Jack Levy’s Post

⬇️ The future of podcasts. Imagine podcasters effortlessly switching languages to reach new audiences. Spotify's latest innovation, an AI-powered voice translation feature, makes this possible. This technology lets podcasts be translated into different languages while keeping the podcaster's original voice intact. This doesn’t just mean that non-english speakers can listen to our podcasts, but we can also listen to theirs. This opens up a whole new plane for communication around the world. In collaboration with select podcasters, Spotify has already translated their English episodes into Spanish, with plans to add French and German translations soon. The initial episodes feature well-known figures like Dax Shepard, Monica Padman, Lex Fridman, Bill Simmons, and Steven Bartlett.

Reasons you shouldn't edit your own podcast: ⏲ It's time consuming 🤔 You probably don't understand how big of a difference the details make. I've been editing since about 2012. I don't do it much anymore (that's what my team is for) but I recently jumped in to help with a project. Specifically, I was rebuilding an intro. Many people think, "Oh, an intro. That's easy. Grab a quote and throw some music behind it. Fade in. Fade out. Random AI tool and your done!" But that's not the case. 1. I didn't like the original music track. It had a weird intro and the bass line was distracting. So I broke it into its stems (individual pieces) and removed all of the instruments I didn't like. 2. I changed the pace of the intro delivery. The hosts delivery had a weird pace so I spliced it up and added several spots of "breathing room." 3. I didn't like the timing of the music. After fixing the delivery, I realized I didn't like the part of the song I needed to transition into the episode from. It was a clear fade in the middle of the track. So I grabbed a different piece of the song that had better "transition" feel and stitched in into the music where I needed it. 4. Last, I used the envelope tool to dial in the volume of the background music so it wasn't drowning out the voice. The result: it's way better. It took me about an hour to edit that 45 seconds. If you aren't an editor, it will likely take you way longer. So if you want to be an editor. Cool, go for it. But if what you actually want is a fantastic podcast, hire someone to edit for you.

✨Best Serialised Podcast✨ This category recognises podcasts that release episodes in a serialised format, keeping audiences engaged with an unfolding story. The content must be available to UK audience & first aired in 2023. The judges, when considering your content, will be keeping the following points in mind: 📖 Outstanding Storytelling: Nominees must excel in captivating storytelling, using narrative devices and pacing effectively. 🔍Rigorous Research: Demonstrating thorough research and factual accuracy in case details and investigations. 🫂Ethical Handling: Treats sensitive topics with moral sensitivity, avoiding sensationalism, and raising awareness of important issues. 🎙️High-Quality Production: Exhibits top-notch production values, including clear audio, music, sound effects, and well-paced editing. Enter now to ensure your #TrueCrime content gets the recognition it deserves! 👇 🔗 TRUECRIMEAWARDS.CO.UK #TrueCrimeAwards2024

The digitization of Spoken Word Audio is not only happening... it's happening faster than many of us predicted. From Edison Research: In 2017, 66% of spoken word audio went to AM/FM radio, and 13% to podcasting. Fast forward to today, and the landscape has undergone a significant change. AM/FM now accounts for 43% of spoken word listening, and podcasts 36%. This drastic shift has narrowed the margin from 53 percentage points to 7 in the last seven years. The growing share of podcasting in the spoken word audio market is a clear indication of the changing times. And, if you take away the Boomers, podcasting has already surpassed AM/FM. Does any of this sound familiar? (*cough* TV, newspapers, music, literally every type of media *cough*). This incredible new data reinforces what we've been advocating: Podcasting is the future of audio, and the time to invest is now. Also, Q2 earnings calls are starting to pop up on the schedule. If you want to read my recap that I send out to a few hundred investors, feel free to sign up: https://lnkd.in/eysH5x5C (totally free and I only send out quarterly).

Podcasts are an ever-growing form of media and are available on every topic imaginable. For financial professionals and people interested in financial issues, this article rounds up the 17 best podcasts for financial professionals in 2024. https://lnkd.in/gBTEexrU

I got asked about our approach to podcasting the other day. This happens about 2-3 times a week with people wanting to start a pod. The feedback about how engaging our podcast is versus other B2B pods is overwhelming. But why is that? Did Billy Stein and I crack the code? I don't think so, I think we just overcame imposter syndrome. We aren't trying to be like any of the other B2B pods out there. Our focus is on great podcasts outside of the LinkedIn B2B SaaS echo chamber. How do they format, edit, graphically design, and retain attention for 2+ hours on their podcast? We take the best of what we like, remove what we don't, add our creative spin to it, and BOOM! It's like how Tarantino isn't doing anything new, he's just not following the cookie-cutter formula of a Hollywood movie. He draws from a lot of other sources for inspiration like outdated spaghetti Westerns, Japanese cinema, and underground 80's cult films. A lot of the editing, cinematography, musical themes/styles, tropes, and even dialogue in those sources aren't in the current climate. So when people witness them, it feels like it's creative and ground-breaking, even though it's a thing of the past. We feel the same way. A lot of what we like isn't done in B2B pods. We challenge ourselves to have the courage to do it. Even if the model hasn't been proven for the audience. Because after all, "the definition of insanity is doing the same thing, expecting different results."

Podcast editing is not easy. It requires skill and a lot of attention to detail. Every cut, transition, and piece of background music matters. As someone who’s produced, edited, and mastered hundreds of podcasts, both audio and video, I can tell you it’s an art and a science. Here are a few tips for those diving into podcast editing: 1. Listen carefully: Make sure the conversation flows naturally. It’s all about making the content engaging. 2. Cut the noise: Remove background noise, filler words, and long pauses. Keep it smooth. 3. Balance is key: Ensure all voices are clear and at the right volume. Music and sound effects should enhance, not overpower. 4. Stay organized: Keep your files and edits in order. It’ll save you time and headaches. 5. Use the right tools: Professional software and equipment can make a big difference. Podcast editing is challenging, but with practice and patience, you can create something truly special. #PodcastEditing #AudioProduction #Podcasting #AudioEngineering #ContentCreation

WAIT! 🙅 Don't miss these MUST read podcasting updates that happened in the last week 👀 📰⁠ ⁠ 🪦 Say goodbye to Google Podcasts. The platform will shut down next year as Google moves its podcast streaming service over to YouTube Music. ⁠ ⁠ 😬 Only 49% of marketers are confident in measuring the⁠ ROI of their podcast ads. This is believed to be the result of the knowledge gap between understanding the potential of podcasts as a marketing channel and how to capitalize on it is the reason why marketers don't view podcast ads as effective.⁠ ⁠ 🤖 Spotify is working on an AI called "Voice Translation" that will imitate podcast hosts and translate their shows to new languages. They're starting with Spanish in the coming weeks, and will tackle German and French next. ⁠ ⁠ 🤥 Libsyn is teaching podcast agents how to spot fraud in the industry. This includes podcasters pumping up their metrics with "fake" downloads and editing screenshots of their analytics. ⁠ ⁠ 📚️ Storytelling beats interviews. Brands that take a narrative approach to their podcasts see an average lift in favorability 10 percentage points higher than those using a conversation or interview format.⁠ ⁠ 👔 43% of B2B and B2C decision-makers from the US obtain their business-related or thought leadership content from business podcasts. ⁠ ⁠ 📻️ AM/FM radio could be highly effective at promoting podcasts due to shared listenership. AM/FM radio listeners tune in to podcasts (45% weekly, 55% monthly, and 77% at least once).⁠ ⁠ 🇦🇺 Australia becomes the world leader in podcast listenership, overtaking the US this year. 43% of the Australian population aged 12 and over have listened to a podcast in the past month.⁠ ⁠ What do you think of these industry developments? 🤓 We'll be back with more, next week! 🥳⁠ #podcastadvertising #podcastmarketing #podcastproduction #podcastplatforms Vuk Zlatarov Lara Varlamova Ivan Zeljkovic Helena Pavlović Ana Jelavic Nikola Gregovic Jessica Tamar Young (She/They) Ghinwa Attieh Sabine Achkar Laura Baumhardt Marwan Mohamed

🎙 If you listen to playlists while doing housework, podcasts while commuting, or audio books while cooking... you're part of the #AudioRevolution! Ed Couchman, Head of Sales, UK & Northern Europe at Spotify, tells us how marketers can increase #CreativeEffectiveness by tapping into the potential of #DigitalMarketing in the audio space, on the latest #ShinyNewObjectPodcast. 🚀 Tune in to discover insights from Spotify's "Sonic Science 2" report and hear what Ed's favourite #marketing books are while you're at it. Link in comments ⬇ #AdvertisingAndMarketing #future

🎧 Crisp Sound, Happy Ears! 🎶 Did you know that audio quality can make or break your podcast? Let's talk about why it's a BIG deal and how finding the right podcast editor can be your audio-saving superhero! 🦸♂️🎙️ We all want our podcasts to sound as smooth as butter, right? Here's why audio quality matters: 1️⃣ Listener Love: When your audience can hear every word crystal clear, they'll keep coming back for more. Happy listeners = loyal listeners! 🤩 2️⃣ Professionalism 🎩: Top-notch audio quality instantly elevates your podcast's credibility. You'll sound like a seasoned pro, even if you're just starting out. 3️⃣ Ear Candy 🍭: Beautifully edited audio makes your content more enjoyable. No one wants to strain their ears to catch what you're saying! 4️⃣ Stand Out 🌟: In the sea of podcasts, great audio sets you apart. It's the secret sauce to making your show unforgettable. Now, how do you achieve audio nirvana? 🤔 Enter the podcast editor extraordinaire! Here's how they work their magic: ✨ Noise Reduction: They wave their digital wand to banish background noise, ensuring your voice shines. ✨ Smooth Transitions: No awkward pauses or abrupt cuts! They make your podcast flow seamlessly. ✨ Volume Balancing: Every voice is heard without blasting eardrums. Harmony at its best! ✨ EQ Wizardry: They tweak the audio to perfection, making sure it's a delight for your audience's ears. So, if you're ready to take your podcast from "meh" to "OMG, this sounds amazing," consider finding a podcast editor. They're like your podcast's audio fairy godmother, making sure your content sparkles! ✨✨ Your audience will thank you, and your podcasting journey will be a whole lot smoother. 🚀🎧 #PodcastAudioMatters #AudioQualityMagic #PodcastEditorsRock 🎉 #PodcastEditor