Social Media: How to Podcast

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According to Wikipedia, a podcast “is a series of digital media files (either audio or video) that are released episodically and often downloaded through web syndication.  The word usurped webcast in common vernacular, due to rising popularity of the iPod and the innovation of web feeds.  The mode of delivery differentiates podcasting from other means of accessing media files over the Internet, such as direct download, or streamed webcasting. A list of all the audio or video files currently associated with a given series is maintained centrally on the distributor's server as a web feed, and the listener or viewer employs special client application software known as a podcatcher that can access this web feed, check it for updates, and download any new files in the series.  This process can be automated so that new files are downloaded automatically.  Files are stored locally on the user's computer or other device ready for offline use, giving simple and convenient access to episodic content. Commonly used audio file formats are Ogg Vorbis and MP3.”

The definition above seems a bit complicated but podcasts are fairly easy to produce for personal or business purposes.  Here’s what you will need to create audio podcasts from your home or office.

1. You will need a computer with active internet connection, a microphone, and audio recoding software such as Audacity which is available for free download and is compatible with both Macs and PC’s.  Be sure to download the associated mp3 encoder from the Audacity website.
2. Record, edit and save your audio file using Audacity.  You may consider creating an “intro” for your podcast series – this can be a script that you recite at the beginning of each podcast or music (look for royalty free music) that plays before your podcast starts.
3. Upload your podcast file to an online hosting service – OurMedia.org offers a free hosting service for podcasts but you can find other free podcast hosting sites with a simple search on Google. If you have an existing website hosting service where you can store your mp3 podcast files, you may still want to consider using a free service like OurMedia.org to store your files if you do not have an unlimited hosting plan.
4. Next you will need to create an RSS feed for your blog, you can use Google's FeedBurner for free if you have a blog that links to your mp3 podcasts but there are software programs available to help you create the XML files needed to create an RSS feed.
5. Submit your podcast’s RSS feed to iTunes and online directories to reach potential listeners.  Be sure to add a button or widget on your website or blog to allow people to subscribe to your RSS feed.
6. Publish your podcast:
• Check with your web hosting provider or web designer to find out how to add podcasts to your website
• Podcasting with Blogger
• Podcasting with WordPress
• Podcasting with TypePad

If you want to have the opportunity to interact live with an audience in real-time, you may want to host a live-call in webcast using a service such as BlogTalkRadio requiring you to have only a computer and a telephone (with good reception, of course!).  The benefit - shows are streamed live but are also archived as downloadable podcasts that you can publish via RSS feed!

For info on creating a video podcast (also know as vodcast) check out:

• MacWorld's How to create a vodcast for Macs
• Georgia State Univeristy's instructions on creating a video podcast, using a Windows PC

Here are some great tips from Apple on sharing podcasts via iTunes:

•  How to publish to iTunes
• Tips on Podcasts from iTunes