A podcast is a digital audio program designed to share ideas, stories, or information in an accessible and engaging way. They can cover a wide range of topics—such as research, storytelling, interviews, and more! Your podcast can feature narratives, expert commentary, or interviews, offering an easy yet powerful platform to bring your research to life and engage with listeners beyond the classroom or lab.

Format

Examples

Submissions

If you’re interested in sharing your research, podcasts are a great tool. They allow you to present your work in a concise and creative way, making complex topics easier to understand. A single-episode podcast works well for research, usually lasting 15 to 30 minutes. This gives you enough time to explain the key ideas and significance of your work without losing your audience’s attention.

Tips for Formatting and Recording

The SSD podcasts will be uploaded to YouTube. Noted below are some tips for formatting and recording:

Audio Format:

• High-Quality Audio: Use a good-quality microphone and record at a minimum of 44.1 kHz sample rate and 128 kbps bitrate for clear sound. For best results, aim for 320 kbps MP3 or WAV files.
• Noise Reduction: Ensure minimal background noise by recording in a quiet environment. Use noise-canceling software if needed.

Video Format Options for YouTube:

1. Static Image or Visuals (Simplest Option):
   • Use a static background image, such as your research topic title, your name, and relevant graphics or logos.
   • You can enhance the experience with slideshow-style visuals, like graphs, charts, or photos, to illustrate key points of your research.
   • Recommended file format: MP4 (YouTube's preferred format).
2. Video Podcast:
   • Record yourself speaking, either alone or with your guest, for a personal and engaging touch.
   • Use video-editing tools to add captions, transitions, or visuals to support your spoken content.
   • Recommended resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p) for HD quality.
3. Audiogram Style:
   • Create a dynamic waveform animation synced to your audio. Tools like Headliner or Descript can help generate this format.
   • Add subtitles for accessibility.

Technical Specifications for YouTube:

• Video File Format: MP4 with H.264 codec.
• Audio Settings: Stereo audio in AAC format at 128 kbps or higher.
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9 for full-screen videos (1920x1080 resolution is ideal).

Additional Tips:

• Include timestamps in your YouTube description to help viewers navigate the podcast.
• Add an engaging thumbnail that highlights your topic and includes clear text or images.
• Write a compelling description with keywords to optimize for searchability.

• Interview Style: Invite a collaborator, mentor, or peer to join you for a conversation about your research.
• Storytelling: Share your research journey as a story, highlighting challenges, discoveries, and insights.
• Mini-Lecture: Present your topic in a structured way, like a short, engaging lecture.
• Q&A Format: Answer common questions about your research, either from a host or hypothetical audience.
• Links to GVSU Libraries Podcasts: Resources on podcasts that the libraries have developed, please review "Spotify for podcasters" tutorial video from 2024: https://help.library.gvsu.edu/knowledgemarket/faq/382555.