How to Start Your Own Talk Radio Show Using Blog Talk Radio

Blog Talk Radio allows anyone to host a live Internet talk show for free and claims to be "the largest and fastest-growing social radio network on the Internet." At the time of publication, there are thousands of hosts, and Blog Talk Radio broadcasts more than 45,000 hours of content each month to its listeners. Listeners can call in and interact live via computer or mobile phone and can access archived shows.

Instructions

1. Click on "Broadcast Now!" on the BlogTalkRadio.com homepage. Create an account by typing a username for your account. The username will form part of the URL for your show and archives. Click the "Register with Facebook" button or enter your email address and password and confirm the password.

2. Enter a show title in the Become a Host section of the registration form. Choose a name of 35 characters or less. Type a description of your show in the Profile Description box in 155 characters or less. Select an appropriate category and maturity level of your audience from the drop-down lists. The basic account is free. You can purchase premium services, such as longer show times and hosting via Skype. Click "Become a Host."

3. Log in to your Blog Talk Radio account. Click on your show title at the top right of the screen and select "Settings" from the drop-down box. Click "Profile" on the left menu and upload an image of approximately 300 by 300 pixels, to represent you or your show. Choose the format of your display name and complete your contact details. Enter the Web addresses for your website, Twitter and Facebook accounts if you have them. Check "Enabled" to display your show in search results, and click "Save All."

4. Click on the show title button and select "Schedule Show." Type an episode title and description under the Add New Show tab. Enter five tags or keywords that describe your show, to help listeners find you in search results. Select a category and visibility for your show from the drop-down lists and choose a show length of 15 or 30 minutes, if you have a free account. Longer shows are available for premium accounts.

5. Select a time in your profile time zone from those available. Note that certain times are only available to premium hosts. Select a day or multiple days for your show by clicking the relevant dates on the calendar. Available days display in white with bold dates. A yellow box signifies that the day is full at the time you chose so if the date is important, try selecting a different time.

6. Upload up to five images for your episode that will appear in the player during your show. Upload images in JPG, GIF or PNG format with a maximum size of 1 megabyte. Click "Submit" to schedule your show. If you are successful, you will automatically redirect to the Upcoming Episodes tab where you can preview and edit your show details.

7. Press the show title button at the top right of the screen, and select "Studio" to open your show control panel. Click "Episode Info" to preview your show details. Edit the title or description by clicking directly inside the field to open the editing options, and click "Save" before exiting.

8. Click "+" on the Audio Uploads button to upload an audio file from your computer to use on your show. Click "Promote" to post announcements about the show to your Facebook and Twitter accounts.

9. Start your show by calling in to your host call-in number and entering your PIN code. Locate these at the top right of your studio. Follow the prompts to start your show. Callers will display on the left side of the studio. The studio automatically mutes them until you click the microphone button to bring them on-air.

10. Click "End Show" to finish your show, and click "I'm Sure, End the Show" to confirm or "Oops, Stay on the Air" to cancel. Confirming will disconnect all callers and prevent you from calling back in.

References

• Blog Talk Radio: What is Blog Talk Radio
• Blog Talk Radio: Blog Talk Radio Announces New Studio with Enhanced Production and Social Media Features; June 2011
• Blog Talk Radio: Help Center - FAQ Knowledge Base