What Is Live Podcasting?
A live podcast functions much like a live radio broadcast, with the added component of a virtual audience. Depending on preference, podcasters may choose to record all of their episodes in this format, or only certain ones for special occasions.
Can any podcast go live?
The specific format of a podcast typically has no bearing on its quality or success. A podcast can be created and delivered either live or pre-recorded.
What Are Live Audio Podcasts?
Live audio podcasting involves broadcasting in real time, so anyone listening can hear what you have to say. That means no editing and post-production, no editing, just true raw connections.
In most cases, you can save your live audio files afterwards for permanent distribution, in which case you It is possible to make changes and remove parts from these later.
What Are Live Video Podcasts?
Live video podcasts are comparable to live audio podcasts, as they both present real-time communication. The video component of a live video podcast can help forge a more intimate connection with your viewers, and its content can be conveniently reused.
You have the option of posting your live video podcast on YouTube or extracting clips from it.
Why Do a Live Podcast?
Live podcasts have the potential for better engagement with your audience, as they can interact in real-time and feel more connected to the content being produced.
Additionally, a live podcast allows for the opportunity to create a sense of community among listeners, further strengthening their loyalty.
By using a reliable platform, it is possible to produce high-quality content without any technical difficulties or issues during the broadcast. This download can be shared and used again in the future, which benefits everyone involved.
Build Another Engaged Audience
Benefits of live broadcasting are endless. By doing so, you can attract a new set of listeners who will regularly tune in to your shows, allowing you to expand your audience beyond those who are already loyal to you.
While pre-recorded podcasts may seem more convenient and appealing to some listeners, there is still a significant number of people who prefer the excitement and immediacy of live broadcasts. The gathering and regularity of attending a live performance can result in greater interest and involvement.
Generate Excitement For An Announcement
You have the option to conduct a live broadcast specifically for a significant occasion or announcement. When introducing a new merchandise collection or starting a fresh project, hosting a live podcast event can be an exceptional method to generate interest among your followers and create anticipation.
If you wish to benefit from a current happening, you might consider hosting a live podcast. To illustrate, during the recent elections, The New York Times aired their podcast called ‘The Daily’ live for the very first time in order to offer a competing coverage of the event.
Create A Connected Community
When you do live broadcasts, listeners can have a much more interactive experience because they are not only able to engage with you but also with each other. Instead of simply putting on their headphones and listening while commuting, they are actively participating in an activity that people all around the globe are doing simultaneously.
If your broadcast allows for a chat feature, people can send messages that appear instantly. Additionally, acknowledging and answering live questions can create a sense of being welcomed into the community.
This may encourage viewers to tune in again next time to experience the same level of excitement. Particularly if this is done well. In light of the current holiday season when a lot of Americans are unable to be with their loved ones, alternative forms of community have become increasingly essential.
Garner Respect From Your Audience
Live podcasting is becoming increasingly popular, but only a few creators actually engage in it regularly and with high-quality standards. For instance, Assembly Call has an impressive collection of over 441 hours of live episodes.
Thus, if you embark on live podcasting, you will be setting yourself apart from the majority. Something that presents a greater level of difficulty and therefore creates a unique bond of admiration with your listeners.
Frequently, when people feel connected to you because of your willingness to be open and vulnerable, they are more likely to support your efforts as you move into new areas such as producing merchandise or pursuing other projects.
Exciting Energy For You As A Creator
To capture a live performance, one must remain fully alert and focused in the present moment. The knowledge of people observing creates an exciting rush of adrenaline. Such heightened energy fosters genuineness that one’s audience will appreciate and embrace.
This will get them in the moment, which will make you a more skilled and confident host. Improvisation will become an essential tool for you, as you won’t be able to rely on editing or reshooting.
Mistakes made during a recording session will need to be addressed on the spot in order to maintain the authenticity of the content.
This experience will enhance your hosting abilities by teaching you how to avoid and manage those uncomfortable moments. Provide them with benevolent and courteous behavior.
6 Types Of Live Podcasting
The realm of podcasting is extensive and varied. Prior to airing your initial episode, you’ll need to determine the type of format your show will utilize. All of these common formats can be facilitated as live podcasts.
1. Interview
The interview is a common format for podcasts, typically featuring one or more main hosts and a variety of guest speakers. The show often revolves around a specific topic or theme, such as cooking. Guests may include chefs, restaurant owners, or others who are knowledgeable on the subject matter.
Whether it’s a manager or an influencer who is passionate about food, they all share a common bond through their love for cooking and culinary skills.
Despite the range of topics covered, the podcast remains cohesive due to its underlying objective of encouraging personal growth and transformation.
From celebrities such as Lady Gaga and The Rock to those who are passionate about activism and religious faith, the interview style of communication is highly beneficial.
The most thrilling aspect of this format is the consistent availability of fresh content, as each individual’s thoughts and opinions are unique.
2. Monologue
The monologue format, or “solo-cast,” requires you to speak alone about a topic that is important to you. Typically, these discussions are based on your own experiences or guidance, but they may also include analytical critiques of specific topics or serve as a type of comedic routine.
This podcast format allows you to develop a close relationship with your audience and also provides the option to have guests occasionally for variety.
But how the monologue format can be advantageous? Well you should do it By selecting a topic that doesn’t require extensive research and presenting it as an Op-Ed rather than positioning oneself as an expert, there is less pressure and risk involved.
This is exemplified by the success of the Creative Pep Talk podcast. Andy J Pizza, who is a public speaker and illustrator, offers suggestions and guidance on how to build a successful career in the creative field.
3. Q&A
This type of podcast is effective in building trust and credibility with listeners who see the experts as knowledgeable and reliable sources of information. The format also allows for direct engagement with the audience, creating a sense of community and interaction.
The podcast called Q&A demonstrates this by responding to queries and worries from listeners pertaining to the worldwide pandemic.
Another way to use the Q&A is by approaching it as an Agony Aunt type scenario with a focus on personal opinions. This allows the host’s personality to be showcased, and the audience can seek guidance from them because they trust and value their perspective.
4. Customer Interview/Testimonial
Despite this method being used as an effective marketing tool you should use it wisely and it should not look like you are just promoting your products.
Instead, focus on providing useful and informative content for your listeners while highlighting how your products have helped others in the past.
By doing so, you can establish trust with your audience and increase the likelihood of converting them into customers. Being excessively forceful and focused on selling.
Your show should primarily focus on the accomplishments of your customers, while also highlighting how they utilized your product to achieve their success.
One example of this is ConvertKit, a leading email marketing company who produces several podcasts such as Deliverability Defined and The Future Belongs To.
Both of these programs concentrate on utilizing creative work as a means to promote ConvertKit as a useful resource.
5. Educational Show
Usually, a show of this nature hosts two well-experienced individuals who engage in discussions concerning their knowledge and expertise in a certain industry.
The viewers watch the show to broaden their knowledge and obtain practical skills and useful information they can use in their everyday lives.
A good example of such a show is Mariah Coz and Megan Minns. The Femtrepreneur Show is hosted to educate individuals on how to establish, operate, and profit from successful web-based courses.
6. News
In the past, it was normal to watch the news on TV every evening to stay updated on current events in the world and the country. However, nowadays, many households don’t even own a television. Podcasts have become a popular way of staying informed about the latest news, particularly for specific industries and niches.
The format is suitable for those who have expertise in a particular field and aim to share their insights consistently.
A prime instance of this is the regular Bloomberg Surveillance podcast hosted by Jon Ferro and Pimm Fox, where they provide valuable information about the economy and financial markets to their audience. Stay up-to-date in the fields of finance, economics, and investment.
Preparing For Live Podcasting
This article provides comprehensive details on everything you require. However, if you prefer visual learning, you can watch our video guide on live podcasting before reading the article.
Research Ahead Of Time
The amount of preparation required for your podcast will vary depending on the content. If you have a guest on your show, it’s important to arrange a schedule ahead of time to ensure that you’re both aware of the timing.
By using a scheduling service, you can avoid any confusion which may arise due to differences in time zones. Furthermore, many of them also offer a brief explanation option, which allows you to input information about the location and means of participation that will be visible on their schedule.
To ensure a prompt start to your live broadcast, it is recommended to arrange a meeting with your guests 10-15 minutes beforehand.
If you opt for using the Riverside software, you can utilize the Green Room function, enabling your guests to wait before the recording.
With a Guest
Before your guest arrives, conduct some research on them and prepare a plan of topics you want to talk about when they arrive.
It is common that a conversation will organically wander off into different directions, however, it is important to make note of important topics you want to touch on.
This is particularly crucial because the conversation will be taking place live, so there won’t be any opportunities for modifications or revisions.
It may even be advantageous to practice or prepare specific segments in advance. I want you to create an introduction that accurately represents and honors your guest.
Without a guest
If you don’t have a guest, there are fewer things to organize, but it also means that you are solely responsible for keeping your audience interested and involved.
Plan in advance by exploring your subject matter and highlighting the most captivating aspects. Distribute the main talking points consistently throughout your presentation to maximize listener interest.
If you have a co-host, discuss what the most intriguing elements are beforehand to ensure they are incorporated into the show. You might want to incorporate a discussion or disagreement into your writing.
Get To Know Your Gear
To ensure a seamless live broadcasting experience whether or not you have a guest, take some necessary steps.
First and foremost, get familiar with your equipment prior to going live as there can be technological glitches. This will enable you to troubleshoot issues smoothly and rapidly when needed.
Secondly, prepare your content beforehand for uninterrupted streaming during the broadcast.
Remember that even without having any guests, being well-organized and ready is crucial while broadcasting live due to the possible difficulties that may arise. Hurry up and resume the activity.
Choose An Appropriate Time
It’s important to consider which day would be most suitable for your Livestream. Although Monday evenings may not be ideal since it marks the beginning of the workweek, Friday evenings may also not be a good option as people often have other commitments at that time.
Similarly, if your target audience is busy working professionals, releasing your content on a weekday morning may be more effective as they are likely to listen during their commute or while getting ready for work.
It’s important to understand the habits and preferences of your target audience in order to choose the best time to share your content with them.
Learn From Others
It is crucial to become acquainted with famous podcasts that are broadcasted live. Focus on the arrangement, shifting from one topic to another, and the time duration of each part.
Recognize which aspects are effective and what can be enhanced, and take inspiration from them!
Live podcasting equipment: Essential and unnecessary tools.
What you need for live podcasting:
A Good-Quality Microphone
The success of your live podcast depends greatly on your audio equipment. Although the content of your podcast is more essential than the microphone’s quality, selecting the appropriate one can enhance the professionalism of your audio and offer a better auditory experience for your listeners.
Having a quality microphone can lessen unwanted sound disturbances such as background noise, distorted speech, popping sounds and buzzing sounds.
These interruptions can cause annoyance to the listeners and divert their focus from the intended message.
Microphone for Mobile Podcasts
If your material requires conducting public interviews or involves some level of instability, a handheld microphone would be the most suitable option.
The Shure SM58S has features like a pneumatic shock-mount system and filters that work towards minimizing handling noise.
Microphone for Live Events
Selling tickets beforehand can help you gauge interest and ensure that you have a profitable and successful live event. Keep in mind that podcasts have become as popular as traditional media, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to engage your audience in person.
Remember that you have the option to host your podcast as a live event, which can be very successful with advance ticket sales and an existing fan base.
Young people tend to view podcasts in the same regard as past film and TV entertainment, making them enthusiastic about seeing their favorite podcasters perform live.
By selling tickets beforehand, you can measure interest and guarantee a prosperous gathering.
Don’t forget the significance of podcasts today; seize the chance to interact with your audience face-to-face. When it comes to hosting events, having a live audience is often preferred.
In such situations, it’s important to have a microphone that can block out background noise but still capture audience reactions like laughter and applause. The Shure VP89M is an excellent choice for this purpose.
Microphone for Studio Podcasts
When recording in a studio, whether it’s your home or a rented space, you have the freedom to select the microphone that best suits your needs.
The Blue Yeti is a well-known microphone choice for beginners and is reputedly one of the top microphones globally. It’s an uncomplicated USB mic with various modes.
You can choose to use a microphone that lets you and someone else use it at the same time or opt for a more expensive choice with the Audio-Technica AT2035PK.
No matter which type of microphone you choose – beginner or advanced – it is important to have a pop filter, as well as a cardioid setting and a windscreen, so that any background noise can be eliminated.
Headphones
The use of headphones, whether wired or wireless, allows for better clarity and reduction of audio bleed and echo noise. Preferably, wired headphones should be chosen due to the absence of lag and the lack of reliance on battery.
Excellent options for you include using wired headphones. The Sennheiser 280 Pro, Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro, and Audio Technica ATH-m20x are all options for headphones.
Live Podcast Software
If you plan on broadcasting live over the internet, it’s especially crucial to have software that’s tailored for live podcasting. It’s essential to have specific features like a media board for adding live sound effects or the ability to engage with your audience through call-ins.
It’s advisable to have the choice to ask a producer or assistant to aid in organizing the tasks that are not visible on camera. It would be ideal if you could have them attend the show without being recorded.
Additionally, it’s necessary to take into account the number of attendees when evaluating other features. You will have the opportunity to invite people and share your live podcast stream.
Riverside provides various live podcasting features and also additional ones. You can obtain these features and more by using Riverside.
- You can broadcast your podcast live on the platform and reach a maximum of 1000 listeners.
- Share your stream to YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. Custom RTMP streaming allows for live broadcasting on various social media platforms.
- Invite a producerAssisting you in the management of your live podcast tasks that occur behind the scenes.
- Go live with up to 7 guestsThe possibility of allowing viewers to participate in a live call-in is available.
- Make sure to record your podcast in individual tracks while it is being broadcasted live. The resolution for both the video (up to 4K) and audio (48kHz) is very high.
- Add sound or visual effects live with our Media Board
- Video editing can be done with the same level of ease as editing a text document. We utilize a video editor that operates through text and Ai transcriptions.
- Highly accurate transcriptions As soon as the recording process is completed, it is immediately accessible in more than 100 languages.
- Record all your audio and video files directly on your own device and those of your participants, rather than putting them at the mercy of unreliable internet connectivity.
A Good Camera
It is recommended to go for higher quality, but a smartphone can suffice if it has a good camera. Make sure to consider the resolution when choosing your camera. It’s preferable to use a webcam other than the one on your laptop, but if that’s all you have, it can still work.
A newer computer with a decent webcam should suffice. Your viewers are aware that it’s a live event and the use of a webcam adds to the personal touch which gives it uniqueness and attractiveness.
What items are unnecessary for live podcasting?
A Full Studio
For a podcast to be successful – a simple and quiet area with some sound insulation pads can guarantee good audio quality. While having a fully-equipped studio can be advantageous, it is not a requirement for live podcasting success. A recording space that possesses wall coverings that do not allow the passage of sound.
A Huge Following
Remember that even small beginnings can lead to big things and every successful podcast host had to start from scratch. Embrace the journey and keep putting yourself out there! Initially, you may have a small audience when starting a podcast, but as you become more successful, your listenership will increase. Although live broadcasting is a nice touch, it is not necessary; you can still provide your episodes as downloads for those who prefer to listen on their own schedule.
Where To Podcast Live
Home Studio
Look for ways to absorb sound with curtains, rugs, and foam padding. Make sure you have good lighting and ventilation in the room.
To set up a home recording space, select a peaceful room that can be locked during recording or section off a particular podcasting corner using a partition or curtain.
Soften the area by adding sound-absorbing elements such as curtains, carpets, and foam padding to limit excess noise and echoes affecting your recordings. Ensure there is sufficient ventilation and lighting in the room as well. of high quality.
Choose a location that can effectively minimize external sounds and produce clear audio. Additionally, selecting a place with reliable wifi will decrease the likelihood of technical difficulties during live broadcasting.
Public establishment
While a high-quality microphone can help minimize background noise, it cannot completely eliminate it. Therefore, it is advisable to choose an environment with minimal distractions to ensure optimal recording quality. If there is a lot of noise, it can affect the quality of your audio. Additionally, it may be a source of interference or diversion for both you and those with whom you are speaking.
Suitable venue
It’s important to ensure that the sound quality of your podcast is as professional as possible, and finding a suitable environment can play a huge role in achieving this.
Consider searching for a location with sound-absorbing materials like soft furniture or carpets to minimize any distracting background noise.
Try to avoid spaces with plenty of flat walls or sharp corners as these can cause unwanted echoes and distortions, which can negatively affect the overall quality of your recording. Undesirable echoes and reverberations will be caused by certain characteristics.
help improve the acoustics in a room. Additionally, consider rearranging furniture or adding curtains to further dampen sound reflection.
By taking these steps, you can create a more comfortable and peaceful environment with reduced noise levels. Assist you in getting the maximum benefit from a difficult circumstance.
How To Broadcast A Live Podcast
Generate Hype
Here are the following tips to promote your live podcast:
Start by spreading the word about your upcoming broadcast through social media and informing people close to you.
Even if you don’t have a large social media presence, it’s still important to share the details of your broadcast online and with those closest to you.
These promotional efforts can help build an audience for your show.
There are diverse tools available for social media marketing that can help you amplify your reach and simplify the process with automation.
Choose A Broadcasting Platform
In the end, it is necessary to have a platform for sharing your episode. There are podcast hosts such as PodBean and Spreaker that provide live-recording features on their platform; however, video inclusion is not available on these platforms.
You have the option to conduct a live stream on YouTube, Facebook or Twitter. Each platform offers unique advantages.
Facebook Live
The process of using Facebook Live, and it doesn’t cost anything. Additionally, it’s very convenient for followers who have already shown interest in your page.
Surprisingly, live videos on this social media site get more views than any other form of content. Moreover, the interface is user-friendly and comes with clear guidelines to help you navigate through the process.
YouTube Live
YouTube Live, which is the new version of Google Hangouts, provides more choices than Facebook. It allows you to create a Livestream that can be either public, private, or unlisted (visible only to those with the link but not searchable).
You can also make changes to the video for a certain amount of time. The content is kept saved for 12 hours before it is officially published on the platform.
During this time, it can be accessed by anyone who wants to catch up. The users also have the choice of listing it permanently on their page.
Periscope / Twitter
Twitter’s Periscope app provides the ability to generate a distinctive web address for live video streaming using any desired camera and desktop streaming software.
The app can be acquired from both Google Play and Apple’s App Store, and can be viewed by anyone who decides to join in.
Hit Record
Finally, press the large red button and experience a surge of excitement.
Conclusion
The decisions you make will be determined by your desired outcomes and preferences for your live podcast.
Do you want to enhance the interaction with your followers by providing a more personal setting? Using a modest home studio and basic equipment such as a mid-range microphone and webcam, you can achieve this by organizing a Livestream event online.
Would you rather capture your co-host and yourself on location while recording? Although a mid-range microphone remains suitable, you might choose to lease a compact studio and install a video camera along with a tripod for filming the session.
Ultimately, the most important aspect is the substance of your content, and a Livestream serves only to amplify it. If you have a strong message to relay, your followers will remain engaged and accompany you on your path towards determining the most effective approach.