The Best Audio Transcription Services

You’ve held a business meeting, webinar, or Zoom conference and you want to make sure everyone retains all of the information. You hope they pay attention and listen, but is this enough?

Unfortunately, no. The average person only remembers 25% of the content two months later. So how do you make sure that attendees can remember and reference the valuable content from the meeting months later?

The answer? Find the best transcription service and create a digital paper trail of what was discussed in the meeting.

But how do you find a transcription service worth the money? Fear not, follow our guide to finding the best audio transcription service available in 2025.

Accuracy Rate

Many transcription companies make lofty claims about their high level of accuracy. The best way to verify these claims is by asking a colleague or reading reviews about others’ experiences.

Sometimes you can ask the company for a sample. Which other companies have used their services? Seeing an example of an actual transcript can tell you if they spell things correctly or accurately decipher difficult terms.

Look for qualities such as “100% native English speakers” and “100% done by hand.” This means that the transcriber will be a real person who understands the language, not an automated service or a company that uses AI (artificial intelligence) or voice-to-text software.

Turnaround Time

While super-fast turnaround times are desirable, you don’t want a company that sacrifices quality for speed. Look for a company that can scale its services to accommodate the size of your project.

Ask the company if they have a RUSH specialty service. You won’t use this all the time, but it is great for that one time when something pops up last minute

What Is the Content?

Some companies will specialize in certain types of audio recordings. The best transcription companies will offer services for all kinds of audio. Here are just a few:

• podcasts
• academic research
• business meetings
• church sermons
• webinars
• interviews
• conference calls

Old Audio Formats

Find out what type of media the transcription service can work with. There are two elements to this: old tape formats, and new digital formats. If you used an old tape recorder, be sure to use a company that can convert the audio to digital first. It’s like two services in one! Here are a few older tape formats:

• reel-to-reel tape
• cassette tape
• VHS tape
• microcassette tape

Once your old tape has been converted, your file will be in one of the formats below.

New Audio Formats

Most new devices record in the MP3 or M4U format. However, there are many other formats of digital audio. Any transcription service worth its salt will be able to handle all kinds of audio formats. Here are a few:

• MP3
• M4a
• WMA
• WAV
• VOX
• WMA
• DSS

And, they should be able to extract audio from different types of media and devices.

• DVD
• Audio-CD / CD-ROM
• flash media
• DVR
• WMV
• MP4

What Will You Get Back?

Don’t forget about the format in which you will get your transcription back. All that work is useless if you can’t use the transcription once it’s returned to you.

Look for a service that offers the transcription in a variety of formats. This ensures that at least one of them will work for your needs.

• MS Word or WordPerfect
• RTF
• HTML
• TXT
• PDF

And how do they deliver the transcript?

• FTP
• password protected download
• email
• on a thumb drive or disk

Pricing

Pricing is best when you are charged per audio minute. This will tell you the total cost before you start the job. Alternatively, some transcription companies charge by the page. This means you won’t know the final cost until after the job is done. I suggest you choose a company that charges by the audio minute.

Here’s the thing though, cheaper isn’t always better. The cheaper services will use AI, automation, or non-native English speakers to save money. This means that their quality is certainly on the low end. Avoid these companies.

The trick to finding the best audio transcription company is to balance price and accuracy.

Hidden Fees

There can be a difference between the advertised price and the actual price. Ask about additional fees that get tacked on after you agree to the service.

Most transcription companies have two standard pricing levels: verbatim and non-verbatim. In addition, there are normally up-charges for multiple speakers, technical content, faster delivery, or heavy accents. If you aren’t careful, these added fees can take that super-low advertised price and multiply it by 100 or 200%. This makes what started out as an affordable service, into one that is now very expensive.

Insist on detailed pricing in advance. Everything should be included before work is started. There should be no surprises.

Confidentiality

If you have a business meeting, confidential Zoom recording, or other audio with sensitive information transcribed, you will want a company that has the best security. Ask the company what precautions they take to prevent hacks.

Remember, you’ll have to upload your audio to their website, so how are they going to protect your audio during this process? Also, ask about how they ensure their transcribers maintain confidentiality.

Customer Service

Look for a company that offers you personalized service and support. You want your transcription service to be more of a partner and less of a vendor.

Ask if the company offers any kind of guarantee. The best companies will have no problem standing behind the quality of their work. This means that they should offer free fixes if you are unhappy with the transcription—for any reason.

Best Audio Transcription Company with the Best Service for Your Needs

When looking for the best audio transcription company with the best service in 2025, you’ll want to find one that can work with your audio format and pricing needs. Try to find one that offers the best service for a price that you can afford.

Don’t sacrifice quality for price or fast turnaround time. You’ll also want to choose a service that can ensure your audio stays confidential between you and the service.

No matter what company you choose, they should provide you with personalized customer service. They should work with you as a partner, and not like a hired vendor churning out work.

Interested in having your files transcribed, contact us today and we can help you get started.

The post How to Choose the Best Audio Transcription Service in 2025 appeared first on AudioFile Solutions.

Do you want these hands representing your brand?

AI automated transcription services are popular with podcasters in the entertainment field, but can you afford to use them for your business podcast? Here is why you should never use ai automated transcription services for a business podcast.

Why AI Automated Transcripts are Popular

Podcasts dedicated to entertainment or just chewing the fat may benefit from using automated transcription services.  They are downright affordable and the transcript can be generated very quickly.  Many of these podcasts use a quick and dirty automated podcast transcript to create show notes. But as a business person, with the pressure to save money in today’s economy, should you take advantage of these services–for your podcast production, interview, new product roll-out, or training session?  The answer: No, run the other way!  Serious Damage to Your Brand Could Occur!

Why Almost No One Should Use AI Automatic Transcripts

AI-generated automated transcripts are inaccurate, to say the least. Are you willing to put inaccurate information on your website? Will the automated algorithm spell your company name correctly, your officers, or even your products and services? Likely not. Stay tuned to the end of this post and we will share a link that emphasizes this point.

In James Cridland’s post on podnews.net, he suggests that podcasters should want total control over their content. He says, “…automated transcripts are mostly correct but partially wrong – and they’re not ideal to publish on a website in some cases. For complex legal reporting, having an incorrect transcript on a website could open the podcaster to legal trouble.” I would agree, but also believe that smaller less obvious mistakes make you look sloppy and unprofessional. Is that an image you want to project to your listeners?

Manual Transcription is Better for Business Podcasts

For the cost of a good dinner, an average 30-minute podcast can be transcribed with almost 100% accuracy. We provide such a transcript, labored over by a native English-speaking professional. We manually look up all industry-specific keywords, officers’ names, and how your company spells your branded products and solutions. Our transcription services will make your company look professional and you will gain loyal customers–quite the alternative to automating your transcript.

Skeptical?  Click on this link to go to WAAF’s The Hill-Man Morning Show. [Editor’s note: this legacy link is no longer active].  You can pick virtually any show, but be sure to expand the “Transcript” under the video to view the “Not For Consumer Use” transcript.  It’s right next to the note, “Robot Overlords Only; Will not be 100% accurate”.  Click “play” and prepare to be entertained; yes, both from the show and the text!  I think this will erase any doubts you might have.

The post Never Use AI Automated Transcription Services for a Business Podcast appeared first on AudioFile Solutions.

Recording a live webinar by GoToMeeting, Zoom, or TEAMS can be a daunting task to someone who doesn’t know the ins and outs of video frame rates, resolutions, and codecs.  We developed our webinar recording service for businesses and podcasters that either don’t have the technical expertise or don’t have the time to learn.

Why Hire a Professional to Record a Webinar?

We’ve done extensive testing to find the best method to record webinars.  Here are the highlights.

1. We capture the entire screen with the best video codec.
2. We record PowerPoint animations, cursor movements and desktop sharing.
3. All elements are in high definition.
4. Audio editing and video editing are available.
5. Output is typically .mp4, .wmv, or almost any audio/video format available.

We produce the best, highest-quality, highest-resolution webinar recordings possible.

If you don’t already have a web conferencing service, we can help with that too.

Give us a try today.

The post Recording Webinars by GoToMeeting, Zoom, TEAMS and More appeared first on AudioFile Solutions.

Centrance MicPort Pro 2 for Podcasting

The new Centrance MicPort Pro 2 USB microphone preamp is something that all podcasters should consider. It will take the best broadcast condenser or dynamic microphones and make them instantly accessible to podcasters. In podcasting, no longer are you limited to using a USB microphone. This device effectively takes all microphones with an XLR output and converts them for use with a computer, tablet, or phone.

We’ve already discussed in this blog how to choose the best USB microphone for podcasting. But what if you want to go one step further and use a tried-and-true broadcast microphone for your podcast? The MicPort Pro 2 is the way to do that. Just plug your XLR microphone into the top of the unit, choose whether to add 48v of phantom power (if your mic requires it), and add the right amount of gain.

MicPort Pro 2 Features

It has a built-in, rechargeable battery that is purported to last longer than the competitors. It charges from any standard USB charger or a laptop.

This is an upgrade from the original MicPort Pro Classic that didn’t work with a phone. Centrance has added that feature to the MicPort Pro 2.

Per Centrance, the MicPort Pro 2 has been successfully tested with the following apps. But keep in mind that these apps are from third parties and may require their support.

• Audio Evolution (iOS/Android)
• Auria Pro (iOS)
• BandLab (iOS/Android)
• BeatMaker 3 (iOS)
• Cubasis (iOS)
• Field Recorder (Android)
• FL Studio Mobile (iOS)
• Garage Band (iOS)
• N-Track (iOS/Android)
• Twisted Wave (iOS)

The input to the MicPort Pro 2 is a Neutrik combo XLR jack and will accept mic, line or instrument sources. There is a headphone amp for monitoring.

Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac are all supported, and there is a high pass filter to cut wind noise or other low frequencies when recording.

Versions

Lastly, the Centrance MicPort Pro 2 comes in two versions. The upgraded version has a soft-knee limiter and clipping protection for an additional $30. For the non-pro and professional alike, I recommend springing for the upgrade as the extra features can save some time later during editing, and just might save an entire podcast from unwanted distortion and clipping.

The standard version is currently $249.99, while the upgraded version is $279.99. Go to the Centrance website for more info.

The post Centrance MicPort Pro 2 USB Microphone Preamp for Podcasting appeared first on AudioFile Solutions.

Where to begin? Like so many people, I had somehow ended up in a brick and mortar job which really did not thrill me particularly. The only good thing about it were the people that I worked for and with. That’s a sad thing when that’s the best thing you have to say about your job. It was the daily grind. The getting up and leaving your home no matter the weather, no matter how you felt, no matter anything. I found myself relating very strongly to the song by The Cure, Friday I’m In Love. I was wishing my life away, waiting and pining for Friday, the day of extreme happiness. That’s a sad way to live, I felt.

Started out looking for legitimate online jobs

So I thought to myself, surely there must be some legitimate online jobs that one could find. I knew others were doing it. It was just a matter of coming up with something, finding that legitimate opportunity. So I started researching. I came across lots of sites that were devoted to “work-at-home moms,” and I started pouring through those. At first I thought maybe phone work, because there did seem to be legitimate phone jobs that one could do, although the pay did not seem to be a lot. But they were at least an opportunity to earn some money at home. I spent countless hours surfing online (admittedly sometimes at my actual job) trying to find that perfect online job.

Soon morphed into searching for legitimate online transcription jobs

Somehow I came across a transcription site devoted to all things transcription. I have always read a lot and I believed that my grammar was pretty good, as was my spelling. So now I turned my attention and efforts to legitimate online transcription jobs. I had now changed my focus entirely from legitimate work-at-home, to legitimate work-at-home transcription. There seemed to be a lot of companies out there, but the competition also seemed to be really, really fierce. There were a few companies that I came across who had actual online tests where you could just challenge and hopefully pass. The first one I did, I failed miserably. There is really a lot to learn about providing transcription services. It’s not just typing, it’s listening and getting the context right as well.

So I stumbled across a UK site which had an online test. So I took that test and redid it multiple, multiple times—and I passed it! I was over the moon thrilled. I remember the first £25 that was paid into my Paypal account, it was a very exciting moment. I realized that it was possible to obtain a legitimate online transcription job if one put the effort into it. So I worked for that UK company for a number of years, still keeping my brick and mortar job, as I needed to earn a living.

Get a good resume made

At this point, I paid a fair bit of money to have a proper resume created, which was one of the best things I ever did. It really gets results if you have a good resume. I then got on with a local company doing quarterly earnings transcription, again, having to get up really, really early and still going to my brick and mortar job. But at this point, I was able to ask both of my employers if I could go to part-time, meaning just working half days. My bosses agreed, and my final goal was in sight.

So I was still sending out resumes to transcription companies, as my goal was to be full-time working at home. Actually, one of my main goals was to one day be working in my living room in front of a fire—at least once. Eventually I got hired on with another transcription company in my area, and after that, I was able to quit my day-job.

Finding a reputable online transcription job

At some point soon after, my search led me to AudioFile Solutions, a company based out of Colorado Springs, Colorado. The owners of this company pay a very fair wage and are very nice to work for. I have been working for them for the past three years, and it has been going very well. Another bonus is that quite often their work is interesting. They are proof that there are legitimate work-at-home transcription jobs out there. You just have to persevere and keep at it.

One thing about becoming a transcriptionist, it was not an easy road. I spent countless hours researching online for legitimate transcription companies. There are a lot of transcription companies out there who really are out just to make a buck and treat their transcribers very unfairly. The wage they pay works out to far less than minimum wage, and transcribing is really not an easy job so it should be paid accordingly. It is not just typing. It is researching, listening, being able to differentiate voices, making sure it makes sense, when sometimes the people speaking don’t make sense. Not to mention the physical toil of sitting and typing for hours. The ergonomics have to be just absolutely spot on, or else you’ll be in pain within minutes. Many people I know have tried to become transcriptionists working from home after they saw how much I loved it. Not a one ever made it because they weren’t willing to put in the time and the effort.

The end result was worth it

Working as an at-home transcriptionist—although I probably work more hours than I did working away from home—is the closest thing that I’ve ever known to not working at all. I’m in my own home! I take a break, go for a walk or do some work around the house. My time is essentially my own. I have what I’ve always considered the perfect work hours. I get up generally at five o’clock and most of the afternoons are mine to do with what I wish. And sometimes, when it’s really, really cold out or pouring rain, I make a fire in the fireplace and work sitting on the couch. It is THE perfect job!

The post My Search for Legitimate Online Transcription Jobs appeared first on AudioFile Solutions.

No matter what industry you belong to, there’s a high chance that you’ll need affordable interview transcription services at some point. Everyone from academic to medical professionals will eventually need to transcribe the audio and video interviews they have — which means the industry continues to grow.

Finding a transcription company for your interview isn’t hard. The issue is almost always how to get high-quality service without paying an exorbitant amount of money. Cheap transcription services are easy to find, but you run the risk of it being low-quality and beneath your standards.

Luckily, it’s easy to find an inexpensive interview transcription service if you know what to look for.

Read on to learn how to discover services that are both high-quality and affordable.

How to Find an Inexpensive Transcription Service

When you start researching transcription services, at first it might be hard to tell the companies apart by anything other than the price. After all, they’re all doing the same job…right?

In fact, there are several differentiating factors that you can use if you know what to look for.

Keep this post handy to use as a checklist of sorts as you make your decision. Going through this list will help you sort through the potential scams and find the best value for your money.

Here are our top tips for finding affordable interview transcription services.

Know What Type of Service You Need

It might seem simple, but before you start looking for anything, know what it is you’re looking for.

Do you need interviews transcribed for an academic paper? Are you hoping to have the recorded conversation from a meeting transcribed?

Different companies may have varying specialties or areas of expertise. If you work in the medical industry, for example, it’s probably best to work with a company who has a proven track record of excellence when it comes to medical terminology. The same goes for a lawyer working in a highly specialized field.

Knowing your needs will help you narrow down your choices immediately.

Get Recommendations

Of course, it’s always a good idea to get recommendations from friends or colleagues. This is a great way to determine if the company has low prices and fantastic service or if you’re about to regret the money you spent.

If you know other people who have had their interviews transcribed in the past, ask around. Word-of-mouth is a fantastic way to learn.

This may not always be possible, so in that case, turn to online reviews. Other people should have worked with that transcription company previously. Read what they have to say about the affordability, customer service, accuracy, and speed of service.

Research Transcript Turnaround Times

How much time do you have before you need the interview transcriptions? Do you have a few weeks, or do you need it in just a few days?

It’s important to research the turnaround times of various companies to see how long it takes them to get your transcriptions back to you. Knowing the effective turnaround time is a good way to assess the quality of the company and the services they provide.

If you learn early on that a company takes ages to return a subpar product to their clients, that’s a good indication that you need to stay away. However, you should also be wary of instant turnaround times as the quality of these “rush” transcripts can be lower quality.

This leads us to the next choice you’ll need to make…

Choose Between Human & Automated (AI: Artificial Intelligence)

Not every company is using a team of English-speaking transcribers to listen and transcribe your files by hand. In some cases, they may be using automated software to transcribe it instead. This is commonly known as an AI transcript.

AI can result in faster turnaround times and cheaper service, but you’ll likely be sacrificing accuracy in the process. You’ll need to decide what’s most important to you.

If you don’t need it to be one hundred percent accurate and would like it returned to you faster, you may be able to save some money by choosing an automated service or software.

On the other hand, if you need 100% accuracy, it will be worth a potential price increase to know that humans are creating and reviewing your files.

Uncover Hidden Fees

Another way to save money is to read the company’s website closely for any mentions of additional fees. Often, what is at first perceived to be a low price is actually inflated by hidden fees added after the fact.

If you need something quickly, for examples, some companies may charge you a rush fee on top of their usual pricing. You could also be charged for verbatim transcriptions (AKA including all of those awkward pauses and slip-ups), or if your audio file isn’t high quality.

The last thing you want is to be blindsided by these fees after you’ve already agreed to do business. Look specifically for any mentions of fees before you make a final decision. And require the company to tell you up front what all the fees are. Any reputable company should be willing to do this.

Ensure Security

Finally, the last aspect of a high-quality company is how they handle the security of your audio files.

No matter what it is that you need to be transcribed, odds are that you don’t want it made public. You want to know with absolute certainty that the company you work with will keep your audio confidential.

Reputable companies will be clear about the steps they take to ensure security and confidentiality. If you can’t find it online, ask a customer service representative directly.

If they can’t answer the question, you’ll know you should take your business elsewhere.

Quality Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank

Finding affordable interview transcription services doesn’t have to be a chore. With these tips, you should be able to find what you’re looking for with minimal hassle. Don’t settle for less — find the service that you deserve.

No matter what industry you’re in, we can help you out. Our team of native English speakers carefully transcribe each interview by hand, ensuring deadly accuracy and the high quality you deserve. While we are an audio transcription services company, we also transcribe video!

Best of all — we’ll do all of this for you at an affordable rate.

Upload your files now to get started.

The post How to Find Affordable Interview Transcription Services appeared first on AudioFile Solutions.

Podcast Tips to Make Your Podcast Sound More Professional

Podcasting is the new novel: everyone says they’re doing it, but few know how to do it right.

More than 4 in 10 Americans have listened to a podcast. That’s a testament to how widespread they’ve become. But like writing a novel, it’s not tough to separate the true professionals from the dabblers. If you want podcast success, you need a professional upgrade to impress your audience.

Below, we’ve put together some podcast tips to give you a professional makeover.

Tip #1: The Intro

Let’s start at the beginning. If you’ve listened to many podcasts or even followed enough Youtubers, you know the top guys use standardized intros. Even the most casual intro, like a simple “What’s up, guys and girls?” follows a standard format.

Codifying your intro is a strong path to a more professional sound. It’ll make the opening of your podcast clear and help ease listeners into the main content.

A strong intro also establishes your tone and your brand, whether that’s a casual shout-out to your fans or a more formal greeting.

Standardizing your intro also allows you to swap it out (if necessary) with ease. This is also a good place to put the latest news, updates, and instructions for liking and following your podcast.

Tip #2: Tune Up Your Sound

Nothing separates the best podcast shows from the little fish like audio quality.

Even a beloved podcast will receive a wave of negative comments if its audio quality is off, even for a single episode. For a new podcast starting out, poor audio can kill it before it ever gains traction.

You might have to spend extra at the outset to get the kind of audio quality a modern audience expects. This means investing in sound-proofing, quality condenser or dynamic microphones, and even the production knowhow to bring out the best mix possible.

Tip #3: Put in the Research

If you’re starting a podcast, you probably have something important to say. If you want listeners, what you say had better be worth their time.

Put in the hours it takes to understand your topic. A non-fiction podcast will attract more fans if it speaks with authority and delivers valuable content. Excessive and meaningless fluff will only cause listeners to tune out.

If you plan to deliver authoritative content, you might consider working with a fact-checker. Failing to do so could make you look less professional in the eyes (or ears) of your listeners.

This might be less relevant to a fictional podcast, but similar advice still applies. Put in the time to create a well-crafted package that delivers on fan expectations. You need to show you’re putting in the work if you want to build a fan base.

Tip #4: Schedule Your Success

Podcasting is still young enough that the template to success isn’t quite set.

But we can look at a part of Internet history to see how to build something which lasts. For instance, take a look at webcomics. Like podcasts, there was a time when everyone seemed to be starting a webcomic.

The webcomic genre experienced a decline; many died off and left fans disappointed. The ones that have endured to become institutions, like gaming comic Penny Arcade, achieved it through the power of scheduling—regularly delivering its content.

Recurrent scheduling keeps your audience invested. Just like a newspaper or TV show would lose its audience if it kept jumping around the calendar, a podcast needs a regular schedule that its fans can count on. This can be daily, weekly or monthly, whatever makes sense for you and your audience.

Tip #5: A Matter of Length

The benefits of consistency also apply to the length of each podcast episode.

Sticking to a consistent broadcast length lets your listeners know what to expect when they queue your show up for listening. A sudden change in length can mess with those expectations, leading to a frustrating experience for your fans.

Setting a runtime for your podcast also helps you manage segment length, like how long an interview should run. This will prevent segments from running too long or too short. Utilizing a podcast script can help maintain some control.

There’s no definitive authority on how long a podcast should run. The “correct” length will vary by genre and audience. The key is to hit that length on a consistent basis.

Tip #6: Watch Your Mouth

In an age dominated by social media, a slip of the tongue could ruin your reputation overnight.

It’s vital to control the tone of your podcast, which means controlling both yourself and your guests. Even if you want your podcast to be an open forum, you should still take care to set the ground rules for acceptable content.

Stay away from controversial subjects unless you’re tackling them head-on. Don’t turn your podcast into a soapbox for your personal views. Likewise, keep your guests on-topic when possible, and discuss the questions you plan to ask in advance.

You’ll need to consider your target audience to set your standards of tone. Bad language can be a dealbreaker for some. It may also make it harder to find sponsors and advertisers, so it’s worth considering your monetization plans when you set your standards.

Tip #7: Closing the Deal

Your sign off is as important as your intro, so a professional podcast should take the time, and make the investment, to get this right.

If you didn’t feature them in the opening, now is the time to feature any ads. It’s also a good spot to acknowledge the hard work of contributors. Failing to give credit where it’s due won’t do you any favors when trying to get people involved.

Consider slipping a little hook into your outro to keep your listeners engaged. It’s tempting for a listener to switch off when the bulk of the podcast finishes, so go the Marvel route and drop some post-credits content. Welcome To Night Vale’s end-credit “proverb” is a fantastic example of this in action.

Podcast Tips for the True Professional

These podcast tips will help you establish your podcast as a professional production. In a world saturated with amateur acts, even a small bump in your professionalism can translate to a huge bump in your audience.

Need help making your podcast more professional? We’d love to help. Check out our production services.

The post Podcast Like a Pro: How to Make Your Podcast More Professional appeared first on AudioFile Solutions.

However, starting a podcast does require some work, especially on the front end. Between purchasing your gear and setting it up at home, understanding how hosting works, and uploading your first show, there’s a lot to learn. It can be a lot, especially if you feel like you are ready to just start recording episodes!

In this guide, we’ll break down 7 things you need to know before starting a podcast. If you find yourself asking questions, you can contact us here anytime.

Let’s dive in!

1. Know Your Podcast – Inside And Out

The truth is, the podcasting medium is not for everyone. At the very least, it may not be for every project. If your goal is simply to occasionally get your message out to new people, you could start your podcast on YouTube instead. YouTube is free, but isn’t really a podcast platform.

This isn’t to deter you from podcasting; in fact, the opposite is true. The first step is to get very clear about why you want to podcast and what your show will be specifically about. Here are some brainstorming ideas to get started:

• How will your podcast relate to you, your business or brand (or is this just for fun)?
• What could the first 7 episodes of your podcast be about?
• What will the title of your podcast be?

If you find yourself struggling to detail 7 separate episodes right off the bat, this may be a sign that there’s a better medium for you. Think these things through before you start. It will save you time and money. Good old pen and paper are your friends for this first step.

If you decide podcasting is the way to go, keep reading!

2. Find The Right Equipment

When it comes to how to set up a podcast, you’ll want good equipment. People don’t want to listen to bad sound on a podcast, and it will make you sound unprofessional. Thankfully, affordable USB microphones that sound good do exist.

With the boom of home podcasting, two low-cost options have really emerged as the best.

The two most popular home podcasting microphones that won’t break the bank are the Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB and the Rode Podcaster. This stereo mic might also be a good option for your show if you are recording remotely and need an iPad or iPhone solution.

For a new show, you only need a good USB microphone to start. Later, you can worry about mixers and all the additional pieces.

3. Pay For Good Artwork/Intro

Sure, you could design your podcast cover art on a website like Canva for free, but unless you have an eye for graphic design, it’s probably not a good idea.

Your podcast’s cover art and introduction music are the first things people will see and hear when listening to your show. If you want to give them a good impression, it’s important to invest a good amount here.

If you’re on a budget, you can get artwork done with Fiverr or Upwork. For something a little more comprehensive (but pricey), 99Designs can give you some great artwork, too.

For your intro, we provide royalty-free music and customized voiceovers to make your show shine right out of the box. Our voiceover artists are experienced in podcasting, professional radio, news reporting, multimedia production, video narration, church podcasting and more. It’s not a good idea to cut corners here, and we’ve been doing this for almost two decades!

4. Pick A Good Hosting Service

People asking, “what do you need to start a podcast?” would do well to find the right hosting service. You don’t want to upload audio directly to your website, as most website hosting servers aren’t designed for this and will slow down over time. Therefore, you should either find a free hosting solution or invest a small amount of money each month to let 3rd-party sites host your podcast episodes for you.

Websites like Soundcloud offer free hosting, while Libsyn starts at just $5/month.

5. Get Familiar With iTunes

Pat Flynn, one of the best resources available for building a podcast or online business, talks about iTunes as one giant search engine. iTunes is where most podcasts are, so it’s a spot you need to be.

Here’s how to start a podcast on iTunes.

6. How Will You Record?

What do you need to start a podcast? Something to record your episodes, of course. If you use Apple products, GarageBand is a free solution that many home podcasters use with a lot of success. You can even practice editing your show in the software too.

There are plenty of good free or low-cost recording options available, so don’t feel like you need expensive software for this.

Another option is to let us record your guests over the telephone like professional radio stations do. We pioneered this process for podcasting, and it starts for as little as $50/episode.

7. Write An Outline For Your First Show!

After setting up all of your equipment, choosing a hosting service, and getting your show in order, it’s time to start working on the first episode! At the very start, it will help to follow a rough outline. Don’t feel like you have to read off a script–don’t, in fact, because your listeners will know you are–but it will help you be comfortable and cover your key points.

In time, you may not need the outline anymore. But it’s a good resource to have initially, and will help you stick to the ideas you identified as important when you brainstormed during step 1.

Some podcasters, however, always follow an outline. The key to doing well with this medium is finding what works for you and sticking with it–refining your process over time.

How To Start A Podcast – Wrap-Up

Starting a podcast requires some work on the front end for sure, but it will be worth it if your goal is to connect with a new audience or build your brand. Even if you’re just doing it to have fun, a podcast is a good way to get your name out there and gain experience with speaking and having new tech skills under your belt.

Some things to do when you start: know what your show will be about, get a good USB mic, get nice artwork and intro audio done, pick a good hosting service, understand iTunes, pick the right recording software (or let us do it), and write a good outline for your first few episodes.

In addition, we are always here to help. Check out our podcast production services to learn more. Happy podcasting!

The post 7 Things You Need to Know About How to Start a Podcast appeared first on AudioFile Solutions.

Apple Podcasts have topped the 50 billion download mark, and that’s only one platform. Podcasting is everywhere these days and the numbers prove it.

If you’re thinking about jumping on the podcast bandwagon, you’re making the right choice. But it’s not as simple as talking about the weather for 30 minutes a week.

A successful podcast, one that has sustainability and listenership, takes a lot of work and it all starts with the podcast production itself.

If you’re getting worried, don’t be! We’re going to fill you in on everything you need to know to make sure your podcast production is smooth and successful.

Let’s dive into The Beginner’s Guide to Podcast Production!

Podcast Production Starts with Content

The best podcasts are the ones that have a clear-cut message or fit a niche. You might not find success if you’re going with the “anything goes” podcast mentality. The shows that do work, work because they’re hosted by a comedian or celebrity and that’s their niche. Or, if you’re producing a b2b business podcast, you are talking about a subject that your customers want, or need to hear about.

Once you figure out what you’re podcast is going to be about, you have to decide how long it will be. There isn’t a fixed formula for this. Some shows do well at 30 minutes, while others rank well at an hour. It depends on your content, your guest, and your execution.

Always have an outline for every episode denoting ad breaks, as well as questions for your guest and info about them. Take the time to think about intriguing questions that people will want to tune in to hear the answers.

Podcasting Equipment Makes a Difference

Having the best podcast equipment makes all the difference when it comes to quality and execution. If you can’t afford studio time, you can still get good sound quality by building your own studio. It’s not as difficult as you might think.

The recording space might be the most important part. You don’t have to soundproof entire rooms, but you should record in a room that’s carpeted to prevent echoes. And move computers, fans or anything else that makes a lot of noise into another room. At the very least move them far away from the microphone so your recording isn’t plagued by background noise.

You’ll also need a few items to get started:

Laptop/Computer

This will be the brains of your home studio. It needs to store audio files, podcast programs, and editing software, so make sure it’s got enough space and a good processor to run them all.

Microphone

A good quality USB microphone is more than sufficient for most podcasters. If the budget allows, upgrade to a professional mic with XLR connectors (you’ll need to study-up to connect one to your mixer; most podcasters should stick with the USB option for simplicity). If possible, get a pop filter for it. This eliminates the hard plosive sounds “p’s” and “b’s” make.

Headphones

Many headphones also include a USB mic built-in. While this option doesn’t usually sound as good as a stand-alone mic with separate headphones, it makes things even simpler and can be a good choice for those with limited technical knowledge. These combination USB headsets can be purchased at Best Buy, Amazon or other well-known stores. Make sure to read the reviews and find one that others have said “sound good” or “are especially good for podcasts”.

Mixer

A mixer is a separate piece of equipment that does a variety of important tasks. It controls levels, inputs, outputs, mix-minus, and other functions. Be aware, mixers are a professional piece of equipment and can require a lot of study time to understand how they work.

The best mixer for a podcast has at least four channels: one for you, one for your co-host, a third for your guest, and a fourth for a connection to an iPod or another device.

If you are using a USB headset/mic combination, it is likely that you will be recording your guests remotely. If so, you can bypass the mixer entirely and use a third party cloud service to record and “mix” your interview.

Research and Book Guests

Unless you come from a radio or another media background, booking guests can be a challenge. If you have a large network, start there first. It’s always easier when you know the person who’s on your podcast.

If you have to cold call, reach out via email. If you don’t know their email address, ask them for it on social media.

Be friendly and complimentary of their work. Ask them how they’d like to be introduced (their title, job description, publication, etc.) and if they’re okay with you mentioning them in a few tweets promoting the podcast.

Research more than your guests’ Twitter handles. Look around and find audio of their past interviews. If you can access them, take the time to listen to them.

Do they have a crutch word or phrase? This means, do they say “definitely” or “absolutely” before they answer every question? Do they pause a lot with “umm’s” and “uhh’s?” Knowing what to expect from your guest before they’re on your podcast makes a big difference in how the interview with go. You can prepare for their quirks and their personality.

When You Hit “Record”

A podcast is a fluid conversation, or at least it should be. Yes, preparing an outline is great, but if your guest goes on a tangent that’s interesting or intriguing, go with the natural flow.

In other words, don’t sacrifice a good conversational flow for the sake of following your outline to a tee. You’ll only end up sounding robotic and that never makes for good content.

Be aware of your own crutch words. Most beginners, and even some pros, struggle with “umm’s” and “uhh’s.”

Don’t chew gum or food while you’re recording. And if you need to take a drink, move the mic away from your mouth.

Coughing and sneezing happen, but hit the mute button (if you have one) to keep the recording clean.

Remember, if any of these occur, many can be edited/removed in post-production which we will talk about next.

Podcast Editing Is Everything

Post-production is where beginners get stuck. It’s also what separates ordinary podcasts from great ones.

When you finish recording your podcast, the last thing you want to do is listen to it all over again. But you’re not only the host, you’re the producer, and that means your work isn’t done when you stop recording.

Editing is one of the most important aspects of podcasting, yet it gets overlooked far more often than it should. Podcasts that you hear on the big networks go through extensive editing. And those hosts are professionals!

So what content needs to be edited? The obvious expletives and any extended pauses. Fluff that doesn’t add to the conversation and awkward parts of the interview.

Of course, get rid of those pesky “umm’s and “uhh’s”. Now, you can’t edit them all out, but if a guest gets tripped up for a few seconds and says “uhh” over and over, without question, edit it out.

If you’re adding music, don’t use music or audio you don’t have a license for. There are music services available that do have the proper licensing that charge per use or have a subscription service.

Again, do not use copyrighted music or any audio that is not your original work. There’s no “30-second rule” or “10 seconds are fair use.” They’re not, so don’t attempt it.

Podcast Editing is one of the biggest benefits to using a podcast production company or service. They will handle all or a good part of this. They won’t get you sued by an artist and they’ll know the ins and outs of editing.

Publishing and Marketing

Once you’ve finished editing, you’re ready to publish! There are many podcast hosting platforms out there that will fit your needs. Do your research and read user reviews. If cost is prohibitive, consider YouTube to host your podcast. It’s free!

Make sure you add your podcast to your blog or website, then promote it. Social media is great for marketing podcasts, as you have the option of tagging guests or brands. You’re also able to use hashtags to widen your audience.

Podcast Production Made Easy

Having a great podcast is more than grabbing a mic and recording. In most cases, reaching out to a professional podcast production company is your best option for the highest quality podcast.

We hope you enjoyed this Beginners Guide to Podcast Production. At AudioFile Solutions, all you have to do is provide the content and we’ll handle the rest. We offer easy production services tailor-made to fit your needs. Contact us today and let us take your podcast to the next level.

The post The Beginner’s Guide to Podcast Production appeared first on AudioFile Solutions.

So how do you start a business podcast on YouTube?

Many people think that starting a business podcast is difficult and expensive.  But with the free services that are available today, cost can be whittled down substantially.  After the podcast production itself, using these services to host and distribute your company’s content can be absolutely free, assuming you don’t mind 3rd party branding and/or a little extra work on your part.  One caveat, this method produces a non-downloadable, non-syndicated podcast which many argue is not technically a “podcast” at all (but let’s not get picky).  An example from our friends at Omega ATC is shown above.  I will be referring to it as we go along.

Let’s start with the part that is not free, but is the most important aspect of any business podcast.

Use a Conference Call or Webinar for Content

The production can be as simple or as complicated as you want it to be.  You can go crazy and produce a full-fledged video talk show, or you can re-purpose existing content—like a conference call or webinar—and call it a day.  While we at AudioFile Solutions always suggest you put your best foot forward and produce a completely professional event, many businesses find that extending the life of content that has already been produced can also yield marketing fruit.  For the rest of this article, we’ll assume that you already have an event—like a webinar recording—that you want to use to start your podcast (in this case, a video podcast).  Our conference call recording service and high definition web conference recording service can both be used for this application.

After the webinar has been recorded, you’ll need a 3rd party to host the video file.

How to Start a Business Podcast on YouTube

Many small businesses do not want to host the podcast files themselves because of the cost involved in storing large audio or video files on their server.  In our example, a typical webinar can yield a 30-80MB video file.  Add up several months or years of recordings, and your storage requirements will be substantial.

To start a podcast on YouTube—and let them host your video for free—open an account and click “Upload”.  It’s that easy.  For a webinar recording, it is important to use a high definition video as your source to keep the text and images crystal clear.  Using a low resolution video file means that large text will be blurry and small text will be unreadable.

After uploading, YouTube will create several different versions of the video.  You can access them individually by clicking the three digit number followed by the letter “p” in the lower right-hand corner of the player.  Choose “720p” or “1080p” to view the high definition file.  Immediately to the right are four arrows arranged in a square.  Click this to make the video full screen.  Using a high-def video from AudioFile Solutions as your source, you should have no trouble clearly seeing all the text on a typical webinar.

Note: View the embedded video above at 30:00 to see a good example of small text.  In full screen mode, at 360p, the text is extremely blurry.  Toggle the video to 720p to see the sharpest text.

Now that your video is live on YouTube, you can embed the video directly on your blog (as we did at the top of this article) by going to the YouTube page containing the video.  From there, click “share” and copy & paste the embed code directly to your blog.  If you don’t already have a blog, there are many free blogs to choose from.  WordPress.com, Blogspot.com and WordPress.org are all good places to start.  Or see Mashable’s article 40+ Free Blog Hosts.

Note: Keep in mind that YouTube can change this process at any time, so you may have to use some common sense when using future versions of YouTube.

With the video now embedded on your blog, and because your blog is syndicated (check with your blog host if it is not), you now have a low-cost non-downloadable podcast.

A final thought, but no less important, don’t forget to have your new YouTube podcast transcribed.  This will allow you to place the entire text of the podcast on the same page as the audio or video.  Not only is this great news for the hearing impaired, it is a necessity to receive SEO (Search Engine Optimization) credit.  SEO is beyond the scope of this article, but suffice it to say, search engines like Google must have on-page text in order to index your blog post, and a word-for-word transcript is the best way to do this.  Our transcribers are all native English-speakers, and our transcripts are done by hand using no automation, ever!

Ready to get started podcasting on YouTube? Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you.

Happy podcasting!

The post How to Start a Business Podcast on YouTube appeared first on AudioFile Solutions.