Podcasting Resources
Should I get into podcasting?
Podcasting may not be for everyone, but it is surprising how many DIY types can pull off an interesting and informative podcast. In case you are new to this, podcasting involves creating a digital audio file and distributing it on the Internet. You can also distribute digital video files. Video recordings of your computer screen display are known as screencasting.
Podcasts are often distributed through iTunes, other podcast directories or directly from an individual business website or blog. People can listen online or download a podcast to an ipod and listen on the go. Through iTunes, listeners can also subscribe to the podcast and get regular updates. Podcasts that become popular because they fill a need have been known to enhance a person’s visibility, products and services.
Podcasting Resources
Apple’s How To Make A Podcast
If you’re interested in getting your podcast on iTunes, make sure to read the iTunes online guide for how to make a podcast.
Audacity
Audacity may be the most popular free audio recording and editing software available. It works with the Mac and PC as well as the Linux operating system. The program’s strong points are in recording and editing and less so with publishing podcasts.
Audio Acrobat
Audio Acrobat is a web-based service that many people seem to use for podcasts. It can record the audio of a telephone or conference call so you can use it for interviews and teleclasses. You can also record and produce videos from your desktop with the tool, then upload to your website in standard video formats. This service has a monthly charge.
dotFM® – .FM Domain Name Registration
If you are interested in creating podcasts and videocasts you can buy your business a .FM domain to broadcast your own shows. Use these shows to teach, discuss or explain subjects of interest to your business audience. If you don’t have enough to say, interview experts in your field.
eHow
Go to eHow and search for podcasting. eHow has merged with the site Village Expert and now has some excellent video tutorials, as well as their standard articles, on just about every aspect of podcasting. To specifically find video tutorials, select “Video” right above the search box at the top of the screen before you search.
ePodcast Creator
This is a full podcast production program that allows you to record, edit, assemble and produce podcasts. You can also add iTunes tagging and descriptions.
Gabcast
Gabcast is one of the better services for creating podcasts from the phone. Phone podcasts are a common way to record interviews. They will record through a land line (they have a toll-free US number) or through VoIP, such as Skype. Gabcast has both free and paid plans.
Libsyn
Libsyn (short for liberated syndication) is one of the top media distribution services for the self-publisher. Libsyn takes care of the technical end of things. So not only are they your host, they also provide syndication.
Podcast Cookbook
This site has a few tutorials on podcasting, screencasting and publishing to iTunes.
Podcast Free America
Although this site is a little hard to navigate, the publisher teaches how to podcast, suggests equipment, how to format ID3 tags and other important subjects.
Propaganda
Propaganda comes with a reputation as being one of the easier podcasting applications out there. It allows you to drag and assemble your audio clips (voice recordings, music or sound effects) into a show sequence. Then publish your show and upload it to your podcast host’s server.
TalkShoe
TalkShoe is a web service that provides free live interactive software for conversations, podcasts, discussions and audioblogs. The host selects a topic and starts a “community call” which allows people to join via phone or computer to talk or listen. The call is automatically recorded as a podcast and listed on TalkShoe. These live Internet calls can be scheduled with your blog or podcast audience to better connect with your community.
Talk Show Tips
Learn how to create riveting interviews and podcasts from Sally Bratton, whose been a talk show host on the Internet since 2005. This site offers free goodies as well as her paid ebooks and lessons.
VoiceText
This company will record a phone conversation, such as an interview, and send it to you as an .mp3 file. This service is not explicitly identified on their site, but upon contacting them, they said, “We offer a wide range of audio services and we can record any conference call and send an MP3 for you to distribute as you see fit whether loading to a podcast or making it available on your website.”
Screencasting Resources
Camtasia
This is the premiere professional screencasting product to for Windows. As with all screencasting products, it records all the actions on your screen or a defined window, to create demos and tutorials. It has lots of editing and enhancement features and you can export the file into multiple formats for playing on the Internet.
Jing
Jing comes in two flavors, the free version and the paid Pro version with more functionality. It’s a screen recorder that lets you record online actions and share the recording instantly over the web, IM, or email. Jing works on both Windows and Mac computers.
ScreenFlow
This is the premiere professional screencasting product for Macs. It records everything on your screen, allowing you to make professional looking demos and tutorials. Compared to free software, it has more features as you’d expect, such as the ability to edit, create pans and zooms, add other media and more. It has a free trial so you can check out the features before buying.
ScreenJelly
This screen recorder lets you send a short video of a screen recording over twitter. It’s free and it’s online—no downloads are involved.
Sceenr
Using Screenr, you can instantly create screencasts that are ready for Twitter or on the Internet. The screencasts are hosted on the Screenr site. This is an online service so there’s nothing to download and will work on both Macs and PCs.
