Getting started with podcasts
Below you can see a recording of the Livestream which was originally broadcast on 22nd May 2020
Contents
1) What is a Podcast?
"A podcast is an episodic series of spoken word digital audio files that a user can download to a personal device for easy listening. Streaming applications and podcasting services provide a convenient, integrated way to manage a personal consumption queue across many podcast sources and playback devices."
2) Introducing Audacity
Audacity is a free, easy-to-use audio editor and recorder.
You can use Audacity to:
Record live audio.
Convert tapes and records into digital recordings or CDs.
Edit Ogg Vorbis, MP3, and WAV sound files.
Cut, copy, splice, and mix sounds together.
Change the speed or pitch of a recording.
And more! See the complete list of features."
3) Adding Sound Effects & Music
If you want to add more sounds and music to your podcast then you can download royalty free clips and sound files from these websites:
Flashkit - Free Music Loops.
Free Music Archive - Inspired by the ideas and ethos behind Creative Commons licensing, the tracks on the FMA are offered for whatever use you want.
Freeplay Music - A great site with hundreds of free to use sound effects & music clips.
FreeSFX - A uk based side where you can download lots of free sound effects.
Sound Bible - They bill themselves as an "Encyclopaedia of Sounds".
Sound Gator - You need to sign up to this service to download the free sound effects it offers.
SoundJay - Lots of nice free samples on this site, but please do check their terms of use before you use them.
Wiki Media Sound Page - A huge searchable repository of free sound effects and music.
World Hip Hop Beats - Offers a selection of free samples which can be used to make music
4) Introducing Anchor
Anchor is a free app that lets you create a podcast and distribute it everywhere (including Google Podcasts and Apple Podcasts).
Features
Record high-quality audio, either with your device’s built-in mic or by plugging in your favorite external microphone
Record with friends or cohosts, anywhere in the world
Take voice messages from your listeners, and add their questions/submissions to your next episode
Add a variety of transitions and sound effects to your podcast
Import audio from any app on your device to use in your podcast
Add any song from Spotify (playable on Anchor only)
Audio Editing
A visual episode builder makes it easy to edit and rearrange the audio in your podcast episodes
Trim or edit your recordings with editing tools designed specifically for podcasting
Add flags while recording to remind yourself which parts to come back and edit or remove
Sharing Options
Easily distribute your podcast to all major podcast platforms (including Google Podcasts and Apple Podcasts) with just one tap
Share the permalink for any episode or segment anywhere; anyone who doesn’t have Anchor installed can listen in their favourite podcast player or on your Anchor web profile without needing an account
Embed any episode on your own website (or embed your podcast and it’ll always play the latest episode)
Turn any short segment (anything under 2 minutes) into an automatically transcribed, animated video!
Audience Statistics
Track how many people hear each episode and which specific segments get the most plays
See who on Anchor is listening to each segment
Access even more detailed analytics on your desktop dashboard at www.anchor.fm
5) Summary
The purpose of the live-stream and these notes is not to tell you which a podcasting tool is best for you, but rather make you aware of what is possible and to signpost you toward a free tools that you can experiment with right away.
After taking a look at the tools showcased here, you may wish to cast an eye over some alternatives and then pick one that best meets your needs: