Podcasting is not just recording audio files and sharing it to the world. The production process requires careful planning, research, and dedication. In addition, all the necessary equipment must be obtained first before an episode can be recorded, post-edited, and uploaded for listening. Thus, for those who are curious about starting their own podcasts, they must be equipped with some pertinent information first.
STARTING A PODCAST
Most people already have an idea regarding what a podcast is. Statistics have already shown that a great number of people are podcast listeners. In fact, in 2013, around 1 billion podcast subscriptions were purchased. And the number continually increased in the past five years. Thanks to mobile internet and Wi-Fi, people are now constantly connected to the web via their phones, and this only favored the popularity of podcasts.
In addition, people can listen to podcasts anywhere in the world as long as they have internet connection. Thus, more and more people can now be reached by such audio programs.
On the other hand, before sharing any podcast into the world, a person should identify and narrow the niche of topics from where he should start. Podcasts are very helpful in connecting with other people, especially with those in various corners of the world. Moreover, though, some money must be shed out, the costs of starting a podcast program are not that much.
People can also listen to podcasts that while they are still doing other activities, such as driving, exercising, and other usual house chores.
Thus, it is not that surprising that a number of people are wanting to get their hand into starting their own podcasts.
Though podcast requires planning and preparation, people should not spend most of their time in pre-production. Likewise, they only need to ensure that they all have the basic equipment and they are set for recoding their first audio files.
WHAT DO PEOPLE LOVE ABOUT PODCASTS
One of the primary things that people love in podcasts is radio voice of the speakers. Some people have great radio voice, whereas others require more practice to achieve the tone that interest people. A good radio voice can be achieved through the following:
In recording podcasts, the goal of the speaker is to catch the attention of the listeners through the personality that people can perceive through their voice.
People should be careful not to talk too fast in their podcasts. However, prior to recording, they must prepare first what they will be saying. Though scripts are necessary, they should not sound weird after recording. Thus, the person recording must apply the appropriate speaking style during podcast recording. People should also practice in speaking softly. In podcasts that appeal to emotions, most people prefer hearing pleasant voices than intense ones. Likewise, while speaking, people should ensure that the volume and speed of their voice remains constant. Proper distance from the mic should also be ensured.
Applying proper technique in using the mic also aids in achieving professionally sounding audio file. First factor involved in proper mic usage is distance. This variable greatly affects the quality of the voice in recording. Though some experienced podcasters may suggest specific distance from the mic, it is also important to consider the manufacturer’s instruction and to make some tests to determine the appropriate distance for mic use.
Pop filters are used in diminishing plosive sounds. These things prevent annoying bursting sounds while a person is speaking. People are advised to buy those that are made with nylon or mesh wire.
Since mic will be constantly used when recording audio files for podcasting, it is only right that people invest in a boom stand. This way, speakers need not to worry about their mics while recording. Moreover, setting the mic on a boom stand prevents recording static and other unnecessary sounds.
There headset/mic combos that can be bought from the market, but people should try using pro set headphones and pro mic simultaneously.
PLANNING THE PODCAST
Identifying podcast content is primary issue that must be resolved before recording any audio files. In this regard, podcasters may do some research to determine the interest of listeners. Podcasts may in the form of an interview or a program featuring a friend or a co-host. Speakers should also be equipped with adequate knowledge about the topic of podcast.
There are optimum length and frequency for podcast episodes. Podcasts that are aired daily or twice daily should not last for more than 15 minutes. However, in special cases, the duration may be up to 20 minutes.
For programs airing once a week, 15 to 60-minute podcasts will do. Meanwhile, monthly podcasts may last for as long as 1 to 1.5 hours.
Bimonthly podcast release is very rare, and this situation poses difficulty in maintaining loyal audience. Thus, people should try sticking to abovementioned episode frequencies and duration.
Basic start package normally incudes headset, mic, and laptop/PC. Some experts may suggest using additional components.
Beginners may start with using freeware audio editing tool, such as Audacity. Meanwhile, some podcasters invest in paid programs, including GarageBand, which is normally pre-installed in Macs.
RECORDING THE FIRST EPISODE
Before recording, people should review important factors such as mic distance, duration, attitude while when talking with another person in the podcast. After recording, audio file can then be edited for distribution. Abovementioned software can be sued for this purpose. Meanwhile, RSS feeds should be given attention as it greatly aids in expanding listener based.
Some websites offer specific platforms for hosting podcasts. Podcast hosts are necessary because of certain variables, such bandwidth, RSS feed, embedding, and sharing options. In addition, hosting websites are perfect for distributing podcasts in various platforms.
PROMOTING AND SUBMITTING TO DIRECTORIES
Podcasts should be submitted to directories, and their rankings on listing must also be optimized. People may use applications to achieve this purpose or embed their podcasts to various websites.