in different locations
- ●Producing video podcasts where clean individual tracks matter for editing
- ●Interview-based shows that need a reliable backup in case of connection issues
- ●Creators who edit in Descript and want a tight recording-to-editing pipeline
- ●Small production teams hosting panels or roundtable conversations online
Categories
Good for
Podcasters
Frequently asked questions
Does SquadCast have a free plan?
Yes, SquadCast offers a free tier with limited recording hours per month. It is usable for occasional recording but most active podcasters will need a paid plan fairly quickly.
How much does SquadCast cost?
Paid plans start at around $16 per month, though pricing tiers and included hours change periodically. Check the SquadCast website for current plan details before subscribing.
How is SquadCast different from Riverside.fm?
Both record locally for high-quality tracks, but Riverside places more emphasis on video production features and has a stronger free tier for video. SquadCast has historically been more audio-focused and integrates directly with Descript, which appeals to editors already in that ecosystem.
Do my guests need to create a SquadCast account?
No. Guests join via a shareable link in any modern browser and do not need to sign up or install anything.
What happens to the recording if my internet drops during a session?
SquadCast records audio and video locally on each participant's device and uploads progressively, so a dropped connection mid-session does not typically cause you to lose the recorded content already captured.
Does SquadCast host or distribute my podcast?
No. SquadCast handles recording only. You will need a separate podcast hosting service such as Buzzsprout, Transistor, or Captivate to publish and distribute episodes.