Podcasting

Podcasting is similar in nature to RSS, which allows subscribers to subscribe to a set of feeds to view syndicated Web site content. With podcasting however, you have a set of subscriptions that are checked regularly for updates and instead of reading the feeds on your computer screen, you listen to the new content on on your iPod (or like device).

Write an Article

RSS

How To Create Podcast For Your Blog?

Written by wchingya on

From: wchingya.com

What Is 'Podcast'?

This is not new, but you NEED to know about Podcasting. The word 'podcast' originated from the combination of 'ipod' and 'broadcast'. Why 'ipod'? A thorough explanation could be found in wikipedia in case you're interested. Basically, it is a form of audio broadcasting on a website. Think of it as a personal radio station, ranges from 3 to 45 minutes, or longer. Reasons to have Podcast within your blog post, are simply to create a personal touch for your content, while given an interesting alternative to connect with your readers.

Here are some readings to help you understand more about podcasting:

12 Ways to Promote Your Podcast
How Long Should A Podcast Be?
What is a Podcast and How Can I Use One?

Now let's get practical.

How To Podcast?

Today, we are going to try 2 types of podcasting:

1. Text to Speech (TTS) Podcast from RSS feed
- literally from your article. Downloadable / Subscribable for iPod, iPhone etc.

2. Audio Speech from the author to the audiences
- embed within your blog post after edit & personalizing the content.

Text-To-Speech (TTS) Podcast:

We are going to use a very basic, FREE service named Odiogo. Reason?

- Allows podcasting with easy control panels (On/Off at will)
- Provides MP3 download for your podcasts.
- Blog Widgets available: convenient subscription for listeners
- Statistics on podcasts downloads (on a periodical basis)
- Hosting provided for audio files

How to Activate Odiogo Service?

1. Sign up at Odiogo for FREE by providing your blog URL/Feed and email address.

* Odiogo will send you a confirmation email with user ID, although it may take awhile to reach your inbox. I had waited for almost 20 minutes for it. If you have troubles getting your blog URL confirmed, do contact Odiogo using the form provided. *

2. Upon submitting your blog, you will be given the code for Podcast Subscription widget for your blog. Here are the step-by-step setup for different platforms: WordPress, Blogger, TypePad, BlogEngine.NET and Terapad

* Subscription will only be activated after you click on the link as instructed in the confirmation email*

3. Now you'll find beneath each blog post a podcast marked with 'Listen Now'.

Audio Recorder/Editor:

This is slightly complicated, but it gives the author flexibility to record and edit the speech content at will. A PC microphone is needed. Before we proceed to the How-To's, let's check out the example of self-customized podcasting by yours truly. Forgive my silly tones and me being nervous and spontaneous.

So that's the difference between Odiogo and Audacity. Interested to try your very first?

1. Download the Audacity setup file here. I'm using Audacity 1.3.7 (Beta)

2. Run the setup file and adjust the settings before commencing your first recording.

* Here's a thorough post about the settings for microphones, volumes and file formats at Create Podcasts Using Your PC by Jake Ludington.*

3. Now, it's time for the recording. You may need to know some basic control buttons:

a. To Record Audio (only) Clip:
Make sure your microphone is intact; then hit the 'Record' button. 'Stop' when you're done > Save Project As raw data so you could modify/edit/combine with other audio files later on.

b. To Save your Recordings in:
- WAV format:
File > Export > Edit Metadata > OK > File Name & Format (.Wav) > Save

- MP3 format:
File > Export > Edit Metadata > OK > File Name & Format (.MP3) > optional: Specify MP3 options > Make sure you've downloaded LAME to enable MP3s be created in Audacity.

c. To Include Background Music in your Audio Clip:
- Firstly, import the music file via: File> Import > Audio (or other related files)
- Then proceed as in (a) or (b).

d. Upload your Audio File to Self- or Third Party Hosting Sites:
Audacity does not provide hosting service. Here are some third party audio hosting sites you could choose from: Snapdrive , Archieve, Fileden etc.

* for self-hosting via WP platform, kindly refer to the Podcasting - Wordpress Codex for details on the setup

If you have any difficulties with Audacity, do refer to HELP for further instructions. Also, you could download the complete manual for Audacity and explore the advanced features that were not mentioned here.

To Summarize...
Both Odiogo and Audacity could be summarized as below:

Odiogo provides podcasts hosting, while enables listeners to download and subscribe to web master's podcasts. Widget could be embedded in blog with player installed. Article reading may sound a bit monotonous and robotic.

Audacity requires self / third party podcasts hosting. Slightly complicated but flexible in adding multiple audio effects; personalized contents and comes in various file formats.

Now It's Up To You...
Have you tried podcasting before? What type of software/tools do you use? How's the feedback from your readers? If you haven't, will you consider trying it? Do share with us in your comments below.

Please Retweet! I'll be forever grateful.

If you happen to enjoy this post, do subscribe via RSS Feed or email so you won't miss the next post. Thanks for reading. ^^

Related Posts:
How To: Add Social Bookmark links To Your Blogger Post
A Guitar Music Dedication
... More Social Media Posts...
... More Blogging Tips...

Copyright © 2009 by Wong Ching Ya, All Rights Reserved, "How To Create Podcast For Your Blog?"

Previous Article Next Article