Sultanul Arefeen
Imagine this — you came across the Podcasts section on Spotify or iTunes. But, possibilities are, you didn’t feel the urge to explore it. However, amidst the process of reluctance, you were probably deprived of viable opportunities.
Podcasts are what’s known as an episodic series of digital audio files (mp3), requiring one or more hosts engaging in a conversation about a particular topic. But due to the teeming responsibilities that comes with our daily routine, we are unable to make out time for entertainment, let alone podcasts.
The dynamism regarding this auditory means of communication is no less than an oil painting on a perfectly colour coated wall. In fact, if you zoom in a little, you might even be able to notice the emerging world of podcasts, playing an active part in the technological convergence. Perhaps sometime in the future, the usual controversy would be “podcasting or broadcasting?”
The methodology involved in the creation of podcasts isn’t entirely rocket-science. Similar to the world of social media platforms, ebook apps, and vast amounts of trivia, podcasts perform similar tasks, without going through the trouble of visuals.
Right now, podcasts remain much more competitive against radio stations and are said to be outweighing it pretty soon. The percentage of people getting into podcasts every year are increasing at a rate of 23%. Pretty big deal.
If you want to get started on podcasting, it’s simple to set up. All you need is a laptop, a reliable microphone, recording software which you can download on your PC or Mac, a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, and last but not least, an original idea (a point of view). These are the basics, so you just need to google it and start working!
There are primarily four branches of podcasting for one to choose, depending on their genre.
Non-fiction narrative storytelling
Despite being the most voguish podcast format, it’s really difficult to get the hang of it considering you will need an incredible amount of critical thinking, getting-into-depth tendency, and an extraction of insightful information. So, it’s best tailored to journalists or people belonging to the similar field of specialisation.
Hybrid
This form of podcasting is one wherein, usually, a host sets up the podcasts, but has other guests over in order to contribute to the show, simultaneously. Initiating as a commentary/monologue from the host, it moves onto a panel discussion from the other sources.
Interviews
Interviews involve a host and one or more guests to share their complete point of view regarding a particular subject. It provides the listeners with different opinions as the host poses questions to the guests and the guests reply with their answers.
Repurposed content
Repurposing content is also another marketable format for assembling your podcasts. Here, the ranges vary from seminar to workshops, interviews, etc.
So now that you know the variations, figure out what your type is and get started right away.
Happy Podcasting!
Arefeen is a literary artist. He writes poetry but leaves it halfway. Tell him to finish it at [email protected]