How to Podcast – What You Need to Know
Podcasting is a huge online craze with millions of followers. Tens of thousands of new podcast listeners are added each week. It is generally agreed by Internet historians that former MTV host Adam Curry and software developer Dave Winer developing podcasting and came up with the original name. Curry is credited with writing a software program called iPodder which allowed him to automatically download internet radio broadcasts to his iPod and Winer was instrumental in promoting a way of distributing podcasts and other blog material called RSS – for Really Simple Syndication.
RSS allows people to “subscribe”and be updated about their favorite blog or podcast, automatically downloaded to their computer or mobile device. Think of it as podcast listening on demand.
The term Podcasting comes from “iPod” the device the first podcasts were downloaded to - and “Broadcasting.” Now, an iPod is no longer the sole means of tuning in to podcasts. In fact you don’t need an iPod in order to record or listen to a podcast any more Anyone with a computer or mp3 player can listen to a podcast.
And anyone can make a podcast. Podcasting produces an audio file, originally created on your computer and then uploaded to the internet so other people can in turn download it and hear it on their computer, iPad, iPhone, Droid or mobile device. All you need is a computer, microphone and voice-editing program.
Podcasting is being done on a regular basis by businesses, big name media personalities and millions of regular people – women, men, students, work-at-home-Moms and seniors. If you have something to say, podcasting is a great way to accomplish this goal.
Do you have a favorite hobby that you would like to share with others? Are you a business owner who would like to increase customers? Have you ever dreamed of being your own talk show host or disc jockey? With podcasting, all of the above things are possible.
You could have your very own podcast up and running today.
What do you need?
1. A Microphone
You will need a microphone for your computer so that you can record your show. You can purchase a decent microphone at any computer store or online
2. An Editing Program
Voice-editing programs allow you to record and edit your show. There are lots of free programs on the internet that you can use. A favorite and free one that works on both Macs and PCs is called Audacity. For those who like to do video podcasts, you need a video editing program.
3. Upload Show to Website or Hosting Company
After your show is recorded, you will need to upload it to the internet. You can either put it on your website or you can use one of the many hosting companies. Podblaze.com (http://www.podblaze.com) is one company where you can host your podcast.
As you can see, podcasting is very easy to start. Granted, the three items we just outlined is the bare minimum. But to begin, you don’t need a fullfledged studio. Even a closet or your computer room can easily become a very workable podcast studio or podcast station.As time goes on and you get more expertise and experience, you will consider other things like a a second microphone for guest interviews, a good quality recorder to do field recordings, an audio mixer, some Internet recording gear to do interviews with services like Skype and some other gear.
But the beauty of podcasting is you can grow as you go.
SO go for it. get started today,.
