Podcasts are quickly becoming the way to broadcast your message across the Internet. According to some sources there are more than 10 million people already downloading and listening to podcasts, and the number of podcasts available on the web is growing daily.

With all that in mind one has to wonder if those seeking blog fame and riches that are not podcasting are missing out.

Just as a recap here are a few podcasting basics (edited from the wikipedia page).

A podcast is a media file that is distributed by subscription over the Internet using syndication feeds (XML), for playback on mobile devices and personal computers.

Like 'radio', podcast can mean both the content and the method of syndication.

The host or author of a podcast is often called a podcaster.

The term "podcast" is derived from Apple Computer's mp3 playback device iPod. However, known synonyms for the word pod are capsule, case, container, hull, husk, shell, and vessel. A pod is obviously a container of some sort and the idea of broadcasting to a container or pod correctly the describes the process of podcasting.

Much like the standard blog the world of the pod cast has some key directories that you would want to submit to such as podcast.net, podcast411 or podcastalley.com along with the more obviouse choices such as iTunes and Yahoo!

There is even a pod cast "oscars" of sorts at podcastawards.com.

Now all that remains for a good article is the how to...

How to Podcast

To get started you will need

Minimum
computer and a microphone.
Somewhere to upload the content
Generate and publish podcast RSS feeds (which iTunes and other directories pick up on)

Optionally:
notify Podcast Directories, (including iTunes and Yahoo!), when your new podcasts are available.
Stock sound effects
Free to use background music (see resource section for more).

In simplest terms you need to simply create an audio (or vedio) file recording and embed this into the XML. Being highly biased I would suggest that you use my product - the Quick Podcast service.

Quick Podcast makes it easier than ever to create, publish and share your own audio and video podcasts - use it with your own personalized domain name or set up as a subdomain. Whether you want to share news about your hobby with friends in faraway places or want to share your knowledge about your profession with the world, Quick Podcast has all you need to create and publish your own podcast... for a very affordable price!
Quick Podcast from globallylocal.com and Lord Matt

However, I am aware that other solutions exist. Having not tested them I can offer no real comment and so shall leave that up to other bloggers to cover.


More resources:

One of the biggest problems is finding content that is ok to use in your cast. your voice is fine but what if you want a jingle or some backing music? As such much of this section covers such resources.

Quick Podcast (obviousely)
The Podcasting Legal Guide From Creative Commons
beatpick.com has a large collection of Creative Commons music aranged by category.
The Wikimedia Commons is a good general source of free stuff.
For you sounds (not tunes) you can't go wrong with The Freesound Project

Feel free to comment and link to more lagit free to use content or just to pass comment. Don't be shy now let me know what you think.


Diclosure: Brought to you by Lord Matt, globallylocal.com and the Quick Podcast.

Quick Podcast plans are among the most reliable in the industry with a 99.9% uptime and free, expert support available 24/7. And whether you're new to podcasting or a seasoned expert, your plan is a snap to use.

Originally posted here