Author: Sharon Newell

Maximising Your Podcast Potential With AI And ChatGPT

Posted on by Sharon Newell

As you know, we like to keep our ears to the ground with all things podcasting. Recently, we’ve heard a lot of chat about artificial intelligence and how it can impact the industry. As creators with so much on our plate, we’re always looking for ways to make the production process more manageable. So, in this article, we’re exploring AI and how creators can use it to their advantage. 

What is AI in podcasting?

You may have seen articles and hot takes on AI and ChatGPT spiralling that robots are taking over humans. But fear not; robots won’t take over the world anytime soon. Instead, sophisticated technology is on hand to save us time. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is software that automates tasks previously done by humans. Regarding podcasting, AI is great for automating routine, time-consuming tasks. 

Chat GPT is a chatbot launched by OpenAI that creates AI-generated content. In a nutshell, it can respond to anything, whether factual or emotional. 

Chances are, you’re already using AI for your podcasting. Like using autogenerated captions on TikTok – that’s AI at work. 

Using AI in your podcast production

As AI evolves, so do the ways creators can use it in podcast production. Furthermore, the more the technology is used, the more sophisticated it becomes. So, if you’re ready to incorporate more AI into your production, here are some ways you can do so. 

Generate episode topic ideas 

Need some inspiration for episode topics? Chat GPT can provide endless options for you to choose from. While they may not all be relevant or make sense, you will find some inspiration for future episodes. All you need to do is give a broader subject and let AI do the work. 

Carry out top-level research

So, you’ve chosen a topic for your next pod, and now it’s time to start researching. While humans should do the deep diving, chat GPT is a handy tool for top-level research to get the ball rolling. It’s worth noting that any AI-generated information should be fact-checked before you use it. 

Draft short-form content  

If short-form content is something you struggle with, chat GPT is a possible solution. Using the tool, you can generate copy for things like show notes and social captions. The downside is that this copy often feels generic and needs more human influence. So, you could use them as a first draft before adding your touch. 

Normalise sound levels 

There are several AI apps built into podcast platforms. A great example of this is the Podcast.co feature that listens to the audio files and normalises the sound levels. Of course, the types of AI apps available depend on your chosen platform. But it’s well worth researching the tools you can make use of. 

Find copyright-free music 

Are you looking for copyright-free music for your show? There’s a tool for that, too. Epidemic Sound created EAR (Epidemic Audio Reference), an audio-based search tool designed to help creators quickly find music based on songs they like.  

Is the future of podcasting AI?

In an article by unite.ai, Jay LeBouef of Descript said: “Media production is now entering a phase where if you can dream it, it can happen.” He added, “and you no longer need to have an expensive studio or decades of training to accomplish your goals.”

Of course, you’ll always need a human element in podcast production, but if AI makes things easier without compromising quality, we’re here for it! 

Meet The Winners Of The 2022 Micro-Grants For Podcasters Programme

Posted on by Sharon Newell

Exciting news! Content is Queen, in collaboration with Audible, has announced the 5 winners of the 2022 Micro-Grants for Podcasters Programme. This programme aims to support podcasters who might face challenges in bringing their projects to life.

Each winner will receive a grant of £2500 or £5000 to bring their podcast project to life, as well as three months of production support from Content is Queen.

We’re thrilled to support these amazing podcast creators and can’t wait to see what they bring to the podcasting community. Congratulations to the winners.

Introducing the talented creators and their winning projects:

Bin Juice with Emma Tindall – a comedy-drama which follows the lives of four hopeless 20-somethings as they attempt to navigate love, sex, friendship and loss in a grubby London flat-share they call home. 

Redemption Man with Chris Mitchell – the story of the most known unknown legend from west London.

Dead Ends with Talia Augustidis – a true choose-your-own-adventure story, navigating the twists and turns of grief.

The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From The Tree with Brodie Arthur and Julia Samuels – the story of Brodie’s family’s history of sex work in Liverpool – from the murder of their nan to their mum’s scandal with a high-profile football player and the links to the wider social, political and economic contexts of working women.

He Was Our Friend Saidata Sesay – the story of Jo, who when five years old, witnessed her family being massacred by Hutu extremists. Now she embarks on a journey to confront the man responsible for the murder of her family whilst learning how to heal from the past.

Take a peek behind the scenes with this video and watch this space as their stories unfold. 🎙

 

Marketing Your Podcast: Growing Your Mailing List

Posted on by Sharon Newell

We’re exploring email marketing in part two of our marketing your podcast articles. If you’re keen to discover why email marketing is great for podcasters and how you can grow your mailing list, stick with us. As always, we’re on hand with plenty of actionable advice and handy tips to help you reach more listeners and grow your pod. 

Why podcasters should use email marketing

With social media, podcasting platforms, blogs, and so much more, you might think adding email marketing to your list is just too much. We don’t blame you. However, growing your email list offers plenty of benefits, such as: 

You own the channel 

We’ve all seen the despair of content creators who have lost access to their social media accounts overnight. Thankfully, with email marketing, you own the channel, and no one can take your subscribers away. 

Personalised communication 

Using an email marketing platform such as Flodesk or Klavyio, you can use tools to segment your mailing list. Then, depending on the recipient, you can personalise emails and include specific content for that segment. 

Complete control

A key drawback of social media is the lack of organic reach, with many posts reaching 10% or less of your followers. With email marketing, you can easily control which subscribers receive your message. All you have to do is convince them to open it! 

Easy to create content 

If you spend some time developing templates, emails become quick and easy to create. So, you can incorporate a new marketing channel into your strategy with little additional work. 

Boost revenue 

Email marketing is affordable, allowing you to communicate with thousands of people at a low cost. Although it’s an investment, it’s also an opportunity to boost your revenue, whether selling merch, tickets to lives or events, affiliate links or promoting your sponsors.

How to grow your podcast mailing list

Now we’ve covered some of the benefits, let’s get into how you can grow your podcast mailing list and reap the rewards.  

Use your website to capture emails 

If you have a website, add a pop-up to encourage visitors to subscribe to your mailing list. If you don’t have a website for your pod, you can create a single landing page to acquire new subscribers. 

Collect email addresses on social media 

A simple way to gather emails is by using social media. For example, you can add a sign-up link in your bio or create an IG story with a question box to collect emails and manually add them to your list. In short, the simpler it is to sign up, the better.  

Offer an incentive to drive sign-ups

It’s helpful to use an incentive to drive sign-ups. This is called a lead magnet and can be something valuable subscribers can access, download or enjoy, such as: 

  • Exclusive content, such as bonus episodes 
  • Downloadable checklists, templates, and worksheets
  • Access to an exclusive online community
  • Discounted merchandise 
  • Entry to a competition 

Of course, the lead magnet you choose depends on your industry and your audience’s interests. So, take common examples and tailor them appropriately. 

Encourage readers to share your content 

If you want your emails to reach more people, actively encourage your subscribers to share them. Simple copy along the lines of “share this with a friend who you think would enjoy it” can go a long way to increasing reach and growing subscribers. 

Focus on quality content & consistency 

While it’s great to focus on growing your mailing list, remember to nurture existing subscribers too. As always, you’ll want to focus on producing quality content on a consistent schedule to keep your mailing list engaged and subscribed. 

Automate as much as possible 

Last but certainly not least, automation is your best friend. From welcome emails to scheduling content, automate your email marketing as much as possible to reduce your workload. 

If you found this content useful and would like to access more of the same, sign up to our newsletter email list here to ensure you never miss a Content is Queen update. 

Marketing Your Podcast: Social Media

Posted on by Sharon Newell

There are plenty of ways for people to discover your podcast, from word of mouth and the podcast platforms themselves to YouTube. But, of course, one of the most powerful ways to reach the masses and boost visibility is through social media. Although you’re a creator, social media can quickly become overwhelming, with so many platforms, tools, and tips in every direction. That’s where we come in. This article shares some of our tried and tested tips to promote your podcast on social media. 

Social media marketing hacks for podcasters

This is by no means an extensive list of hacks, but it will get you off to a good start. So, let’s get into it.

1. Choose your platforms wisely 

There’s no need to be on every single social platform. Instead, choose the platforms that your audience actually uses. If you’re not sure where that is, ask them. Now, it’s likely that your audience is on several platforms, so it comes down to selecting platforms you can commit to. It’s better to do one or two platforms well than do four poorly.  

2. Add value with every post 

There’s a whole lot of noise on social media. Ensuring you’re adding value with every post will help you to cut through the noise and build an engaged community. Remember, adding value can be as simple as making your audience laugh. So, if it’s relevant and you think it will resonate with your audience, give it a go. No one gets it right every time, but you need to be prepared to continually test different content to discover what works. 

3. Leverage your guest’s audience 

If you’re trying to build up a following on social media, be sure to leverage your guest’s audience. But don’t expect your guest to do the hard work for you. Instead, provide plenty of assets, including imagery, suggested copy and social handles, so they can help you to promote their episode. 

4. Format content specifically for the platform 

Yes, social media is time-consuming. But, no, that isn’t an excuse to post the exact same content across your channels. While you should always repurpose content, take a little extra time to format your content specifically to the channel, you’ll be posting it on. Always remember, if you’re using social media as a discovery tool, you want to make a great first impression. 

Types of content you can use to promote your podcast

Once you’ve chosen your platforms, the next thing to think about is your content strategy. Using many different formats is a great way to keep your audience engaged. Variety is the spice of life, After all. So, here are just some ideas for content: 

  • Guest announcements 
  • Teasers
  • Quotes and questions 
  • Short-form video – if your podcast is audio only, use an audiogram! 
  • BTS (behind the scenes) content
  • Archive footage 

Top tip: don’t forget to appeal to your audiences’ broader interests and avoid purely promoting your podcast in every post. 

Three golden rules for social media marketing

Social media is ever-changing; sometimes, keeping up with those changes feels impossible. However, regardless of the platform, here are three golden rules you should always follow. 

  • Consistency is key: when you’re creating a content strategy, opt for a posting schedule that is manageable for you. It’s better to post consistently once a week than sporadically without a plan. 
  • Quality over quantity: with consistency comes quality. Spend time creating quality content that will engage your audience rather than scrambling to post for the sake of posting.  
  • Don’t post and ghost: building an engaged community goes far beyond posting. Instead, you must show up on your chosen platforms and regularly engage with your audience and other creators. 

Inspiration 

If you’re looking for some inspiration from fellow creators, check out these Instagram accounts: 

To access our inclusive community of podcasters and the resources you need to grow your podcast, check out our membership options here. 

Accessibility And Inclusivity In Podcasting

Posted on by Sharon Newell

Last month, we shared our top picks for disability and accessibility-focused podcasts you should add to your library. Now, we’re back for another segment. This time, we’re exploring how podcasting can become more accessible and inclusive. 

So, we called on our community for some actionable advice to share with you. We spoke to Maya Chupkov, creator, host & producer of Proud Stutter, Natasha Lipman, the brains behind The Rest Room and Emma Vogelmann, creator of the Wheelchair Activist. 

Acast Disability History Month

In November, Acast celebrated Disability History Month, intending to make podcasting even more accessible. The celebration aligned with UK Disability History Month, calling on creators such as Katherine Ryan from Telling Everybody Everything and Pete Donaldson from Football Ramble. As part of the campaign, Acast had the creators insert dynamic audio clips across all their episodes with a visual description of themselves in the hope it would act as a launchpad to inspire more creators to follow suit. 

Emma told us: “I’m pleased to see Acast raising the profile of disability history month. I think they could have gone further to promote some of the amazing podcasts by disabled people, though. They mention the good practice of accessibility being done by podcasts that aren’t about or made by disabled people. What about directing people to content that will expand people’s understanding of disabled people? I happen to know the perfect podcast to get you started!” 

Maya echoed Emma’s point, sharing: “It is great to see Acast taking steps to improve accessibility for people who are blind or have low vision. As a stuttering advocate, my mission is to create a world where people who stutter feel comfortable being who they are.” 

 While Acast is off to a good start, there’s still lots of work to be done. That starts with amplifying the voices of creators like Emma and Maya.

Improving accessibility for creators

While podcasting is primarily an audio format, the medium is evolving. Two significant components of the evolution are social media and streaming platforms. So, we wanted to understand what the community would like to see from both to improve accessibility. 

Maya believes it starts within these companies and their hiring processes: “There are a ton of things big streaming and social media platforms can take to improve accessibility. For example, one simple step can be to improve its hiring processes by giving people with speech impediments, like a stutter, more time in an interview. The second thing would be to ask every applicant if they have any access needs and list a few examples like stuttering, so applicants feel more empowered to share that part of themselves.” 

 In terms of the usability of said platforms, Emma told us, “I would love to see major streaming and social platforms encourage creators to create accessible content. Don’t hide accessibility features in ‘advanced settings’ so no one knows about them. Twitter – albeit briefly – reminded users to add alt-text to images. Once you know how to make content accessible, you realise it’s not that hard. And it makes disabled people feel included in your conversation. 

Platforms should be investing in accessibility; it’s a win-win situation. More people who can use the platform benefits the platform, creators, and users.” 

Natasha echoed Emma’s point as she explained: “I’d really love if quality accessibility tools, like transcriptions and captioning, were more integrated into podcasting platforms, both in terms of making quality transcription services accessible to people, but also physically hosting the transcript on the websites (or even in the apps) with the podcast itself to create a more integrated experience. 

Additionally, many streaming services, like Apple, don’t have a dedicated category for disability. Often it’s a variation of “health and wellness”, which is stuffed to the brim with fitness and wellness content. This makes it very hard to find disability or chronic illness focussed podcasts. So it would be lovely to have a category or sub-category to easily find these podcasts.”

Creating an accessible and inclusive podcast

Social and streaming platforms have a big part to play in making podcasting more accessible. But of course, there’s plenty that creators can do, too. 

 Emma told us: “There are so many things podcasters can do to be more accessible that I do with my podcast, The Wheelchair Activist. My key advice is to have a transcript or a captioned version of each episode. Not only is it inclusive, but it’s also helpful for SEO. I’ve reached so many more people by having a captioned video on YouTube and a downloadable transcript on my website. You’ll find more people benefit from it than you think.”

Natasha further explained the benefits of transcripts and captioning as she said: “Freely available transcripts are a really important starting point when thinking about podcast accessibility. This is something that so many of my listeners use, including non-disabled listeners.” 

She added: “If you use audiograms in your marketing or release video podcasts (which can be another great way of making your podcast accessible to a different audience), accurate captions are also important. 

When we record, we also consider things like the audio quality, making sure that music isn’t loudly overlapping any speaking, and trying to be mindful of how we use music and pauses to make the audio experience as clear as possible.” 

Maya explained adopting an inclusive approach to guests can help: “My advice for making their show more accessible and enjoyable for listeners is to have people with disabilities on your show. For example, one of the few times I’ve heard people with speech differences was on a major network show NPR’s LifeKit. Hearing people with verbal diversities made me feel seen and inspired me to do my show.” 

If you’d like to improve the accessibility of your show, here are some tips:

  • Add transcripts to your shows
  • Ensure your website is accessible
  • Convert your shows to an MP4 and upload them to YouTube with closed captioning enabled
  • Use alt-text on social posts

If you’re keen to add some disability and accessibility-focused podcasts to your library, check out our top picks here. 

Content is Queen is committed to driving inclusivity and accessibility in podcasting, and we’d love you to do the same. If this is a tribe you want to be a part of, you can explore our affordable memberships here.

Is The Podcast Boom Over?

Posted on by Sharon Newell

As you know, we live and breathe podcasting at Content is Queen. We like to keep a keen eye on the latest news, insights, and trends. So, it’s impossible to ignore the gloomy headlines we’ve seen this month around the podcasting industry. 

With outlets reporting that Spotify shares have plummeted and predicting the industry could be in for a rocky 2023, we can see why alarm bells might be ringing. So, we’ve spent lots of time weighing up reports so we can offer further insight into the podcasting market right now. 

What’s happening with podcasting right now?

In October last year, we wrote an article on podcasting and the creator economy, sharing statistics on the industry. Here’s what we wrote: 

Demand Sage predicted that there will be around 424 million podcast listeners globally by the end of 2022, increasing to 504.9 million by 2024. At the same time, the industry is currently worth approximately $2 billion, and it’s set to be worth $4 billion in 2024. 

Earlier this month, Bloomberg reported that with hiring freezes, smaller upfront payments and fewer acquisitions, the podcast boom feels like a thing of the past. But what does that mean? 

We believe that while growth may slow, there is still plenty of opportunity in 2023. With talks of a global recession, podcasting isn’t the only industry forecasted to feel the pinch. Many businesses will approach spending cautiously, so there’s bound to be a trickle-down effect. However, that doesn’t mean podcasting and the opportunities to earn money from it will suddenly cease to exist. Instead, opportunities such as funding and sponsorship will become harder to secure but not impossible. 

In a nutshell, as global markets are facing uncertainty, the same goes for podcasting despite the mammoth growth in recent years. 

Is the market oversaturated?

One take we’ve seen cropping up is that the podcasting market is oversaturated. Yes, there are a lot of podcasters, but there are also a lot of listeners. In the UK alone, 10.5 million Brits are listening to podcasts for 69m hours every week! 

To put podcasting numbers into perspective, there are 2.4 million podcasts globally, versus 80 million Facebook pages, 1 billion active TikTok and Instagram users and 396 million Twitter profiles. The medium quickly seems less competitive and saturated than social media. 

There’s plenty of opportunity to carve out a niche on social media to reach the masses; the same goes for podcasting. 

Embracing an optimistic mindset

Thankfully, it’s not all doom and gloom. This week, Digiday reported that podcast teams are still growing as they hedge their bets on the medium in 2023. According to the report, companies including The New York Times, WSJ and iHeartMedia are expanding their podcast teams, and they’re confident the medium can grow, even during the economic uncertainty. 

Furthermore, the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism surveyed over 300 media leaders, asking where they’ll be investing more resources in 2023. You’ll be glad to know 72% plan to focus on podcasts and digital audio more than any other category. 

As we researched the topic, we quickly found that for every gloomy headline, there’s an optimistic one, too. 

Our predictions for podcasting in 2023

While we wish we could tell you we’ve looked into our crystal ball and seen the future, no one can truly predict how things will play out this year. What we can say is indie podcasters who continue to show up despite hard times will reap the benefits in the long run. 

With that said, if we had to hedge our bets, here’s what we expect to see: 

  • Funding and commercial opportunities will be harder to come by, but not impossible 
  • Consumers will continue to listen to podcasts as much as they did in 2022 
  • There will be less hiring within the industry, and we’ll see layoffs
  • Bold marketers will continue to invest in audio, particularly those targeting Gen Z  
  • Podcast episodes may get shorter as budgets decrease 

In November, we shared the latest podcast statistics and what they mean for creators; if you haven’t already read it, you should do. 

If you’d appreciate the support of our inclusive community right now, you can explore our affordable membership options here. We’d love to have you!

7 Sustainability Podcasts To Add To Your Library Right Now

Posted on by Sharon Newell

As we’re coming to the end of 2022, we’ve been thinking about how we can consume ethically this Christmas and beyond. During a time when we’re encouraged to overconsume and overspend, tuning into podcasts is an excellent way to switch your focus. So, we’re rounding up some of our favourite sustainable living and climate podcasts to tune into right now.

Sustainable(ish)

Bought to you by Jen Gale, the sustainable(ish) podcast drops a weekly episode on sustainable living minus austerity, deprivation, or the need to live off the grid in a yurt. Instead, you can expect engaging conversations, accessible and actionable tips and knowledgeable guests. Sustainable(ish) is the pod for you if you’re ready to make small tweaks to do your part. Not sure where to start? We’d recommend episode 163 – the Carbon Footprint of Christmas and what’s in your control.

Mothers of Invention

Feminism and sustainability? Yes, please! Mothers of Invention is a podcast sharing feminist solutions to the man-made climate change problem. Brought to you by Mary Robison, Maeve Higgins, and Thimali Kodikara, Mothers Of Invention, shifts the focus to the stories of black, brown and indigenous women innovating from the front lines. Packed full of love, laughter, and exceptional storytelling, this is the podcast to turn to for inspiration to live more sustainably.

Sustainababble

Fancy a good laugh and learn? Then, Sustainababble is the pod for you. Self-dubbed ‘a funny podcast about the environment, sustainability and all the guff people talk in the name of saving the planet’, the weekly episodes by Ol and Dave are as entertaining as they are educational. With 272 episodes and counting, you’ll be spoilt for choice on topics, but we’d recommend kicking off with episode 255 on Green Capitalism.

Drilled

What do you get when you pair climate change with true crime? Drilled. Reported and hosted by award-winning journalist Amy Westervelt, Drilled has been delving into the crimes against the climate since 2017. From fossil fuels and tar sands to greenwashing and accountability, Drilled is entertaining, informative and, at times, shocking. The best kind of podcast, right? To get a feel for the podcast, we’d recommend tuning into Introducing: Who Killed Daphne, which is just 6 minutes long.

The YIKES podcast

Mikaela Loach and Jo Becker are a dynamic duo leaning into the yikes of the world without overwhelming themselves or their listeners. From the climate crisis to activism and racism, the pair offer nuanced and accessible takes on everything that’s going on around us. In a recent instalment, Mikaela has returned from COP27 in Egypt and Jo’s returned from university occupations with the End Fossil Occupy movement, and it’s a must-listen! Listen to YIKES here. 

Outrage and Optimism

Outrage and Optimism focuses on solving the climate crisis and remaking the world. Hosts Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac and Paul Dickinson get together weekly to delve into the issues at the forefront of the climate crisis and educate listeners on their power to help solve it. With special guests including David Attenborough, Lily Cole, and Vanessa Nakate, you’ll hear from experts and the activists on the frontline. In short, Outrage and Optimism is our go-to for a global perspective on climate change!

Sustainably Influenced

A permanent fixture in our podcast library is Sustainably Influenced. Hosts Bianca Foley & Charlotte Williams are on a mission to guide their listeners through the minefield of sustainability. From ethical and sustainable jewellery to eating meat, the duo chat with sustainability and ethical living experts to delve into various sustainable living practices. With 83 episodes to get through, we suspect Sustainably Influenced will become a firm favourite for you too!

To keep up with our top picks, the latest in podcasting and all things Content is Queen, connect with us on Instagram and Twitter. 

TikTok For Podcasters

Posted on by Sharon Newell

If you’ve ever lost hours scrolling through TikTok, chances are you’ve seen snippets from podcasts on your feed. Plus, with the news that TikTok is preparing to launch a podcast app, you may wonder if you should use the platform to promote your pod. With over 1 billion monthly users, TikTok offers plenty of opportunities. So, we’re on hand to explore TikTok for podcasters and how you can use the ever-growing app to build your audience. 

TikTok audience

TikTok allows creators to reach a demographic that is traditionally harder to reach. TikTok data has shown that 80% of users are 16 – 34, with the majority under 25. Do you know who else falls into that demographic? Over half of podcast listeners. So, there’s plenty of overlap between TikTok users and podcast fans. 

A world of opportunities

There’s already a strong podcasting community on TikTok, and it’s growing as video podcasting becomes more popular. Here are three reasons why you should consider jumping on TikTok:

  • There’s an opportunity for tremendous organic growth even with a limited budget
  • If you get started now, you’ll still be a relatively early adopter, putting you ahead of the game 
  • Gen Z are tastemakers, and TikTok offers a prime opportunity to reach them 

How to promote your podcast on TikTok

If you’re ready to try your hand at TikTok, here are some tips to get you off to a strong start. 

Nail your branding

When you set up your TikTok account, ensure that your brand identity remains at the core. Opt for a bold profile picture, a relevant username and a punchy bio – you only get 80 characters.

Use teasers

While you can post videos up to 10 minutes long on TikTok now, that doesn’t mean you should. Using short-form video content to appeal to short attention spans is the way to go. Remember, if someone’s never heard of your podcast, you have seconds to pique their interest. So, opt for ‘best bit’ snippets that showcase your podcast well. 

Teasers can establish your voice within the niche, challenge perceptions, spark interest, highlight special guests, and SO much more. If you’re sharing a longer clip, start with a short, snappy introduction, so viewers know what the video is about; this is a great example. 

Create BTS content

As with podcasting, authenticity always goes down well on TikTok. Using BTS (behind-the-scenes) clips is a great way to diversify your content and showcase your personality. Experiment and find what works, from setting up for a recording to editing and bloopers; variety is key.

Master your hashtag strategy

TikTok has become a search engine, with nearly half of Gen Z using the platform over Google search. To show up in these searches, using relevant hashtags is essential. This is an excellent resource for all things TikTok SEO.

Leverage your guests

Got a guest with a decent TikTok following? Be sure to create plenty of assets they can use to promote the episode on their page.

Be prepared to jump on trends

Of course, the goal is to promote your podcast, but you can still jump on trends, especially when they’re super relevant. Follow other TikTokers in the same niche, popular TikTokers and strategists to keep up with trends.

Don’t post and ghost

Finally, remember you’re not just on TikTok to post. Instead, it would help if you spent time engaging on the platform to build your digital footprint. Community-building is big on TikTok, so ensure you’re setting aside time to engage. 

It’s worth remembering that, as with all social platforms, getting results on TikTok can sometimes feel hit and miss. So, don’t get disheartened if you’re struggling to gain traction. Instead, stay consistent, and the results will come.

Best in class

Need some inspo? Here are some of our favourite podcasters on TikTok: 

Black Gals Livin

ShxtsnGigs

The Receipts

Steven Bartlett

The Nearlyweds 

Grace Beverley

The Girls Bathroom

Spend time checking out these best-in-class examples and jot down what you think they’re doing well. Then, you can build a strategy that suits your niche and appeals to your target audience. 

Want to access more podcasting tips, tricks and tools? We got you. Check out our membership options here. 

5 Lessons In Video Podcasting From YouTube

Posted on by Sharon Newell

In December, AdAge reported that TikTok and Podcasts had joined YouTube as leading creator platforms. The report comes at the same time YouTube has released a guide to best practices on the platform. So, now is the perfect time to delve into video podcasting as the two mediums continue to grow. 

The YouTube guide is lengthy at 67 pages long, so we’re summarising five of the key takeaways for you. 

Video podcasting tips

Find your why

If you’ve read our previous articles, you’ll know we’re big on finding your why, and YouTube is too. If you’re considering launching a video podcast, you need to be clear on why you’re doing it. So, start by asking yourself questions such as: 

  • What is your goal for video podcasting? 
  • Are you looking to tap into a new audience? 
  • Who is your ideal viewer? 
  • What value can you offer to your audience?

Consider your branding and your capabilities

Producing audio content is one thing; video is a whole other kettle of fish. So, before you jump in headfirst into video podcasting, things like branding, assets and your capabilities are vital considerations. From creating your channel banner and avatar to video thumbnails and social assets, you should ensure you’re able to meet the additional branding demands of video podcasting. 

If branding is something you outsource, take the time to consider the additional budget required and if it is a worthwhile investment. 

Camera angles and video production are key

Just as you wouldn’t want to publish poor audio, the same goes for video. While your video podcast doesn’t have to be perfectly polished (listeners like authenticity), quality production is essential. There are many things to think about here, from set design and equipment to intros and camera angles. 

For example, audiences on YouTube connect more with a person than with a brand or company. However, how those faces appear on screen can also have an impact. For example, a direct, front-facing camera framing can give the audience a sense of being part of the conversation. In contrast, a side angle can make audiences feel like they’re “watching” a conversation. 

Still trying to figure out where to start? Analyse the video podcasts you tune into, detailing what you do and don’t like about each. From here, you can create a clear picture of how you’ll want your video

Master the different formats

Adding video to your content is an excellent way to diversify and tap into new audiences; understanding different video formats is key. Below are eight of the most popular designs from YouTube – it’s worth considering how you could use them. For example, if you have a podcast that discusses music and film, you may want to add a reaction, watch along and interview formats into the mix. 

(Source: YouTube)

Take some time to think about which formats you’d be open to trying, how they would resonate with your audience and the type of content you could create for each.

Be prepared to experiment

As with most social & streaming platforms, experimenting is essential. Video podcasting offers an excellent chance to test new pieces of content and find what works well for your audience. YouTube advises following these seven steps:

  1. Think sustainably 
  2. Scout YouTube
  3. Be Authentic 
  4. Test
  5. Iterate
  6. Final Iteration
  7. Repeat 

Is video podcasting for you?

Thanks to the versatility, accessibility, and the fact that you can easily repurpose video podcast content, it’s easy to see why many creators are choosing to adopt the format. With that said, it doesn’t mean a video-first approach is free of limitations. 

Sure, podcasting requires a lot of time and skill, but the demands increase further when you add video into the mix. So, before taking the plunge, take the time to research and be honest with yourself about your capabilities. 

If you’re keen to explore the possibilities further, the complete guide from YouTube is well worth a read. 

Ready to take your podcast to the next level? Click here to learn about our membership options so you can join our inclusive podcasting community. 

5 Podcast Production Hacks To Save You Time

Posted on by Sharon Newell

Recording a podcast is one thing; producing it is another. The podcast production process is unlike any other form of content. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the process, you’re not alone. We’ve got you covered though. This article shares five hacks to refine your workflow and make audio content a breeze.

Preparation

As with most things in life, preparation is key. So, it’s only right we kick off with a couple of hacks to help you prepare for a great episode.

Share questions and notes with guests ahead of recording

Whether you’re following questions or discussing specific topics, share your episode plan with guests before recording so they can be well prepared. Not only will it put them at ease, but it will make for a better conversation, too. 

Script your intro & outro to repurpose as show notes

Ahead of recording, take the time to script your intro and outro. Not only will it make for a great opening and closing to the episode, but it’s an easy hack for creating show notes. Don’t forget to SEO optimise! 

Recording

Recording is not something that can be rushed or automated. However, there are ways to save yourself time – here’s our favourite: 

Shoot any retakes at the end of an episode/interview for quick editing later

Whether you’re a first-timer or a pro, retakes are usually a given. However, save any retakes for the end of the episode or interview rather than retaking mid-episode. This way, you’ll have all your retakes in one place for quick editing later. 

Automation

Automation is your best friend, so make use of it wherever possible. From using tools like asana to keep on top of tasks to calendly to manage appointments, if you can automate it, you should. Below are two of our go-to tools for podcasters. 

Use Headliner for social promos

Easy and accessible? Yes, and yes. We get it; captioning videos is time-consuming, so it’s easy to see why you might choose to skip this task. However, if you want your podcast to be accessible to everyone, subtitles are necessary. Thankfully, Headliner.app is an excellent tool for accurate subtitles, with minimal editing needed.

Otter.ai is our go-to for transcripts and quick paper edits

Speaking of accessibility, transcripts are a great way to make your show more accessible. While you may not have the time to create transcripts for your show manually, there’s a program for that, too. Otter.ai automates meeting notes with audio recording, transcribed text and highlights summary. Plus, you can use transcripts to pull quotes and create promotional content for the episode. It’s a no-brainer!

Defining your workflow

Of course, what works for us, may not be suited to you. So, the aim of the game is to use trial and error to create a workflow for you. Here’s how you can get started. 

  1. Start by breaking down the process of creating a new episode from inception to distribution, for example, planning, preparation, recording, editing, uploading, automation and promotion. 
  2. For each stage, list everything that needs to be completed, for example, researching the topic, booking the guest, and creating social assets. 
  3. Now for each task, research and write down the tools you can use to automate and refine your process. 

Here are some examples:

Planning > researching the topic > Answer the Public, Google trends and Buzzsomo

Preparation > confirming a time with guests > Calendly and Google calendar 

Promotion > creating social assets > Canva and Headliner

 

Once you’ve listed out all the tools you’ll use, take the time to map out your process from start to finish. Having a clear picture of your production will help to highlight any space for optimisation. 

Creating a podcast from start to finish is no mean feat! Thankfully, with hacks like these in place, you’ll be able to wrap up a finished episode faster, delegate when needed, and refine your processes. Got a hack? Comment below! 

If you’re ready to unlock your podcasting potential with the support of Content is Queen check out our membership options here.