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Content Creators

Content Creators
avrona's avatar

The two big things to consider are firstly: the flow and order of events

and secondly: audio quality.

The latter is fairly self-explanatory (bonus points if everyone has the same mic), but I think the first one is one of the biggest area of improvements for me since I started doing our podcast-like weekly show. So there's never a slow moment where no one knows what to say next, or where to go next to make the conversation interesting. It's fine for it to naturally change topic and just go off the rails, like a natural conversation would, but always have a backup plan when the current train of thought comes to an end for all participants, so you can smoothly transition to the next thing or the ending.

Sturmer's avatar

Podcasting is a nuanced form of content creation, requiring a well-scripted approach that includes an introduction, rising action, resolution, and denouement or key takeaways.

Unlike videos, podcasts lack visual elements to cover speech imperfections. They rely solely on audio, making any flaws immediately noticeable. Try an experiment: listen to a random stream without watching the video. It often feels disjointed and incoherent.

When creating content, it's crucial to consider the user experience. What is the ultimate goal of your podcast? Does it offer solutions or insights for the listener? Podcasts are often chosen over videos because they can be consumed while multitasking, such as driving or jogging. Thus, your podcast should avoid overly complex topics, maintain a steady pace, and transition smoothly between subjects. Remember that your audience doesn’t have the luxury of rewinding or researching further while listening.

So simply extracting audio from a video and uploading it to a platform like SoundCloud is not an effective strategy for podcasting.

My final piece of advice for podcasters, and also vloggers and streamers, is to invest in vocal training. Good articulation, vocal endurance, and a pleasant voice are essential for creating engaging content.

FrostySomething's avatar

I’d say start by doing some research. Listen to lots of different types of podcasts and work out what it is the people like about the show. Is there a great rapport between the presenters? Does it have a fun or unusual format? Do they share insight and expertise? Is it built around a particular interest or community? There is usually something of value in the most successful shows. So when thinking about starting a podcast, think about the value you’ll provide to the listener.

Makster's avatar

Do a few dry runs/ pilot episodes.

I think too often people are eager to produce content without curating and refining it first. Whatever they make, they are proud of, and away it goes onto the internet. I think making sure you have the tech in place, you have good chemistry with a co-host, and you have all your socials in place before launch is good. You don't have to release your pilots or rough runs but they should be a good indicator of what is working and what isn't.

Try to have fun with it. Again in this world where we consume more and more content, there is a expectation that everything needs to be content. Don't let you hobby start getting in the way of your personal life and try and set boundaries between yourself and your co-host (if you have one) as the lines can get blurred quickly

FirestormGamingTeam's avatar

So I did an interview with Ex CCP Community Manager CCP Dopamine, before I started this I contacted him and asked him to take part in it, and he said he was interested and what was the plan.

So I sent him a list of questions that I would be asking, for him to remove any he felt were either no appropriate or not something he was directly involved in.

Once we had the list he was comfortable with, we set up a Discord call with cameras and I focused OBS on that screen. Recorded, rendered and uploaded :)

For my personal Podcasts, I make sure that my subject matter has a start/middle/end and has a point as to why I am making it, whether it's a gaming company that's done something I feel is reprehensible or just downright stupid or simply an idea I have, which we've done before and watched those ideas implemented etc.

With these types of podcasts its important to script, otherwise, you just go on and on and on and never actually get to the point.

Alex's avatar

I've been on a few podcast episodes before and this is my take away from what I've learnt and advice I can give

  1. Give a brief rundown and list of questions to your guests so they can prepare.

  2. Honestly you can tell when someone is prepared compared to when someone is not, but it also is a good idea to give a brief of the podcast so your guest(s) can prepare themselves and possibly write down talking points

  3. Audicity is free and so easy to use

  4. This is actually where I record any voice over work/narration I need to do for my content, but it's free, easy to learn how to use the program

  5. Record more than you need

  6. I learnt this the hard way, but getting more audio and recording more actually works in your favor, because you never know how long a podcast episode might be once you go through and edit the audio in post. It's like what they say with getting B-Roll footage for videos, get as much as you can, cause you never know.

Those are the things I've learnt over time when it comes to Podcasting, while I'm not a podcast creator myself I've helped a few of my friends out on theirs and this is what I've learnt so far.

Makster's avatar

I defintely agree with recording more than you need. Goes hand in hand with being consistent. If you miss an upload because you can't be asked or got too busy, it's easier to miss them and then harder to get back to motivating yourself into doing it. Even if there is footage that doesn't make it to air (either due to time or not reaching the quality) - I have seen comedians release it as a bonus episode often around the holidays when they want to take a break from podcasting so edit together some snippets from other episodes as sort of a clip show

BeyondBelief's avatar

I have some experience with podcasting as I've previously run my own and I listen to a bunch on a weekly basis. I think the best kind of podcasts are the ones which are free flowing, RAW, and unedited with a duration of a maximum of 60 minutes. With having a free flowing podcast you of course need a continious supply of talking points to avoid having moments of long silence. Based on your show, always be prepared, research, and even invite a guest. Simple as recording audio locally or built in via a online service E.G Riverside. You'll likely have to pay a monthly fee but you'll be able to upload your podcast across all platforms like Apple, Spotify, Deezer, and more. I've personally distributed podcasts from Anchor. I think weekly additions of podcasts are great, it builds excitment. Sometimes it's hard to get multiple people on a podcast regularly and do weekly is a great for most.

Include things like a musical introduction to your podcast or even get viewers to send you unique based tunes every week to use.

Things to avoid:

Don't talk over each other.

Don't have someone louder or quiter than another speaker.

Don't be monotone not interested. Be excited and have fun!

MURRRAAAAY's avatar

Ohhhh... interested to see what answers we get! I will chuck in what ive found in a bounty submission later also!

AlexGra 's avatar

A podcast creators should first identify their niche, audience, and unique angle to stand out in the crowded podcasting space. They should invest in quality equipment for recording and editing, ensuring clear audio. Record at least 60 minutes video 🙂. Consistency in publishing episodes is key to building an audience. Engaging with listeners through social media and responding to feedback fosters community and loyalty. Collaborating with guests and cross-promoting with other podcasts can expand reach. Ultimately, success comes from passion, persistence, and providing valuable content to listeners.

Ford James's avatar

Hi AlexGra, thanks for entering this bounty. Unfortunately we're rejecting this submission because we suspect the use of generative AI in its creation, and see little evidence of human-added value as required by our Community Code of Conduct. Our AI content policy has been updated today to be more explicit on this point.

Daniel's avatar

Aspiring podcast creators should begin by thoroughly researching their target audience and identifying a niche or topic they are passionate about. Understanding listener interests and needs is crucial for creating engaging content. Investing in quality recording equipment and editing software is essential for producing professional-sounding episodes. Consistency in publishing new episodes on a regular schedule helps build audience trust and loyalty.

Moreover, effective promotion and marketing strategies are vital for reaching potential listeners. This includes leveraging social media platforms, collaborating with other podcasters, and guesting on relevant shows to expand reach and visibility. Engaging with the audience through interactive segments, Q&A sessions, and listener feedback can foster a sense of community and connection.

Above all, successful podcast creators should remain adaptable and open to learning from both successes and failures. By staying dedicated, authentic, and continually improving their content, aspiring podcasters can increase their chances of achieving long-term success in the competitive podcasting landscape.

Makster's avatar

All great points - often overlooked when starting out as well. Market research is soo important when you're making a product. And what goes with being authentic is also being vulnerable and releasing it even if you have those doubts like 'it doesn't sound good', 'my voice isn't nice', 'I got this thing wrong..' I think putting it out there and then adjusting according to feedback is key to making any content. Nothing goes out that is perfect but things that go out can be refined to make it better than the previous one

Ford James's avatar

Hi Daniel, thanks for entering this bounty. Unfortunately we're rejecting this submission because we suspect the use of generative AI in its creation, and see little evidence of human-added value as required by our Community Code of Conduct. Our AI content policy has been updated today to be more explicit on this point.

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