AudioBoom
Audioboom looks beyond the individual podcaster by including features for managing multiple podcasts at once. It also provides analytics and insights to help podcasters understand who their listeners are, the content they want, and how the podcast is performing. Podcasters can start with plans for just $9.99 per month or $99 per year. If interested in the Podcast Pros plan, you will need to contact AudioBoom individually to determine plans and rates for accounts with more than 10,000 plays per month. Some pros are embeddable player, partnerships with distribution sites, offices located around the world to help connect to audiences anywhere, and is beneficial for one channel or a network of channels. Some of the cons of AudioBoom is that it limits you to five episodes per month on a beginner plan and it currently doesn't have an app. Also, in order to hit the Podcast Pros plan, your podcasts will need a high threshold of plays.
Buzzsprout
Buzzsprout gives you everything you need to host, promote, and track your podcast. Podcasters can read millions of listeners by listing their podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitchers, iHeartRadiio, and many others. Buzzsprout offers statistics to see stats like total downloads, apps listeners are using to listen to the podcasts, and where people are listening. Buzzsprout will optimize your episodes automatically so no need to worry about filetypes. You can publish your episode immediately or schedule the day and time you would like your episode to go live. With a code, you can add the podcast player to your websites, help fans quickly share your episodes on social media platforms, and customize the podcast player to match your unique brand. With Buzzsprout, you can create as many podcasts as you like under one account and have unlimited team members you can help manage your podcast. Lastly, you can start podcasts free for 90 days as well as sign up for a monthly subscription. Depending on your needs the prices range from free to $24 a month.
Podbean
My partner and I used Podbean to create our podcast on what does an ideal elementary library look like. Podbean is convenient to use even for those who have never launched a podcast before and have little knowledge of creating their first podcast. Podbean allows you to live stream and video podcasts to promote your podcast to new users. Currently, Podbean offers four plans: basic for free, unlimited audio for $14/month, unlimited plus for $39/month, and business for $129/month. Some cons of Podbean are limited site design options and for patron programs and PodAds, you must subscribe to higher-tier plans. Also, all plans have unlimited storage space and bandwidth except for the free version. Overall, Podbean is easy for beginners and offers a great alternative to other podcast hosting services.
Benefits of Podcasts
Podcasting is a convenient form of communication and allows your audience to listen to what they want and whenever they want. Podcasts can be downloaded to mobile devices allowing access to the resources at any time. Those that are not comfortable with videos, may choose to record their voice only. With podcasts, you do not need any special equipment or special lighting to stand out.
Challenges with Podcasts
One of the challenges with podcasts is not being able to combine two different sound files into one. In order to do this, you will need to use other outlets like Zoom or Youtube to record and then upload the file to your podcast host. Some other challenges that may arise are staying consistent with publishing new podcasts, reaching new audiences, staying up to date with trends, and finding the time to continually provide valuable information to your listeners.
Podcasts in the Library
Podcasting provides librarians new ways of delivering library-related content. This can include information literacy concepts, marketing of library services, and exploring other ways to collaborate with library stakeholders. For use of information literacy, this may include database descriptions, searching techniques, librarian interviews, special guests, new book reviews, or descriptive highlights of the collection.
Educational Podcasts
- TED Talks: Education
- Hear some of the world's greatest educators, researchers, and community leaders share their stories and visions.
- Education Talk Radio
- Rich discussions with innovative educators, thought leaders, authors, and leaders within the education industry to promote equity, access, and opportunity for every student in every school.
- House of #EdTech
- Helping educators integrate technology by sharing stories from teachers, explaining lessons learned, and sharing actionable easy #edtech tips and tools.
- Leader of Learning
- Where educators can come to find inspiration to transform education through effective leadership.
- Education Tales
- Learn strategies to engage students as well as address differentiation in the classroom.
- Spotify
- Apple
Robinson, B. (2020, December 29). Audioboom Review - Podcast Hosting Features
and Pricing. WiredClip. Retrieved April 3, 2022, from https://wiredclip.
com/audioboom-review/
Roberts, R. L. (2007, August 19). Podcasting for Information Literacy. IFLA.
Retrieved April 3, 2022, from http://origin-archive.ifla.org/IV/ifla
73/papers/133-LeeRoberts-en.pdf
I read that one of the challenges of many of these podcasts was that there was not a function for combining sound files. Looks like you came to the same conclusion. Having to go to other websites like YouTube to upload content is a waste of time. I am sure a lot of this has to popularity of an application and the cost effectiveness of creating those types of features.
ReplyDeleteExcellent list of available educational podcasts as well as the benefits to podcasts. I find that listening to a podcast while exercising, cleaning or working on the yard really makes the time fly as well as saving my time.
I have used Podbean before and I found it easy to use after a few tries. This is mostly due to my inexperience as a podcaster and not the tool. I do agree with you about the challenges of keeping up with a trendy podcast which is constantly appealing to listeners. This is where I think it becomes another job for a librarian or a teacher and a burden. Maybe getting students to be a part of it like a school news program would be a way to make it more visible and fresh with ideas.
ReplyDeleteI love that you mentioned that Podcasts can be a great way for people who are afraid of being videoed to relay information they want to share through just recording their voices. I really think this would appeal to a lot of students who want to dabble in the technology world and express themselves in a way where they feel comfortable.
ReplyDeleteThank you for suggesting the Education Tales Podcast. Such a good listen.
Blogs are a great educational technology tool. Though, I do agree with you about the issue with podcasting not being able to mix two different sound files into a single one and having to record using other platforms. Great post!
ReplyDeletePodcasts are not my thing but I am familiar with Podbean. I noticed Audioboom mentioned a few times as well. We used Anchor. Loved your podcast!!
ReplyDeleteLove podcast! Haven't tried podbean because I'm used to using anchor but great podcast you did great!
ReplyDelete