One of the hottest topics with our customers right now is podcasting. Clients want to know more about this internet buzzword and how they can get involved. What follows is good starting point for anyone interested in becoming an internet audio superstar.
What is podcasting?
Podcasting is essentially an audio web blog. Podcasts are usually MP3 audio files distributed via software called aggregators that allow listeners to subscribe, download, and listen to audio content from content creators anywhere in the world. Much like weblogs which can be simple personal journals or robust collaborative communities promoting companies and products, the types of podcasts range from simple personal expression to fully produced radio-like broadcasts with call-in questions, music, and even commercials. But unlike radio, there are tens of thousands of individual podcasts on a wide range of topics where even the most niche interest is likely represented. Companies, especially, are seeing the benefits of podcasting as a way to offer a personal and more interesting way to promote their products or services. Many churches offer podcast versions of their sermons allowing them to reach people across the globe. And lately, even traditional television and radio has gotten in on the act offering podcast versions of new programs and features.
What makes podcasting really exciting is that nearly anyone can make one. Once audio broadcasting on the radio required FCC licenses, expensive studios and massive transmitters — the domain of large media corporations only. Today podcasters are creating content on desktop computers with inexpensive or even free software and distributing via the internet, also for free.
Listening to podcasts
The name podcasting is a combination of iPod and broadcasting. Apple's iPod is a popular digital music player that enables users to download and listen to audio content such as music and podcasts. This is probably the most popular way to consume podcasts, due in part to Apple's iTunes software which simplifies the process of browsing, subscribing, downloading, and listening to podcasts. However you don't need an iPod to listen to podcasts - any digital audio play will work. However, you don't need one of those, either — you can listen to podcasts right on your personal computer or even burn to CD to listen to in your car or anywhere. What you do need is a personal computer and an aggregator. There are many podcasts and blog aggregators and nearly all of them are free. Here are a few of the most popular:
- iTunes
Apple iTunes is a free desktop application for Windows and Macintosh computers that offers a large directory and is easy to use.
- Odeo
Odeo is a completely web-based solution that allows you to subscribe and listen to podcasts using just your web browser. Registering a free account allows you to save your choices.
- Podcast Alley
Podcast Alley offers a directory of aggregators for a variety of platforms.
The next thing you need is a directory or feed URL. If you chose Apple iTunes, this part is handled - just browse the podcast directory and start subscribing. If you're using another aggregator, head on over to Odeo, Podcast Alley, or iPodder to find a directory of podcasts you can subscribe to. Your web browser will pass the information to your aggregator. And don't forget to visit the websites of your favorite companies, bloggers, and entertainers as many now offer podcasts and a subscription link.
Make your own podcast
It would be difficult to describe all of the techniques, software, and hardware that can be used to make a podcast. The most basic are recorded using free software and a built-in computer microphone, but depending on your ideas and budget you can do a whole lot more. For those more technical in nature, there are many web tutorials for creating the actual audio as well as recommendations for things like editing software, mixers, and microphones. Audio production aside, the main goal is to get your content recorded and output to a compressed MP3 file. Users of Apple OS X and iLife '06 have a head start here as GarageBand 3 software makes recording, editing, embellishing, and finally compressing and publishing your podcast relatively easy. But don't worry there are a wide range of applications that you can use. Here are a few:
Publishing your podcast
The last step in creating your podcast is publishing the MP3 file to a server and creating the RSS feed that allows your listeners to subscribe. An RSS feed is a simple XML document that describes your feed in a regular format so that computer software can understand it. The feed tells a directory or aggregator where on the web to find the audio file, the name of the podcast, what it is about, who made it, when the most recent episode was published, and more. There are different requirements for getting your podcast listed on each directory but it all begins with the RSS feed. If you're technologically savvy, you can take an example RSS file and updated it with your information manually using a text editor, then upload it to a web server. But there are plenty of other resources, web services, and even dedicated software to help you get the job done. Once you have your podcast on a webserver along with a valid RSS feed it is important that you get the word out by registering your podcast with the popular directories.
Over the past year podcasting has exploded. More and more people and organizations are getting onboard this exciting new medium. There are literally thousands of podcasts covering a wide range of topics; podcasts that are looking to redefine radio bringing back the days where any band could get airplay if they had a good sound; and companies looking for new ways to reach customers with their promotional message. All you need is the desire, a little creativity, and a small corner on the web to get involved.
Posted on
Sat, March 31, 2007
by Jason Zimdars