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The way we intake information has changed drastically over the years. Newspapers, radio, outdoor advertising and television commercials — all have a new avatar in this modern age. Today, online news through social media platforms, apps, webisodes/web series, YouTube Ads and podcasts have carved their own space in our daily lives. These mediums are digitally easy to access, but are not as effective as podcasts!
What is a podcast?
Similar to radio, podcasts too, are conversational digital audio files that can not only be streamed but also downloaded through certain apps or websites. Today, one can find various types of podcasts that cover varied topics! Whether you are on the go or want a fresh way to consume information — podcasts are your answer!
But are podcasts effective enough to build an audience in India? Now, India is among the top 3 podcast listing markets with over 40 million monthly listeners and nearly a 60% growth in 2018. If these numbers are not enough to convince you, consider Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ as a podcast. The show with 64 episodes, as of now, instantly jumps from the mere 40 million to 600 million listeners!
Podcasts have made their presence felt in India, but are they worth your time?
Today, there are a variety of podcasts! You can choose from solo and co-hosted news shows, interviews, panel shows, fictional-non-fictional audiobook shows to even live podcasts by just clicking a few buttons! Whatever your taste and especially if you are a non-reader then there is a podcast for you! Podcasts have opened a new door to the world of possibilities, as it has made learning so accessible and indeed knowledge is the best investment.
Current Affairs With A Fun Twist: Cyrus Says
TV-anchor and author, Cyrus Broacha dons an avatar of a sarcastic host with many puns while delivering his take on the global and national current affairs news. Broacha also interviews with fellow artists and personalities from various fields.
News On The Go: Times Of India, Indian Express, Network18
If reading or watching news is not your cup of tea, then stay updated with news podcasts from various newspapers and news channels. Tune in to learn the currents happenings in the world of politics, health, the entertainment industry and more with podcasts hosted by various news channels of the country.
Add Tadka To Your Life With Filmy Masala: #NoFilterNeha, What Women Want, My Indian Life
If you are Bollywood crazy, then listen to your favourite celebrities share their candid opinions through podcasts! Are you interested in interviews? Then Neha Dhupia’s ‘#NoFilterNeha’ and ‘What Women Want’ by Kareena Kapoor Khan will undoubtedly keep you hooked. However, if you want to know more about the young Indians and what inspires them — tune in to ‘My Indian Life’ by Kalki Koechlin.
Money On Your Mind?: Cryptocurrency India Weekly, Paisa Vaisa
Stay a mile ahead by listening to everything money-related from India and the world. If you wish to make an informed financial decision- then understand the basics of banking and the financial industry with Anupam Gupta’s ‘Paisa Vaisa’. See how money works from the perspective of Gupta’s guests ranging from CEOs, start-up founders to financial advisors. Do you need a download on the world’s current digital financial condition? Tune in to ‘Cryptocurrency India Weekly’ and understand how cryptocurrency affects Indian markets.
Sports Buzz For The Cricket Buff: #AakashVani
For the die-hard fans, listen to the latest happenings by the former International player and Cricketer analyst Aakash Chopra! #AakashVani is the to-go and a trusted podcast for all things cricket.
While podcasts are doing wonders by increasing audiences for celebrities and news mediums, do we think it can help your brand too?
Yes, more and more companies are releasing their digital audio content to build a connection while spreading awareness about the brand among their audience. Given the rise of readily available platforms like music streaming apps ‘Saavn’, ‘Spotify’ etc. companies, celebrities and brands are open to hosting podcasts to increase their digital exposure.So, whatever your brand might be or even as an individual you can start a podcast irrespective of the genre. Be it about ‘how to become a millionaire in 5 years’ or ‘online jobs for college students with no experience’.
Inspired to create your own podcast? Here is a beginner’s guide:
– Create a plan!
What will your podcast be about? Will you be cohosting, or will it be a solo show?
– Dedication is the key
How many shows will you host? You will need release episodes regularly for maximum exposure and awareness.
– Invest in instruments of the trade: a dynamic condenser mic, a field recorder, audio editing software
Get the best instruments and software for beginners to record-edit seamlessly.
– Find a quiet place
Record somewhere with zero interruptions
– Promote your podcast online
Create a website, use social media platforms and ads to spread awareness about your podcast
– Find a host uploading the episodes
Seek out or partner with platforms to air your podcast!
Remember for video podcasts, you will also need a good quality camera or a camera phone and a tripod for recording.
How to measure your podcast’s reach?
While there are no ways to learn the exact number of your subscribers on the third party apps-platforms and how much podcast has the audience listened to but there are ways through which you can judge your reach!
Regardless of which platform you use to air your listeners will first have to download your podcast! The number of consistent downloads shows how large your subscriber base probably is. For this method, analyse the date of the first 48-72 hours after publishing as loyal listeners will mostly download your podcast then. However, you will not get data on the number of times a person has listened to the podcast.
Also, in this new age of budding video podcasts- now through YouTube you can determine your reach, subscriber base, likes, views and comments.
While today, podcasts are primarily an English language phenomenon in India — slowly but steadily, more people are shifting to digital ways of information consumption. It’s highly likely that soon regional language digital audio and video content will start emerging, too. With the new changes in the world and how India is growing, we can’t wait to see how podcasts change the digital information game!
#Podcasts, #PodcastsInIndia, #CyrusSays #NoFilterNeha, #WhatWomenWant, #PaisaVaisa, #AakashVani