Module Two: How to Create a Podcast - BMG Broadcasting · 2020. 8. 12. · Podcasting When you are ready to distribute your audio to the world then it’s time to start podcasting!

OverviewBy the end of this module you will be able to:

• Create a podcast.

• Set-up your Dropbox.

• Secure a vanity URL.

• Use Audacity for recording your talk sessions.

Copyright Broadcasters Mentoring Group 2

Module To-Do

Watch Video, “Audacity: A Brief Look with an Expert.”(*) Exercise 2.1: Set-up Audacity, Soundcloud, and Dropbox. Exercise 2.2: Obtain a Vanity URL Exercise 2.3: Record a show Submit Aircheck and meet with mentor. Update your ‘Playbook.’

(*)Go to the BMG/SMG Learning Portal to complete these tasks.

Module Two: How to Create a Podcast

Vanity URL: A vanity URL is a domain name whose purpose is to express the individual-ity of the person on whose behalf it is regis-tered.

This module helps each athlete create a quality podcast to enhance your brand.

Watch Video: “Audacity: A Brief Look with an Expert”Go to the Learning Portal and listen as Larry Gifford gives a practical approach to using Audacity for your talk show.

Exercise 2.1: Set Up Audacity, Soundcloud, and Dropbox.

Audacity

Audacity is a free audio editing and recording software application. You will use Audacity to record and edit your talk show.

1.! Go to http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

2. Click on “Download Audacity” Version 2.0.6 or higher.

3. Audacity will automatically begin downloading on your computer

4.! Click on the file or go to downloads and click on the file “audacity-win-2.0.6.exe”

5. It will caution you that the publisher is “unknown” – click “YES” to proceed.



http://audacity.sourceforge.net


6. It will ask you what language to use during the installation. Pick your language and click “OK”

7. A Welcome Screen will appear informing you to close all other appli-cations. Click “next to continue.

8. An information page pops up. Click “NEXT” to continue set up.

9. Select Destination Location. Click “NEXT” to continue. Note: At least 47.3 MB of free disk space is required.



10. It will ask if you want to create a desktop icon and reset preference. Click “NEXT” to continue.

11. Ready to install. Click Install to continue or click “BACK” to review or change any settings.

12. Audacity prepares for and begins installing Audacity.

13. You might see another information page.



14. Complete the Audacity Set Up Wizard.

15. Launch Audacity.

Add LAME MP3 ENCODER: This will allow you to export files in .mp3 format instead of .wav.

1. Go to http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

2. Click on “help” tab.

3. Click on “Audacity Wiki”





4. Scroll down and look for “Tips and Extra Tutorials”

5.! Look under “Audio to…”

6.! Click on “LAME mp3 encoder”

Windows

1. Go to the external LAME download page Left-click this link, do not right-click.

2. Directly underneath "For FFmpeg/LAME on Windows click below:", left-click the link Lame v3.99.3 for Windows.exe and save the file anywhere on your computer.



3. Double-click "Lame v3.99.3 for Windows.exe" to launch it (you can safely ignore any warnings that the "publisher could not be verified").

4. Follow the Setup instructions to install LAME for Audacity, making sure not to change the offered installation location of "C:\Program Files\Lame for Audacity" (or "C:\Program Files (x86)\Lame for Audacity" on a 64-bit version of Windows).

5. You should now be able to export MP3s without any further configuration, choosing File > Export Audio... then selecting "MP3 Files" in the Export Audio Dialog.

Troubleshooting

Occasionally, there may be a conflict where Audacity still tries to detect the path to an older lame_enc.dll file. To correct this:

1. Ensure there are no older versions of lame_enc.dll in any locations where Audacity detects it, namely:

• C:\Program Files\Lame for Audacity or C:\Program Files (x86)\Lame for Audacity (this is where the installer puts the new .dll)

• the Audacity installation folder (usually C:\Program Files\Audacity or C:\Program Files (x86)\Audacity), or in the Plug-Ins folder inside that.

2. Exit Audacity and navigate to the audacity.cfg preferences file at:

• Windows 2000/XP: Documents and Settings\<user name>\Application Data\Audacity\audacity.cfg

• Windows Vista/7: Users\<user name>\AppData\Roaming\Audacity\audacity.cfg.

3. Open audacity.cfg in a text editor such as Notepad, and delete the two lines starting with:

• [MP3]MP3LibPath=

4. Save the changes to audacity.cfg and restart Audacity

5. In order to see audacity.cfg, you may need to set the operating system to show hidden files and folders. See instructions for Windows 7 and Windows versions before 7.



PodcastingWhen you are ready to distribute your audio to the world then it’s time to start podcasting! Here are seven of the most popular podcast hosting services. Some are free with premium upgrades available for a fee, some are pay hosting. Investigate the service that is best for your needs. For our purposes we are going to focus on uploading audio to Soundcloud, which gives you the option to make audio public or private.

Soundcloud.com https://soundcloud.com Soundcloud allows users to upload and share audio with everyone. Although it is primarily targeted towards musicians it can be an excellent service to host your podcasts.

When you sign up for Soundcloud you’ll get your personal profile with a dedicated URL. When someone accesses your profile they will see exactly what have you uploaded (as long as it is a public file). They will also be able to share it on social networks, re-post it on their own Soundcloud profiles or add it to their personal playlists.

Soundcloud offers free as well as paid plans. The free version has certain limitations but the pro version will give you an idea who exactly has listened to your podcast, where they are from and other important stats.

The main drawback currently for Soundcloud is that if you want your podcast distributed by iTunes, Stitcher or other audio distribu-tors you need an RSS Feed. The RSS Feed is what is used to automatically pull your audio and send it to people who have sub-scribed to your podcast. Soundcloud is in beta testing of podcast RSS feeds and you have to apply for it. It’s free. But, if you just want to circulate links to your show via social media this works great without having to be approved for an RSS feed.

Podomatic https://www.podomatic.com A free podcast host with premium upgrade options that has one of the easiest user interfaces currently available. With a free ac-count, you get 15 GB of bandwidth each month and 500 MB of storage overall. You can also create podcasts directly on the site. It does take a longer time for media to upload, however. If you are not in a rush, this is a good option.

PodBean http://www.podbean.com/ An easy-to-use podcast host that offers a free account. For casual podcast hosts who don’t have files that exceed 30 MB, this is a great option. It also offers a sleek user-interface, a mobile option and a RSS feed for your podcast. Statistics are another handy feature included, as well as several artistic themes to add interest to your podcast page.

Archive.org https://archive.org/ This website will host any kind of media file you upload, including MP3 files. While the site is a bit slow and replacing media once it’s uploaded is impossible, it’s a solid free host that offers plenty of embedding options.

Ourmedia.org http://ourmedia.org/ A completely free podcast host offered by a not-for-profit organization. This host doesn’t limit file bandwidth, allowing as many lis-teners to your podcasts as possible. Uploads are fast as well. They will, however, scan your content for anything inappropriate and if they find something deemed so, it will not be allowed.

Libsyn https://www.libsyn.com/ Liberated Syndication, known as Libsyn for short. This service isn’t free, but they are very reliable. In 2011 alone the site hosted over 10,000 shows, with over 1.6 billion downloads. This site definitely has strong server power. Their lowest price plan is only $5 a month, with 50 GB of bandwidth each month.

Buzzsprout http://www.buzzsprout.com/ This podcast host offers both free and paid accounts. Buzzsprout’s free “Seedling” plan will temporarily host your podcast for 90 days and will also allow files as long as 2 hours to be uploaded each month. If your podcast is timelier, then this hosting service may work for you. Otherwise, they offer a plan that costs $12 a month that allows your podcasts to be stored indefinitely. Statistics to view all activity tied to your podcast are included with your account.



https://soundcloud.com

https://soundcloud.com

https://www.podomatic.com

https://www.podomatic.com

http://www.podbean.com

http://www.podbean.com

https://archive.org

https://archive.org

http://ourmedia.org

http://ourmedia.org

https://www.libsyn.com

https://www.libsyn.com

http://www.buzzsprout.com

http://www.buzzsprout.com

Soundcloud

Soundcloud is an audio platform that enables sound creators to upload, record, promote and share their original sounds, in our case a talk show.

1. Log onto www.soundcloud.com

2. Click on the orange “Sign up” button in upper right corner.

3. Choose how to register: link your Facebook, link your Twitter or insert your email and a new password.

4. Click box to accept box terms and then push “Sign up” button.



http://www.soundcloud.com

http://www.soundcloud.com

5. Create a User Name.

6.! Enter when you were born.

7. (Optional) Enter your gender identity.

8.! Push “Get started with SoundCloud” button



Uploading Audio to SoundcloudAs noted, we are going to focus our attention on Soundcloud. Uploading audio to Soundcloud or any of the online audio platforms is very easy and rather intuitive.

Step 1: Before you get started you will want to have recorded your podcast and saved it as a file on Dropbox or your computer. You should also identify what image you want associated with the podcast. A square image works best: up to 800x800 pixels.

Step 2: In this first screenshot you’ll see the home page of a Soundcloud stream.

On the top bar, to the right of the search box, click the word “Upload.” It will take you to the following page.

Step 3: Click “Choose file to upload.”



A box displays where you can access your Dropbox or computer files.

Step 4: Search for the file you want to upload. Double-click the file.



A new screen displays.

Step 5: Click “Upload new image”



A box will appear where you can access your Dropbox or computer files.

Step 6: Search for the image file you want to upload. Double-click the file.

Step 7: Click “close” when completed.



Step 8: Fill out the Title, Tags and Description. You must have a title and at least one tag. Tags help make your audio searchable. Using names of people, teams, and leagues along with topics discussed can be helpful.

Step 9: Click “Save” when completed.

This screen appears showing the audio is still uploading. When it is completed a link will appear which directs you to the audio page.



This is what your audio file page looks like.

Step 10: Click the share button (an icon at the bottom left of the audio track that looks like a square with an arrow coming off the top right corner.) This will help your spread the word.

Step 11:Now you have options to Share, Embed or Message. See the tabs at the top of the white box.



To share means copy the link and add it to a social media post. You can even share your audio so it starts at a specific point in your segment or show.

To Embed means using html coding for websites and blogs.

Message refers to emailing the audio link.

When you are done with Share, Embed and Message, click the “X” in the top right corner.

Recording Audio Directly to SoundcloudThere is an option to record your voice directly to Soundcloud skipping the steps of editing on Audacity and saving it on Dropbox. While this is a more direct route to getting your material online, remember there is no editing, no layer of audio (music beds, sound clips), and if you make a mistake you have to start at the beginning.

Here are the steps to recording audio directly to Soundcloud.

Step 1: Push “Upload” to access this screen.

Step 2: Choose “Start new recording” and the following screen appears


Pro Tip: The audio appears on your profile page in the order you upload it: new-est to oldest. Sound-cloud allows you to “Spot-light” five tracks at the top of your profile page. You can change these five files whenever you like. At the top of your profile page just click the button that reads “edit spotlight.”


Step 3: Push red “REC” button and a pop-up window appears.

Step 4: Check the “allow” box so Soundcloud can access the microphone on your computer or device.

Step: 5: Click red “REC” button again and begin talking.

The wave form is what your voice looks like visually. When you are done talking but the stop button represented by the white square inside the red circle. Soundcloud will have you upload an image, add a title, tags and description just as if you were up-loading a prerecorded file.



Submitting Your Podcast for Distribution

Each service has a process for getting your podcast distributed on their platform. Here are links to podcast submission policies of some of the more popular services.

! iTunes https://www.apple.com/itunes/podcasts/specs.html

! Stitcher http://www.stitcher.com/content-providers

! TuneIn http://help.tunein.com/customer/portal/articles/1215148-how-do-i-add-my-podcast-to-tunein-

! Blubrry https://www.blubrry.com/createaccount.php?Referer=/addpodcast.php

Dropbox

Dropbox is a file sharing site where you can upload any documents or sound files for your mentor to review.

Review this short tour of Dropbox, on the last page, click the ‘get started now!’ link to create a Dropbox account.

https://www.dropbox.com/tour

Step 1: Go to www.dropbox.com/login

Click Create an Account.



https://www.apple.com/itunes/podcasts/specs.html

https://www.apple.com/itunes/podcasts/specs.html

http://www.stitcher.com/content-providers

http://www.stitcher.com/content-providers

http://help.tunein.com/customer/portal/articles/1215148-how-do-i-add-my-podcast-to-tunein-

http://help.tunein.com/customer/portal/articles/1215148-how-do-i-add-my-podcast-to-tunein-

https://www.blubrry.com/createaccount.php?Referer=/addpodcast.php

https://www.blubrry.com/createaccount.php?Referer=/addpodcast.php



http://www.dropbox.com/login

http://www.dropbox.com/login

Step 2: Enter your name, email, and password. Click the I agree to Dropbox terms, then click the create an account button.

Step 3: Choose the type of account you would like. For the purposes of this class choose the Free Account.



Step 4: Dropbox will begin downloading.

Step 5:Find the download on your computer, double click to install and follow the directions.



Exercise 2.2: Obtain a Vanity URL

A vanity URL is a unique web address you will use to create your brand. Vanity URLs should help users find your page so they can learn more about you and your talk show. Your vanity URL should be easy to remember, and easy to find.

Go to GoDaddy.com and search your name, nick name or catch phrase to be your personal website. Use this website to show-case samples of your work for fans and potential employers.

https://www.godaddy.com

Exercise 2.3: Record a Show

Now that you have set up Audacity and Soundcloud it is time to record your first talk show. If you get stuck, contact your mentor for assistance. It might be useful to create a list of topics for your show, or a rundown, and look through it with your mentor for advice.

Aircheck #2: Sumbit Aircheck and Make Appointment with Your Mentor



