Why Podcasts Are Making Waves
The following is an excerpt from Let's Talk Podcasting: The Essential Guide to Doing it Right
There’s something magical about using sounds to paint a picture in people’s minds. Just like the intimacy of radio, when audio storytelling is done right, people are transported. They feel connected to the voice speaking to them and invested in the story being told. Sounds can paint any picture, create any landscape and jump from one location to another with seamless transitions. Audio storytelling is a true art and sharing this type of art is now easier than ever.
Back in 2005, the editors of the New Oxford American Dictionary chose “podcast” as the Word of the Year. Just over a decade later, podcasts are increasingly popular and have even been referred to as the “new blogging.”
According to Apple, there are more than 1 billion people who have subscribed to a podcast and many find themselves wanting to create their own. The reason? Well it varies: from simply wanting to entertain, to raising awareness about an issue, or even as a method of building a brand.
Social media platforms are adapting to accommodate this love for broadcasting audio, too. Earlier this year, it was reported that Facebook was testing voice clip status updates as a form of “micropodcasting.” This, combined with the increase of cars that have wifi capabilities, means that podcasts are going to be more accessible than ever. It’s not shocking to hear that audiences are now choosing to stream a podcast when they would typically be listening to the radio — it’s a natural progression for podcasts to become a more prominent companion while on the road.
These are just a few examples of how audio storytelling is one of the most versatile ways of reaching audiences where they’re at. If it’s not in the car, it’s through headphones on the train, while on a run or even while falling asleep. In a culture where the most valuable thing is time, podcasting allows people to be entertained, work on their professional development or catch up on the news in a simple, efficient way.
Download Transcript (PDF) of Meet Amanda Cupido – Toronto Public Library's Innovator in Residence.
I'll be hosting workshops in the library to help people learn how to interview, edit and produce their own podcasts. Check out the full list of workshops if you're itching to hit record. If you're not interested in making one, but you love to just listen, then check out the listening parties and panel events as well!
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