PR024 – Should Your Podcast Have Its Own App?
Posted in podcast
Watch +Ray Ortega, +David Jackson +Daniel J. Lewis +Rob Walch, +Chase Nunes and +Kevin Scullion discuss standalone podcast apps.
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[…] the popularity of mobile devices and mobile apps, there are plenty of podcast apps out there. But should your podcast have it’s own, standalone app? Check out our Podcasters’ Roundtable with Ray Ortega, Dave Jackson, Rob Walsh, Chase Nunes, […]
This was a very interesting episode. For awhile I’ve been considering the possibility of getting an app for my podcast. I’m not with Libsyn and I would not use Libsyn for the app (it is too expensive on a recurring basis for me).
Naturally I did some research by downloading various apps. I’ve been very disappointed by the apps because, for me, they’re fundamentally the same (or similar) to what I get from sites using dynamic themes. All of my podcast listening is on my iPhone 5s (through the PocketCasts app or through ithe respective websites).
Before I started my research I had unintentionally downloaded some podcast apps thinking they were regular apps. As soon as I opened those apps, discovering they were merely podcast apps, I immediately deleted the app from my phone.
For me most of my listeners (something like 70%) stream my episodes from my website. Of those who stream my content roughly 80% of them do so on a mobile device.
In my mind an app could be hugely beneficial to a top level professional podcaster (such as Adam Carolla), someone who does it full time (like Daniel J. Lewis or Cliff Ravenscraft). But, maybe it is less useful for a hobby podcaster who A) does not have the resources (time/desire/etc) to produce extra content for an app B) does not have the money for an app C) does not have an audience focusing on apps.
Like most things worth discussing I think the decision on whether or not a podcast should have an app must fall back on “It depends.”
Yep it’s always going to be “it depends.” However, I don’t necessarily think that an app is any “less useful” for a hobby podcast as compared to a “professional” one. Discovery and growth are the same anywhere they are just relative to your content. BUT, budget is the difference. If it’s not in the budget for a hobby show, I don’t think it’s a problem. Clearly having an app is not going to make or break any one show. It’s a nice addition but for those who can’t afford it, I wouldn’t worry that’s it’s a bad thing.
I like the look of this tool which you’ve probably tried already: https://plus.google.com/114578086550553972625/posts/55gKHEHgq3W. You can play around with the free version and I’m thinking that if it really would be important enough to have one, you could try and get your community to fund the creation of the level that lets you own the app outright.
Thanks for the great feedback Jonathan. Sounds like you are doing great with your show and I look forward to seeing on a future Roundtable!
[…] Rob on the Podcaster’s Round Table talking about apps […]
This was my first listen to this podcast. It’s great. I listened because I’m interested in starting a daily podcast, and do
I need an app. Rob’s info was very good. I’m going to give it a shot. I did find the topic of money interesting, these podcasters are probably top in the game, but talk about spending $20.00 like it’s millions. I’m thinking that real money-business types would laugh if this is were the financial bar is set. That the business of podcasting, monetizing your effort is based upon your risk to spend $20.00 per month, to actually gain a real audience. Plus, as I mentioned, I think a couple of those on the panel are already top podcasters. Having a unique app for your business seems like a no-brainer to me. I’m in.
Thanks for listening Michael. I agree that you should invest in your show especially if you plan on or hope to make some revenue from it.
I will start out say: Go Pats! 😉
I am a small podcaster (5 feet 2″) with a podcast show in the “median” range of listeners (at the moment). I am in this for the long run. I started with podcasting in 2006.
I am a “poor” capitalist, but I have invested time, energy and money into my hobby, podcasting, and I my goal is to grow my show into other business opportunities. My mission is to spread better ideas regarding new media, business philosophy and the good life.
At the moment I am paying $30 / month to Libsyn in order to have the standalone app. I will send an email to the support in order to utilize my app more in the future, with e.g., push notifications, extra material, etc.
I am also paying for a premium account at SoundCloud at €10 per month. I have now added SoundCloud as a destination in the Libsyn dashboard, so a new published episode will automatically be distributed through SoundCloud too.
I am thinking of testing out a recording service for my podcasting interviews, e.g., PodClear and Ringr.
I want to cover my costs a bit, so I have a support page on my podcast site. Listeners and fellow podcasters could support my blogging and podcasting work by become a patron on Patreon.
Personally, I am a podcast “power user / listener,” and I have compiled a 100 podcast top list for small business owners and business minded individuals, so I have an interest to listen to plenty of “new & noteworthy” podcasts! 😉
I am using the following podcatchers / podcasting apps: Podcaster, Downcast, Overcast, Stitcher, SoundCloud and audioBoom. I have downloaded The Feed and Today in iOs standalone apps. And my own app of course. 😉
Ray & Co.: Thanks for a great roundtable! It was informative and entertaining! 🙂
All the Best,
Martin Lindeskog
Thanks Martin! Congrats on the show, keep going and let me know how PodClear goes if you try it, they had a cool browser based option come out at Podcast Movement.
Ray,
Thanks for your kind words! 🙂
I will contact PodClear again and see when I can start testing it.
Have you tested Ringr?
All the Best,
Martin
Thanks Martin, I know of ringr but haven’t messed with it. However I’m pretty sure Dave and Daniel both have. It seems like a great solution for mobile but a little more friction than I would prefer, requiring the guest to download the app. But if can work great.
Hey guys, great discussion, one thing i question is audience and demographic. I have a medium size podcast in a niche that is for the most part “Not Familiar” with podcasts. My audience mostly listens on my website and I continuously show people that there is a podcast app on their iPhone. With that being said, do you think it is worth my time to develop an app and promote that instead? even my 5 year old niece knows what an app is. Curious what your thoughts are, thanks.
Yes, I think so. You could ensure your app is setup with push notifications. Then, you tell your audience, “To get my podcast automatically, install my app and you’ll be notified every time I have a new episode, and it will be ready for you in the app.”
I wouldn’t sell the farm to get an app but like you said, most people, of all ages, are aware of apps. It could be worth a shot to see if it gets any traction. You may want to reach out to some of your listeners as well and see if they would be interested in consuming with an app. Thanks for listening and asking questions, Cody!