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A podcasting is a great way to convey information and a useful skill to have. This guide will walk you through the five steps to creating your podcast:
Step one: Install the software
There are many apps you can use to create an audio recording. We recommend using Audacity. It is free to download and straightforward to use. This guide has been step up to walk through the steps to creating an audio recording using Audacity. You are welcome to use another piece of software, but only do so if you are familiar with how to use it as the guidance here will not assist you.
To start using Audacity, first you need to download and install it:
1. Find Audacity. Go here https://www.audacityteam.org/
Want to know more about Audacity? Click here.
2. Download Audacity. Audacity Windows Installer, or Audacity macOS DMG, depending on whether you have a Windows operating system or an Apple Mac.
Don't know if you're Windows or Mac? Click here to figure it out.
If you're having trouble with compatibility on Mac, go here.
3. Install Audactiy. When the installer has downloaded, open it and select install.
The installer is probably at the bottom of your screen.
If not, it's in your downloads folder (for Windows) or Mac OS downloads.
4. Confirm your options. A pop-up will ask if you're OK with this app making changes to your device. Click 'yes.' Another pop-up will ask you what language to install in. Choose your preferred language and click OK.
5. Agree and confirm the install. Proceed through the steps to install. It'll ask you to close other programmes, to read a user agreement and select where to install the programme. Keep clicking 'next'.
6. Create a desktop icon. The programme should have installed. Make sure you choose to allow a desktop icon, which should appear on your desktop
Have problems during install?
Click here for the Windows help guide and here for the Mac help guide.
For support for Audacity on Chromebooks, watch this video.
Step two: Use Audacity
Useful tips
Save your project when you start working on it.
Check you have selected a microphone in the drop-down box on the toolbar at the top of the screen
Check the recording volume
Use the red 'record' to start and the stop button to end your recording
You can select a section of your track using your cursor and remove using the cut (scissors) function
You can continue recording where you left off by setting your cursor at the end of your previous recording and pressing record
Want to know more? See this Complete beginner's guide to Audacity.
Step three: add a backing track
Adding a backing track enhances the quality and professionalism of your podcast
Watch this video to see how to add a backing track to your Audacity audio project:
Watch this video to see how to add a backing track to your Audacity audio project:
Your backing track needs to be a copyright free mp3 track that has only instrumental music.
Here are some options to choose from:
Or click here to browse other tracks.
Please note clicking these links will download an mp3 audio file.
Remember you'll need to:
Importing a backing track to your audio project by selecting file>import>audio...
Increase the volume (dB) of your audio track and decreasing the volume (dB) of the backing track.
Copy and paste your backing track, to make it the same length as your audio recording.
Step four: export your podcast
This is the final stage to complete your podcast is to export it as an mp3 file. Do this only when you're happy with your podcast. It puts the audio into a file that can be submitted via Moodle and that other people can play.
Select File>Export>Export as MP3 Export
Choose where to save your MP3 and the name of your file.
Click 'OK' in response to the message about tracks.
No need to add any metadata information..
Wait for your file to be exported. It can take a minute or two.
Open your file explorer and locate the MP3 file you have just saved.
Open it and check it plays in a music player.
Export your podcast as an MP3 file:
Export your podcast as an MP3 file:
Step five: upload your podcast
Frequently asked questions:
Having problems while installing Audacity?
See the Windows help guide here or the Mac help guide here.
Having trouble recording with Audacity?
There's an extensive online help wiki here.
Want to know how to reference in a podcast?
Go to the guide to digital referencing here.
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