Its easy to assume they are easy to produce because most are audio only, but dont be fooled.
They can take a lot of time to put together, especially when youre first starting out.
Also, podcasts do best when theyre released consistently.
Podcasting can be fun work, but its still work, and should be treated as such.
Pick a format
There area variety of common podcast formats, from co-hosted conversations to interview shows.
Here are a few options to consider.
This format works well for pairs or groups who have good rapport and are flexible to record together.
(I use four analogAudio-Technica AT2020s for my own podcast).
(I use aZoom H6 Handy Recorderwith four available analog channels.)
Most audio interfaces will connect to your system via USB or USB-C. Thankfully, editing audio doesnt take a ton of computing power.
USB microphones, for example, will obviously need an open USB port.
Before you spend any money on equipment, see to it you have a computer that can support it.
There are alot of good options out there, but the licenses for most arent free.
Pop filters (optional):The clearer your audio can sound, the better.
If you dont want to buy any, its easy tomake some of your own.
You might be thinking that all this equipment is pretty pricey, and youre not wrong.
However, keep in mind that decent audio equipment will last forever if you take care of it.
It may be expensive at the outset, but after the initial purchase, youre set.
Maybe you narrow your idea down from music in general to bluegrass specifically.
Now your coverage is specific: the music, people, and culture of bluegrass.
when you land your topic narrowed down, it helps to add a spin to it.
Maybe you talk about bluegrass music and culturewhilesipping moonshine with your co-hosts.
Connect your microphone and open Audacity.
If you see your mic, select it.
hit the record button and talk into your mic to ensure its working properly.
Stop recording and play back what you just recorded to ensure everything sounds good.
Note that previously you had to download the LAME MP3 encoder to export your file as an MP3.
LAME is now built into Audacity for Windows and Mac.
If youre using Linux, followthese installation instructions.
You dont need it anymore.
double-check your recording space is silent and record around five seconds of silence.
Go toFile > Save Project > Save Project As, and choose a name for your project.
Keep in mind that this doesnt export any audio, just saves your progress.
Now youre ready to actually record the main part of your podcast.
Hit the record button and Audacity will start capturing your audio in a new track.
When youre done recording, hit the stop button.
Its as simple as that.
Before you continue, be sure to stash your work.
Find a track that you like and smack the down arrow to download it.
Now its time to add music and make any necessary edits:
Go toFile > Import > Audio.
Locate any music you want to use within your podcast, and click Open.
The music will get dropped into Audacity as its own separate track.
Find the Selection Tool in the Audacity toolbar.
(It looks like a typing cursor.)
Drag the Selection Tool over the section of music youd like to use for your intro and outro music.
You should be left with only the section of music you chose.
On the same music track, click anywhere to the right of that music section.
Then find the Paste button on the toolbar and click it (orCTRL+VorCommand+V).
You now have your intro and outro music, but its still not quite ready.
With the Selection Tool, select one of the music copies.
Then go toEffectat the top and chooseFade Out.
Do the same for the other music copy, but choose Fade In instead.
Your intro and outro music is now ready to go.
Use the Selection Tool and highlight the entire section you want to remove.
Find the Cut button on the toolbar and click.
Boom, its gone.
(Alternatively, you could also use the Silence button.)
Remember the room tone you recorded earlier?
You might need to play around with it a little to find the sweet spot.
What if my podcast sounds bad?
Optional: Recording with multiple microphones or Skype
Why would you want to record with multiple mics?
Even withmultiple USB microphones, however, Audacity can only recognize one audio input for recording at a time.
(The trial version supports up to three devices.)
In Audacity, youll still only see a single recording track to edit.
Record everything on a portable XLR recorder and upload the files onto your system.
What about Skype, Google Hangouts, or other internet calling services?
There are still some important things to remember when you export, though.
First, youll want to edit the files metadata (also known as tagging).
Select MP3 Files in the “File throw in” drop-down menu.
Then name the file (your podcast name and the number of the episode, for example).
Now youll see the Edit Metadata Tags window.
Enter all of the necessary information (well go over that shortly).
you might also add and remove sections as you see fit here.
Go down to the Template section and click Save.
Save this template for future episodes so you dont have to fill out most of this information ever again.
Your MP3 should export and be ready for uploading.
This will help sort episodes chronologically if a player doesnt read the published or modified dates.
Title:
your episode number and title, just like your blog post.
For example, AYJW027: Courageous (2011).
Year:
the year of release.
Genre:
pick what is most appropriate or Podcast.
Comment:
a short summary of your episode.
This could be the same as your WordPress excerpt, or simply the web address to your show notes.
Copyright:
your copyright information.
Not all tagging programs have this.
URL:
your shownotes web address.
Not all tagging programs have this.
Unfortunately, adding them manually can be complicated and time-consuming.
macOS:ThePodcast Chapters($19.99) app makes adding chapters on the Mac pretty simple.
Youll also need an image for your podcast.
You want to verify your image conveys what your show is really about as best it can.
No matter what you choose to use for cover art, ensure the shows title is on the image.
In fact, some directories wont even accept podcast feeds if your art isnt sized appropriately.
it’s possible for you to do most of your image editing in Photoshoporalternatives like GIMP and Pixelmatorwith ease.
Podomatic: Podomatic is super user-friendly.
It offers free hosting with enough bandwidth and storage for podcast beginners.
Theres also a pro option that allows for more bandwidth, if you find that you like it.
Their lowest price plan is $5 a month with unlimited bandwidthno free option, unfortunately.
Each additional podcast is an extra $8 per month.
It also makes small details like chapter markers and metadata more accessible.
When you find one you like, its worth paying for hosting if youre serious about continuing your podcast.
Upload a cover art image that is at least 1,400 x 1,400 pixels.
Fill out all sections of your profile, especially your shows description.
Upload your MP3 file.
The files metadata that you created before should fill in a lot of the necessary information.
Apple Podcasts uses those fields for search.
For more information and tips, check out theofficial Apple Podcast specs here.
Locate your podcast RSS feed URL and copy it.
check that your podcast RSS feed is valid.
Some hosts have a built-in validator and will say if your feed is valid.
Otherwise, paste your feed URL intoCast Feed Validatorand see what podcasting apps and directories will see.
Make changes at the hosting site as necessary.
Sign intoPodcasts Connectwith your Apple ID.
Preview your podcast and fix any errors.
Track your podcasts status on your Podcasts Connect dashboard.
That should do it.
If you dont see anything pop up in Apple Podcasts right away, dont stress.
Submitting only one episode can leave a lot to be desired for those that stumble upon your show.
Its also less likely that youll be featured or promoted as something new and noteworthy.
So record three or four episodes before you jump in trying to grow your audience.
