How to do Video Podcasting
A video podcast is a television-like show that is distributed on the Internet and available for download to portable MP3 players capable of playing videos. Video podcasts are similar to audio podcasts -- many are scripted serial shows that have a theme and an audience. You don't have to have a television studio to create a video podcast, all you need is a camera, a show idea and a computer.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Digital camcorder or webcam
- Directional microphone or clip-on microphone
Instructions
-
-
1
Develop an idea for your video podcast -- a show about a certain topic. Know what you want to talk about before shooting the video. Write out a script of what you want to say and how you want to end the first episode. The video podcast should be short in length -- about 15 to 20 minutes. Remember, the longer the video, the bigger the file size, which will slow download time.
-
2
Connect your digital camcorder or webcam to your computer via the USB port or FireWire cable.
-
-
3
Open the application program related to your digital camcorder or webcam. Click on the "settings" and set the "video output size" to 320 X 240. Then set the "frame rate" to 24. Set the "color" to 8 bit. Next, set the "color mode/space" to RGB 24. Your video podcast must be small enough to upload to the Internet but still maintain good video quality. Do not use a "high quality setting" because the file size will be too big. Click "OK" to finalize the settings.
-
4
Arrange the camera so it is facing you at eye level, but not too close. Light the room so the camera can pick up a clear image of you talking. Try to avoid harsh shadows and use white bulbs if possible. Check to make sure there are no objects behind you sticking up in the frame.
-
5
Connect an external microphone if you have one. If you are using the digital camcorder's internal microphone, make sure the room is free from any background noise. Note: Your computer's fan will make some noise, try to purchase or borrow a clip-on external microphone to eliminate the fan noise.
-
6
Start recording a 3-minute test video to check the audio, video quality, camera placement and lighting. Make any needed adjustments.
-
7
Start recording your video podcast. Look directly into the camera and speak clearly. You might have to shoot several takes of your video podcast before getting one that you like. After you are done recording, if your video software has editing capabilities, perform any needed edits. Then save your video file with a name and a date.
-
8
Write a description for your video podcast so people can find it. This description will be entered into the "tag" box on popular podcast Web sites such as Podcast Alley (podcastalley.com) or Blubrry (Blubrry.com).
-
9
Upload the file to your Web site.
-
10
Create a free RSS feed at podcastblaster.com/podcast-feed/. Upload your video podcast to this RSS feed. This RSS feed will also let viewers know when you have created any new video podcasts.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Plan your podcast before shooting the video; have a clear script ready to go. Light the room correctly and shoot a test video before shooting the real podcast.
