How Tech Will Influence the Future of Podcasting with Chris Hill
Oct 31, 2023
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Chris Hill, owner of HumblePod and host of the We Built This Brand podcast, discusses the future of podcasting and the role of emerging technologies. Topics include AI's struggle in podcasting, the importance of authenticity and niche, where video podcasting works, content's significance over technical specs, and gauging podcast audience health with the Podcast Listener Lifecycle tool.
Video podcasting is effective for in-person interviews and entertainment-focused content, while the traditional audio format remains popular for convenience.
Focusing on content creation and compelling storytelling is more important than investing in high-quality gear for podcast success.
Deep dives
The Challenges of Video Podcasting and the Future of the Medium
Video podcasting is a growing trend, but its effectiveness and suitability varies depending on the content and audience. In-person interviews and entertainment-focused podcasts benefit more from video, while the traditional audio format remains popular for its convenience. Services like YouTube and TikTok are now integrating RSS feeds, enabling podcasters to share audio content on these platforms. However, the limitations of video podcasting, such as the need for visual attention and the risk of inauthenticity, challenge its widespread adoption. Discoverability is another concern, as social media platforms restrict audience reach. Building an engaged audience and focusing on content rather than production value remain crucial for podcast success. Collecting contact information and cultivating true fans who are dedicated to sharing and promoting the podcast are key steps for audience growth and sustainability.
The Importance of Content over Gear in Podcasting
The quality of podcast content is more important than the quality of gear used for recording. While high-quality audio equipment can enhance the listener experience, focusing on content creation and compelling storytelling is paramount. Many aspiring podcasters spend significant time and money on gear, neglecting the content aspect. Starting with simpler setups, such as using an iPhone or basic recording devices, can be sufficient and surprise listeners with the audio quality. Gear should be upgraded based on the podcast's needs and growth, but content should always take precedence over equipment.
The Challenges of Maintaining a Podcast and Listener Life Cycle
Podcast production can be a demanding task, often leading to burnout and pod fading. The listener life cycle provides a framework for understanding and engaging with podcast audiences. Curiosity leads to podcast exploration, followed by becoming a follower and eventually a subscriber. It is crucial for podcasters to collect contact information and build direct relationships with their audience beyond social media platforms, as those can be unpredictable and restrictive. Cultivating true fans who actively share and promote the podcast contributes to long-term growth and sustainability.
The Role of Automation and Personal Touch in Podcast Production
Podcast production can range from high-touch, comprehensive services to more streamlined and affordable options. HumblePod offers Quick Edit, a service where human professionals efficiently clean up audio and enhance its quality. This service provides a quick and affordable solution for podcasters who need assistance with editing tasks. Balancing automation and personal touch in podcast production can meet the needs of different podcasters and help maintain efficient and high-quality production processes.
Chris Hill, owner of HumblePod and host of the We Built This Brand podcast, joins Corey on Screaming in the Cloud to discuss the future of podcasting and the role emerging technologies will play in the podcasting space. Chris describes why AI is struggling to make a big impact in the world of podcasting, and also emphasizes the importance of authenticity and finding a niche when producing a show. Corey and Chris discuss where video podcasting works and where it doesn’t, and why it’s more important to focus on the content of your podcast than the technical specs of your gear. Chris also shares insight on how to gauge the health of your podcast audience with his Podcast Listener Lifecycle evaluation tool.
About Chris
Chris Hill is a Knoxville, TN native and owner of the podcast production company, HumblePod. He helps his customers create, develop, and produce podcasts and is working with clients in Knoxville as well as startups and entrepreneurs across the United States, Silicon Valley, and the world.
In addition to producing podcasts for nationally-recognized thought leaders, Chris is the co-host and producer of the award-winning Our Humble Beer Podcast and the host of the newly-launched We Built This Brand podcast. He also lectures at the University of Tennessee, where he leads non-credit courses on podcasts and marketing. He received his undergraduate degree in business at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where he majored in Marketing & Entrepreneurship, and he later received his MBA from King University.
Chris currently serves his community as the President of the American Marketing Association in Knoxville. In his spare time, he enjoys hanging out with the local craft beer community, international travel, exploring the great outdoors, and his many creative pursuits.