PODCAST TIPS & TRICKS

Location, background, lighting

If this is going to be a video podcast, you need to think about your background and lighting. For the background, consider what’s there. Is there anything that might appear to be sticking out of your head or off your shoulders? Are there piles of paper? Is there a light switch next to your face? Tidy up the background and make sure there isn’t anything that’ll make you go viral in all the wrong ways!

If possible, you want to make sure there isn’t a window or light behind you. It’s better to be facing the light and the window, with the camera in between you and the source of light.

When possible, it’s helpful to create some depth – 3-5 feet between you and whatever is in the background.

Audio quality

Make sure the audio quality is as high as possible. If you have some sort of microphone, you should use it! A lavalier mic or a stand mic is ideal because they’ll provide the most high-quality audio. Check out our recommendations on our website’s Gear page. If you don’t have access to either of those, we recommend a pair of old school wired ear buds with a microphone attached. AirPods or other wireless headphones with built in microphones will work too.

Aside from equipment, you’ll want to make sure you’re in a room that isn’t prone to echo - that typically means a room that has lower ceilings and is carpeted. You’ll also want to make sure any other family members know to stay quiet while recording, and make sure all dogs are secured somewhere where you won’t be able to hear barking.

Consider turning off software or phone audio notifications that might be heard in the background of the recording. The good news is that most podcasts aren’t live – so they’ll be edited and then released if something does interrupt your recording!