Are you really a content creator without owning a podcast?

For the past few years, one of the many trendy and cool things amongst Gen Z and Millennials is Podcasting. Apart from studying academics in schools/colleges or juggling their 9 to 5 jobs, young minds are creatively coming up with their own podcasts. 

But, just following the rat race won’t do any good, right? So, how can you make your podcast stand-out?

Tons of questions may be filling your mind – how can I know my audience, how shall I increase my number of listens, where do I distribute my podcast content, and much more.

So, let’s crystalline some basics first…

The word podcasting is not new to the Indian dictionary. Any podcast that is distributed across the Indian market, has the potential to reach a humongous audience since India has 95 million podcast-listening audience which is the 3rd largest after the US and China. 

Here are some tips to help you take things off!

First things first, here are a few basic points that you must take care of as a Podcaster:

1. Before you start recording your podcast, make sure that you do not have any kind of noise or echo in the background.
2. Even if you can’t afford other technical instruments, it’s always good to invest in a good mic to record your podcasts. 
3. You must decide and share the frequency of your podcast and, not to mention, stay committed to it! 
4. Your podcast should portray your matter of interest. This way, you’ll be able to curate an amazing and honest content which can ultimately sustain in the long-run.
5. Depending on the genre/category of your podcast, you must pay attention to the engagement of your audience to schedule your episodes effectively.

But, why are Podcasts preferred?

As a Podcaster, you must ask yourself a few questions while curating your podcast content: 

1. Is your podcast Informational?

Everyone wants to get “Gyaan” over various subjects and podcasts have become one of the most popular ways to educate people over any given subject. So, make sure that your podcast has a good amount of knowledgeable content for your audience to become gyaani!  

1. Does your podcast require video content? 

The prime reason behind listening to a podcast is that it’s easy on the eyes. Since there is no video content involved (unless it’s a video podcast), one need not strain his/her eyes or worry about an increased screen time while listening to a podcast. And to make your podcast more effective, focus on connecting your voice with listeners’ minds.

1. Does your podcast require 100% concentration?

People like to multitask while they tune in to any podcast. We generally listen to podcasts while travelling in a metro or bus, driving a car, doing some chores or even walking in the park. So, let your content allow your listeners to chill and feel somewhat lighter while receiving your bits of information.

1. What else makes podcasts attractive? 

People prefer listening to a podcast over watching a video because of the fact that it requires a lesser amount of data than a video. After all, pocket-friendly (data-friendly) options are always attractive ;)

1. Is your podcast free from bias? 

Instead of creating a bias of the mainstream media, podcasts allow listeners to generate a view of their own. So, all the (budding) podcasters out there, try to make your podcast a place which is free from the mainstream bias. 

Remember that starting a podcast does not cost a huge amount of money and therefore, anyone can do it! But what one needs to consider is that podcast creation is not a sprint, but a marathon. So, brain-storming your interest areas before beginning the process, can never go in vain.  For more tips and tricks, you can listen to Yeh Podcast Vodcast Kya Hai on HT Smartcast.

Happy Podcasting :)

Article by Bonsi Verma.