Review of Podcast Applications
- Stevens Kahn
- Apr 8, 2022
- 3 min read
by Laura Matte and Stevens Kahn
The following podcast applications help create informative and entertaining podcasts.
The reason for reviewing is to provide users with an idea of the current availability and help users make informed decisions.
An essential aspect of a good podcast application is its usability, namely mobile compatibility, accessibility, design, format, and color scheme. Anchor’s mobile compatibility is top-notch because it has apps for ios, android, and the web. Conveniently, a user can work on the app from the web, and their work will be available on the mobile application or vice versa. Next, regarding accessibility, Anchor has a viewer, or reader, for those with particular visual needs. Anchor’s design is well-organized, meaning there are easily identifiable sections and categories with minimal tabs. Likewise, the text format uses a spaced font that is easy to read. The color scheme is smooth with solid purple, white, and black colors, which helps to read the text more clearly.
One of Anchor's best features is that it allows integration into the Spotify app, one of the most popular applications for podcasts and music. After saving the podcast, it is automatically available on Spotify, making it accessible to millions of viewers. Similarly, Anchor automatically allows the user to make money on their podcasts and view users by geographic location, gender, number of plays, age, and types of listening platforms that the user is using.
There were few to no challenges to this application. However, the web page did error out after I finished my podcast without saving my recording. Luckily, the site recognized the error, and it saved my podcast.
The qualities of this application include logging in quickly, recording a quality-sounding podcast with background music, and finding the recording area with almost no issue. Despite the one error, I have to say this is a high-quality application well suited for students looking for a quick and high-caliber recording.
Buzzsprout is a podcast platform that is very user-friendly. Buzzsprout was very easy to sign up for a free plan which allows uploads of up to two hours each month. The platform also offers options to make your podcast site a little more personal with different colors and different backgrounds. The tabs at the top of the site offer a new user some guidance in sharing his or her podcast in different podcast directories in order to get more listeners along with options to entice sponsors to offer monetary help. For new users like me, the “Resources” tab at the top was most helpful with articles about podcast statistics and a complete guide on how to start a podcast. I’ve been a listener of podcasts, but have never created one before. Buzzsprout offers some great ideas for a new podcast creator.
Some users might consider the dashboard of Simplecast to be a little too simple and not very eye-catching. However, for a new podcast creator this might be more beneficial. When a venture like creating a podcast is brand new, the more simple the better. The dashboard gives you options for publishing your episode and uploading your podcast if you want it to be seen elsewhere. There is a great list of how to get started when first creating when you scroll towards the bottom of the home page along with designing and managing your podcast. Due to its simplicity, most users may not be as attracted to this platform.
Where to find educational podcasts
Personally, I listen to my podcasts through my Podcasts app on my iPhone. I have gone to the search button and typed in “Education” along with being more specific with topics like “lessons” or “library.”
Feedspot has a list titled the “50 Best Educational Podcasts” that includes “The Cult of Pedagogy Podcast.” I highly recommend this podcast for all educators. Jennifer Gonzalez interviews various educators on a wide range of topics including lesson plans, classroom arrangement, mental health for teachers, and how to handle different behavior issues.
I’ve also utilized discoverpods.com. This site offers different lists for the top podcasts in almost all topics including best comedy and best motivational podcasts. You can search “education” or be more specific in your search with whatever educational issue you are completing research on. I found this site to be even more useful when I found the tab at the top for “Podcaster Resources.” Here, the user will find podcast equipment, podcast statistics, and how to start a podcast.
Another site that can be useful to find some educational podcasts is teachercast.net . This site is filled with resources for not only listening to educational podcasts, but also with resources to utilize the podcasts within the classroom walls. You can browse the directory of podcasts, or search for a more specific topic.
Podcast
The following podcast was recorded using the Anchor podcast application. It informs podcast listeners about the first successful lending library in the United States called The Library Company of Philadelphia.
Great informational podcast! I hadn't heard of The Library Company of Philadelphia and enjoyed learning about this special lending library.
Great job on your podcast! I want to get more into podcast related to the library field.
I always look forward to your posts! Very informational on podcasts!
Your post on podcasts was very informational! Thanks for sharing!