Basic Podcasting

Podcasting is the distribution of multimedia files, usually audio programs, over the Internet for playback on mobile devices and personal computers. Uploading these files to a syndication service allows interested listeners to "sign up" for a podcast and receive automatic updates as new installments are posted by its creator.

The following example takes advantage of the free services offered by podOmatic, which both syndicates and helps users create podcasting content.

Setting Up An Account

Go to podOmatic. Near the top of the site’s home page is a series of tabs. Click on the tab on the far right, Create A Podcast. Then fill out the form with the relevant information, including an email you’d like to use for contact with podOmatic. Click Continue. Select a design from the provided thumbnails by checking the checkbox below the design of your choice. Click Continue.

Posting A Podcast

If you have just completed the setup, you should now be prompted to create a podcast episode. If you completed the setup at another time, log in to your account using the username and password you provided in the account setup and then click on the My Podcast tab.

Enter the appropriate information in the form provided. Give the episode a relevant title, add tags for others to find your podcast when they perform a search, and upload a picture if you like. To post an existing mp3 file as a podcast, click on Import. To create a new podcast, click on Record to begin recording, or Mixomatic to select intro/outro music to accompany your recording. There is also a button to test the level of your microphone or select from among multiple input sources.

When you have finished recording, you can Preview or simply Publish your podcast to your account. You will then be invited to send out an email to invite others to come listen to your podcast.

Resources

PodOMatic http://www.podomatic.com

Audacity http://audacity.sourceforge.net

Podcasting Software List http://tinyurl.com/8gyho