Audio content can easily be labeled as the orphan of the Internet. It has never come close to text that was the undisputed content king in the 1990s or video that has emerged as the favoured content king in the 21st century.
There are reasons why this has happened. Audio content did not enthuse publishers in the early days of the net because there was not enough bandwidth to transfer heavy files. Publishers had difficulty pushing text on low bandwidth connections. They could not think of loading users with files that only buffered, and never downloaded.
The post-bubble era witnessed the rise of YouTube.com. Users could not only watch videos with ease, but also could create and publish their own videos. It was a giant leap forward.
The transformation was so sudden that audio was relegated to a poor third, even though the technology to create and transmit audio files had improved dramatically. However, this does not mean that audio content has been a complete washout on the net. It still has a loyal audience, and there are many who swear by the power of audio.
# How to start your Podcast journey
Most important, there are tools available on the net that allow you to create your own audio files, popularly known as podcasts. These enable you to record your songs and host them on the net; create entertaining programmes based on jokes, witticisms, quotes etc; or even create your own talk shows where you can given your take on Election 2014..
The possibilities are endless. What’s most important is that the entry costs are negligible. You can start your podcasting journey by downloading a free software like Audacity, which enables you to create your own MP3 files. The software is amazingly easy to use. You need no tutor, only common sense. If you get stuck, you can use the help file.
Besides Audacity, you need a microphone to record your song. You can buy it at any computer store for prices ranging from Rs 200 at the low end to Rs 2,000 at the high end. You don’t have to worry about the sound editor or mixer. Both these applications are part of Audacity.
# Editing and Publishing
Yes. You will have to practise a few times as to how to edit your sound file. Initially, you may find it a little difficult. But then you will realize it is as easy as text editing. What’s more you cam import audio files and add them to your base file.
If you have your own website then you can host the podcasts like the text or image files. If not, then you can use blogs as a podcasting platform. WordPress blogs are especially popular among podcasters; so, get a free blog from WordPress.org.
The question that arises is: How do you make your podcasts popular? Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about it now. WordPress allows your podcasts to be communicated to millions of users through RSS feeds.
So, what are you waiting for? Click here to download Audacity software, and start podcasting. Who knows you may build your own fan following on the net.
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