Contents
- What is a podcaster?
- History and audience of podcasts
- Podcaster's duties
- Required skills for a podcaster
- Pros and cons of the profession
- Demand for the profession and earnings
- Where to study to become a podcaster?
- First steps in the profession of a podcaster
What is a podcaster?
A podcaster is a person who creates audio programs known as podcasts and publishes them on the internet. Podcasts are recorded audio broadcasts that are often compared to radio shows. However, it is important to understand that, unlike radio shows, podcasts are recorded in advance and then published on various platforms such as Yandex Music, VK, and Apple Podcasts. This allows listeners to access the content at any time.
History and audience of podcasts
In Russia, the podcast audience is about 10 million listeners, and it is growing by 10% each year. There are approximately 25-35 thousand podcasts registered in the country. Initially, podcasts were created as a hobby, but over time they have become an important tool for brands and companies. Examples of successful audio shows include "Hit the Basket" from the "Utkonos" grocery chain and "Sbergile Talks" from "Sber." Such companies actively use podcasts to build communities and increase customer loyalty.
Podcaster's duties
A podcaster needs to perform many tasks to create quality content. Here are the main responsibilities:
- Researching topics: A podcaster should conduct mini-research on the episode's topic to make it interesting and unique.
- Finding guests: Inviting experts to discuss different viewpoints enriches the podcast's content.
- Writing a script: A script helps structure the episode, including the introduction, climax, and conclusion.
- Recording episodes: Quality equipment and a comfortable studio are necessary for recording.
- Editing: Processing the audio recording includes removing unnecessary segments and improving sound quality.
- Promoting the podcast: The podcast needs to be uploaded to platforms and various advertising strategies should be used to attract listeners.
Required skills for a podcaster
To become a successful podcaster, it is essential to develop both professional and personal qualities:
Professional skills (hard skills)
- Proficiency in recording and editing software, such as Adobe Audition or Audacity.
- Ability to work with sources and analyze information.
- Understanding the basics of promotion and marketing.
- Interviewing skills for conducting engaging conversations with guests.
Personal qualities (soft skills)
- Public speaking skills for clearly expressing thoughts.
- Creativity for creating unique content.
- Charisma and sociability for keeping the audience's attention.
Pros and cons of the profession
Like any profession, being a podcaster has its pros and cons:
Pros
- Monetizing a hobby.
- Flexible work schedule.
- Low entry barrier to start.
Cons
- Unstable income, especially at the beginning.
- Challenges in understanding the audience.
- Limited opportunities for full-time employment.
Demand for the profession and earnings
Despite the small number of job openings, even beginner podcasters can expect a decent salary. In 2022, salaries were offered in the range of 80-100 thousand rubles per month. The profession of a podcaster requires a versatile skill set: from scriptwriting to editing and marketing. Over 50 professional podcast studios are actively operating in Russia, creating new job opportunities.
Where to study to become a podcaster?
There are several ways to learn for those wishing to become podcasters:
- Universities: Professional development programs and courses in media communications.
- Online courses: A course from "Netology" on podcast production and monetization.
- Free programs: Short courses and guides for beginner podcasters.
First steps in the profession of a podcaster
If you have decided to become a podcaster, follow these steps:
- Study literature on creating podcasts.
- Determine the technical aspects of recording.
- Select a theme and target audience.
- Create a content plan for the first episodes.
- Upload the podcast to platforms and start promoting it.
- Join podcaster communities for experience exchange.