In 2021, about 55% of the US population listened to a podcast. People associate its popularity with the ease of its accessibility and consumption. Others even use it to sell digital products.
Compared to radio content, podcast content has an expansive variety. Listeners can freely choose the kind of content they want and tune into it anytime.
Another reason podcasts are becoming so popular is due to Spotify. While this audio streaming platform was not the first to host podcasts, it opened podcasting to all its users in 2018. It is something competitors like Apple Music have not done before. Parmjit Sudan, a Fashion Marketer and Author at Parental Daily, adds that “Women can also start their own podcasts by narrating interesting narratives and perspectives about their life experiences and professions .” She further suggests young women should listen to women centric podcasts that inspire them, provide valuable insights, and entrepreneurial skills.
If you want to ride the podcast train, Spotify might be the best platform to use right now. Feel free to use these tips if you are planning to become a podcast host:
1. Prepare your podcast for upload
Podcasts can take time to produce, especially for beginners. However, once you get the hang of it, it is possible to create podcast episodes in one day.
There are critical steps to follow when preparing for podcasts. We have summarized the most important ones that you should not miss. Take note of the following:
Plan a podcast episode
Planning the episode content is a fundamental step in starting a podcast.
There are no hard and fast rules on how you should plan. You can create drawing boards or scribble random ideas. Please choose the methods you are most comfortable with.
One good way to streamline your process is by deciding on a topic. Try thinking about the issues you want to talk about. It is also helpful to look into the interests of your target audience.
Record your podcast episode
You need at least two things during the recording phase: recording tools and communication skills.
The simplest yet most indispensable podcast equipment is a USB microphone. It connects directly to a computer, so your recordings automatically turn into a digital file.
Besides that, you will need a computer to edit recordings. If you have an extra budget to spare, look into mixers, noise cancellers, and additional microphones.
Do not forget that fancy equipment does not make a good podcast. Everything still boils down to content.
Practice speaking into a microphone. Develop a more impactful voice by mastering the art of podcast breathing.
Edit your podcast episode
There are a few things to consider when editing a podcast episode.
Most critically, make sure that the audio sounds clear. Remove as much background noise as possible.
Another crucial point to remember is that your podcast should have a flow. So make it a point to make each episode exciting but organized.
Try to add in intermission breaks. It is an effective way to make the podcast dynamic and keep the audience engaged. Also, it is an excellent practice to prepare for advertisement breaks if you want to monetize your content.
Create an RSS feed
A Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feed is a standardized format that grants users and applications more convenient access to website updates. An RSS feed is a type of computer-readable file called an XML file.
Once data turns into an RSS feed, all headlines, notices, and other critical information will connect to articles on relevant web pages. Additionally, content distribution will happen in real time, so the top results of the RSS feed will exhibit the latest website publications.
There is no need to create an RSS feed manually. Create an RSS feed link through RSS generators like FetchRSS.
2. Select a podcast hosting service provider
A podcast host is an intermediary between you and your audience. It refers to a digital space where you upload your recordings and other attributed information. Spotify is a prime example of a podcast host.
Guidelines in choosing a hosting company
Podcast hosts can make or break your podcast. Although you offer premium content, listeners may not appreciate it as much as they should due to the things they experience with the podcast host you chose to affiliate with.
Consider these points before picking podcast hosting sites:
- Check how much storage and bandwidth you can use
- Review the performance analytics of a potential podcast hosting company
- Look into the host’s other features and services
- Take note of the media players compatible with the host
- Determine if the host’s values align with yours
- Study the options for monetization, if any
3. Check Spotify’s podcast requirements
Before Spotify accepts your podcast, it has to meet specific requirements. It is uncommon for podcast hosts to impose rules to manage the content they are showing to users.
Here are some reminders when uploading podcasts to Spotify:
- The MP3 file should be in ISO/IEC 11172-3 MPEG-1 Part 3 (MP3) audio. It should also have bitrates between 96 and 320 kbps.
- Create a cover art that fits a square ratio (1:1). Use either PNG, JPEG, or TIFF formats only.
- The RSS feed should contain these details:
- Title
- Cover art image
- Episode details
- Keep titles under 20 characters to avoid truncation
- Create HTML codes for special characters found in titles and descriptions.
- Keep the podcast file under 200MB or approximately 83 minutes.
4. Submit your podcast to Spotify
After generating an RSS link, you need to log in to Spotify for podcasters. If you do not have a Spotify account yet, you can easily do so by connecting your Google account with the website.
After logging in to Spotify for podcasters, click “get started.” This button will prompt a space for the RSS link you generated in the previous step.
By entering the RSS link, Spotify will send a verification email. The email will contain an 8-digit code that you must enter in the submit form.
On the next page, you will need to fill in podcast information about the category, language, country, and other pertinent data.
Clicking submit will prompt Spotify to generate a link for your podcast. Note that the podcast may not show up until a few hours later.
5. Market and advertise your podcast
The popularity of podcasts has magnified since 2019. Podcast listeners grew not only in the United States but also across continents. According to Statista, the number of podcast listeners worldwide increased from 274.8 million in 2019 to 424.2 million in 2022 and is expected to balloon to 504.9 million in 2024.
Podcasts play an integral role in the success of your digital marketing strategy. Even so, setting up a podcast does not guarantee instant victory. A 2019 report by Discover Pods shows that some podcasts fail due to little podcast discovery and lack of awareness. Marketing and advertising your podcast is the last but crucial step.
Ways to market your podcast
Here are some ways you can market and advertise your podcast on Spotify:
- Share your podcast on various social media channels.
- Run giveaways
- Embed a Spotify player on your website
- Leverage influencers.
- Include an in-episode call-to-action in every episode.
Why upload your podcast to Spotify?
1. It is convenient
You can upload content to Spotify, especially podcasts, within a few clicks. Follow the instructions stated on every webpage.
2. It has a big podcast audience
In 2021, Spotify became the biggest podcast platform in the United States. It overthrew the previous industry leader, Apple Podcasts, with 28.3 million listeners per month.
3. It has a global reach
Spotify leverages podcast content globally. The platform is currently a host to at least 178 countries.
4. It can generate substantial income
Spotify podcasters earn according to the number of views and listeners they receive. The average 30-second cost per mille (CPM) rate is $18. When the podcast reaches 60-second CPMs, the rate rises to $25.
How much does it cost to upload your podcast to Spotify?
In 2021, Spotify opened access to Podcast Subscriptions to all podcast creators in the United States. It also expanded the number of price points from three to twenty options. Prices range from $0.49 to $150.
Be better at podcasting
Learning how to create a podcast on Spotify should not be your last stop. As time goes on, there are more things you should improve on.
Podcasting requires a lot of practice, not just in recording and editing but also in other technical aspects.
If you want to give podcasting a go, accomplishing relevant podcast courses will be helpful. Do not underestimate how much additional information can raise your level of competency.
Another part you should focus on is creating a better narrative. Podcast storytelling helps create more impactful episodes.
Above all, stay genuinely interested in the podcast you will be creating. Eventually, your audience will notice if you are not.
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