This document discusses the basics of podcasting, including what it is, how it works, different types, uses, and software for creating podcasts. It also covers how businesses can use podcasting for marketing, publicity, and outreach through interviews, advertising new products/events, and educating listeners on skills or topics related to their industry. While some think podcasting is declining due to advances in video technology, the document argues it remains an effective low-cost communication tool for businesses.
2. 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.
3. RSS Feed
• RSS feeds allow
the listener or
viewer of podcasts
to have their selected
podcasts downloaded
automatically as
they become available.
4. Main Types of Podcasting
• Video podcast (or Vodcast/Vlogcast)
– Uses files ending with .MP4, .MOV, .WMV
• Audiocast (Typical podcast)
– Uses files ending with .MP3
5. How is Podcasting Used?
• Educational Tool (Courses, Language Learning)
• Entertainment (Comedy, Sports, etc.)
• News (NPR: This American Life)
• Publicity and Marketing
• Politics
6. Recording and Editing Software for
Podcasting
• Audacity: Windows/Mac
• Audacity is a free software, cross platform
digital audio editor and recording application.
7. Recording and Editing Software for
Podcasting
• GarageBand: Mac
• GarageBand is a software application for Mac
users which allows them to create music and
podcasts.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Podcasting and Twitter
• Shared using a shortened URL, similar to sharing
a link. The link directs the viewer to hosting
website or blog
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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
15. 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
16. Example: Microsoft
• Microsoft use a podcast to educate people on
computer and business skills.
– Podcasts are organized according to ideas and
professions
17. 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
