Repurposing your Video by Launching a (Brand New) Podcast

I get a lot of questions from people who want to repurpose videos into podcast episodes. But the thing is, they don’t already have an established podcast.

Starting a podcast for the first time can seem intimidating. Even in that case, when you have the audio recorded and ready to go, there are still a lot of unknowns with regards to launching a podcast.

But don't worry. It's easier than it seems. If you already produce digital content of some kind you probably have all the technical knowledge you need to get your podcast set up.

I spent A LOT of time researching how to launch my podcast, and in this week’s podcast episode and blog post I share the steps you can take to repurpose videos in podcast episodes.

If you want to listen instead of read, hit play on the podcast player below.

Let's get started…

1. Decide on Your Podcast Details

Open a document and write the following details:

• Title
• Subtitle
• Description

Decide on each one for your podcast. Use keywords related to your niche in each section. Think about both what your target audience might type into the search bar when looking for new podcasts and what they would be attracted to when they're browsing.

If you're stuck, go on iTunes and see what other people in your niche have titled on their podcasts. How can you stand out from them while remaining relevant and interesting to your potential audience?

2. Create Your Artwork

Any podcast needs a square cover photo or “artwork” in order to show up properly. It's a lot like an album cover in the music store.

Your artwork will need to be approved by iTunes - their criteria is not very strict. It only needs to be “PG” rated and readable. Having said that, it's important to get right. This will be the first thing people see when they're browsing the podcast marketplace. It'll be an easy job for any competent freelance designer, but if you'd like to do it yourself you can tinker with a number of free design templates on Canva.

No matter how you create your artwork, the most important thing is to make sure it's easy to read even as a small thumbnail. Think of ways you can stand out from the other podcasts in your niche, too. Many of your potential listeners will first see your podcast nestled in amongst a bunch of others as they browse.

Finally, you'll need to follow these technical specifications:

3. Create Your Intro & Outro

You can find voiceover freelancers easily on Fiverr, and there are a number of directories online of royalty free music. Throw out a Google search and you'll find yourself spoiled for choice.

To be honest, I found it a little overwhelming when I tried creating my own intro. In the end I decided to save time and use a done-for-you podcast intro service called Music Radio Creative. They took all the stress out of the process, so I'd recommend them to anyone else who's struggling with this step.

4. Get Decent Sound Recording Equipment

As an audio-only medium, sound quality is obviously crucial in podcasting.

Since you will be recording videos, consider investing in a discrete lapel mic. Most podcasters who focus on audio only use a large mic with a stand, but the lapel mic is perfect for recording in video as well since you don't need to worry about how far the microphone is from your mouth the whole time you're on camera.

If you are strapped for cash, you might be able to get away with using the microphone built into your earphones. Record a few seconds of speaking using that microphone and listen back. Ask yourself, would it bother you if you found a podcast that sounded like that? If not, go right ahead as it’s a shame to let the tech hold you back.

5. Host your podcast

Just as your website needs hosting, so does your podcast.

The hosting process creates an RSS feed, the same as a blog. This RSS feed is also called the feed URL or feed address. Once you throw this feed URL onto a given podcast platform, all future episodes you upload to your host will be automatically syndicated. Easy!

I use Lisbyn for hosting and I'm very happy with the service. It'll cost you from $5 to $15 per month if you're happy with their “Classic Plans”, which are fine for most podcasters. Once you sign up they'll walk you through the rest of the process. It shouldn't take more than 10 minutes if you already have your artwork and podcast details.

6. Record your first episode

I recommend your first episode be a simple introduction rather than an ordinary episode.

Include things like:

Your host needs at least one episode to register you with the directories. It doesn't need to be anything special (but remember it may be the first episode people listen to when they find you), it's not being vetted for quality.

To repurpose your videos into podcast episodes, simply upload the audio to your host - as explained below.

7. Submit your first episode

After uploading to your host, follow their instructions to get your feed onto any podcast platforms where you want to appear.

iTunes is a must, but there are many others – Spotify, I Heart Radio, Sticher, Pocketcast, to name a few popular ones.

Congratulations! You can successfully repurpose videos into podcast episodes! You are now an official podcaster.

Start to repurpose videos into podcast episodes today

Once you’ve launched your podcast, make sure you repurpose all your episodes into even more content to increase your reach. Audiograms, quote graphics, blog posts and more. If you want a comprehensive guide on how to maximize your podcast, then you can buy my book and toolkit. They have everything you need to become a content repurposing pro.