How Journalists Could Use SoundCloud

HOW JOURNALISTS COULD USE SOUNDCLOUD

Michael Lananna

WHAT IS SOUNDCLOUD?

A “social sound platform.”

Used most often with music.

Some professionals: John Legend, Beyoncé, Foo Fighters.

Many up-and-coming artists and amateurs.

Anyone can upload.

MORE THAN MUSIC?

Podcasts and radio shows have some presence: CNN The New Yorker ESPN MediaZone

Dedicated podcasting currently in beta stage. Allows for RSS feeds and iTunes integration.

Still can record/upload podcasts without beta

HOW BIG IS THE AUDIENCE?

More than 10 million registered users. Reaches more than 180 million people or 8

percent of the Internet population every month.

The SoundCloud player can be found embedded on websites, blogs and social networks.

Application for iPhone and Android. CNN has more than 90,000 followers. The

New Yorker has more than 50,000.

WHY SHOULD JOURNALISTS USE IT?

Easy to share on other platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Pinterest.

Easily embedded on websites and blogs.

Works with most audio files: AIFF, WAVE, FLAC, OGG, MP3 and AAC.

Easy to record. But the biggest reason

is…

TIMED COMMENTING

WHAT IS TIMED COMMENTING?

The ability to comment on audio at specific moments.

Unique to SoundCloud. Other services like TinDeck and Bandcamp don’t have same level of sophistication.

Perfect for podcasts. Listener comments can be addressed in

future podcasts. Comments can also supplement audio with

links.

WHO’S DOING IT? AND HOW?

The New Yorker, CNN, NPR, ESPN MediaZone, CBS News Radio, Lifehacker.

Mainly radio shows, most based on politics, music, comedy and sports.

Mostly reposting — SoundCloud not used as original source.

HOW SHOULD YOU USE SOUNDCLOUD FOR PODCASTING?

USE SOUNDCLOUD AS MAIN SOURCE OF AUDIO POSTING.

Don’t just repost! Why?

Can embed in multiple places at once Can easily share to other social networking sites Open up more opportunities for listeners to

comment OR to see your comments With a premium account, you can get analytics.

Insights into who is listening, where they’re listening from and how they’re engaging.

ENCOURAGE ENGAGEMENT

Pose questions to listeners throughout the podcast. Call listeners to action.

Look to incorporate listener comments in future podcasts.

Post your own comments. Use links to direct listeners to relevant content.

Promote your work on other social media platforms.

WHY SHOULD YOU DO IT?

Get ahead of the curve. Timed comments and

ability to share on social networks could boost engagement.

Perfect for podcasts. Comments can be put to use.

Especially useful for journalists covering politics and sports, which typically produce animated discussion.

Listeners must have SoundCloud membership to comment.

Might involve switching from current audio player.

Pros Cons

CONCLUSION

Follow me and comment on SoundCloud. soundcloud.com/michael-lananna