How to create a podcast
There are many ways to create a new podcast. The following podcasting equipment and components are needed to record an audio file:
Podcast microphone. USB microphones are relatively cheap and easy to use to capture audio. The built-in microphone on a laptop or smartphone also works. A professional quality recording mic should be considered if a high audio quality podcast is the goal.
Recording application. Many devices come with free audio recording applications, such as Apple's Voice Memos app, to record and save audio. Audacity is free audio recording software that works on desktop operating systems, like Microsoft Windows, Apple macOS and Linux. Recording applications may have editing software and enable exporting of audio files.
Hosting site. Once recorded, a podcast can be distributed using a podcast distribution platform, such as Podbean, Podcast Websites or Spreaker.
Here are the nine steps to recording a podcast using a Windows computer and a USB microphone:
Plug the microphone into the computer's USB port.
Install the free Audacity program or another digital audio application. GarageBand is included with Apple iOS and macOS. Windows 10 comes with a pre-installed Voice Recorder app.
Open the program, and set the audio input to recognize the audio from the microphone.
Test the microphone to ensure the levels are appropriate and responding to audio in the room.
Press the record button, and speak to start recording the intro.
If necessary, edit the podcast afterward using the digital audio program's built-in tools or an application like Adobe Audition.
Export the audio file using the digital audio program's export function.
Upload the audio file to an audio sharing platform, such as SoundCloud. You can also use a podcast-specific platform, like Podbean or Spreaker. They help with hosting and podcast promotion.
Share the link to the published podcast on social media and elsewhere to attract listeners.
Podcasters may follow a formal script or go more informal and just use show notes; it's entirely up to the podcaster. If podcasters wish to establish a loyal following, they must understand their target audience and demographic and have a clear purpose for creating the podcast.
What are the benefits of podcasting?
Podcasting has the following benefits:
Easy to create. All it takes to make a podcast is a microphone, audio software, a computer and an internet connection. No additional knowledge or equipment is needed. One simple way to create a podcast is to speak into the voice notes app on a smartphone.
Easy to distribute. Podcasts can be uploaded and made available to listeners using a free YouTube or SoundCloud account. Any service or device that can host an audio file can host a podcast.
Regulation-free. There are no Federal Communications Commission or other government regulations for podcasts. This enables a level of free speech that may not be possible on more established platforms, like television and radio. However, podcasters are allowed to copyright their work.
Long form. Podcasts can be any length. Some podcasts are over three hours long. That length is unusual for other forms of media, which lean toward snackable content. The long-form structure enables a more in-depth treatment of topics that is not as prevalent in other media.
Informative. There are podcasts on every topic, including news, comedy, science and niche topics. For example, an entire podcast might focus on analyzing and reviewing a novel.
On demand. Users can access and listen to a podcast at any time on their mobile devices. Podcasts are easy to listen to while doing other things, like working, driving, exercising and cleaning.
Valuable marketing tool. The best podcasts help product marketers reach niche audiences. They are also a consistent touchpoint that followers can return to. They are an effective multichannel marketing tool because they provide helpful information without always trying to sell something. They also offer good backlinking opportunities, positively affecting a brand's search engine optimization. Podcasts often include guests, and podcasters can link to those guests' webpages in show notes. A startup tech company could use a podcast to educate listeners about the broader technology related to its product to showcase its expertise.