Streamalot: Streaming
Media Tips, Tricks, and Hints
Podcasting
What is Podcasting?
Podcasting is the method of distributing multimedia files, such as audio programs or music videos, over the Internet using either the RSS or Atom syndication formats, for playback on mobile devices and personal computers. The term podcast like 'radio', can mean both the content and the method of delivery. The host or author of a podcast is often called a podcaster.
Podcasters' web sites may also offer direct download or streaming of their files; a podcast however is distinguished by its ability to be downloaded automatically using software capable of reading RSS or Atom feeds.
In short, Podcasting allows anyone to distribute free or paid media to anyone with an internet connection. With only a few simple tools and a computer, you can create your very own podcast.
Creating podcasts these days is easy and simple. Here’s are the basics you need to know.
Overview
Audio podcasting first began to hit the main stream in mid 2005. Now, it’s everywhere and is used for just about everything in both the commercial and non-commercial sector. The same scenario is also occurring with video.
Anyone with a computer, an encoder, an internet conection can create their own podcast just like to big boys do. The same technology that for years has allowed corperations to build their media empires is now available for use by those in the private sector.
So how do you create your own Podcast?
Capturing Content
There are several ways to capture your media, the two most common being taking existing content off the shelf or recording it using an audio or video device. Didgtal devices work the best.
Download and Edit
Once you have your content, the next step is to download it to your computer and then to edit it. There are a large number of both free and paid software programs available thses days that are designed specifically for media editing. If you are unsure as to which one to use, try doing a search via google for reveiws on the software you are thinking of using to get more information about the software's capabilities as well as it's pros and cons.
Saving
After you've completed the editing your content, you'll need to save it into a podcasting friendly format. Most media content is either viewed in a browser/media player on a computer or downloaded to a portable media playback device such as an iPod. The most popular and common formats used are MP3 for audio and MPEG-4 for video.
Distribution Methods
With so many ways to deliver your content, you want to make sure you are using the best method for distribution. Podcasting content can be protected by hosting your content internally and using a variety of formatting procedures to protect from direct downloads.
Most Podcast content is designed to be downloaded and directly spread, so let's look at some free methods to distribute your content. Public media outlets like Xanga and YouTube let you post your content free of charge. Easy and free, they have allowed podcasting really take off.
Posting and Submission
After you have captured, edited, saved your content, and you've decided on a method of distribution, it's time to actually distribute it. The thing to keep in mind is that your content does not officially become a podcast until it has an RSS feed attached to it. Most blogging software has RSS feed features built in and will allow you to have your podcast up and running in no time. Once you post your content online, copy the embed code or link given to you by your media hosting service, or the link to your hosted file, and paste that on to your website or into your blog.
Then you can submit your RSS feed to iTunes, The Stream Guide, and/or a host of other podcasting services. Using a free feed service such as FeedBurner can help you maximize your usage of links, tags, and images in iTunes so your media content is easily searchable. Every time you post a new file, FeedBurner updates your RSS feed and alerts the distribution channels and your subscribers of your new content.
For a list of the latest PodCast creation, publishing, and distribution software, visit: www.podcastingnews.com.
With any new technology, there is always a learning curve. So be sure to research your content before recording it. This will allow you to post content that will best suite your target audience. Also, try and keep tabs of your target audience as well whenever possible. This will allow you to stay one step ahead, and will allow you to keep your content adjusted to their wants or needs.
Well that's about it. You have now been introduced to the basics on how to do your own Podcast.
There are plenty of other resources available for more detailed information on Podcasting and even how to add more options and customize the process. However, the steps we've outlined here should be enough to give you a better idea on how things work, and most importantly how to get started.
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