What does it mean, why is everyone podcasting and why it matters.
I
What is a podcast?
A.
Audio Stories
Podcasts are digital audio stories – a digital container for personal stories, crafted to evoke emotion, engage imagination, shared experiences and collective wisdom. They are mini-lectures, lively debates, and entertaining interviews, allowing listeners to dip in and out of topics that fascinate them.
They are essentially audio recordings that can be streamed or downloaded from the internet. It’s like a radio show, but without the constraints of time and space. Podcasts frequently feature interviews and conversations, discussions of current events and topics, lectures and stories, and may be informal and entertaining or highly professional. They can be listened to anytime and anywhere, for free or for a fee.
B.
How to Listen
Listening to a podcast is a fun and easy way to stay informed and entertained on the go. Here’s how you can get started:
- Find a podcast app: There are many different apps you can use to listen to podcasts, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. You can find these apps for free on your phone’s app store.
- Search for a podcast: Once you have an app, you can use the search function to find specific podcasts or browse through the app’s recommended or popular shows.
- Subscribe to a podcast: When you find a podcast you like, you can “subscribe” to it so that you get notified every time a new episode is released. This way, you can easily keep track of your favorite shows and never miss an episode.
- Choose an episode: Most podcasts have a list of episodes that you can choose from. Simply select an episode and press “play” to start listening.
- Adjust your settings: Some apps allow you to adjust the playback speed, set a sleep timer, or automatically skip silent parts of the episode. Experiment with these settings to find the ones that work best for you.
And that’s it! Now you can listen to podcasts wherever you go, whether you’re commuting to work, going for a jog, or just relaxing at home. Enjoy!
C.
Formats
A podcast format is the format in which a podcast episode is recorded, edited, and published. The format chosen will determine how the podcast sounds, how easy it may be to obtain and share, and what platform it can be used on. It is important to choose the right format that supports the type of content to be delivered and the technical requirements of the intended audience.
Solo: In a solo podcast, it’s just one person talking about a topic they’re passionate about. This format is great for people who have a unique perspective or expertise to share.
Interview: An interview podcast features conversations between the host and one or more guests. These shows can cover a wide range of topics, from current events to personal stories.
Roundtable: A roundtable podcast brings together a group of people to discuss a specific topic or issue. This format is perfect for deep dives and lively debates.
Storytelling: Some podcasts are like audio documentaries, using music, sound effects, and narration to tell a story or convey a message. This format can be great for gripping true-crime tales or heartwarming personal anecdotes.
News: News podcasts are a great way to stay up to date on current events and issues. These shows often feature interviews with experts and analysis of the latest news stories.
There are many other formats out there, and the best one for you will depend on your interests and goals. Whether you’re looking for a deep dive into a specific topic or just want to be entertained.
II
How to make a podcast?
A.
Pre-production
Pre-production is the entire process leading up to the actual recording of the episode. It involves planning, organizing, preparing the content, researching guests and topics, drafting scripts and outlines, booking locations, setting up equipment and audio tests, and more. This is the most crucial part of podcast production because it ensures that the episode is as high quality as possible and meets any specific production standards.
B.
Production
Production stage includes the editing, mixing and mastering of the audio recordings to create an enjoyable and immersive experience for the listener. At this point, producer work with the host, guests and any other contributors to ensure the audio quality is polished and professional. It begins with creating a rough cut of the podcast that sets roadmaps for the entire production process.
C.
Post-production
After that, the editor will go through the audio clips and make adjustments to volume, add in sound effects, clear up noise and make sure the spoken dialogue flows as intended. The editor will then mix multiple audio elements together and finesse the details like creating depth and presence in the sound. Finally, the rights to music and any other elements are cleared and the podcast is ready for mastering.
Then comes the distribution and publishing. It is the process of submitting and publishing a podcast to podcast directories, streaming platforms, and content directories. This process is often done through a podcast host, which can be an online service that facilitates the distribution a podcast to various platforms. This usually includes tagging the podcast with relevant keywords, setting up an RSS feed, submitting the podcast to major podcast directories such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Depending on the type of podcast hosting platform, there may also be additional options available such as setting up a blog or a website for the podcast and engaging with social media to promote, market, and drive more listeners.
III
Why does it matter?
A.
Market
Podcasts have grown exponentially in the last decade and are projected to continue the trend. The global podcasting market size was valued at USD 11.46 billion in 2020, and is projected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31.1% from 2021 to 2028.
B.
Community
Connect with a community: Podcasts create a place to rally together and find common ground on a particular topic.
Educate and inspire: Podcasting can have a big impact on your life, through teaching practical lessons and inspiring you to take action.
Find a voice and build a brand: Podcasts are a great way to connect with your audience, build relationships with them, and create a brand identity.
Share stories: Create a safe space to share unique stories, experiences and perspectives.
Get creative: Podcasting opens up the opportunity to flex your creative muscles and tell stories in a way that has never been done.
Reach a broad audience: Podcasts provide the chance to connect with people on a more intimate level and reach a wider group of listeners.
Change the narrative: Raise awareness, start a dialogue and challenge assumptions and misinformation, and break down barriers.
C.
Future
As audio technology advances, podcasts will become more interactive and immersive. Listeners will be able to immerse themselves in dynamic audio stories featuring lifelike characters and interactive elements. From virtual reality, to live audio streams and interactive audio gaming, podcasting will become more engaging and provide ever-expanding possibilities for content creators and listeners alike.
One of the biggest advantages of podcasting is that content can be easily shared, allowing people to access and listen to programming on their own schedule. As podcast consumption and create continues to grow, more platforms will come up with innovative features and technologies to cater to listeners.
The podcasting industry is also going to become more and more diverse, as creators begin to use the platform to share stories of inclusiveness, diversity, and acceptance. These stories can inspire and energize listeners, with the power to change minds and create meaningful connections.
The future of podcasting is truly without limit. With the limitless possibilities that audio has to offer and its power to entertain, inform and support people from around the world, podcasting is well on its way to becoming an integral part of everyone’s life.
