HOW TO PODCAST / Podcasting 101
We've put together this page as a primer to help you get started in Podcasting. Hopefully we'll be answer whatever questions you may have. If you have any questions which have not been covered in here, please feel free to contact us at info@avmypodcast.com. We'll do our best to help.
Topics:
 Origins of podcasting
In 2004, the combination of the RSS 2.0 specification and audio blogging came together to create what is now known as podcasting. Podcasting is the broadcast of multimedia content (either Audio or Video) over the Internet via compressed audio files such as MP3s or MP4s.
RSS feed technology makes it possible for these files to be syndicated on the World Wide Web so that anyone can access them easily with simple programs called podcast aggregators (or podcatchers). The result has been a revolution in multimedia distribution whereby every day, people can create audio shows that are listened to by thousands or tens of thousands of people all over the world.
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What is a podcast
Quickly put, podcasting is a internet based form of syndicated broadcasting that allows anyone with a computer and/or digital media device to download and listen to content. As a combination of the words iPod and broadcasting, podcasting involves the creation of multimedia shows accessible by anyone with a connection to the intnernet. Podcasts can be enjoyed via a media player on your computer (such as Quickime, RealPlayer or Windows Media Player), or they can be uploaded directly to your digital meda device (such as an iPod) for enjoyment anytime and anywhere.
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How is a Podcast different from a normal digital download?
Wikipedia defines podcasting as:
A podcast is a digital media file (or a series of such files) that is distributed over the Internet using syndication feeds, for playback on portable media players and personal computers. Like 'radio', it can mean either the content itself or the method by which it is syndicated; the latter is also termed podcasting.
In more laymens terms, what differentiates a podcast from a normal digital download is what I like to called "automaticity"
In other words - delivery is automatic.
A good analogy is to think of a podcast like a newspaper subscription. When you subscribe to "Time™" magazine - you don't need to call the editor every week to find out if a new issue has come out and remind them to send it to you. When a new issue comes out - it's delivered to your doorstep. As the recipient, there's no additional effort required to get new editions (apart from paying the bill!)
A podcast is based upon the same concept. Your listeners subscribe to your show, and every time you update it they are immediately sent the new episodes. Your listeners do not need to remember to check up on your site.
This is how podcasts differ from normal web based downloads. Traditionally - as a broadcaster or producer of online media - you had to hope that your users would remember to come back. With podcasting, your message gets out there to everyone who wants to hear.
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HOW DOES PODCASTING WORK?
Probably the best way to explain how a podcast works is to describe the elements that comprise a podcast, and tell how they inter-relate. There are two entities to consider when giving a proper explaination of podcasting technology. These two entites are the broadcaster, and the listener.
Broadcaster Side of Podcasting:
A podcast begins with the broadcaster, who has to do a few things before the listener gets involved in the equation. The creation of a podcast goes in the following sequence:
- First the broadcaster creates the show media. Podcasts can be either audio, or video. For audio files, podcast episodes can be either MPEG-3 (.mp3) or MPEG-4 (.m4a)
- Next, the broadcaster must obtain web space to house their show media so it is accessible on the internet. This is usually done via contracting with a web host company and renting out web space.
- Once the web space is available, the media files must be transferred to it.
- Now that the broadcaster knows where their media files are housed, and have the direct URLs for those files, the user must create the "show". This is done by creating a "syndicated feed" which points to the media files the user has created. (For more information on creating a feed and what a feed looks like, click here.)
- Once the "feed" is created, it must be located on the web space as well.
- The feed must then be tested, to make sure that it is formatted properly. There are a few good services out there that do this, but I prefer http://feedvalidator.org
Those are the steps required of a broadcaster to get a podcast set up. A podcast is simply media files (episodes) organized in a logical way (via the feed) that can be read by the listener. The feed tells the listener what to download, and where to find it.
Once the feed is created - then the rest of the process falls upon the listener (they, however, have a much easier task!)
Listener Side Of Podcasting
- All the listener needs is software that is able to read the podcast feeds, and to subscribe to the podcast.
Once the listener has subscribed to the podcast (usually just by clicking a web link), a record of that feed is logged into the podcast reading software. Every time the user launches the software, it automatically checks all of the user's favorite feeds to see if there's anything new.
If there's a new item in the feed, it's detected by the software, and automatically downloaded for the user's enjoyment. This process makes it effortless for the user to keep abreast of new changes in the broadcaster's shows.
Broadcaster/Listener Harmony
The syndicated feed serves as the go-between enabling effective and harmonious communication between the broadcaster and listener. Through this process, the broadcaster is able to effectively communicate with everyone interested in their ideas, and minimizes the effort required on the part of the listener. The user will continue getting all updates, with no effort.
...until they get sick of the show and unsubscribe. :)
Popular Podcast "Receivers"
Any program that reads feeds will work as a receiver - including most web browsers. However, for subscriptions, the following programs are the most popular.
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Since Apple™ pioneered podcasting, it's only fair to give their reader top billing. With a huge installed user base, podcast reading and access t the Music Store - iTunes is a great choice for must users. Installing iTunes also installs all recommended software for listening to podcasts.
Available for both Macintosh and Windows |
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Great cross platform podcast receiver. Primary function of Juce is to serve as a podcast receiver - and it comes with a built in directory of thousands of existing podcasts. Also a great choice.
Available for Macintosh, Windows and Linux |
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Another podcast receiver/catcher. Primary function of Doppler is to serve as a podcast receiver.
Available for Windows |
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Who is podcasting ideal for?
Originally conceived as a way to syndicate online radio shows, the potential uses for podcasting have evolved greatly over it's short history. The power of podcasting has enabled it to quickly permeate into huge distribution chains. The inclusion of podcasts into the iTunes music store, and the consequent availability to an installed userbase of millions, has led to unprecedented growth.
This, in addition to the power podcasting has to keep those interested in what you have to say, makes it an ideal platform for a number of different audiences. Included in these are:
- Online radio producers
- Talk shows
- Teachers wanting to broadcast lesson plans, book readings and student activities.
- Musicians wanting to promote their music via iTunes
- Parents wanting to share family videos with friends and family across the country.
- Actors wanting a simple and universally accepted way to distribute their portfolio
...amongst others.
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How do i make an audio podcast ?
Here's a step by step guide to creating your audio episode.
First, create your audio content. The content can be anything, including audio books, music, impromptu talking or whatever your heart may desire. The beauty of podcasting is that it can be whatever you wish. It's your time to shine! There are already podcasts of all sorts, including French Maids teaching you how to do lots of things (in between pillow fights).
There is no formula you need to follow. Express yourself!
What application you use to create your podcast doesn't matter either. Any audio processing application will do. One very popular application is audacity , which is an open source (free) audio processing application available for Windows, Macintosh and Linux. Another popular application for Macintosh users is GarageBand, a powerful and free sound processing program for Macintosh OSX.
Once your audio content is completed, save it as it's highest quality within the program's native format.
Next, convert the audio into MP3 format using an audio conversion tool. Audacity comes with one built in. If your audio program does not have an MP3 export function, you can do it within iTunes. Click here for detailed intructions on how to do this.
Lastly, create your feed.
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How do i make an video podcast?
The process of creating a video podcast is very similar to creating an audio podcast. The only distinction is that you're working with video instead of audio.
Just like audio, you first have to create your content.
The software you use for this is a matter of personal preference. On Macintosh, Final Cut Pro is a great option for video editing if you have the money. If you're on a budget - iMovie will do a great job as well. On Windows, there are tons of options. My favorite is uLead's Media Studio Pro
Once your video is ready, it's simply a matter of getting it into the right format for the greatest cross compatability. For this, I recommend shelling out the $29 to get QuickTime Pro. There are a ton of websites out there that will tell you how to set your conversion settings for whatever video processing software you have to conform to iPod specifications...but it's been my experience that this is a hassle and sketchy at best.
Go Pro. You'll thank me for it later.
That's it. The last step is to create your feed.
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What is avmypodcast?
AvMyPodcast is a full service, turnkey, podcast host and production service. AvMyPodcast was the brain child of Erich Slipsager and Tom Folenta, and born from the frustrations that we felt creating podcasts professionally for others.
When we started producing podcasts a few years ago, we found the process of trying to get our shows up and running properly to be very time consuming. We ran into all sorts of issues with properly configuring the server to work with iTunes, our feeds were always misconfigured, links wouldn't work, etc. It was frustrating.
...and the time it took to learn how to overcome the technical issues subtracted from what was most important. Every moment spent working on an RSS feed was taken way from creating content.
That's when this solution was born. AvMyPodcast takes care of all of the technical aspects of podcast creation and syndication for you. We are your media host. We create your feed. We submit your show into all of the major distribution channels. We maintain your show.
You're left to do what you do best...create!
For about the price that you would pay just to house your media per month if you were to do it yourself, we do all the work. There are no servers to configure, no feeds to create, and no hassle. You just fill out a few forms to define your podcast, upload your episodes, and you're done!
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How do I make a podcast with AvMyPodcast ?
Our service has reduced the process of creating a podcast down to two steps.
- Create your show by filling out some basic information in a form (including show title, description and keywords)
- Upload your episodes via our web interface.
That's it! If you can hit 'Submit' - you can podcast.
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Additional Resources
Below are a list of podcasting links to help you get started.
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If you have any questions about podcasting, feel free to contact us at info@avmypodcast.com. We're here to help!
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