Think TV, but in an audio and portable form. That’s podcast in a nutshell. And just like the TV, the content is around a specific idea, topic or theme. Be it story-telling, educative audios, sports talk shows, celebrity interviews, movie reviews, drama shows, you name it. Any of this in an audio format is called a Podcast.

Typically, these are audio recordings of narratives or conversations, either between a host and a guest speaker, or monologues by a single person.

Information is money. And there is no doubt about that. Whether you are the one with useful information or you know someone who does, avenues are many. Start with knowing which format you want to and can explore. You can do a solo Podcast, or a panel show or interview someone. Let’s look at what different opportunities await you as a podcast creator:

1. The Solo Podcast :

   If there is an interesting topic you have expertise in, you are ready for a Solo Podcast.

2. The Interview Show :

   As opposed to just you trying to come up with something to talk about, here you can use a different person’s content each week. It’s probably one of the easiest ways to do a podcast.

3. The Panel Show :

   This is a larger set of people doing a podcast. As it sounds, it brings newness and interesting views to your podcast. There’s typically a host and a number of rotating guests each with their own interesting personalities and perspectives.

4. Conversational/Co-hosted podcast :

   It is basically a group of people sitting around and having a conversation. If you can find a co-host or even multiple co-hosts who get along easily and create a smooth conversation, it will do wonders. It makes listeners believe they are a part of this great group

5. Non-Fictional Storytelling :

   This could be a documentary or a feature telling in audio format. Reading out the timeline of a case event-by-event is an example of non-fictional storytelling

6. Fictional Storytelling :

   Dive into the world of your imagination and create something of your own. If you do write, this is for you

7. Repurposed Content :

   Easiest way to create content is to start from what you already have. You’ll notice that many video shows, bloggers, vloggers, and content creators will repurpose their shows or existing content into a podcast. You end up reaching out to an all-new audience or open up another avenue of passive consumption for your existing one

8. Hybrid :

   This is freedom of podcasting! Mix and match any format you like and make it your own. Do a solo one day, bring a panel the other. Experiment around, take constructive feedback. There’s just nothing to lose, isn’t it?

This is what falls first on the eyes of the user. This is why a user may or may not click on your podcast. So remember to keep an eye-catching cover art for your podcast. This is important.

A podcast can be what you like it to be. But the most basic structure is intro – body – outro.

• Intro –

  a short and simple description of you as the host, the podcast and/or episode, giving listeners an idea of who you are and what you’re going to be talking about. This is where you have to do a good job in exciting people to retain them further.

• Body –

  the main portion of your podcast. Like your food’s main course, keep this part the juiciest and most fulfilling.

• Outro –

  a short summary of the episode, sometimes with a short preview of the next episode keeps the hook on to retain your audience.

• Background music :

  many podcasters choose to have background music during at least the intro and outro sections; a great source for this music is  

  YouTube’s Audio Library

  . Not only do they have scores of background tracks, they even have sound effects!

• Duration :

  Typically, podcast episodes actually range from 10-120 minutes. As a starting point, aim for no more than 30 minutes and go from there. If the content is epic, people don’t really mind the time. GOT fan anyone?

You can simply pick up your phone and start recording by clicking on the mike button to use the KukuFM record feature. This will use your phone’s inbuilt microphone. This feature will allow you to create a temporary podcast for the meantime.

You can simply signup and use your mobile phone to start recording your podcast. These days all microphones of your phones are good enough for a podcast. Go ahead and find a quiet spot, record some and then some more. Don’t worry about goofing up a few times. You can edit to your liking later. When you feel inspired, just make the plunge!

Here’s a couple of audio editors that are easy and effective to use:

1. Audio Trimming –

   https://sodaphonic.com/

2. Noise reduction –

   https://auphonic.com/engine/ , https://twistedwave.com/online

It is a no-brainer to start from your own social media channels, literally all of them. Share your content on Whatsapp and Instagram with friends and family. You can find the share button on the platform itself or simply share the podcast URL. Make sure you eat and sleep these words – Like, share and subscribe.

Most importantly, the idea of your podcast is to provide an experience to your listeners. Spend some time listening to them as well and build your content with that feedback.And no matter what you do, don’t ever stop a great idea due to self-doubt. Go with the mindset to create something wonderful and you shall… So what are you waiting for? Start your podcast today!