The Art of PodcastingBy

Jordan Browning

What is Podcasting?

• According to about.com, “The term ‘podcasting’ combines ‘broadcasting’ with ‘iPod’.”

• A podcast is a digital media file (.MP3 or .MOV) that can be downloaded from a website or RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed to a computer or MP3 device.

RSS Feed

• RSS feeds allow the listener or viewer of podcasts to have their selected podcasts downloaded automatically as they become available.

Main Types of Podcasting

• Video podcast (or Vodcast/Vlogcast) – Uses files ending with .MP4, .MOV, .WMV

• Audiocast (Typical podcast) – Uses files ending with .MP3

How is Podcasting Used?

• Educational Tool (Courses, Language Learning) • Entertainment (Comedy, Sports, etc.) • News (NPR: This American Life) • Publicity and Marketing • Politics

Recording and Editing Software for Podcasting

• Audacity: Windows/Mac

• Audacity is a free software, cross platform digital audio editor and recording application.

Recording and Editing Software for Podcasting

• GarageBand: Mac

• GarageBand is a software application for Mac users which allows them to create music and podcasts.

Tools for Uploading Podcasts

• Podbean.com

• Allows users to upload media files up to 5 GB for free.

• Podcasts can then be uploaded on to iTunes or a blogging platform.

Incorporating Podcasting into Blogging

• After recording and uploading a podcast, the user can then embed a media player into their blogging platform to share with others.

Podcasting and Twitter

• Shared using a shortened URL, similar to sharing a link. The link directs the viewer to hosting website or blog

Podcasting and Social Bookmarking

• Audio podcasting isn’t featured heavily on social bookmarking sites, such as Technorati.

• This may mark the transition from audiocasting to video podcasting.

Is Podcasting Dead?

• Organizations are moving away from podcasting, due to rapid advances in technology.

• Most businesses now utilize the video aspect of podcasting rather than audio.

Why Should a Business or Person Use Podcasting?

1. The ability to target a very specific audience or customer

2. It’s a low-cost message delivery platform

3. The ability to send out different messages through audio and video

What Businesses Use Podcasting?

• Disney • General Motors • IBM • Microsoft

How Businesses Can Use Podcasting

• Interview – Different members of staff on company projects– Leading experts in a related field of study – Satisfied customers of the organization

• Advertise new information about upcoming events or products

Example: Microsoft

• Microsoft use a podcast to educate people on computer and business skills. – Podcasts are organized according to ideas and

professions

Conclusion

• Podcasting is still an effective means of directed communication

• Video podcasting may become more prevalent than audiocasting

• Businesses should utilize this low-cost means of outreach