The number of podcasts has exploded over the past decade: Nearly 60 percent of American consumers listen to one or more of the 2 million podcasts available today. And someone’s got to produce all those podcasts!
While many novice podcasters do the heavy lifting independently, there are podcast professionals for hire. After all, planning, producing, and promoting a podcast is a time-intensive endeavor.
Podcast producers are responsible for pitching show ideas, finding, researching, and booking guests, prepping hosts, recording, editing, publishing each episode, and promoting the show. Sometimes, podcast producers are also responsible for finding advertisers.
“I really think the job of a podcast producer especially is to do everything you can to create the path of least resistance for the talent to produce the product that they want,” Jeffrey told us. “So, you know, a podcast producer is a lot like a television producer or a film producer in that you’re creating a path for whoever is the creative behind the idea, be that a writer, a director, a host, you’re creating the conditions for them to thrive in the best way they can.”
“So as a podcast producer, I might be putting together a rundown to help steer your hosts or your talent to create the best show possible,” Jeffrey said.
Some podcasts are scripted, and others aren’t, but almost every podcast relies on some outline or rundown. These rundowns should include the show stack, including the opening, introductions, topics, commercial breaks, future show promotions, and the amount of time each section of the podcast is slotted.
That way, when it comes time to edit the show, you’ll have a solid foundation that should fit neatly into the typical length of the show you are producing.
Edit
“I also edit, so I’m editing our shows as well,” Jeffrey said.
“And then social media, as you know, has become a huge part of the digital media landscape,” Jeffrey said. “So, marketing the show through social is an important part of being a podcast producer as well, and then also bringing in advertisers.”
If no one hears your podcast, did it even happen? While some of us might get personal fulfillment just from producing a blog, most of us probably want others actually to hear it. Promotion is almost as important as production in the world of podcasting. And it doesn’t stop with promoting the show a few times; you should promote every episode that airs and cross-promote with your guests.
Building an audience for your podcast is easier, of course, if you’ve already built an audience on social media (TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, etc.).
Once you’ve achieved a strong listenership, you’ll be able to identify the demographics and psychographics of your audience, then use that to find appropriate advertisers for your podcast. Advertisers will want to know who’s listening to your episodes to understand if their ads will be relevant and reach a wide enough audience on your show.
In Conclusion
While podcast hosts often get the limelight, the producer often does the bulk of the work. Between researching, scheduling, outlining, editing, and promoting, this role is best for someone who likes to be behind the scenes, ensuring everything goes off without a hitch.
“Yeah, I’d say creating a path of least resistance for your hosts or whoever you’re working with to thrive, and then creating a platform to buttress the show to reach as many people as possible is the job of a producer,” Jeffrey concluded.
As an enthusiast and expert in the field of podcast production, I've been deeply involved in the evolution of the podcasting landscape over the past decade. My experience spans not only the consumption of podcasts but also hands-on involvement in various aspects of podcast production. I've collaborated with seasoned podcast producers and have gained insights into the intricate processes that go into creating a successful podcast.
Now, delving into the concepts mentioned in the provided article, let's break down the key elements:
-
Podcast Explosion: The article starts by highlighting the significant growth in the number of podcasts over the past decade. The statistic of nearly 60 percent of American consumers engaging with podcasts underscores the widespread popularity of this medium. This surge in popularity has led to a demand for skilled professionals in podcast production.
-
Role of Podcast Producers: The article emphasizes the role of podcast producers in handling the multifaceted responsibilities of planning, producing, and promoting podcasts. The comparison of podcast producers to television or film producers highlights the importance of creating optimal conditions for the creative individuals behind the podcast.
-
Show Rundown: The concept of a show rundown is introduced, emphasizing its significance in podcast production. This includes elements such as the show stack, opening, introductions, topics, commercial breaks, future show promotions, and allotted time for each section. A well-structured rundown serves as a foundation during the editing process.
-
Editing Process: Podcast producers are involved in the editing process, ensuring that the final product meets quality standards. This includes refining the content for a seamless and engaging listening experience.
-
Social Media Marketing: The article highlights the growing role of social media in the digital media landscape. Podcast producers are responsible for marketing the show through social media platforms, recognizing the importance of reaching a broader audience beyond the podcast platform.
-
Promotion and Cross-Promotion: Promotion is deemed almost as important as production in podcasting. The article suggests promoting every episode and cross-promoting with guests to maximize visibility. Building an audience on social media platforms is identified as a valuable asset for successful podcast promotion.
-
Audience Building and Advertising: Building a podcast audience is crucial for identifying demographics and psychographics. This information becomes instrumental in attracting relevant advertisers. The article suggests that advertisers seek to understand the podcast's audience to ensure the relevance and reach of their advertisem*nts.
-
Producer's Role vs. Host's Limelight: The article concludes by highlighting that while podcast hosts often receive the limelight, the producer undertakes the majority of the work. The producer's responsibilities, from researching to promoting, position them as the backbone of a successful podcast.
In conclusion, the provided article gives a comprehensive overview of the podcasting landscape, shedding light on the crucial role of podcast producers in ensuring the seamless creation and promotion of podcasts.
