How to Make a Podcast

Podcasting is a relatively new method of broadcasting  audio on the interent. Simple put, a podcast is a digital audio recording which contains spoken audio with or without music. You don’t have to be on the radio to be heard. Now you can broadcast your thoughts to the entire world, just by sitting on your computer! Making a podcast is a simple process. Given below is a step by step guide on how to make a podcast. The process involves the following steps.

1. Selecting Your Audio Content

There is virtually no limitation on the kind of audio content you wish to podcast. It can be an interview or a lecture. While making a podcast, select the content keeping mind what your audience would like to hear. Make notes, edit it and get it all together in writing. Once you get comfortable, you can always speak impromptu.

2. Recording Your Audio

Now you need to record your Podcast. For this you will need a microphone and a Commonly used free recording software like Audacity or Garageband. Audacity can be used in Windows and Apple systems, while Garageband is exclusive for Apple. These are the basic level applications. Sophisticated applications offer more features, which enhance the quality of your podcasts. Higher end applications like Cakewalk and Sonar provide professional quality audio recording.
Follow basics of audio recording to ensure that there are no background noises. Refer to my blog on this topic Essential Home Recording Tips and Tips for recording a quality podcast

3. Covert the Audio to MP3 Format

MP3 is the default format for all podcasts as maximum people prefer to download and play MP3 files. Several free file converters are available that can be used for the conversion. Again there are free and commercial software that you can choose from depending on your preferences and requirements. Choose an appropriate bit rate depending on your content. For more about mp3 format and bit rates, visit this article Best Audio Recording Formats

4. Publish Your MP3

Now that you podcast is complete, you need to Publish your MP3 file on the web so that people can find it on the internet. For this, there are many free services providers which host (put your podcast on internet) your podcast for free. Notable free providers are
www.podbean.com/
www.mypodcast.com/
www.podomatic.com/
It is recommended to organize your MP3 files into folders for easier management and quicker access.

5. RSS Feed File

This is a little complicated of all the steps. The RSS feed file enables the RSS reader to find and access your podcast. The RSS feed file is an XML text file that links to your MP3 file. While making a podcast, this step involves three processes
• Create RSS Feed File
You can opt to create the RSS feed file manually, by referring to websites that offer detailed step by step guidelines on how to do it. A blogging software like blogger that has RSS creation feature can also be used. There are several free and commercial RSS creator applications online. Free software include Podifier and RSS Publisher, while FeedForAll and Feeder are some examples of commercial RSS creator applications.
• Publish the RSS Feed File
Once your RSS Feed File is ready, publish it to the web server just like any other content. Make sure your MP3 and RSS Feed files are in the same directory.
• Validate the RSS Feed File
Validate your file using the free validator application, which points out any errors in the RSS file code that you can rectify.
Now that you are all set, publicize your podcast on your website using suitable buttons and icons.

For all podcasting services like editing, noise reduction, mixing etc please visit our Podcast services
Happy recordings!!

By Rajiv Agarwal