If you ever hit reply to these emails with a podcasting question, we read it and do our best to give you a useful answer. 🙂
I'm going to pull out another few today, starting with one that was so interesting we made it the focus of our latest Podcraft episode...
Can you legally use music, TV clips, or radio audio in your podcast, or is it a fast track to takedowns and trouble?
In this episode, we unpack how copyright actually works for podcasters. What fair use really means, why it is a legal defence rather than permission, and where creators most often get caught out. We look at the practical risks, including automated copyright detection, platform removals, and takedown requests from rights holders.
Mic Drop Fact: Sound waves can “cloak” objects.
Using metamaterials, scientists can bend sound waves around an object, making it acoustically invisible. This could one day lead to “sonic stealth” technology.
Alrighty, here are some more of your questions, lightly edited so they’re relevant to everyone...
What’s the fastest way to make an episode feel more professional?
Tell the listener what's coming! A good intro really sets the scene and reassures the audience (even subconsciously), that their time won't be wasted. Take the primary hook of your episode - even if it's clear in the episode title - and briefly tell them what they can expect, and what they're going to get out of it.
What’s something podcasters spend too much time fixing in editing?
Ums and ahs. Granted, some tools (I'd be remiss not to mention Alitu!) can remove them automatically at the touch of a button, but many podcasters use Audacity and can spend several hours chopping them out. In future, leave them in as natural quirks of the conversation, and use them as an incentive to hone your presentation skills.
What advice do podcasters follow that’s mostly driven by fear?
There's an assumption that you must be active on social media, but you can grow a podcast without Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, and the rest of them. True, with the right strategy and time investment you might see some extra visibility through social. But if you don't like the thought of using these platforms, then don't. There are many better ways to approach podcast growth.
What early decision do podcasters rarely revisit, but probably should?
Podcast descriptions are often written in haste before publishing episode one, and then all but forgotten. And yet, they're critical factors in whether potential new listeners decide to hit play or not. Active podcasters should check in on their show descriptions once or twice a year. There's always room for improvement!
What’s something that matters less to listeners than podcasters think?
I've spent 15 years chatting with fellow audio pros about optimal bitrates, file formats, and lossless audio. We enjoy these chats because we're sound nerds. But the truth is, most listeners simply don't care 😂 people are out there listening through earbuds on buses or trains. In these situations, do you think anyone has ever thought to themselves, "Is this show really mixed down in 96kbps!?"
In truth, a well-recorded and produced show will work in any format or bitrate.
🙋 I have a question!
Just hit reply and we'll do our best to answer it in a future edition! Remember, the more specific, the better 🙂
😋 Sound Bites
A tasting platter of fresh tools, tips, and treats for your podcast. Short links, big value!
🧙♂️ The Podcasting Sage Says:
“Your audience can’t binge what doesn’t exist.”
Publish more, worry less, and let the catalog do the work.
Two Other Things to Help Your Show 🚀
Here are two ways to accelerate your podcast journey: The support to create something great, and the tools to make it work:
1️⃣ The Easiest Way to Make Your Podcast?
Use Alitu to record, edit, clean up, add music, transcribe, and publish. All-in-one tool, built by podcasters. No tech headaches or app juggling.
Try the Alitu Podcast Creator app to turbocharge your workflow
.. and ...
2️⃣ Personal Coaching & Education Help You Succeed?
Join the Podcraft Academy to get expert coaching, step-by-step courses and plug-and-play resources to help you launch, grow and monetise your show with confidence.
Join the Podcraft Academy to get confidence in growing your show
🙋 Have you already launched your podcast?
We love helping new podcasters get started, but thriving comes from building momentum and creating great content. If you’re already past launch, click the link so we can share resources that help you stay consistent, grow, and monetise.
Cheers!
Matthew & Colin
PS - ❓Got a podcasting question you’d love answered in next week’s email? Hit reply and ask away. We’ll pick one to feature!