Podcasting: Assumptions & Myths
Whilst podcasting can, and is commonly, done in a DIY setting.. it’s not as easy as grabbing a mic and a friend and posting on Spotify.
Let’s tackle those assumptions and myths together, and look at why partnering with a podcast production company can help expel these and help you create an impactful and effective podcast.
You need to have video these days…
It’s definitely true that video is becoming a more common component of podcasting, that clips can be a powerful way of telling people about your show where they already hang out on social media, and that YouTube specifically is a big driver for audience, but none of these things mean video is inevitable or mandatory.
Some formats mean video doesn’t make sense or is prohibitively expensive, video can reduce the opportunity you have for storytelling and world-building in audio, and ultimately, audio’s more accessible price point means it’s a good place to start.
YouTube can host audio-only podcasts, clips can be created to promote audio-only shows on social media – often with an animated waveform and captions – and just because a bunch of high-profile shows have video doesn’t mean you have to too.
Ultimately, video can be compelling, but it can change or limit what you can do and does come with some financial and logistical overheads, so only make it part of your podcasting strategy with intentionality and purpose.
You need to record in person in a studio…
Studio-recorded shows used to be the gold standard, and there are still some times when it is the right thing to do, but recording remotely – in a true virtual studio, not Zoom, and with a good dynamic cardioid microphone – not only brings huge logistical benefits (which can open up the field for who you can snag for your show) but in some ways can actually produce higher quality results.
Ultimately, studio might be the right thing for your show, but don’t discount remote recording just because you think studio is the ‘right’ way to record a podcast.
You need to buy in host talent…
It’s our experience that a host external to your organisation is usually less compelling, overall, than nurturing your own talent (with our help!). Bringing in a ringer can be tempting, but it usually costs money, they’re often not as knowledgeable about your specialist subject, and expecting them to be as committed to your show’s success as your own team would be is a big ask!
Celebrity hosts bring audience…
One of the most often cited reasons for bringing in an external host is that if they command a big following on social media, they’ll act as a catalyst for growing your audience.
First, it’s not safe to assume that they’ll promote a show they’re hosting – so get some language and commitments into the contract! – but also, even if they do share your show, you might be surprised by how few of their followers come listen, especially if the promotion on their feeds isn’t consistent.
Celebrity hosts can bring audiences, but probably not to the scale or at the speed you expect.
Podcasts are usually interviews…
This myth is technically true: interviews and ‘as-live’ conversations dominate podcasting. But that doesn’t mean to say your show should follow suit! It may be appropriate to go down this route – interview podcasts are comparatively deliverable and accessible, and they’re a format where video can be a natural component – but use the Discovery phase with us to be open-minded to other formats for your podcast. Once your audience and strategic goals are defined, the format that answers both will flow from these decisions.
