Podcast listeners have grown significantly over the last three years. Between 2017 and 2020, the podcast audience grew by 37.5%. Chances are that new habits developed during the pandemic are going to last. Businesses and entrepreneurs who are considering launching a podcast in 2021 will find an excited and engaged audience group. Monthly podcast listeners are also growing, by over 50% according to Convince and Convert. In other words, more people listen to podcasts more frequently, and this is great news for your brand awareness and your marketing strategy. 

People used to listen to podcasts on the commute journey. However, while the pandemic has encouraged remote working arrangements, podcasts are becoming a part of everyday life. People listen to them when they work out, when they relax after work, or even when they are running errands. In short, life may be changing, but podcasts are more relevant than ever. However, how can you maintain your podcast schedule in a post-pandemic world? Is it best to record it remotely or top invite your guest to a professional studio? 

Are you recording in the studio?

Not every podcast requires a professional sound and mixing studio. Yet, a studio can provide a unique sound quality to your channel. When you are recording audio, you need to make sure that the final product only contains the sounds relevant to your audience. Intrusive sounds need to be banished from your audio product. When you're recording in a professional environment, you can rely on sound-proofing and sound-cancelling technologies to enhance the interview and keep disruptive external noises at bay. As such, working in a studio with your guest makes a lot of sense. 

However, when you invite someone to join you in a recording studio, you need to put their safety first. It's essential to keep the place germ-free. You can reach out to a commercial cleaning company to organise preventive hygiene services. You may also want to discuss specialist services, such as clear potentially contaminated droplets of moisture from the air. 

Should you opt for masked interviews over shielded ones? Both have their pros and cons. Facial masks can effectively trap droplets, which means that it reduces the risk of airborne viruses. However, they can also trap sounds, which makes the recording tricky. On the other hand, a plastic sneeze guard can keep you and your interlocutor visibly safe, but it won't stop airborne particles from travelling inside the studio. You can compromise by suggesting two different studio rooms, connected by audio and video equipment.

Are you doing it remotely?

Remote recordings where each interlocutor stays at home are the safest option for your podcast. It is also a great approach when you interview vulnerable individuals who are unwilling to take risks by travelling to a studio. However, you need to understand the challenges of recording a podcast remotely to make sure you're getting it right the first time. Get familiar with the different recording techniques available for Zoom, Google Hangouts, Skype Call, or even Google Voice. You may also need a double-ender, using a third-party recording platform that makes the process more manageable. 

On-site and remote podcast recording tackle different needs. You can adjust safety measures to meet your guest's needs. If you interview someone comfortable in a studio, it can make your life easier! However, it is helpful also to know how to make a quality podcast with remote recording. In short, in the future, you'll need to master both techniques.