Praise it, embrace it or hate it, voice search is taking the searches on internet by storm, & are now becoming a dominant influence on how content is searched & created on the web.

Even believed by some experts that voice search may one day rule the roost as far as search mediums go.

(As a result, many sites such as Anchor.fm are providing free podcast services.)

The global market for voice search devices grew 187% in the Q2 of 2018.

The Chinese market for voice search devices accounted for 52% of global smart speaker growth in 2018.

So What? How is podcast related to all this?

Well, As you’ve observed, for instance, whenever we do a voice search on Google, the answer we get in return is also Google’s assistant voice, which is not that natural.

That’s why it could be speculated that in future – search engines would include voice-only podcasts to answer voice searches.

“And it’s better to be part of revolution than watching from side-stands.

So let’s start a detailed guide on how to start a podcast or how to make a podcast.

What’s in it for me?

• WHAT IS PODCAST?
• HISTORY OF PODCAST
• FUTURE OF PODCAST
• HOW TO START A PODCAST
• WHERE TO PUBLISH YOUR PODCAST
• HOW TO UPLOAD PODCASTS WITH ANCHOR.FM
• HOW TO EARN FROM PODCAST
• TOP PODCASTS TO LISTEN TO

WHAT IS PODCAST?

A. To Oxford English Dictionary:

“A podcast is an episodic series of digital audio or video files that a user can download to listen. Alternatively, the word “podcast” may refer to the individual component of such a series or an individual media file.”

Or in simple language: When Someone broadcasts over an iPod, it is very likely he is either listening to a podcast or doing one. (NO PUN INTENDED!)

The term Podcast was coined by Ben Hammersley as a composite of words iPod and Broadcast. (Yeah, I Know Steve jobs didn’t leave a corner without Innovation).

This love for podcasts could be reasoned though, as social animals we humans tend to crave others’ opinions to get some kicks in our own daily life, as we see it.
But How this channel of communication, came into existence exactly

HISTORY OF PODCAST

The history of the podcast isn’t just an iPod and the internet, it also includes MTV. Well in the early 2000s, MTV VJ Adam Curry in collaboration with Dave Winer came up with the idea of – to automatically deliver and sync the textual content to portable audio players. (And that’s “how to podcast app work”.)

IPODDEXR was the first app that was based on this idea of podcasting. And by the late 2000s, Audio Podcasts started to take over radio, as the cheaper hardware and software needed to do the audio recording and editing were now accessible to general audiences.

And in this way, It paved the path for, as we know it today – Podcasting.
The main difference between radio and podcasts is the convenience of the listeners. That is in simple words, its radio over the internet.

FUTURE OF PODCAST:

As social beings, we humans are very interested in other people’s lives. (not pointing towards Indian Aunties).

In Retrospect, it paved the way for the young adrenaline-fueled optimists a.k.a. Vloggers.

Vlogging is another baby of the Internet, comprised of the words: Video and Blogging. And it took over, at least YouTube, by storm.

But Podcasting countered by introducing new a new Podcasting Format: Video Podcasting.

Which compelled even Vloggers to start Podcasting.

HOW TO START A PODCAST:

Today setting an up a Podcast could be the second easiest thing to do, compared to eating someone’s birthday cake.

Practically, if you’re just starting then it would be advisable to pull out your smartphone and start recording your thoughts, either in isolation or with a group of friends.

As Technology is depriving us of social encounters in our day to day life, the hunger for social content, within us, is increasing exponentially.

As you begin to grow, you can further your professionalism by adding:

1) Microphone:

Nowadays, smartphones are filled with over-the-top technology, but if you still doubt your phone’s mic, you can anytime buy a mic. A full-fledged mic won’t only give satisfaction but will boost the quality of the voice recording being listened to by your audiences.

2) DAW/Audio editor:

A decent audio editor can do a great job, but if you want to go further with your audio quality & want to add some sound effects, and other things, then you should go with a DAW. The only difference between a DAW and Audio Editor is that: DAWs are far costlier than a Decent audio editor, as DAWs are packed with a lot of effects and plugins, which are used by Professional Music Producers.

3) Internet:

Well, I believe you already know that.

Equipment Required for a Podcast

Now you got to know that a podcast is a series of short or long audio episodes that might contain conversations, stories, music, comic acts, news and reviews, etc. If you are thinking to start your podcast, then this is the right and the best time to do it.

You have to select a niche for your podcast to get ideas and a good voice. The best thing about a podcast is that there is no video recording. It means you don’t have to wear different attire and not to worry about your looks.

There is no need for an attractive background or a green-screen as nobody can see where you are recording your podcast. There is some equipment that you will need to start a podcast and share your talent and knowledge with others.

Microphone

A microphone is the first requirement to record the audio for your podcasts. You can record your voice with your mobile phone also. But, a dedicated mic performs better when it comes to audio quality. There are three types of microphones-

• Dynamic Microphones
• Condenser Microphones
• Ribbon Microphones

Ribbon mics are not so popular now. Dynamic mics can record high sound levels and require no external power called phantom power. They start at low prices. On the other hand, condenser mics are capacitor type microphones and require phantom power. But, it provides sound with higher sensitivity.

Pop Filter

A pop filter or a windscreen is equipment that you can place in front of your mic while recording. It eliminates the popping sounds from your speech generated during a few pronunciations and allows you to record a clear voice.

It is not mandatory to purchase a pop filter for a beginner. But, you can test it and use it to enhance the sound experience of your podcast listeners.

Computer

You can connect your microphone to a computer or a laptop. It will store the data in an audio file and help you edit the track such as amplification, noise reduction, normalization, etc.

Audio Interface / Mixer

If you record your voice through pc, the built-in sound card is not much effective in some cases. An audio interface converts the audio signal into digital and sends it to the DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) for recording. You can use it when your podcast has more than one hosts.

A mixer is a more advanced board with additional controls and effects for a better studio recording. It is a prior need for the recording of the musical tracks.

Soundproof Room

A podcast depends so much on the quality of sound that has no echo. If a person is listening to you via headphones, the echo can be annoying sometimes and spoils the user experience.

Make the room isolated and free from echo by placing acoustic sheets. These sheets kill the echo produced by the sound waves that return after striking to the walls. You can also use foams for a budget-friendly setup.

Audio Editing Software

Whether you choose a good kit for recording the audio, you still need to edit the file to remove unwanted portions and perform a retouching before exporting a final clip. There are two best picks of audio editors for a podcast creator.

You can use Audacity if you want a free version or if you want a paid software for high-end editing, you can choose Adobe Audition.

Podcast Platform

After finishing your recording, editing and creating your episodes, you need to find a platform to make your podcast available to the audience. You can select any platform according to your niche such as Spotify, Google Podcast, Anchor, Soundcloud.

After creating an account and uploading your podcast, you are all set. You can also use social media platforms to promote your content.

WHERE TO PUBLISH YOUR PODCAST

Well hoping, You’ve already recorded, edited & finalized your 1st podcast. Now the most crucial part comes, Sharing what you were Making. Well, there are 100s & 1000s of existing platforms that could be the place to publish & make it online on the INTERNET.

The platforms available for the same are:

1. Spotify:

Well, The Multi-billion worth Music Streaming provider, is one the best place to upload your podcast. With it’s massive no. of subscribers around the world, it’s one of the best platforms to start your podcast journey.

2. Google Podcasts:

Google is everywhere (even on iOS!). But the Tech-giant does it well, one of the best things to do is its simple user-friendly interface, with google’s trademark Analytics.

3. Soundcloud:

Soundcloud, heaven for podcasters, is one of the best places to publish your podcast and be found. With its user being the top players of Music production & podcasting, the platform provides amazing opportunities to grab new audiences. And needless to say, its basic plan works fine & is completely free.

And if you want your podcast(s) to be available on every podcast-able platform then use Anchor, for free.

The anchor is a free service, which helps podcasters to easily publish their podcasts on their choices of platforms.

HOW TO UPLOAD PODCASTS WITH ANCHOR.FM

1. SIGN UP.

2. Start by clicking on the new episode

3. Now either record on the go (or upload existing episode)

4. Save it!

5. Add Title & Description.

6. Customize Further

7. Publish!

8. Add your Podcast’s Title & Details:

9. Congratulations! (You uploaded your first Podcast, hopefully)

10. Now Distribute it ( wherever you want to):

HOW TO EARN FROM PODCAST

Have you ever wondered “how podcasts make money”?
If yes, kudos! If not, then wonder, because its time to earn from your hard work.

To your happiness, there are a lot of ways a podcast, or a podcaster can earn money. (Usually, the business model of podcasts is same as of talk shows)

We are not talking about cents here, but big money as you might be surprised that an average podcaster earns around: Rs. 10-30+ lacs/year. (Damn you my CA Coaching!)

And the streams of the revenue are:

1. Subscription and paid content

Many Podcasters charge a subscription fee on their sites or channels. It’s not widely popular as most of the podcasts you’ll are free of the subscription cost.
On-Demand podcasts are also a stream of income to the podcasters.
Usually, Subscription-based podcasts are only done by Big & famous Podcasters, as their content is valued by its audience as premium.

2. Product Placement A.k.a. Affiliate income

Usually, podcasters earn from Affiliate incomes, as they give a shout-out to the sponsors of the videos, and provide an affiliate link on their sites or in their podcasts description over YouTube.

3. Advertisements

It is a prevailing practice usually done by Podcasters, as they earn by showing advertisements in the middle of their episodes. This practice is also performed by music providers such as Gaana and Spotify, in their free plans.

4. Sponsors

Podcasts can be sponsored by sponsors, there are many types of sponsors such as Title sponsors, Season sponsors, Episode sponsors.

5. Promotion

A Podcaster can also earn through promoting others’ songs, books, movies, web-series, and more. The paid promotions depend on the Popularity and Influence of the Podcasters.

TOP PODCASTS TO LISTEN TO:

The internet is flooded with hundreds of thousands of podcasts, but some of the best that I would suggest to listen to and give a try, would be:

1. Cyrus says

Cyrus Sahukar hosts this podcast, it mainly focuses on the pop-culture and current affairs in the world. The comic persona is the crux of the show that he carried from the early 2000s MTV period.

2. Anupama Chopra Film Review

Well, Famous movie critic Anupama Chopra discusses movies and reviews some of the classics from all over the world.

3. Red FM Bauza

Well in this Podcast, RJ Raunik goes full Bauaa and roasts people as he goes on from being a charismatic RJ to a Village Farmer.

4. Akash Chopra

Former Indian-cricket player discusses hot cricket topics with some of the most renowned faces from the Indian cricket team.

This is not the end. I wish you all the best for your Podcast.