Choosing A Remote Recording Platform: A Guide For Podcasters

Welcome to the Podcasting Resources Guide podcast, where we explore the latest podcasting platforms, tools, techniques, and industry news. In today's episode, we'll cover the importance of choosing a remote recording platform for podcasting. And some selection criteria for evaluating all the platforms we have reviewed on our podcasting resources guide.

Today, I want to talk about something crucial for all you podcasters out there: selecting a remote recording platform. Trust me, this decision can make or break your podcasting experience. Picture this: You're all set to record your show remotely, but suddenly, technical glitches start haunting you, making your podcasting journey frustrating instead of smooth and professional. Nightmare, right?

Now, at Polymash, we've tried our fair share of remote recording platforms over the years. We've worked with some established show-stoppers like Riverside.fm, Squadcast, Zencastr, and StreamYard. These platforms have proven their worth time and again, allowing us to create amazing podcast episodes.

But let's not forget, the podcasting landscape is constantly evolving. New players are emerging, and they're bringing exciting features to the table. Take Podcastle AI and Boomcaster, for example. They've shown a lot of promise and have caught our attention. And then, of course, there are the platforms we've had a soft spot for in the past, like Remotely.fm, with their moments of glory.

Now, listen up, folks. Today, we're not going to dissect each of these platforms under a microscope. Nope, we're taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture. We're going to focus on the factors that can help you make the right choice when it comes to selecting a remote recording platform. Remember, there's never a 'one size fits all' solution here.

If you're hungry for more in-depth information about each of these platforms, we've got you covered. Head over to our Podcasting Resources Guide online. Yep, it's podcastingresourcesguide.com - There, you'll find all the nitty-gritty details and features about each platform. And guess what? We have a dedicated section on the guide's homepage, just for remote recording tools. Consider it your one-stop shop for all your podcast recording needs.

Moving onto the main players in the arena. Riverside.fm, Squadcast, Zencastr, and StreamYard... just a few names that have become familiar on every podcaster's tongue. These platforms, I tell you, have rightfully earned their spots in the limelight. So what is it about them that has podcasters swooning?
Firstly, they bring reliability to the table. You don't want to be halfway through a thought-provoking discussion when the audio decides to dive off a cliff. Trust me, as a seasoned podcaster, interruptions like these are as welcome as a porcupine in a balloon factory! These platforms have consistently proven to be dependable, reducing potential audio and video glitches to a minimum.
Ease of use is another upside. Ever wrestled with a complicated app right when you're about to start recording? Frustrating isn't it? These platforms are designed to be user-friendly for hosts. They understand that you'd rather concentrate on the content of your podcast, not technical dilemmas. And our experiences have echoed this claim.
But there's a plot twist folks! It's not just you who needs a smooth run, but also your guests. Especially if you're hosting someone who isn't exactly tech-savvy. We've found that these platforms make life easier for guests too. Some even going as far as to make the tech experience easier than setting up a Zoom call.
However, remember these pros don't absolve these platforms of their cons. But that's a tale for another day, and you can visit podcastingresourcesguide.com for our individual reviews. For now, in general, these platforms have been a good bet for most podcasters.

All right, fellow podcasters, now that we've discussed who the heavy-hitters are in the remote recording world, let's get into the meat and potatoes of this episode – the selection criteria.
First up, we have reliability, the unsung hero of podcasting. Imagine this - you're in the middle of recording the most captivating discussion, and bam, technical difficulties, laggy video, broken up audio. The conversation comes to a screeching halt. To avoid these nightmare scenarios, you need to ensure your selected platform is as reliable as a Swiss watch. Nobody needs technical difficulties throwing their rhythm off.
Most of these platforms are of the “double ender” variety. “Double-ender”, you ask? What does that have to do with reliability and Studio-like quality?
A "double ender" in podcasting refers to a remote recording solution where both the host and the remote guest or guests each record their own audio locally. This method allows for highly quality recordings even when participants are not in the same location. After the recording session, the platform’s guest “end” …automatically sends their local recording to the host and these separate tracks are synced together in post-production. The result is a more clean and clear sound quality compared to direct online audio transmission methods.
Next, we look at the learning curve - how easy is it for you, the host, to use the platform? Take it from us, from many an occasion where we've been stumped by over-complex interfaces – you don't want it. Aim for platforms that respect your time and sanity, with clean, intuitive interfaces. Remember, you should focus on delivering an engaging podcast, not scrambling with a labyrinthine dashboard.
However, behold the twist - it's not only you who should have a smooth sail, but also your guests. Especially if they are not the most tech-savvy. Some of the wonderful guests we've had the opportunity to interview on our podcasts may not be as technology-fluent as others. At times, their wealth of knowledge and rich life experiences are accompanied by a preference for simpler technologies, and it's crucial for us to select platforms that are accommodating of all skill levels. It's one thing to navigate your way around technology; it's a whole other to expect your guests to do the same. Some platforms we've tried have been as simple, if not simpler, than setting up a Zoom call, so guest comfort is definitely a checkbox to tick off while choosing.

Then there's the question of post-production. Do you need all editing facilities available in-house, or are you fine with exporting audio and video files and handling post-production separately? This depends on your team, your skills, and frankly, your patience. A good recording platform will offer flexibility here.
Invitations and guest onboarding are also significant. You need a platform that sends clear, easy-to-follow instructions to your guests so they can join the recording without hiccups. A confusing invitation is like a badly made road - it won't lead your guests to the right place!
Now let's talk formats. Is your podcast audio-only, primarily a video podcast, or a mix of both? Your platform requirements will change accordingly. Some podcasts may need to power a YouTube channel or require live-streaming. Your platform needs to have the capability to handle all of this without breaking a sweat.
Next, think about the podcast's branding and the level of editing you require. Do you need lots of bells and whistles to produce and edit a branded video podcast with multiple episode segments, or is a basic side-by-side talking-head video enough? Make sure to choose a platform that gives you what your branding strategies demand.
Last, but certainly not least, pricing. While pricing structures across these platforms are quite similar, it's crucial to ensure you're getting your money's worth. Cost-effectiveness is crucial, as after all, podcasting is not just your passion, but also an investment. But remember, the most expensive platform might not be the best one for you!
Whew! That was quite a list of factors to consider. And while it might sound daunting, choosing the right platform is half the battle won in delivering a fantastic podcast experience. It's all about finding the right fit. After all, like a wise man once said, "Measure twice, cut once."

As we wrap up this episode, I want to emphasize that there's no one-size-fits-all solution in the podcasting world. What works wonders for one podcaster may not be the ideal choice for another. Finding the perfect remote recording platform depends on your unique podcast style, content, and audience.

But here's the exciting part - most of these platforms offer free trials! At Polymash, we believe this is the golden ticket. These trials give you the opportunity to test out each platform before committing to it. Gone are the days of blind dates for podcasters!

We recommend enlisting the help of a friend to act as a guest and create a test episode. This way, you can experience the platform from both the host's and the guest's perspectives. By immersing yourself in both roles, you'll gain a thorough understanding of what your future podcast guests will encounter. This ensures not only your comfort but also your guests' smooth navigation through the platform.

By going through this process, you'll be able to truly gauge whether your remote recording platform is the right fit for your podcast. Don't settle for a platform blindly. Test it out, involve a friend, and see how it fits into your podcasting goals.

In today's episode, we covered the importance of choosing a remote recording platform for a smooth podcasting experience. For full reviews of popular options like Riverside.fm, Squadcast, Zencastr, and StreamYard, along with emerging platforms like Podcastle AI and Boomcaster — visit the podcasting resources guide. We also explored the selection criteria, post-production needs, invitations and guest onboarding, podcast format, branding, and pricing considerations. Remember, there's no "one-size-fits-all" solution, so take advantage of free trials to find the perfect fit for your situation. Thanks for listening to today's episode, I'll see you guys at the next one and don't forget to subscribe!