Our collection features many materials on podcasting. Look in OneSearch by subject "Podcasting"
Here are some books and ebooks on the topic:
The podcaster's audio handbook: a technical guide for creative people by 
Podcasting: The Audio Media Revolution by 
As of 2023 there are 464.7 million podcasts listeners globally!
See DemandSage's Listeners, Growth & Trends report for 53 more statistics.
Or search Statista for reports on podcasts or podcasting.
Podcasting has gained immense popularity as a means of creating and sharing audio or video content, enabling individuals to express their ideas, narratives, and knowledge on diverse subjects. For students, podcasting offers an exciting avenue for delivering captivating presentations. This guide offers valuable insights, techniques, and available resources for students interested in embarking on their podcasting journey.
"Podcasts are growing in popularity, with millions of new shows launching every year covering a wide range of topics from politics and news to comedy and fiction. True crime podcasts have become a major genre in their own right, and "audio dramas" or "fiction podcasts" are attracting audiences who enjoy immersive storytelling experiences." Statista. (2023, September). Music, Radio & Podcasts: Market data & Analysis. https://www.statista.com
Before diving into the writing or recording process, begin by pinpointing a specific topic for your podcast episode. Collaborating in a brainstorming session with friends or colleagues can help gather ideas that align with your podcast's theme and may also ignite your creative thinking. Explore potential storytelling angles, unique perspectives, or intriguing interview guests that can infuse depth and excitement into your episode.
Podcasts come in a variety of captivating formats and styles, each reflecting the creativity of their creators. Here are some popular podcast genres to inspire you and some helpful links about each format:
The way a podcast is organized and presented, like how long the episodes are and the structure they follow, can affect how it feels to listen to and how you come across to your audience. Your personal preferences, personality, and vibe will inform the style. Often you'll want your podcast's style to match your brand e.g. your blog, website, or product.
Your script's structure depends on your podcast's format and style. A storytelling script would be more rigid than an outline used for an interview. Either way begin with an engaging intro, stay true to your theme, and conclude with a strong wrap-up. Keep the language relatable to your target audience and remember to infuse your unique personality. Most scripts are a roadmap, not a set of rigid rules; it will feel more authentic if you leave room for spontaneity and natural flow during recording. Continuously refine and revise your script to achieve the right balance of structure and style.
While podcast structures can vary, the significance of well-organized segments cannot be overstated. Keeping to the same structure from episode to episode gives your listener a sense of familiarity and ensures that listeners anticipate what's coming next. The structural components often include:
Teaser (episode intro): This acts as the "hook" to grab the listener's attention, providing a brief description of the topic, highlighting any guests, and sometimes incorporating sound bites from later in the episode.
Intro: Featuring the opening theme for your podcast along with an introduction to the hosts and the podcast's topic, usually repurposed every episode.
Main Content: The core of your episode, where the primary topic or narrative is presented, discussed, or explored in detail.
Midroll: Often reserved for advertisements or promotions that occur in the middle of the episode.
Main Content: The continuation of the core content or additional segments related to the main topic.
Next Episode Teaser: A short segment that offers a sneak peek of the next episode, enticing your audience to keep listening.
Outro: This brings the episode to a close, typically including show credits, calls to action, and information on where to find more content or connect with the podcast.
You will want to add content to accompany your voice. Sound effects make your story come alive, interviews add diverse viewpoints and expertise, and audio enhancements level up the overall quality. When you blend these ingredients, your podcast becomes engaging and unforgettable, making a lasting impression on your listeners. Have these in mind, some can be used while recording while other content can be mixed in at the production stage.
There are plenty of online sources for music and sound effects and most offer a mix of Public Domain, Creative Commons, and Royalty free options. See our Creative Commons guide for a breakdown of the CC symbols and what they mean.
The list below features websites with free options! See also our Copyright Guide for more information on permitted uses and a list of open source music sites.
When creating podcasts, think about accessibility. Using clear language helps those with visual impairments. Add captions for videos and transcripts for audio to include everyone. Accessibility ensures your podcast is enjoyed by a wider audience. There are many free Podcast Transcription Software tools available online and YouTube has built in Closed Captioning which can be edited post production.
